My newest lust. The Ducati Multistrada1200S is the newest phenomena from Italy. “Multistrada” meaning “Many Roads” is exactly what this hi-tech transformer of a superbike is made for. The Multistrada can, at the push of a button literally, transform the power, suspension, ABS, traction control gizmo’s to any road and load. ENDURO, URBAN, TOURING, SPORT-The power band varies from 100hp up to 150hp based on your need. Special bespoke Pirelli tires are made just to handle the variety of conditions you might find yourself in. There are two versions of the Multistrada, the 1200 and the 1200 S both available in regular or Touring configurations. The “S” version is characterised by the ABS and DES by Öhlins systems, the ‘S’ version Sport edition is enhanced by weight-saving carbon fiber components including front air-intakes cam belt covers, rear hugger and lateral air extractors that accentuate both its performance and sport style. The 1200 version is includes DTC and R-b-W as standard equipment and optional ABS, use state-of the-art technology, performance and design to deliver a stunning and accessible motorcycle. The Touring version is characterised by the ABS and DES by Öhlins systems, the ‘S’ version Touring edition focuses on comfort and cargo for long distance travel with handy heated grips, 57 litres of stylish side luggage and a center stand for practicality. The Multistrada 1200 has been subjected to the most intensive development program ever. Ducati developed revolutionary new features for the 4-bikes-in-1 concept and took aim at industry benchmarks to create a model that would go the distance. A focus on top – quality materials, engineering precision and build quality has resulted in an owner-friendly 15,000 miles (24,000km) between major services, double that of the previous Testastretta Evoluzione engine. The incredible new bike ushers in a new era of service, reducing cost of scheduled maintenance while retaining the exhilarating performance you expect from a Ducati. And when the sheer pleasure of riding makes you forget all the rest, an indicator on the dashboard will remind you when it needs servicing.
I’VE GOT TO HAVE ONE NOW, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! Soon, soon. Available now from DUCATI
Just got a pair of these strange looking running shoes from Vibram, the Italian shoe sole maker. They are called the FIVEFINGERS. I’ll let you know in a little bit after my run, but for now I’ll tell you they are really comfortable just wearing them around the house. They claim to be the closest things to barefoot running that you can wear. They come in various colors combos for both men and women and support different activities. You definitely have to follow the directions to get your toes in first before the heel, I crunched my toes and started cramping up the first time I donned a pair. They claim to restore balance and control, strengthening your feet and correcting a natural posture. We’ll see. VIBRAM
All I can say is “Wow”. After seeing the live performance of this ultimate one man show, (actually he was joined by classical guitarist Romero Lubambo) I was speechless. If not for the sheer technicality of the concert, live at the Walt Disney Concert Hall/LA Phil, in Los Angeles, but for the ultimate musical performance itself. Pat is an under-spoken, mad scientist of a musician. Playing with all ten fingers his precision and chords make my hands hurt just watching him play. When I first heard of this Orchestrion project I had no idea what to expect nor whether it would hold for a complete album. The Orchestrion is a player piano on Transformer/Hulk level steroids. A wall of percussion’s and drums, odd looking glass tubes, xylophones, pianos, guitars, heck, everything you could ever imagine and then some all being controlled some live or triggered by Pat during the show. Little LED lights flashed with each triggered movement giving the stage a robotic sparkling effect. At the center of it all was Pat, guitar in hand moving around like a chef in a huge kitchen tending to this, stirring that, chopping this and flipping that. He even bowed to his massive Orchestrion after each performance. If you ever get the chance to see this live, don’t walk, RUN to it. It is a performance to remember for a lifetime, no matter what kind of music you like. Personally I am a straight up Jazz fan but at times the music defied explanation or category. I would say he is a classical Jazz artist is as close as I can describe him b,ut classical in the way of a Beethoven or Mozart. He is a genius and treasure to the musical world. The Orchestrion album itself is available everywhere but to see it live is something behold. I can’t wait for it on DVD. PAT METHENY
Last summer I did a popular post on the hip swim trunks from Sundek. They were as you’d expect very hard to find and if you did find a pair they were in limited color combinations. Now the swimwear maker is making them to your exact color specs. Using their customizer you can choose style and color options to your hearts delight. SUNDEK
These are both pretty cool public dancing videos, both in London by the way. Not to suggest that the Brits aren’t funky because they can be. One features a swarm of women doing Beyonce’s Single ladies to Classical Music and the other is in a Train Station, as almost a history of modern pop dance moves.
Now that I have de-compressed from my stint in Nashville, I have been reflecting on some of the very cool and cold, but mainly cool times I have had in Nashville. Nashville was a town I went to with no pre-existing expectations, no personal references as what I might expect. No, I went with a blank slate of a mind and left myself open to check out that town for all it’s good and bad I might happen to experience. The reality was it was almost 90% good. I know that’s saying a lot, but it was a pretty neat town. I never found myself for want while I was there. Coming from Los Angeles, and working in many towns across the United States as well as more in the South, I had an inkling as to some of the vibe, yet in Nashville I was always a bit blown away. The food was as you’d expect, great, fattening Southern goodness. However that’s wasn’t all I found. I found more wine bars than I do in my own neighborhood in the South Bay. I even found a Mexican Gourmet Popsicle shop in Nashville, say that ten times. (Las Paletas, 2907 12th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37204-2545 (615) 386-2101.
One place that I definitely want to mention if you ever get the chance is a spot that was right down the street from my condo rental. I passed it at least a dozen times, wondering what was in the vintage service station’s facade. It was called Imogene and Willie’s. One day I ventured in and wow, what a concept. Stepping inside was like visiting the Willie Wonka of vintage clothing. There were heavy duty sewing machines buzzing away, a rather huge Labrador lounging on a well worn leather sofa. Peppered all around the shop were the coolest collection of jeans, hats, leather goods and shoes both new and old I had ever seen. All of the “Old” were completely rew0rked, re-soled, yet still maintained their vintage patina that only years of love and abuse could dish out. These were no posers, these were artisans who were well versed in the techniques of denim and leather craftsmanship. I eyed a pair of vintage work boots which I now covet, the salesman told me about the boots, which I had never seen anywhere else. He also told me that the older they get, the better. Even if the soles wear down to a bare minimum the factory will replace and refurbish the boots. That made the $500 plus dollar price tag a little more palatable. But that’s not all they do at Imogene and Willie’s. It’s a cool concept shop that you instantly feel at home in. They even have a happy hour during warmer months. I put it at the top of the list of places you must stop in while in Nashville. IMOGENE & WILLIE, 2601 12th avenue south
Nashville, Tn 37204
615-292-5005
11 – 7 monday – friday
11 – 6 saturday
As for Nashville, there will be more to come on the Cool-list I assure you.
Not since the late 80′s did I favor these cool canvas utility boots from France called Palladiums. They were only available from one shop in Los Angeles, “The American Rag Cie”, on La Brea which at the time was a very eclectic shop carrying imports and odd vintage wear that was hard to find and always commented on. It was one of my favorite places to pick up that one item that would make my old wardrobe look new again, be it shoes, a blazer or some cool denim jeans. Palladium, was founded in 1920, to make tires for the fledgling aviation industry. The tires were made with layers of Canvas bands underneath vulcanized rubber. This process that Palladium created was so advanced soon the majority of Europe’s aircraft were using Palladium tires.
After World War II, with aircraft manufacturing screeching to a halt, the demand for tires decreased dramatically. Palladium decided to open a plant in Pont De Cheruy, France, to start producing footwear that was as hard wearing as their tires. In 1947 the legendary Pampa boot was born, and the functionality, comfort and durability were so outstanding that the French Foreign Legion adopted it for their use. The Foreign Legion put the boot to the test in the harsh desert conditions of North Africa, and throughout the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains.
The are still available today as I have recently found and will soon be back on my list of most comfortable, no nonsense boots. Stylish and utility as well as classic. Palladium boots are available for both Men, Women and Children and come a variety of colors. Classic, classic, classic cool. PALLADIUM BOOTS
No photo’s please. This uber-cool bar is a seating space only, non-smoking bar, where the drinks are served by talented mix-ologist who are thoroughly versed and educated in the hi-art of libation preparation. I strongly recommend for you and your adult friends to go to this fantastic bar and enjoy. You will be greeted, seated and pleased. THE PATTERSON HOUSE 1711 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203 615-636-7724 Sun-Tues 5P to 3A
