Upcycled Hand-Blown Glass from Apolis

By Elizabeth Dahl December 8, 2016

oaxacan hand-blown glassware by apolis — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apolis means “global citizen,” and that’s the kind of people California brothers Raan and Shea Parton are.

They realized they could be advocates for artists, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs of all ilks, around the world by opening up the global marketplace to them. A certified B-Corp, Apolis sells clothing, luggage, accessories, even the super popular (and now customizable!) market bag, which provide valuable jobs to women in Bangladesh. Their motto is “advocacy through industry,” and it’s a powerful idea as they provide economic stimulation in areas desperately in need of it while helping to preserve skills and craftsmanship.

oaxacan hand-blown glassware by apolis — Image used with permission by copyright holder

A prime example of this is their incredibly beautiful Oaxacan glass collection. In 2015, the Parton brothers went to Mexico, where three quarters of all glassblowing studios have been forced to close, to find artists who could help with a partnership with Chivas Regal. They wanted to create a special whiskey tumbler for their “Art of Hosting” package. They succeeded!

Still, like anything, this endeavor created waste. So, Apolis teamed up with Studio Xaquixe in Oaxaca to repurpose that waste into something beautiful. The fourteen artists at Studio Xaquixe are some of the last in the entire country and so are some of the last to practice their glassblowing techniques.

The Apolis team saw a unique opportunity: repurpose the glass waste from the Chivas project at Studio Xaquixe and help preserve techniques. The Oaxacan collection is full of impossibly classic, clean designs, including a drinking glass, water carafe, candle holder, and vase.

They range in price from $15 to $40, which is incredible when you learn what a remarkable difference that price supports. The average minimum wage in the area is a paltry $89 a month, but a glassblower at Studio Xaquixe earns about $592 a month. These four, hand-blown, upcycled glass items that will never go out of style, provide income and guaranteed work to those who might not otherwise have the chance at either.

Simply by buying something beautiful, you’re helping the environment, providing jobs, ethical wages, and helping to preserve some of humanity’s greatest achievements: craftsmanship.

Elizabeth Dahl is a southern girl in the heart of Los Angeles who lived far too long before learning what an incredible food…

Outdoors

Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps

Go anywhere and never get lost

Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Culture

Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow

A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Culture

These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked

Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?

Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.