The Cool List

Papadoble – Montpellier

Mark — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:06:14 +0000

Papadoble, the office! Yes, this unassuming place was my evening watering spot so much that I referred to it as “The office”. You’d walk right by if you hadn’t been warned how good it is. But don’t skip it, don’t pass it up, and please don’t forget to try when you visit the cozy town of Montpellier, in the South of France. Owners Julien Escot and Julien Lopez have created one of the finest mixologist bars in France. They are also very gracious host, making my stay in Montpellier a memorable one. Papadoble has even garnering an award, for the best cocktail in France, displayed proudly on the walls. This bar is underground, no really, I mean underground as in a old bunker or cave, complete with curved ceilings. The Icons of John Hemingway “Papa” himself adorn the place. In Cuba, Hemingway nic-named his favorite double Daqari the “Papa Doble”. Personally, my favorite drink or drinks rather were the La Louisianne (Their own take on a Sazerac) and the Cucumber (A citrus blend with fresh Cucumber and Pisco). Both fantastic drinks as are the selection of tapas. Julien always had the freshest ingredients and bottles and they took this serious. As serious as a master sushi chef takes his craft. It was as much a pleasure to watch your drink being handcrafted and measured as it was to taste it. PAPADOBLE Located at: 6 Rue du Petit Scel, 34000 Montpellier (In the heart of the city center) www.papadoble.fr 04 67 55 66 66

Levi’s Commuter Jeans

Mark — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:50:53 +0000

The Levi’s® brand is proud to introduce Commuter by Levi’s® – clothing designed and optimized specifically for the needs of the urban commuter cyclist. Arriving in select Levi’s® Stores this week, the 511™ and Trucker Commuter products integrate an array of features that address cyclists performance, convenience, safety, mobility and protection needs while maintaining the durability and classic styling that people expect from the Levi’s® brand. The launch of these products builds upon the Levi’s® brand’s commitment to innovation while tying back to the new global ‘Go Forth’ campaign which is a rally cry to create positive change in the world. Erik Joule, senior vice president of Levi’s® Men’s Merchandising & Design says, “This product was born from innovation, classic American style and a personal passion for cycling – it’s about designing product for people who ride bikes, by people who ride bikes. We knew that our jeans were already being worn by urban cyclists across the country, including our own designers. We listened to what they wanted and created a product with performance traits for biking that also functions as daily street wear.”

Built around the 511™ Skinny Jean, the Levi’s® brand’s most popular skinny fit for men, the 511™ Commuter features fabric and construction upgrades that increase mobility and durability, while protecting cyclists from the potential hazards of their daily commute. The 511™ Commuter comes in two styles – a full length and cropped version – and both denim and non-denim fabrics. The series also includes a Commuter version of the classic Levi’s® Trucker Jacket, an iconic work wear style that was first introduced in 1962 and has now been updated for the modern worker who demands performance and style on and off the road.

All Commuter by Levi’s® products blend form and function by utilizing the most cutting-edge performance apparel technologies. The Levi’s® brand partnered with Swiss-based Schoeller Technologies AG to be the first to introduce NanoSphere® treatment into denim fabrication. NanoSphere® technology makes denim fabric water resistant, dirt repellant and more durable.

The Levi’s® brand also consulted with technology-expert Clariant, a global supplier of specialty effects for textile, in order to implement the invisible but powerful technology that makes Commuter by Levi’s® clothing so unique. All Commuter products feature Sanitized™ hygiene function, which provides protection against odors for long-lasting freshness and comfort, and 3M Scotchlite™ which subtly integrates 300,000 candle watt reflectivity into key areas of the garments. In addition to these performance technologies, the Levi’s® brand also leveraged its own insights and superior construction techniques to make their new cycling products more commuter-friendly. Both the Commuter by Levi’s® Trucker Jacket and the 511™ Commuter Skinny feature just the right amount of stretch to increase mobility while maintaining their signature fit. The 511™ Commuter Skinny also features a raised back yolk that minimizes lower back gap, a reinforced crotch gusset that protects against ripping in this high stress area, double back layer pockets, a U-lock storage system and fabric reinforcements throughout. The Trucker has extra utility pockets and modifications to the sleeves, cuffs and tail that enable more comfortable movement while cycling.

“As an avid cyclist myself, I am confident this line has all of the key cycling-specific performance features cyclists value, but haven’t been able to find in other lifestyle clothing options,” added Joule. Commuter by Levi’s® clothing can be found at select independent bike shops in major metro cities as well as select Levi’s® Stores and at www.levi.com beginning this July. The line will also be available in select Urban Outfitters beginning in August. The 511™ Commuter Skinny and 511™ Commuter Cropped Skinny retail for $78 and the Commuter Trucker Jacket retails for $128.

To coincide with the introduction of the new Commuter by Levi’s® collection, the Levi’s® brand is partnering with Urban Outfitters to launch the “Get in the Saddle” bike shop tour. The bike
shop will go to where cyclists are and create temporary resource centers around the country complete with a bicycle tuning center, a custom commuter tailoring shop and a bicycle photo-booth. The tour kicks off in early August in New York City and ends in Portland in late September with stops in major cities along the way.

Commuter by Levi’s® 511™ Skinny product features:

Utility waist band – specially designed for u-lock storage- Higher back rise – providing additional coverage when riding -

NanoSphere® Technology – applied to make fabric water resistant, dirt repellant and durable

3M Reflectivity – 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Tape on interior cuff offers high level of visibility

Sanitized® built-in hygiene function – for long-lasting protection against odors

Reinforced Fabric – in crotch, back pockets and belt loop for durability

Performance Stretch Fabric – more stretchable for added mobility and comfort Commuter by Levi’s® Trucker Jacket product features:

NanoSphere® Technology – water resistant, dirt repellant, durable and protective

3M Reflectivity – 3M Scotchlite™ Reflective Tape integrated on waistband adjusters and concealed for off the bike utility

Sanitized® built-in hygiene function – for long-lasting protection against odors

iPod front pocket – for modern convenience

Slight Drop tail – provides additional coverage

Touring Pockets – easy to reach rear storage with low-profile pockets

Accordion Sleeves – additional fabric that expands when in the riding stance for increased mobility

Angled front pockets – for easy access in all modes

Elongated cuffs – covers partial hand when riding

ABOUT THE LEVI’S® BRAND The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world – capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. This range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, visit www.levi.com.

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Jenis Splendid Ice Creams

Mark — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:14:11 +0000

The name couldn’t say it more, what a delicious ice cream. Jenis splendid ice cream, made from Snowville’s grass fed cows milk and creams. Hand made American Ice cream bliss. Using ingredients hand picked from all around the globe. Look for it, search it out, or quite frankly demand it. This, my fav! JENIS SPLENDID ICE CREAMS

Good Time from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Vimeo.

Just to name a few.

sOccketball

Mark — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:26:30 +0000

A novel concept. Play all day, get free light from the stored energy. If I had the means, I’d buy a million and send them to the impoverished nations of the world. Nice!

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5gqoYkL8To&feature=player_embedded#at=80

Roots/Varvatos – Nuff Said!

Mark — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:11:15 +0000

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9yC50d4s7A&feature=pyv

B-Spot by Michael Symon

Mark — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 01:52:50 +0000

Every once in a while I fall into a rut. A pattern, a habit. Some I regret, others I don’t. Lately it seems my weekly habit has been going to the B-Spot for a burger. I almost instinctively drive there every Saturday afternoon as if on autopilot. The B-Spot is not your ordinary burger joint. The meat itself is sourced from the 90 year old New York butcher, Pat LaFreida. The burgers are not the biggest slab you’ve ever seen however its the combination of toppings, cheeses, mushrooms, egg, bacon, bologna, sauerkraut, corned beef, the list goes on and on, that make an impression. If burgers aren’t your thing, the B-Spot has great bratwurst, fried bologna sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, salads, and shakes. The french fries are cooked with fresh rosemary and the Onion rings are addictive with thick beer batter.

Michael Symon, known for winning the Iron Chef owns the place and his touches are everywhere. Homemade ketchup, pickled everything to top and a great beer list. If you find yourself in Cleveland Ohio, yearning for a great meal hit the spot. The B-Spot. B-SPOT Located at: 28699 Chagrin Boulevard Woodmere, OH 44122 (216) 292-5567

MERRELL – Wilderness & Wilderness Canyon Boots

Mark — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:54:55 +0000

Merrell, the Italian boot-maker has been a consistent player in the hardcore/heavy-duty mountaineering niche. Their classic Wilderness boot is still a staple and has been for decades. Merrell, always the innovator has updated it’s classic Wilderness boot with three new color combinations as well as a more urban friendly Wilderness Canyon boot. Available now at MERRELL

MERRELL WILDERNESS BOOTS – $300.00

MERRELL WILDERNESS CANYON BOOT – $200.00

INOVATIV – Carts for the Entertainment Industry

Mark — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:11:25 +0000

If you’ve ever been to a film set or photo shoot you are sure to see equipment and gear carts all over the place. No crew member, technician or artisan wants to be caught off guard without that one thing that might be called for at a moments notice. Forget about running back and forth to your truck for it. You need a strong, heavy duty cart that can withstand the elements, hold all your gear and last, job to job, no matter where that may be. You also want that cart to be able to break down and pack up as small as possible. There are many such carts on the market, some look great some look like rubbermaid carts on steroids. The following carts from INOVATIV would look at home on any motion picture studio or runway photo shoot, as well as out on location. I love the attention to detail that INOVATIV have done, creating a lust worthy design with trick parts, hooks, mounts, trays, drawers and almost any accessories you will need, they even offer a suspension system for carting your gear over un-even terrain. INOVATIV

THE SCOUT

THE ALPHA

PACKED FOR TRAVEL

ALPHA’S SUSPENSION WHEELS

Makerbot Thing-o-matic

Mark — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:43:14 +0000

This is cool! The device is called the MAKERBOT THING-O-MATIC. At first, I thought this was some “prototype-never to be built” tool, but I was wrong and thankfully. Have you ever thought of something or drawn something, an idea, a personal prototype and the idea ends there quite simply because of one thing: “How would you ever make it?” Well, the MAKERBOT THING-O-MATIC is the total solution for ideas, concepts, artist, designers, inventors and random big thinkers and small time tinkerers. This is your own personal 3-D printer. The MAKERBOT THING-O-MATIC is an ABS Plastic CNC prototype maker that takes your design from a 3d drawing, or scanned 3D image and makes an ABS plastic version or copy of it for you to have and to hold. You can then further reach your design goal, having passed that first major hurdle of the prototype. Priced at $1300.00 US., I think is a reasonable price to pay for endless creativity. They even have a “Cupcake” model that you build yourself for $700.00 US. I urge you to go the the link, and check out their website, there are too many things to say about this cool device. MAKERBOT

SCRIBBLY

Mark — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:53:32 +0000

Got to love the simplicity of this iPad stylus. Reminds me of Arts and Crafts as a kid.

CLICK THE SCRIBBLY BUTTON.

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The Scribbly Marker Pen iPad Stylus from Scribbly Stylus on Vimeo.

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