MoMA

I already listed this app as one to download this weekend, but thought it was worthy of its own shout-out, in order to dig a little deeper into its features. The free app, which is based around the museum's flagship NYC location, serves as both an information hub for current museum exhibitions, and database of works in MoMA's collection numbering in the tens of thousands. Additionally, users can use the free app to plan a visit to the museum, take multimedia tours, or learn about featured artists and their works.

Not only that, but you can also create virtual postcards in the app to send to friends, snapping photos of the actual pieces or choosing from a selection of preloaded photos. The interface is optimized for viewing on iPhone 4's Retina Display screen, but will work on any iPhone. It's a perfect companion for your next trip to the MoMA, and even if you aren't heading out, a cool app to have on deck to learn about the nations amazing works of art.

Have you found a cool download-worthy treasure you'd like to share with the rest of us? Join the Download of the Day group, where you can submit your favorite downloads, apps, and widgets. Your suggestion could be featured on GeekSugar!

While it may be hard to believe, the origins of the "@" symbol go far beyond the use in online communication it's become famous for in the past 10 years. And now, the Museum of Modern Art has declared it a work of art. The symbol was added to the American Underwood typewriter in the late 19th century, but its origins date back to as early as the sixth or seventh century. In 1963, "@" was first defined as an abbreviation for the word "at," or "at the rate of" for use in accounting practices. It was used in the first email — in 1971 by electrical engineer Ray Tomlinson — partially because of its "at" connotation, and also because, according to MoMA, "it was already there, on the keyboard, and nobody ever used it."

To find out why MoMA considers the symbol a piece of modern art, read more

The mini speaker wristlet bags are back! When I mentioned them way back when, most of you were digging their retro hip style. . . except they quickly sold out and only came in aqua. Well now the MoMA store is rocking them in peach and royal blue hues ($25). For newbies to the boombox bag, it holds all of the essentials — cell phone, lip gloss, keys — and you can even hook it up to your iPod for personal jam sessions. If you like these, be sure to have a peek at the Podblaster too.

From Aug. 2 through Oct. 19, catch a new exhibition highlighting the work of designer Ron Arad at the MoMA in New York. Ron Arad: No Discipline showcases the work of this powerhouse designer. From chandeliers to architectural spaces and furniture, Arad's unwillingness to stay within one design discipline has helped him to succeed in many.

Paola Antonelli, the MoMA's senior curator notes that:

Arad is well known for his iconoclastic disregard for disciplines — and, at least apparently, for discipline. He has defined much of the current panorama of design, inspiring a generation of practitioners who disregard established modes of practice in favor of mutant design careers that are flexible enough to encompass the range of contemporary design applications, from interactions and interfaces to furniture and shoes.

To find out more about the exhibition, and to see some of Arad's commercially available work, read more

I have always been an Avedon fan, but after viewing his new exhibit at the SFMOMA "Richard Avedon: Photographs: 1946-2004," I look at the iconic photographer in a new light. A raw, intense, emotional spotlight.

New York-born Avedon was an integral part of fashion in the '60s — you probably recognize Twiggy's hair and Dovima with elephants. These were from his decades as the staff photographer at Harpers Bazaar. He then delved into the zeitgeist of the turbulent '60s, shooting portraits of players in the sexual and intellectual counterculture movements; the Beatles, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Dylan, Malcolm X, and Andy Warhol were all present in one room. One photo that had me mesmerized was a glimpse of Warhol's scar-ridden torso; it was provocative yet melancholy, further feeding into the artistic enigma that is Warhol.

Self-portraits of the late photographer were sprinkled throughout, showing his evolution from young gun to wise old soul.

One series in particular intrigued: "In the American West" (1980-85). While it was exciting to look into the eyes of famed writers, artists, political figures, and icons, it was the real people of our country — oil workers, a 13-year-old rattlesnake wrestler, drifters, carnies, waitresses — that evoked life, real humanity.

Avedon passed away in 2004 and this is the only US venue for this exhibition — the first major retrospective of his work since his death. If you happen to be in San Francisco July 11 to Nov. 29, be sure to eat some Avedon for breakfast, it is an utterly fulfilling, eye-opening experience. See some selections from the exhibit.