Green Columbus Gets Earth Day Done

It happens all around the world. Every month, people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. Most events are relatively informal, held to help people in the field establish contacts.

Today, there are more than 68 countries that have this organic, self-organizing group in at least one city. In the United States, there is at least one participating city in each state along with the District of Columbia. And in many states, like Ohio, as many as five cities have hosted Green Drinks.

The concept, which accidentally happened at a pub called the Slug and Lettuce in North London, unofficially began when Edwin Datschefski was having a drink with green design colleagues Yorick Benjamin and Paul Scott. When they noticed an enviro-minded acquaintance at a nearby table who was sitting with his own eco-conscious mates, they pulled their tables together.

While that doesn't seem like much organization, many people are surprised to find that what happens at Green Drinks doesn't always stay with Green Drinks. Sometimes it becomes much more.

How Green Drinks Inspired Green Columbus In Ohio. 

While Green Drinks informally started in 1989, the idea quickly spread around the world after Datschefski founded a website to help others establish events in 2001. And in some places, like Columbus, it wasn't long before Green Drinks wanted to do even more.

So in 2007, the Columbus group kicked around a few concepts to create a much more formal event that could change the way people see Earth Day. Specifically, they wanted to host a two-part event where people volunteered and celebrated not only Earth Day, but also what they had accomplished.

Their first event, Green Columbus, set a benchmark for 500 people contributing 4 hours of time each for 2,000 hours total. Two thousand hours is equivalent to one
full-time work year, giving the event added significance as an opportunity to volunteer an entire day in a year.

They accomplished much more during the inaugural event. More than 1,300 people put in 3,900 hours of service or the equivalent of two full-time work years. Since then, the event has logged about 55,000 hours of volunteer service planting trees, picking up trash, and establishing gardens.

This year alone, Green Columbus plans to deliver 12,000 hours of service at 150 different worksites with the help of 5,000 volunteers. These volunteers will then be celebrated at Columbus Commons as part of a full-day Earth Day celebration. The event includes dozens of booths and several live bands.

This year will also be the first of its kind to shoot for a zero landfill waste goal. Participating food vendors at the event will all use compostable or recyclable serviceware to make it happen. The hosts will also provide filtered water stations, making it easy to refill water bottles and reduce plastic waste.

Green Columbus Is A Liquid Hip Good Will Pick.  

At least once a month, Liquid Hip highlights good will efforts undertaken by people with big hearts. We don't score them. That belongs to you.

We chose Green Columbus because while it might be a local event that happens in one city, it also demonstrates how Earth Day celebrations are not only scalable but service-oriented calls to action whereby people can think globally and act locally by taking part in sustainable service projects.

Much like Green Drinks was started in North London, Green Columbus is the kind of event that continues to spread because the only thing that sustainable action needs a group of dedicated people with the right vision and mission to make it succeed. How about you? Are you one of them?

If you would like to learn more about Green Columbus, visit the organization's website. To learn more about Green Drinks, which was responsible for bringing the right people together in Columbus, visit the site that Datschefski built. For another side of Earth Day, read A Billion Acts Of Green because everything counts.

The Vamp Brings Retro Speakers Alive

The Vamp is gaining more ground in Europe and the United Kingdom than the United States despite its successful crowd-funding bid. The slowness of the pickup doesn't have much to do with interest. It has everything to do with availability. They've only been released a handful at a time.

The Vamp is a brilliantly simple solution to salvage conventional speakers by giving them a second life. The Vamp is a Bluetooth receiver of sorts that works hard to bridge modern technology with the quality and richness of the past.

"For me, reusing perfectly good technology makes sense," explains designer Paul Cocksedge. "Hearing the rich sound coming out of these older speakers in a new way is a delight. They are a part of music history."

Simplicity is in the design and the appeal. According to his pitch, all you really have to do is find, connect, and play. There is some truth to that because The Vamp connects by attaching a metal disc to the speaker and then attaching via magnet to the metal strip.

Of course, the metal disc sticks to the speaker. It connect to the speaker using an adaptor. One end features classic red and black wires. The other includes a plug that sticks right into the back of The Vamp.

Cocksedge has an answer for speakers with built-in wires too. In addition to the plug, The Vamp has a clamp for wires too. But what seems to be equally unique is that he took the entire design a step further by allowing almost anything to connect to it (even if you don't have Bluetooth) via a connector cable that works with both PCs and classic iPods.

With the crowdfunding campaign over, the studio has disallowed video embeds but the original video still exists. It features the Cocksedge walking through the steps in about two minutes. What's especially cool about The Vamp is that it powers up the speaker too, creating a surreal setting outside.

A few extra thoughts about The Vamp in progress. 

Although most backers have already received The Vamp and the little gadget that could has won an award or two, Cocksedge is still releasing it in limited production runs. That means you have to preorder The Vamp before the next run (which is currently expected to be this June).

After seeing The Vamp in action, I was mostly impressed. While there are some limitations — such as the inability to sync two speakers to one or two Vamps for stereo sound — the sound quality is as good as the speakers.

Therein lies the sacrifice. The device delivers surprisingly warm sound via a vintage speaker, but you have to give up a little with the mono sound. Basically, the right and left channels are combined.

Cocksedge has said that he may try to tackle stereo sound one day, but it sounds unlikely. He is mostly of the impression that true stereo sound requires the careful positioning of speakers to denote any difference, which would destroy the charm of portability. It's a fair point but debatable.

A couple more graphs about designer Paul Cocksedge.

Paul Cocksedge Studio is an internationally-acclaimed design practice led by directors Cocksedge and Joana Pinho. The studio is based in London and has nurtured a strong team of collaborators over the last decades. The partners pride themselves on their unique reputation for thoroughly original and innovative design.

Most often, the team is hired by companies to solve design issues. For example, BMW invited the studio to design a new LED headlamp based on its proven track record to research the limits of technology, materials and manufacturing processes.

The Vamp By Paul Cocksedge Studio Sounds Off At 7.9 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The technology is simple and smart, creating a no-fuss solution for vintage sound via any Bluetooth equipped device (and some non-Bluetooth equipped devices). The elegant design is striking in red, decent in black and white too.

Right now, the Paul Cocksedge store set the price at £49.95 (with tax) and £41.95 (minus shipping). You can only order it direct from the Paul Cocksedge Store, but we'll update details when it is more readily available. In the interim, expect more interesting ideas to come out this studio.

Spring Button-Downs With An Affliction

There aren't many brands willing to give women's springtime apparel some ruggedness, which is why there is one series of button-downs that stand out this season. For the past several seasons, Affliction Clothing, once better known for women's baby tees and short dresses, has come around with something tougher.

The button-downs they make draw inspiration from country as much as rock and roll. Much like their men's line, the attention is often in the details, especially if you are willing to wade past the more predictable trademark emblazoned designs. These shirts are made to be worn in rougher settings, especially those that involve motorcycles.

Three rugged button-downs with an affliction. 

Some of of the shirts are largely straightforward like the Rock Out LS (above). Rather than carry any brands, the button-down adds its first layer of toughness with some stitched square panels down the front. After that, metallic stud embellishments adorn both the pocket and sleeves.

Down the back, the shirt starts with another series of studs that taper away as they roll down the back.  The black, with the slightest sheen, comes across almost charcoal. Caring for it is easy. Machine wash cold.

Some of the patterns aren't nearly as subtle and they don't have to be. The Riding Wheels Woven is based on a classic Western button-down that gets completely renovated as West Coast motorcycle wear. They accomplish it with contrasting shoulder yokes and a few well-placed stud embellishments.

Aside from contrast stitching and contrast lining, most of the action happens on the back. Emblazoned with something reminiscent of the Southern cross with well-placed studs, the shirt manages to reflect a harder edge despite being a bit busy.

The shirt, like most of those made by Affliction, is 98 percent cotton and 2 percent Spandex. The addition of Spandex gives the material its characteristic give. Just don't size down too much as all button-downs are meant to fit without being too snug against the buttons.

Some shirts, like the Westwood LS Woven, don't have any Spandex added. In fact, the 100 percent cotton shirt is slightly different than the rest because it adds a feminine touch with floral lace panels and shoulder yokes. It's a surprisingly smart combination.

The back of the shirt is decorated with one of the American Customs Motor Club designs. The roaring puma feels almost too pronounced, making me wish we could have seen one without even if it works nonetheless. The bottom line is most shirts aren't made with enough toughness but these three and about a dozen more are.

Tom Atencio is at the heart of design for men and women.

Affliction Clothing is fast approaching its tenth year as the manufacturer that made a business out of clothing with tribal tattoos, skeletal jewelry, and a toughness borrowed from mixed martial arts, metal, motorcycles. and muscle cars. Think about the brand as more under the radar than Ed Hardy but more accessible than Von Dutch.

The company itself was started by Tom Atencio, Todd Beard and Eric Foss. The three stepped outside of design industry standards and found an audience within the mixed martial arts crowd. The company is still evolving, especially as it has expanded its line for women.

Button-Downs For Women By Affliction Snap 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

When most people think about Affliction, they think about the marketing with fast cars, sultry women, and super-charged testosterone. But like most things, that is only part of the story. There are an increasing number of women who are just as tough as the men and Affliction is finding them.

Affliction continues to expand its global presence, opening stores in Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo. You can also find them online, placing any orders from the company direct. To browse the newest additions to their spring line, shop Affliction Clothing.

The Alamo Gives Up Its Historic Ghosts

Not everybody believes the Alamo is haunted, but most people know it's one of the most haunting places in the nation. The atmosphere that shrouds it is thick with historic significance. This was the site now recognized as one of the most significant battles that ever took place in Texas.

More than1,800 Mexican troops under the command of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had encircled and placed the fort under siege for more than two weeks. Inside the mission-turned-fort, about 200 Texan defenders, under the joint command of Lieutenant Colonel William Travis and Colonel Jim Bowie, were poised to repel them.

The Alamo may have fallen in the early morning hours of March 6, 1838, but their fate came to symbolize the courage and sacrifice that some men are willing to make for freedom and independence. Because of them, the memories of Davy Crockett, Bowie, and Travis would embolden the Texan Army under Sam Houston and its memory played an important role when it was annexed by the U.S.

The Alamo remains one of the most visited sites in Texas. 

More than 2.5 million people each year visit the 4.2-acre site located in San Antonio. Entrance into the open complex is still free. Its operation and educational programs are paid for by private donations and gift shop sales. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. during the summer.



The newest exhibit focuses on Tejanos, which honors Tejano defenders and reminds visitors that the Texas revolution was not a fight between Texans and Mexicans but a fight for liberty over tyranny. Their letters, documents, and artifacts tell the story. They wanted freedom as much as many Texas immigrants from Ireland, England and the United States.

Two structures capture the spirit of the past, slightly altered.

This new exhibition is held in the Alamo Shrine (or church), which is what most people consider central to the site. It was the structure originally built as a Spanish mission between 1755 and 1793. Despite its longevity, evidence suggests that construction was never complete.

Still, the shrine seems to be the center of reverence that people feel while visiting the Alamo, especially after they learn that the artillery position on the roof of the church was the last to fall during the battle. Only 13 men remained at the end. They died defending the church to the last man.

The building as it exists today imagines the Alamo as different than the one the defenders held. Most notably, the east wall was lower than the other walls and a ramp of earth had been piled against the inside of the wall to accommodate a cannon. Some modifications were made in the 1920s.

The second most historic building is the long barrack, which was a two-story building where many members of the garrison retreated for a last stand. The west wall of the barrack is original while two inner walls were constructed in 1913. The inner walls, however, do match the original foundation.

The other buildings, such as the Centennial Museum (Gift Shop) and Alamo Hall, were added later. They would have fallen outside of the original mission, behind the church. The historic site itself would have extended west of the modern Alamo entrance and crossed directly over Alamo Street and East Alamo Street to the Crockett Building and north to the post office on Houston Street. There is an interactive map on the site that puts this into perspective.

The Alamo In San Antonio Takes 8.5 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Even before the battle of the Alamo, the site was well regarded. When French naturalist Jean-Louis Berlandier visited the site in 1828, he described it as "an enormous battlement and some barracks are found there, as well as the ruins of a church which could pass for one of the loveliest monuments of the area, even if its architecture is overloaded with ornamentation."

Today, some of those ornaments include the rounded roofline of the mission, which has come to be know as a symbol of liberty unto itself. You can place reservations in San Antonio by visiting top travel deals at Expedia.com. Several other travel deals are listed across Texas. For a fictionalized account of the battle, The Alamo (1960) remains the best theatrical rendition.

The Pretty Reckless Is Going To Hell

Four years ago, not everyone was convinced that Taylor Momsen could remake herself into a rock star despite a few riveting reviews of her debut. After she hit back, no one ever says that anymore. Now there are plenty of people who want to follow her down.

Despite its boring and unambiguous title, Going To Hell, and relatively explicit but not so erotic cover, The Pretty Reckless have put out a walloping new album for anyone who misses classic anthem rock. From the opening notes to the acoustic retreads that round the album up to 14 tracks, almost everything about this album feels like it could have been cast in the eighties. 

It's fully composed and throaty rock — the kind that many rock bands composed when they had "arrived" and could finally start turning out mature music. And Momsen, who has always come across as an old soul, clearly sees her 20s as the point where she has reached it in her music career. 

Going To Hell is wildly accessible rock, good but none too reckless. 

Although it feels like they've produced considerable more, Going To Hell is only a sophomore outing for The Pretty Reckless. Nonetheless, it will go down as an album fans love and critics question because it turns the burning recklessness of their early work into something much more polished and mainstream. 

Never mind the seriousness of grunge or heady confessionals of indie rock-pop, The Pretty Reckless are clearly aiming at a new generation of troubled teens in need of danceable rock stomps. If there is any other there, it's very clearly a Catholic guilt album that gives permission to give up and have fun. 

Follow Me Down is a heated sexual rebellion song that offers up a pretty blatant message. After nights and nights of putting off whatever was the source of her sexual tension, she gives in and finds out that all her trepidation was for naught. She's not only alive, but also finds sweetness in it. 

The track Going To Hell is equally blatant in its assessment. The riff-laden rocker has Momsen tell it straight. She accepts where she is going for everything she has done. And as it turns out, she is not the only one who thinks so. 

Heaven Knows is one of the best tracks on Going To Hell in that Momsen has never sounded better. She lays out the full range of her vocals with a blues-infused rocker that conveys a glimmer of sadness for everything that it going on in this album. 

Simply put, Heaven Knows is about those above already knowing we won't measure up. It makes them sad. But there is no way to stop it because they belong way down below anyway.

While those opening three are getting all the attention, it's the balladry of House On A Hill, melody of the sweetly short Dear Sister, and casual contemplation of Burn that really make this album. All three tracks demonstrate that Momsen is a serious talent who has only just begun to tap her depth. 

In contrast to some of those sleepers, Why'd You Bring A Shotgun To The Party and Fucked Up World really play to the epic level of commercialization Momsen needs to pay the bills. Those tracks are party rockers like the first three, along with Sweet Things, and will get plenty of play time. There is nothing wrong with that, except they tend to overshadow some of her more subtle contributions like  Waiting For A Friend. 

Going To Hell By The Pretty Reckless Smashes 6.3 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Fans of The Pretty Reckless will no doubt grow tired of reviews that don't give the same props Momsen received for her debut. There is no way around it. Going To Hell comes off over commercialized because it plays to the audience of popularity despite evidence that Momsen doesn't have to. 

Like most review sites, fans are driving up the ratings on music outlets. Going To Hell by The Pretty Reckless is entrenched with 4.5 stars on iTunes. On Amazon, Going to Hell - Deluxe Edition has received 5 stars. The Pretty Reckless can also be ordered as a CD on Barnes & Noble. See the band's  Facebook page for tour dates.

Motorpsycho Sinks Behind The Sun

Not everyone gets Motorpsycho, and they often they produce music to ensure it. After establishing themselves as a bastion for progressive and psychedelic rock for decades, the band invested two years in composing the epic and complicated album The Death Defying Unicorn with Ståle Storløkken.

At a music grazing pace, the album is almost indigestible. But for anyone listening to it within the context of its narration, they will find a boy who is pressed into service aboard a ship searching for the holy lands. He is then taken on a richly physical and psychological journey until finding himself destined to be dinner on a boat in the middle of the ocean. The entire story plays out in two acts.

The album is overtly complicated but rewarding in its unique way, something that can always be said for the band. They have been known to infuse metal, jazz, post-rock, pop, country, and other styles into the mix since their earliest beginnings. Everything is experimental.

Their newest album is no exception. Behind The Sun is about getting back to basics, bringing back a harder edge to the music. They even recorded it back in their old haunt at Brygga Studio.

Behind The Sun is complexly beautiful progressive art rock.

Joining Hans Magnus Ryan (guitar), Bent Sæther (bass) and Kenneth Kapstad (drums) is guest guitarist Reine Fiske. And it's the addition of this second guitarist that influences so much of the sound.

This is the first time since Ryan and Sæther invited an equally talented guitar player to jam alongside them and it obviously dominates the album. There are double the riffs and occasional duels between the two. But that isn't how the album starts.

Behind The Sun begins with a much more accessible and dreamy tune, Cloudwalker (A Darker Blue).  The melodic vocals soar over sunny guitars and upbeat percussions that feel both antique and timeless.



The antiqueness can sometimes be pinned to the vocals, which have never been the band's strong suit despite their always delectable lyrics. It's the long, never-ending instrumentals that you'll get caught up in along with a robust and catchy psychedelic chorus.

Cloudwalker is followed up with the equally ambitious Ghost. The six-minute plus drone aims at creating an atmosphere with a minimalist bass and rhythm composition. All the while, Sæther seems to whimper his defeatist lyrics, which makes the slow crusher On A Plate all the more welcome.

Other standouts on the album include: Hell, Part 4-6, which is a progressive 12-minute plus powerhouse that sneaks in with quiet strings and synthesizers; KvæStor, which can be best summed up as an instrumental shred; and The Promise, which also epitomizes the band's ability to write music that is dug up and modern.

A couple of extra graphs about the heart of Motorpsycho. 

All things considered, Motorpsycho continues to win on more than perseverance alone. If you don't know,  the earliest rendition of the band came together in the mid 1980s when teenage metal heads Ryan and Sæther first met in high school. They often played together until parting ways at graduation.

The split, however, was only temporary and the two musicians would get back together in Trondheim, briefly adding Kjell Runar 'Killerkjell' Jensen, and forming the fledgling power trio responsible for the 1990 debut album in Lobotomizer in Oslo. Since then, the lineup has changed more than a dozen times, but always with Ryan and Sæther at the helm.

Behind The Sun By Motorpsycho Chomps 4.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Behind The Sun is considerably more dark and despairing than some of their other outings. For the better part of an hour, it drifts in and out of meticulously composed masterpieces and endlessly enveloping jam sessions. Even the last track, Hell, Pt. 7: Victim Of Rock (above), could be broken down for as long as they've been a band.

Behind the Sun by Motorpsycho can be found on Amazon. You can also download the album from iTunes or order the vinyl Behind The Sun by Motorpsycho from Barnes & Noble. Visit their website for their European tour schedule.

Forget The Glass And Get A Helmet

It may feel like a lifetime since I gave up my Softtail, but there are seldom any days that I don't think about it. There are no shortage of enticements. Maybe it's only a matter of time before I get it back.

The latest enticement comes not in the form of a motorcycle, but rather the accessories. There are a dozen or so companies pioneering augmented reality technology, and one of them is specializing in head protection. And, truth be told, this helmet goes a long way in protecting more than your head.

Skully makes motorcycles a necessity. 

The Skully AR-1 is the first vertically integrated smart Heads-Up display (HUD) motorcycle helmet that will be made available for consumers. It includes a smart platform that is specially designed to enhance the awareness of the rider with advanced optics, cameras and sensors.

This includes some pretty exciting assets, such as a full 180-degree rear view camera that minimizes the need to take your eyes off the road to check your back before changing lanes. And while the rear view screen likely takes a little getting used to — given that it's set in the lower right corner — it's only on when you need it.

There are plenty of other displays that will capture your attention. The helmet sports GPS navigation, music and phone call interface, and traffic condition updates. You'll immediately get it in less than a minute.


Running down the list of its game-changing features does much more than sell the helmet. It opens new possibilities and sets a new pace for augmented reality. It goes beyond merely morphing a smart phone into another glass interface. It makes the future of augmented reality function specific.

The Skully helmet is equipped with a Synapse integrated HUD that provides advanced situational awareness. This enhances several important areas for awareness such as neat-future navigation and blind spot data. By providing these details to the rider, it's easier to stay focused on the road ahead.

Beyond blind spots, the helmet opens up new possibilities in keeping track of dangers just behind you. It's about time someone developed a crystal clear rear view camera for the helmet. Combined with GPS maps, the Skully helmet is like having a dedicated co-pilot that will never be distracted.

While the helmet itself has several dedicated functions, it does tap into your smart phone with voice control. The Bluetooth and Internet connectivity with a smart phone is pretty seamless. You can control your music, phone calls, and text messages. Or you can simply call up a new destination.

A couple of graphs about the people behind the helmet. 

The company was founded by Marcus Weller just last year. Weller, who was just recently a management consultant and industrial psychologist in the automotive and semiconductor industries, blended his passion for human-centered technology and motorcycles. It was a smart decision, moving him from assisting in the research of intelligent transportation systems at the University of Minnesota to bringing those concepts to life.

Along with Weller, Skully Helmets enlisted a team to round out its skill sets. These include co-founders Gary Iwatani (finance and operations), Mike Turquette (software development), Andrw Schirmer (design and engineering), Dipak Patel (heads-up display specialist), and Mitchell Weller (human resources). Go aheads and put these names on your watch list. We expect great things from them.

Skully Helmets Leap Ahead 8.6 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Skully Helmets have the potential to have nines written all over them if the company can capture the right price point and master quality production. At the moment, the Skully helmet is confined to beta-testing only and the waiting list (as you might imagine) is impossibly long.

If you want to take your chances to get in on the ground floor, sign up to see if you qualify to become an approved tester before the official launch in 2014. We'll update outlet links later this year, after the official launch of Skully Helmets. The company recently won the coveted SXSW Accelerator Award in the Wearable Technology category. It was well deserved too.

Rich Becker contributed to this review, particularly in his assessment of the emerging AR field.

Eleven Paris Adds Up Apparel Attitude

While some brands aim to add attitude to their lines with advertising, some brands just have attitude. Eleven Paris is like that. The 10-something brand was built by two friends as a Parisian prêt-à-porter.

It's well known for its minimalist spirit, indie references, sporty allure, and seasonal inspirations. Add attitude to the list because even some of the simplest graphic Ts range from playful to aggressive. One of their newest additions, in fact, saves the handlebar mustache from becoming cliched.

To do it, Eleven Paris puts the iconic mustaches on several pop culture heroes with nothing more than a finger. The design gives a contemporary lift to a concept that often feels  too pat for its own good. Elvis, Jepy, Moriag, and Micky are just a few well-known faces to receive the mustache treatment.

The classically creative nonchalance marks the heart of Eleven Paris.

Naturally, all Eleven Paris Ts for women are fitted. They are made from 100 percent cotton. The design underscores the nonchalant vibe, feeling both carefree and purposeful at the same time.


Depending on the portrait to sport a mustache gives the shirt an entirely different generational context. Whomever is decorated with the legendary mustache borrowed from painter Dali adds an entirely different context. The entire idea, as introduced so long ago, is to bridge the world of fashion with pop culture art, music, film, and society in an immediate, playful and expressive way.

The method isn't limited to mustaches. Eleven Paris has succeeded in making playful statements using any number of images that begin to feel iconic. There are fox heads that flip the bird and vintage daredevils that two friends have labeled savages.

For something with more sophistication, try on some tops.

Along with its compelling T-shirts, Eleven Paris is known to feature prints with minimal repeating patterns. The Laldo Print is only one example; it's made with a cotton-linen composite. The top features a reinforced stitch and deep scoop neckline. Although So Jeans only carries the tank, the designers also extended the pattern to a half-sleeve blouse.

Conversely, when Eleven Paris does repeat, they do it intentionally and with style. These patterns are often busy — with one or to well-designed icons purposely drawn together for a simplistic bold statement. Some of favorites include a repeating rose that becomes stripes at a distance, a white lours print on black, and blue lours print on red.

Somewhere in between is a Mickey Mouse collage that can be easily mistaken for a random pattern at a distance. And if Mickey Mouse is part of your bag, make sure to search for the Mickey denim shorts. His little face is faded, but his head is positioned to look up at the wearer when she sits down.

A couple more graphs about the Eleven Paris founders.

Eleven Paris was a collaborative labor of love started by Oriel Bensimon and Dan Cohen in 2003. Both of them graduated from Esmod, which was the first fashion school ever established in France in 1841. What some say makes the school unique is its regard for fashion design and tailoring.

Even when the brand was launching itself into the graphic shirt arena (known for its high risk and dazzling returns) the secret to success was attempting to design a line that is cool and trendy while remaining accessible to everyone.

Eleven Paris Brings In Spring At 7.9 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

The real beauty of Eleven Paris apparel is its ability to be be striking and subtle at the same time. All too often, American designers try too hard to find the edge and somehow lose it in the process. Eleven Paris keeps everything caustic, causal, and flattering. It's harder to find Stateside, but is ready for import.

You can find some Eleven Paris apparel on sale at United Kingdom-based retailer So Jeans. You can also find many designs direct. For contrast and comparison, visit Bloomingdales in the United States. While you won't find graphic Ts nearly as striking, there are a few designers who are on par with printed tops.

Drive-By Truckers On English Oceans

Drive-By Truckers might have had their share of lineup changes since Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley founded the band back in the late 1990s, but the original duo have yet to disappoint. Joined by long-time members Brad Morgan and Jay Gonzalez and newcomer Matt Patton, English Oceans is a deeply engaging album that rocks more than any previous outing.

The change in sound can be mostly attributed to Cooley. He contribued six songs to the album, giving it a refreshed pace as the band alternates between him and Hood.

"I don't think we've ever had a record where Cooley was as deeply involved in every aspect of the making of it as he was this time," said Hood. "With Cooley's writing, there's almost no precedent for it in our catalog. He came in with this stunning bunch of songs, full of this beautiful imagery."

Cooley, who hadn't written as many songs as he wanted to on the last several albums, said he took advantage of a long rest after the last band's last tour. He revisited his approach to songwriting and was able to produce six tunes he cares strongly about. It comes across in his confident delivery.

Made Up English Oceans is a stark and tightly crafted track that brays on about prideful men who imagine themselves bigger than they ought to be. They often act without thinking, rushing up to act even they don't really know if their nerve will hold out. The tie to Lee Atwater adds more depth. 

The track itself is a solidly written song, made even stronger when blended in with contributions from Hood. In fact, this is what makes the album so striking. While the artists worked independently, they were unknowingly creating material that complemented each other. 

The dynamic is memorable because it creates a back-and-forth flow that is unique to the album but not their shows. Alternating between singers has been a long-time staple of Drive-by Truckers. They just do it all the more better now. 

The Part Of Him by Hood captures the contrast nicely, accenting his much wearier voice that commands attention despite sounding so far away. The lyrics are less friendly, given that the song takes on politicians that can't be easily exorcised. It might be too cynical for some, but Hood makes it fun. He almost creates a sense of comfort in knowing that political scandals are part of the landscape. 

Aside from their political outings, Drive-By Truckers dig deeper into other subjects. My favorite track on the album is based the new novel by Willy Vlautin. Hood hits the right chords in illuminating the disquiet and desperation of American life during distressing times.

Other standouts include the rollicking opener Shit Shots Count, the stirring yet subtle co-dependence track When He's Gone, and the touching tell-all Primer Coat. The CD loses some steam around the mid-point. It doesn't pick up again unit the boot stomping First Air Of Autumn and closer Grand Canyon. 

English Oceans Rolls In And Out 7.4 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Fans of Drive-by Truckers will not be disappointed, with so many tracks featuring the band in top form. It's among their best in years. Even the songs that don't feel as lyrically vivid still sound great.

English Oceans by Drive-by Truckers can be found on Amazon. You can also order English Oceans on Barnes & Noble or download the album from iTunes. The band begins touring in mid-March, working their way up the East Coast before cutting across the Midwest. Check Facebook for shows.

Dinosaur Pile-Up Tests Nature Nurture

Leeds-based alternative rockers Dinosaur Pile-Up has seen its share of change ups since 2007 with founder Matt Bigland (vocals, guitar) and Mike Shields (drums) settled in as the band's core members. Jim Cratchley (bass) joined last year, adding to what some already see as a move toward mainstream.

Nature Nurture does have some mainstream qualities to it. The album thrives on big power pop-rock chords and huge riffs reminiscent of maturing Weezer-esque music. They are trying to make epic one-off rock music and succeed at it with plenty of precision and polish.

It is enough to make you wonder, at times, if the band is growing up too fast for its own good, giving up some of the material in between their edgier introduction and their much more purposeful stride today. It feels that way listening to Derail, but thankfully not the entire album. 

Nature Nurture marks a band looking to step over, with mixed results.

Opening with Arizona Waiting, Dinosaur Pile-Up puts its best foot forward with an anthemic rocker that could easily recast itself as classic rock. The track gives up some lyrical prowess in favor of feeling catchy but it works nonetheless. 

The band follows up with Derail, which is indicative of the pop songs Bigland has said all along that he wanted to write. It still has enough power to wake you up but doesn't necessarily kick you in the face like some of the band's early and more intense rockers. 

A much better rendition of the sound Dinosaur Pile-Up ought to be chasing around is Peninsula. Sure, there is something familiar about its "we party and play hard" message. But it also retains some of the band's alternative punk-infused lyrics, with Bigland chanting to "be what you want, say what you feel, do what you please, take what you got, do it forever."

The song might rub against that power pop notion, but it does so while preserving a rock edge. It's a great song, likely the best one on the 13-track album. It even helps carry Heather, a mostly straightforward cheat-and-break-up song that sounds good even if you don't care so much about it. 

The promise of an upstart relationship in Summer Girl is much more inspired. It carries a sun-drenched classic rock sound that will take some people back a few decades while still sounding fresh, perfect for any all-day beach playlist. Put White T-Shirt And Jeans on the list too. Even without having the same depth, the song perfectly rolls out some reminiscent relationship casualty. 

After White T-Shirt, Dinosaur Pile-Up drifts back and forth between rockers and power pop, with the rockers keeping the upper hand. The upbeat and energetic Draw A Line, low-noted drone of Nature Nurture, and the mellow chug of Should all measure up. Bruise Violet has its moments too. 

But those that rely too much on pop sensibilities like The Way We Came, Lip Hook Kiss, and Start Again have a much harder time holding anyone's attention. Other than a couple of cool lyrical lines tucked inside these tracks, the compositions begin to feel less familiar and more predictable. (The instrumental inside Lip Hook Kiss aside.) 

In sum, it leaves listeners with a lot to wonder about. Dinosaur Pile-Up could have been taken in plenty of different directions after Growing Pains. Nature Nurture sometimes convinces you that the band chose the right one and sometimes not. At the lowest points, I found myself thumbing back to older tracks like Mona Lisa, Hey Man, and My Rock 'n' Roll. I missed them.

Nature Nurture By Dinosaur Pile-Up Plows 5.6 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

As a band in transition, everyone wants to know where Dinosaur Pile-Up will end up. It's nearly impossible to say after listing to Nature Nurture. For every track that rocks, there is another that drags it down. The album isn't deficient per se, but sometimes it slides into the background. 

You can find Nature Nurture by Dinosaur Pile-Up on Amazon. Nature Nurture is also available on Barnes & Noble and can be downloaded from iTunes. The band is currently making its way around the United States. Keep track of their show dates via Facebook. 

IN1 iPhone Case Comes With Hardware

For anyone who appreciates the usefulness of Swiss Army knives, the IN1 multi-tool case for the iPhone 5/5s aims to be the first phone case that does much of the same. The case, which is made with a soft touch polycarbonate, contains eight real world tools that can be used at a moment's notice.

Another notable feature is that it slides on the phone before it is secured in place with a small snap-on cap. Like many cases, the top, bottom, and sides are left mostly exposed. But then again, Taktik is still the answer for anyone looking for the most in durability. IN1 has other uses too.

The tools tucked inside the IN1 iPhone case.

There are eight tools tucked inside this beautifully designed case. And, according to the manufacturer, all the tools were selected to help people perform everyday tasks while remaining TSA compliant.

There are two precision screwdrivers, flat and Phillips, for tightening the smallest loose screws. The sizes were obviously included to work on eyeglasses, but there may be other tiny uses for them too.


There are two ball points, one red and one blue, which gives you the ability to quickly write down a note when there isn't anything else available. While the downside is a lack of black ink and no clear outlet for replacing them when they run dry, it's unlikely anyone will pen a novel with them.

The nail file is one of the most useful additions, especially because nail files are one of those things that you never need unless it's inconvenient to find one. It's one of the most useful inclusions all around.

The pair of scissors and tweezers are reminiscent of the smallest army knife accompaniments. For anyone who has ever owned the keychain version (before the TSA began to confiscate them), they seem more handy than they really are. Sure, they can sometimes get the job done, but use tends to make the tweezers too springy and the scissors slightly off center.

Sometimes the case feels more stylish than functional.

The case also includes a plastic toothpick that accompanies some small knives. It's one of those items nobody is really keen on until they really need it. Like many of the tools included, it makes for more of a stash as opposed to a functional everyday tool kit.

It also includes a kickstand, giving everyone a convenient way to stand their phone up to view a video or catch small screen updates while typing away at a desktop. It's one of the better additions. It feels like one of the most useful items because it was built specifically for the phone.

In fact, as much as I like the IN1, I wish more additions were built in. A stylus sure would have been welcome as would any other phone-useful device. Maybe some future designers will cook up an antenna booster, solar cell, or emergency battery fuel instead.

The base comes in white, black, and clear. The tool caps come in white, black, yellow, orange, green, blue, and violet. Another positive in its favor is that the entire case adds less than two ounces to the total carry weight. The designer is currently working on a model for Galaxy phones.

IN1 iPhone Case Takes A Positive Turn At 3.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

This is one of those gadgets that makes you wonder why no one thought of it earlier, But then again, the IN1 could use a little more thought in offering a better mix of multitools and the ability to easily order replacement parts. While it's on the right track, there is still some room for improvement.

Overall, the IN1 feels a little too much like a novelty even if it is a step up from the generic carry case. You can order the case direct from IN1. We'll add more outlets when the case becomes more widely available.

Skaters Have A Stake In Manhattan

On any given week, a band like the Skaters may or may not be covered. The decision doesn't have much to do about the band. It has to do with everyone else and what they might being putting out.

Skaters new album, Manhattan, caught a good bounce this week. They are a solid band with considerable talent (and have even been known to shred now and again). And they are also part of a struggling sub-genre of holdouts who produce proficient noise pop but without the usual urgency.

There is some good and bad to this approach. It catches your attention with the space they fill for a few minutes. And after that? It's easy to forgetaboutit. Maybe too easy.

Skaters make Manhattan to establish home.

If Manhattan does anything, what it does best is give the band a chance to plant its flag firmly in New York. That wasn't always the case for these guys. Technically, the band came together in Los Angeles when singer/songwriter Michael Ian Cummings met English guitarist Josh Hubbard.

One year later, they split the distance difference and landed in New York. There they added drummer Noah Rubin and bassist Dan Burke. And then, shortly after signing with Warner Bros., the band laid down some songs about people they met in Manhattan when they all worked as bartenders.

That gives Miss Teen Massachusetts about as much roots as the band. Somebody inspired it.


The video came together with the help of Chilean-American director Danilo Parra, who came up with the video direction after the band expressed a desire to steer clear of a young love story. The inclusion of a psych ward clearly breaks that, creating a story based much more on disconnection and isolation.

Miss Teen Massachusetts is one of a handful of brilliant tracks on album. The video just adds to the allure, making it more than an unrequited love song. It also makes the much more direct track — Deadbolt — all the more of a contrast. Deadbolt is a cop paranoia pop song with a catchy chorus.

The whole of it is probably too subdued and confused, which fits with the hit and miss of this album. The opener One Of Us might have made a better album promoter. While there isn't much to the two-plus minute track, the builds give it a more convincing lift off.

Other standouts on the album include the slow motion Austin favorite I Wanna Dance (But I Don't Know How), half-hearted hardcore experimental Nice Hat, and the closer This Much I Care. Skip the square-peg Band Breaker, boring To Be Young In NYC, and low energy Fear Of The Knife. While some might appreciate the diversity, it sometimes feels like everyone is trying to figure out where Skaters fits.

Nobody needs to figure it out. It's painfully obvious that Miss Teen Massachusetts is the hero on this album, along with four or five support songs (if you include Schemers, which left me on the fence). What else does anybody need to know? Nobody needs to see diversity when there is already the making of a smart and sometimes unsettling alternative pop-rock band.

Manhattan By Skaters Sparks 3.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

Keeping in mind that 3.8 here lands somewhere around 6.5 elsewhere, it seems clear that Skaters have a good thing going if they can figure out where exactly they are going. For a band that got its start with a handful of experimental songs and covers from the Pixies, playing a little looser could help fire the band up to stay above neutral.

You can find Manhattan by Skaters on Amazon. You can also order Manhattan from Barnes & Noble or download it from iTunes. Skaters are currently on tour. Catch their schedule on Facebook,

Drakesbad Guest Ranch Takes It Back

It might be the exclusiveness of a single season that makes Drakesbad Guest Ranch so appealing. The ranch won't see its first visitors until June this year. And by the time these initial guests arrive, anyone thinking about reservations might look further ahead. Next summer already seems inviting.

The simple truth is that even if you do have reservations, things might change. The June 6 opening is contingent on weather. So is the October 13 closure. Some guests don't mind a conditional arrival because the stay makes everything worth it.

The lodge itself has only six rooms, each with a double bed plus a rollaway or twin bunk beds. Or you can stay in the cabin, annex, duplex, or bungalow (19 units total). The sizes and rates all very slightly, with the most noticeable difference being electricity. Most rooms do not have it. And you don't really need it.

The Drakesbad Guest Ranch takes you back in history.  

Kerosene lamps light most rooms at night. It's part of the historic and environmentally-conscious rustic feel of the ranch. It also helps visitors take in the place as if it is from another time.

No, none of it is as rustic as the accommodations that Alexander Sifford set up in June 1900. When the ailing school teacher from Susanville first arrived on the site with his wife and son, the only one there to greet them was Edward Drake, owner of the famed soda waters of Drake's Spring.

The couple loved area so much that they bought Drake’s Hot Spring Valley from Drake outright. Eventually they renamed it Drakesbad (Drake's bath) and operated the ranch for two generations. The remote guest ranch became legendary with camping and meals for 50 cents, hot spring baths for 25 cents, and pasturing livestock a nickel a head.

Even after the 1916 Congress established the Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Sifford family stayed on as caretakers until finally selling the property to the government. Since, the National Park Service has leased it to various concessionaires. California Guest Services has held it for 36 years.

Inside Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The park itself is well known for its smoking fumaroles, wildflower meadows, mountain lakes, and volcanoes. Much of the park feels incredibly unexplored and undiscovered.

There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails that pass by active hydrothermal areas like the Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell. There are several ranger-led programs and summer itineraries for guests. (There are winter activities too but the ranch remains closed.)

In addition to backpacking and hiking trail loops, there are dozens of educational adventure workshops, nature photography excursions, geological discoveries, and an amazing array of birding opportunities. Along with these park amenities, the ranch hosts a few of its own.

Several hikes (including the 90-minute walk to Boiling Spring Lake) can be taken right from the ranch. Swimming is even closer, with soothing hot mineral springs located a few steps from the cabins. There are several fishing areas in the park, and the ranch leads several fly-fishing excursions too. And, even more remarkable, the ranch is home to several of the most affordable horseback riding rates in the state, starting at $50 for a one-hour, self-guided tour to half- and full-days rides for $190.

As a real working ranch, you can make arrangements to bring your own. Boarding with feed is only $37.50 per day, about what it costs for overnight parking in some urban areas. And if that doesn't work out, then ask about archery and social starters.

Overall, this is an adventurous vacation for long hikes and horseback riding during the day and relaxation around a campfire at night. There are no room keys. And all meals are family style. Meals are included with the rates.

The Drakesbad Guest Ranch Ticks Off 9.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

To niche to even be a tourist destination, Drakesbad Guest Ranch is one of those getaways you will talk about forever. While it might be too rustic for some people, those who thrive outside without always being wired up will love it.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch in California is located northeast of Chico, California, and northwest of Reno, Nevada. It is deep in the park, miles from any urban encroachment. You can place reservations directly with the ranch or visit  top travel deals at Expedia.com for other excursions to northern California.

Spring Is In The Air Aussie Style

With snow still on the ground in some parts of the States, some people might think it is too soon to get on about spring. It really isn't. Spring is only a few weeks away and some parts of the country have already warmed up.

In fact, one collection from the design-savvy label Shabby Apple makes everything feel even warmer. With Australia serving as its inspiration, Shabby Apple created what it calls an Aussie Afternoon Collection, which is a little bit vintage, a little bit rustic, and always open for layers.

The Aussie Collection is all about blending rugged with sophistication.

Most of the collection accentuates the simple, with four strikingly simple one-piece dresses that capture a range of regions. The Morning Dew Dress to the right makes for a good example. It's a radiant eyelet lace dress that gives off a touch of playfulness without ever looking fragile.

Made of high quality cotton and fully lined, it is inspired by a retro style that once graced the Australian outback. The best aspect of the design is that it lands somewhere between casual and dressed, making it easy to wear in the afternoon and into the early evening with the right top.

For something more pragmatic and a little less elegant, the Russel Wrap Dress retains the charm of the outback but with a cut that gives it a casual, classic look. The eyelets along with the bow in the back are important to keep the entire look from becoming too schoolmarmish.

Too add more snap for urban outings, Shabby Apple selected a comfortable stretch taffeta blend and pulled together a graphically bold ensemble with hints of the sixties. The same holds true for the Sydney or Bust Dress, a refreshingly vintage dress that will take someone from spring into summer. The flared trumpet skirt is especially striking for the times.


Along with these dresses that are Southern California sharp as much as they are Aussie inspired, Shabby Apple also added a few tops that can easily be worn with a skirt or as something to dress down the entire look with something rugged.

The denim shirt is meant to lend even more casual charm with sleeves that roll up effortlessly to the elbow. There is also room to leave a couple of front buttons unsnapped, allowing the shirt to to be tied up in the front.

Aside from the denim, Shabby Apple suggests a henley-style shirt with scoop neck. It also features darling buttons down three-quarters of the front and camp-style pockets. It can be worn tucked like a shirt or out and cinched at the waist like a tunic.

A couple more graphs about Shabby Apple.

The Shabby Apple story has been told here a few times before. But what I haven't mentioned is its three pillars of design — that everything is vintage inspired, workplace empowered, and socially conscious. And that's pretty cool.

Shabby Apple picked these three pillars because its founder believed that the fashion industry seems to have forgotten that fashion can make women look both beautiful and powerful. They ought to know. The company is more than 90 percent woman owned and only partners with organizations that are willing to give women micro loans around the world and safe working environments.

 The Aussie Afternoon Collection Runs 7.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

This classic collection came together while adhering to the belief that dresses need to stand on their own without any assistance from cardigans or slips. There is some truth to that if you want to keep the look simple, straightforward and powerful. Less is often more in warmer climates.

You can find the complete Aussie Afternoon Outback at Shabby Apple direct. Materials and prices vary, with this collection being among the most modestly priced. The collection ranges from $48 tops to $82 dresses.

Meg Myers Sings In Shadows No More

While there are plenty of pop idols that try to act bad and get attention, Meg Myers dispels the need for antics by writing provocative and gloomy tracks that get under the skin. The emotion-laden tracks get your attention with rattling rockers and then quickly descend into the after effects of life.

There is no question that Make A Shadow is a five-song set that represents her mastery of the craft and the diversity of her range. The result is an alternative pop sound that easily snuggles up against the darkly tinged undercurrent of indie rock influences.

Make A Shadow reinforces the rawness of Meg Myers. 

Make A Shadow kicks off with the direct and seductive single Desire. After a series of passionate and even-paced pleadings, Desires drifts into some atmospheric tenderness before guitars change the tempo and bring the track to a fitting climax.

The guitar solo makes the song memorable, even if the genius is the songwriting. While any other singer could have made the song crash, Myers manages to make it intimate and meaningful. It's especially fitting how she lays out what she wants before asking "how do you want me," over and over and with insistence.



The guitar wrap up on Desire also becomes the perfect introduction for her briskly paced Go. It opens with a few plucky guitar notes before moving through an opening verse and coastal punk-inspired lyrics. There is significantly more attitude in Go than in the opener.

The contrast between the two tracks make a case for dark pop in that it tends to avoid exploitative themes and centers on empowerment. In one song, Myers is willing to share all of herself. In another, she is ready to build a wall or cut out all together.

The title track, Make A Shadow, doesn't pull punches either. The track is thunderous in its brighter pop chorus and restrained in its darker indie verse. In creating this sort of arrangement, it lands right where she wants to take it — playing from the shadow as opposed to the bright glare of a spotlight.

Even so, it seems unlikely Myers will remain in the shadows for long. Heart Heart Head carries some unnerving emotion as she sets the song up for three-quarters of it before wailing away in its climax. She screams hard enough to purposely crack her voice. And yet, somehow it works.

There is no doubt her fans will love it, even if I was more impressed by the bookend at the bottom. The Morning After is a compelling confessional, with acoustics making the song impossibly memorable. Nobody has made a better denotation song this year.

As much as I like her Los Angeles-based rocker roots, the fragility of The Morning After feels like seeing Myers for the first time. For a minute, the cityscape she now calls home felt farther away than where she was born and raised in Tennessee. She isn't so raw around the edges anymore. And the rawness that is left has been kept on intentionally.

Make A Shadow By Meg Myers Blinks 8.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

If you appreciate strong singer-songwriters who evoke the spirit of femme fatales, then Meg Myers is well worth a listen. Even better, she is only getting started. Her first album, Daughter In The Choir, caught me unaware when I first heard it but her new material proves her potential.

You can find Make A Shadow [Explicit] by Meg Myers on Amazon or you can download the EP from iTunes. Mostly, Myers has been playing residency shows in and around Los Angeles. I expect that to change soon. Look for an upcoming tour listing on Facebook.

Pebble Aims To Skip Ahead In Time

The developers of Pebble know it and so do you. Its days could be numbered unless its innovative timeline is continuously cut in half, ahead of rumors that every tech brand on the planet will be developing a smart phone connected watch or some other sort of wearable technology.

So far Pebble is trying to do just that, unveiling a next generation watch that attracted some attention at CES earlier this year. The difference? The new Pebble is Pebble Steel, which is a highly fashionable next generation approach to wearable technology. And there are certainly some tradeoffs with the design.

The most obvious transitions and transformations are surprising. Just like the name implies, the new design is made of stainless steel. It comes with the latest round of Corning Gorilla Glass. Its buttons are also made of tactile metal. And it now comes with a 5 ATM water resistance rating, which water tested to 165 feet (showering and shallow water swimming, if you want to risk it).

Pebble Steel keeps ahead of innovation at a price. 

That price is $100 more than the original Pebble watch, which is especially tricky because the biggest improvements are more fashionable than functional. In fact, there are already a growing number of apps that can be switched on and off the watch.

The downside is that they are the same number of apps as the original (eight) and some of the fitness apps have had a harder time sticking with the transition. The again, that might make some sense — the style isn't very indicative of a sports watch even if some of the hardware makes it more rugged. Even better, the ruggedness takes up less space.

The new body is smaller and the software has been improved. Original Pebble owners will be happy to discover they haven't been left out. The new firmware update works with the original watch too.

There is some improvement to the display, but not much was needed. Pebble calls its LED an e-paper display, which doesn't have the clarity of e-ink technology but beats out typical LED devices. For Pebble Steel, the display improvement is mostly tied to the new tricolor LED.

Why everybody liked the original Pebble design from day one. 

Pebble was a breakthrough in that it used Bluetooth technology to provide some hands-free smart phone functions like checking notifications, volume control, and an interface with select apps like fitness programs and location information. That was the idea — extending smart phone functions.

There was plenty to like about it too. Like the new stainless steel models, it also has a 5 ATM water resistance, some optical hard coating for display protection, and an efficient charging expectation to last 5-7 days between changes.

People who bought Pebble weren't the only ones excited. Developers were too. They still are. Along with the introduction of the Pebble Steel, Pebble has promised to launch its own app store with hundreds of apps designed to work with iOS and Android.

It's a smart move, especially because Pebble seems to have taken a page out of the Apple playbook. The only thing capable of holding off hardware innovations other than hardware innovations, is creating a functionality gap by owning more apps. In other words, even if someone launched a smart phone today, it would take considerable effort to match the might of pre-existing Pebble apps.

Most of the apps are free, even if the new centralized app store reminds me of the early developer days on Apple. Designers jump in with some crazy ideas and novelties and it's up to you to find the real gems. With the new store, all the apps can be found in one place (which beats surfing the net).

Pebble Steel Ticks Up Another Notch At 6.8 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

Pebble Steel, much like Pebble, is most suited to people who want to play with the latest twist in technology. There isn't any question that this little crowdsourced concept remains the leader in what will one day be a crowded market. The only real downside to owning one now is that innovation will demand a new product every six months to a year.

You can purchase Pebble Steel direct or you can look for any number of original model deals on Amazon. For comparison purposes, you can always check out the Samsung Galaxy smart watch, which has left someone people wondering if it was a solution placeholder. Pebble Steel, by the way, is only being sold in small batches.

Pontiak Sheds Some More Innocence

After their first year off from producing an album, the Carney brothers are looking to ease back into the music with an 11-track set of heavy Southern-laced rock, with just enough squall and sludge to keep things interesting. As an album, Innocence is anything but innocent as the trio tears down neo psych-rock in great big thunderous slabs.

The title track tells much of the story, twisting along with tightly written commands of wandering the streets wasted. It churns along like a slogging head-spin, capturing the mood of having drunk too much. They do it effortlessly without wasting a single chord.

Innocence slugs along with monsters and psychedelic imaginations.

Perhaps the best thing about the album is how it balances up a back and forth between big frenzied guitar tantrums and those mellower, more relaxed moments that stretch out longer than the time stamp suggests. Tracks like Lack Lustre Rush will take some people back with big arrangements and understated, inviting vocals while Ghosts will convince the greatest skeptics with an arrhythmic guitar and beautifully played bass line.

There isn't any question that Van (guitar-vocals), Jennings (bass), and Lain (drums) have a great time in the studio. One even gets the impression that the three of them just stand around and until one of them breaks the silence to ask what does anybody want to play next.

Before you know it, somebody settles into something like It's The Greatest because it feels like a break after all of the aggression and tension released with Ghosts. Or maybe it just feels like the right progression, much like anybody might decide with a bunch of friends on a Friday.

No, there is no certainty if it happens that way at all. It just sounds like it. And for the most part, it works. Even if Noble Heads, for all its melody, doesn't do much to move the mood forward and Wildfires packs an unexpectedly relaxed brother track that hints of indie pop (but cast in their familiar heaviness).


Surrounded by Diamonds attempts to rouse the stoner-fuzz back into wakefulness but doesn't necessarily have the energy to succeed. It comes close with the wail of a guitar but Van pulls the punch of vocals, leaving you a little lost before Being Of The Rarest regains some traction.

That leaves the Shining, which is a dizzy, head-spinning gem and probably the most unrated track on the album. Darkness Is Coming presents itself as the closest thing to a ballad these brothers have got (and that ain't saying much). And the album wraps up with some badly need fury and flurry in We've Got It Wrong.

It's in listening to that last song where much of Innocence makes sense. Or maybe, more exactly, that knowing this music is made by three brothers who grew up on a farm in Virginia makes sense. It's clear that even when their music doesn't challenge your senses, it's still a joy to listen to because they have this unyielding connection to each other that comes across so well in their music.

This is the real deal in that they don't need computers to lay down great studio tracks. It's not the only DIY portion of their production. They design their own artwork. They film their own videos. They make their own documentaries.

Innocence By Pontiak Skids Along At 6.1 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale.

All in all, its organic approach from start to finish makes for some magnificent noise, even if the brothers seem too comfortable in their collusion to make great music. In short, the album isn't their best even if it has some of their best tracks. But it isn't really bad either, making it your call to cherry pick three or chill to the whole thing.

You can find Innocence by Pontiak on Amazon. You can also find the album at Barnes & Noble or download it from iTunes. For tour information, check them out on Facebook.

Stay In Newport Like A Surfing Local

Newport Beach has plenty going for it as one of several dozen beachside communities up and down the California coastline. Anybody who loves art, water, sand, and waves will have a blast here.

When you live in Los Angeles, there are two ways locals stay and play. Sometimes they splurge for a weekend on some of the most exclusive hotels in the world. Other times they make a play for location — about one block from the boardwalk and the sand.

Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel is small done right.

The staff of the Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel knows they can't win on luxurious, but they can compete by being laid back. They look after the little things instead — friendly breakfasts served every morning and cookies made fresh in the afternoon.

They work even harder at it too, ever since service turned their 2-1/2 star hotel into the top rated on places like TripAdvisor. It's kind of a quirky cool anomaly given that it is in the company of four- and five-star hotels. The primary difference is consistency. They know who they are.

They want to make people feel at home so they add some high touch highlights that you would never expect from a small three-story hotel like a turndown service with complimentary chocolates. They have beach towels and boogie boards for their guests. They have 300 DVD titles that they share for free.

They have free onsite parking or will give you a pass to park at the lot across the street (plan on that). They even have a coin-operated guest laundry but are willing to give you the detergent free. And if that doesn't make you feel a little bit old school, then maybe all the art by John Severson will.

If you don't know who John Severson is, then you don't surf. The short story is that he is the founder of SURFER Magazine and Surfing Hall of Fame surf culture artist. He has done it all. Movies, posters, prints, paintings, and shirts. The hotel was smart enough to get their hands on a few choice pieces.

In more ways than one, it's a match made in heaven. The vibe is meant to feel like a modernized throwback without ever being overdone. And if anybody knows how to make that happen, it would be the Pratt family. They've owned the place for 50 years. Some of the nautical decor even tells some of the story, with additions to the collection made here and there over the years.

The location will lock in many guests the first time. 

Naturally the best amenity, alongside friendly service, is location. More than anything else, it is being one of the few nearby beach hotels in Newport. Almost all the restaurants are within an easy walk.

With the exception of nearby Balboa Island, the beach is what makes Newport tick. Everything else you want to see sprung out around it, like the Lido Theatre that originally opened in 1938.

It was such a close-knit community even then that the first movie ever played there was Jezebel with Bette Davis. As the story goes, she told the owner he better open with one of her films. She lived too close for him to refuse.

Another must see with deep historical roots is the Orange County Museum of Art. Like the hotel, it's on the small side. Some people see everything inside of about an hour. It took me considerably longer because I enjoyed taking in the history of it. It opened in 1962 and quickly caught national attention for the caliber of work on display.

Do keep in mind that the Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel is near the Newport Pier and not the busy Balboa Pier or Balboa Fun Zone. They are still pretty close as part of the Balboa Peninsula.

Bay Shore Peninsula Hotel Hangs 7.2 On The Liquid Hip Richter Scale. 

All in all, the rooms are small but comfortable. If you really feel the need for more room, ask about one of their suites. The hotel is literally one block from the harbor side and one block from the beach.

Of course, if you are looking for more Newport options, start by comparing specials against top travel deals at Expedia.com. It frequently runs specials on West Coast locations, including Newport Beach. The area has always been one of my favorite destinations and one of several reasons I moved here so long ago.