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Stuff you need to achieve world domination, my padawan
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Involver by DJ Sasha
Smart Funny Useful
Updated Apr 16, 2008
Involver by DJ Sasha absolutely rocks. It is one continuous mix broken up into very danceable, very compelling tracks that are both musically interesting and really make your body feel like moving. The first track, grandnational, is totally amazing- slow, pulsing and building. It is a bit dark at times but ultimately hopeful, I think. The remix of Spooky's "Belong" is phenomenal- totally speaks to me and has been a touchstone for me since I first heard it. Amazing rhythyms, orchestral-like arrangements and movements w/in the piece, and ethereal and uplifting vocals that hover on the edge of being understood. Brilliant- without doubt, Belong is one of my all-time fav tracks.
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High Country Kombucha mushroom team
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Updated Apr 4, 2008
1st to recommend
2 people recommended this item
I know, I know, team made by fermenting mushrooms sounds gnarly but it is actually super-tasty and is apparently super-healthy for you too. Known as a "probiotic" food, Kombucha is made out of black tea, a bit of sugar, and a yeast/fungi combo (not a mushroom actually) that all gets mixed together and ferments, taking out most of the caffeine and sugar leaving a naturally fizzing tangy/sweet and slightly vinegary drink. Again, I know, does not sound awesome but I have to say I really love the stuff and like High Country kombucha the best.
Maybe it is an acquired taste but I really look forward to swilling some of this at the end of the day. Does not pack the wallop that vodka does, but is a lot better for me. Plus it gives me a lot of energy and my body now seems to really crave it (in a healthy way, not a compulsive or addicitive way).
Try it and see. Just forget it was made by rotting fungi or maybe remind yourself that wine is made in a not too dissimilar way. Def try the goji berry flavor. Sweet berry taste plus lots of anti-oxidants
Maybe it is an acquired taste but I really look forward to swilling some of this at the end of the day. Does not pack the wallop that vodka does, but is a lot better for me. Plus it gives me a lot of energy and my body now seems to really crave it (in a healthy way, not a compulsive or addicitive way).
Try it and see. Just forget it was made by rotting fungi or maybe remind yourself that wine is made in a not too dissimilar way. Def try the goji berry flavor. Sweet berry taste plus lots of anti-oxidants
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Grenade Cufflink by Robin Rotenier
Smart Funny (1) Useful
Updated Feb 1, 2008
I totally dig my new grenade cufflinks by Robin Rotentier. They even have a little pin on them that hangs loose. Totally awesome when either feeling explosive like a lovebomb ;-)
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You Bar - Fresh, Handmade Nutrition Bars - Build-A-Bar
Smart (1) Funny Useful
Updated Jan 18, 2008
How totally cool is this? YouBar lets you build you own energy/health bar. I live off of LaraBars and as much as I like them, I am even more psyched to roll my own YouBar. I am using a cashew butter base w/cinnamon, cocoa, dates, and walnuts (and some extra protein) in my YouBars. And some molasses (not necessarily the most healthy ingredient but damned tasty).
YouBar is the wave the future in personal nutrition. They need to expand on the number of ingredients you can add, like flax seed or straight-up omega 3 supplements
YouBar is the wave the future in personal nutrition. They need to expand on the number of ingredients you can add, like flax seed or straight-up omega 3 supplements
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Faber Castell brush tip artist pitt pens
Smart Funny Useful
Updated Jan 7, 2008
These faber castell brush tip pens are awesome. They write really smoothly, come in cool colors, and the brush tip allows you to play w/the stroke thickness. I use these pens as my primary work pens, as well as pens I use to doodle w/at home, especially w/my kids. I think some people are surprised when they see business documents signed in a variable width lime green ink but they should get over thinking all signature pages need to look boring.
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Shure - SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones
Smart (1) Funny Useful (1)
Updated Dec 14, 2007
I am a huge music fan and love to listen to great music on great headphones while I am out on my mountain bike or at work. Recently, I lost an old pair of headphones and treated myself to a pair of Shure 310's which are kind of pricey (~$250) but sound AWESOME!. The shure 310's have these really comfy sound-isolating foam earpieces that do a great job of blocking out external sounds and make the shures fit a bit better (the 310's are large as ear bud style headphones go so the extra foam helps them stay in your ear better which reduces ear fatigue and keeps them from bouncing out as you are walking or riding.)
From what I gather, the shure 410's sound even better than the 310's but the 310's were good enough since I am mostly going to use them while riding so it is not a silent environment around me. They sound fantastic when playing pounding electronica, spacey ambient, and even the huge ranges you encounter when listening to classical.
From what I gather, the shure 410's sound even better than the 310's but the 310's were good enough since I am mostly going to use them while riding so it is not a silent environment around me. They sound fantastic when playing pounding electronica, spacey ambient, and even the huge ranges you encounter when listening to classical.
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Nordic Naturals Inc. EPA Omega 3 lemon flavor
Smart Funny Useful
Updated Dec 7, 2007
I am super-bullish on the longevity and anti-inflammatory power of omega-3 fish oils. Only bummer about fish oil is that it often tastes terrible and can give you fishy (read nasty) burps. But not Nordic Naturals Pro EPA lemon flavored omega 3 capsules. I don't know how they do it but they taste ok and don't make me think of fish all day long. Plus, Nordic Naturals has a reputation (well-founded, I think) for making a super-high-quality product that is very good about removing all the nasty heavy metals that can be found in fish.
I take a minimum of 3 capsules/day but I know SERIOUS longevity buffs who take a lot more than that on a daily basis. Besides helping you live longer, omega3 is supposedly very good for your skin, eyes, and brain. Also, omega 3 has been shown to be very effective in helping ADD and ADHD types to be able to focus more easily. For those of you who know me, its ADD-mitigation efficacy is explanation enough as to why I take Nordic Naturals ;-)
I take a minimum of 3 capsules/day but I know SERIOUS longevity buffs who take a lot more than that on a daily basis. Besides helping you live longer, omega3 is supposedly very good for your skin, eyes, and brain. Also, omega 3 has been shown to be very effective in helping ADD and ADHD types to be able to focus more easily. For those of you who know me, its ADD-mitigation efficacy is explanation enough as to why I take Nordic Naturals ;-)
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Breitling - Emergency Watch
Smart (2) Funny Useful (1)
Updated Nov 6, 2007
2 people recommended this item
I am sporting my new Breittling Emergency and I totally love it. Granted and fortunately, I generally don't need an emergency distress beacon w/110 radius on a daily basis, it is still a good feeling to know I could let any plane flying overhead know exactly where I am and that I needed help asap. The breitling Emergency is designed to offer downed pilots an additional beacon in case their plane crashes. I am not a pilot but I am a mountain biker, climber, and surfer, sports which often take me to places where there are few other people around. If I ever crash hard on my bike and am off the trail in a heap, stranded climbing, or, as was the case when I surfing in Indonesia, afraid our boat was going to sink after hitting a reef @ night 100 miles off the coast of Sumatra, I would be really glad to have the extra beacon on me.
plus, the Breitling Emergency looks cool (I got it w/an orange face). Stylish enough to wear w/a suit but still sporty. Has an alarm too which is a must-have feature for me.
plus, the Breitling Emergency looks cool (I got it w/an orange face). Stylish enough to wear w/a suit but still sporty. Has an alarm too which is a must-have feature for me.
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Jaguar - XKR Convertible
Smart (4) Funny Useful (1)
Updated May 3, 2008
Update: I got an XKR and it is awesome! Super-fun to drive, like surfing along the road. I even can fit 2 kid car seats in the back seat. My kids dig riding around w/the top down. Very LA!
I never used to be a car guy but living in LA for 4 years has turned me into one. I have been driving a virtuous hybrid for the last 3.5 years and now want a fun car. So I find myself lusting madly after the Jaguar XKR convertible. TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! Sleek, elegant, sexy, fun to drive. Looks a lot like the aston martin db9 (the car I really want but cannot yet afford). I can totally imagine excellent w/e trips up or down the cali coast at high speeds. The XKR is not exactly a practical car for me since I have 2 kids but I feel like I have spent a lot of time being practical in my life & driving and want to have some fun. That, of course, means I definitely want to get the convertible version ;-)
Also, shockingly, the XKR gets about the same fuel efficiency/mpg as my Ford Escape Hybrid. So maybe the XKR is not as unvirtuous as it might first appear.
I never used to be a car guy but living in LA for 4 years has turned me into one. I have been driving a virtuous hybrid for the last 3.5 years and now want a fun car. So I find myself lusting madly after the Jaguar XKR convertible. TOTALLY LOVE IT!!! Sleek, elegant, sexy, fun to drive. Looks a lot like the aston martin db9 (the car I really want but cannot yet afford). I can totally imagine excellent w/e trips up or down the cali coast at high speeds. The XKR is not exactly a practical car for me since I have 2 kids but I feel like I have spent a lot of time being practical in my life & driving and want to have some fun. That, of course, means I definitely want to get the convertible version ;-)
Also, shockingly, the XKR gets about the same fuel efficiency/mpg as my Ford Escape Hybrid. So maybe the XKR is not as unvirtuous as it might first appear.
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The DUX® Bed by Duxiana
Smart Funny Useful (3)
Updated Sep 12, 2007
1st to recommend
3 people recommended this item
The DUX Bed made by Swedish bedmaker extraordinaire, Duxiana, is the Cadillac of beds. I have only slept on one once and it was fantastic- no lumps or ditches, firm where it needs to be, soft where it should be, no bizarrely kinked necks or shoulders in the morning. Ihave friends who have a DUX and they totally swear by it. Though they are expensive ($7K for a bed!), I have come to realize the value of a good night's sleep and think that for the amount of time I spend asleep, investing in a great mattress is a great ROI. If you live an intense lifestyle and need to be well-rested, good sleep is a must.
I hate my current mattress and am thinking about treating myself either to a new car or a DUX Bed for my upcoming birthday. Not sure which way I will go just yet: porsche or a Dux.....
I hate my current mattress and am thinking about treating myself either to a new car or a DUX Bed for my upcoming birthday. Not sure which way I will go just yet: porsche or a Dux.....
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BatPhone
Smart Funny Useful (1)
Updated Aug 28, 2007
The Dark Knight (aka Batman) is one of the most bad-ass superheroes out there. And what better way to get a a hold of Batman (as well as unleash you own inner Dark Knight) than to talk to the world on your very own Batphone.
Every call is, by definition, super-important when talking on the Batphone. Whether it is Commissioner Gordon looking to have Gotham saved (again!) or your spouse telling you to pick up the kids, life takes on a heroic- if campy- feel when chatting on such stylish comm gear.
Now if only we could get a Bat iPhone
Every call is, by definition, super-important when talking on the Batphone. Whether it is Commissioner Gordon looking to have Gotham saved (again!) or your spouse telling you to pick up the kids, life takes on a heroic- if campy- feel when chatting on such stylish comm gear.
Now if only we could get a Bat iPhone
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James Clavell - Tai-Pan: a Novel of Hong Kong (Unabridged)
Smart (1) Funny Useful
Updated Aug 19, 2007
Tai-Pan is an amazing book, I think Clavell's best. Tai Pan takes place at the birth of Hong Kong in the 19th century and focuses on Scotsman Dirk Struan, Tai Pain (supreme boss) of the Noble House (ie the biggest opium/tea trader). The cast of characters is vast and vaired and includes one of my all time favorite characters ever, Mai Mai, the concubine of the Tai Pan. Mai Mai is smart, super-savvy, speaks in a "fantastical good" pidgin English, and is hilarious, hey-yah!.
Tai Pan is the right mix of adventure, history, and fine, insightful writing about the human condition that makes this a must read bordering on fine literature (w/out all the pomp and tedium that often goes along w/that classification).
I have read Tai Pan and am now listening to this audio version. In general, I like audiobooks and the recording of Tai Pain is one of the best I have ever heard. The narrator does an absolutely superb job of capturing the different voices, accents, and personalities of the characters throughout the 25(!) hour recording. I wish I could deliver and read aloud half as well as this guy.
If you run a company, have to evaluate and judge people in high pressure circumstances, and want to see a portrait of how a fictional master entrepreneur conducts himself, do yourself a huge favor and read Tai Pan. I promise you that you will not be bored
Tai Pan is the right mix of adventure, history, and fine, insightful writing about the human condition that makes this a must read bordering on fine literature (w/out all the pomp and tedium that often goes along w/that classification).
I have read Tai Pan and am now listening to this audio version. In general, I like audiobooks and the recording of Tai Pain is one of the best I have ever heard. The narrator does an absolutely superb job of capturing the different voices, accents, and personalities of the characters throughout the 25(!) hour recording. I wish I could deliver and read aloud half as well as this guy.
If you run a company, have to evaluate and judge people in high pressure circumstances, and want to see a portrait of how a fictional master entrepreneur conducts himself, do yourself a huge favor and read Tai Pan. I promise you that you will not be bored
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ALCiS - pain relief cream
Smart (2) Funny Useful (1)
Updated May 9, 2007
1st to recommend
3 people recommended this item
Alcis rocks! I was highly skeptical about the claims made about this stuff when I first heard what tey have had to say. As an avid amateur athlete, I have had my fair share of sports-injuries and have tried myriad unguents, potions, ointments, gels, and mentholated concoctions over the years. So far, I had not found anything that works better than Advil (though arnica is good too) for pain relief.
Then, yesterday, I crash landed on my shoulders while bouldering and totally worked my neck in the process, so much so that I have been walking around w/ice-packs and had a hell of a time sleeping. My friend, Nicole, recommended I try the Alcis and you know what, it really worked. I wish I had remembered to bring some home w/me last night as it would have made sleeping a lot easier w/out a throbbing neck
Then, yesterday, I crash landed on my shoulders while bouldering and totally worked my neck in the process, so much so that I have been walking around w/ice-packs and had a hell of a time sleeping. My friend, Nicole, recommended I try the Alcis and you know what, it really worked. I wish I had remembered to bring some home w/me last night as it would have made sleeping a lot easier w/out a throbbing neck
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The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
Smart (1) Funny Useful
Updated Apr 22, 2007
River of Doubt is a fantastic bit of history and partial biography of Teddy Roosevelt, the US president whom I think I most admire as a man (but not his policies). Roosevelt was a true adventurer, naturalist, and bon vivant who lived an outsized life. River of Doubt tells the story of his trip to the Amazon Basin where he set off to descend the River of Doubt, one of the Amazon's unexplored, nearly thousand mile long tributaries.
River of Doubt is a harrowing tale of adventure, misadventure, leadership, exploration, the ecology of the Amazon, and the politics of that day. It reads like a thriller but also does a good job of putting the story in historical context w/out overloading on the minutae that often overwhelm history books. IOW, it is good popular history, not the footnote-laden slog you might have read in school.
I think that being on the trip would have been one hell of a time, certainly historic, and no doubt very trying- definitely the kind of experience that is character-building!!!!
River of Doubt is a harrowing tale of adventure, misadventure, leadership, exploration, the ecology of the Amazon, and the politics of that day. It reads like a thriller but also does a good job of putting the story in historical context w/out overloading on the minutae that often overwhelm history books. IOW, it is good popular history, not the footnote-laden slog you might have read in school.
I think that being on the trip would have been one hell of a time, certainly historic, and no doubt very trying- definitely the kind of experience that is character-building!!!!
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SleepEase by sprayology
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Updated Apr 10, 2007
I LOVE Sprayology's SleepEase homeopathic sleep aid. I have never been a fan of sleeping pills and think making a pot of chamomille before bed is a hassle. But I totally dig SleepEase.
Made w/valerian and chamomille and other herbal goodness, just spray a couple of bursts under your tongue and you will start to chill out pretty quickly. There is no high w/SleepEase but there is a nice mellow/relaxed feeling that you get from it. And it seems to induce the most awesome, occasionally lucid (ie where you can control the action) dreams in me, which I totally love. So not only can I get a restful night of sleep (I am usually a very light sleeper), I often get the benefit of some pretty wild adventures into the subconscious.
Highly recommended
Made w/valerian and chamomille and other herbal goodness, just spray a couple of bursts under your tongue and you will start to chill out pretty quickly. There is no high w/SleepEase but there is a nice mellow/relaxed feeling that you get from it. And it seems to induce the most awesome, occasionally lucid (ie where you can control the action) dreams in me, which I totally love. So not only can I get a restful night of sleep (I am usually a very light sleeper), I often get the benefit of some pretty wild adventures into the subconscious.
Highly recommended
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stm – backpacks – medium evolution backpack
Smart (1)
Updated Mar 28, 2007
Finally, a laptop bag that does not suck or make me walk around all slump-shouldered. I love my new STM Evolution backpack as it securely holds my 15" macbook, has lots of other slots and pockets, is comfortable, and looks cool. STM really thinks thru their products- the zips are waterproof and there is a built in rainshell (not that I really need that living in LA but I still appreciate their thoroughness in designing the product).
I am never going back to messenger bags. Why did I forsake backpacks for so long- they are the new Net Warrior briefcase.
I am never going back to messenger bags. Why did I forsake backpacks for so long- they are the new Net Warrior briefcase.
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