Sunday, September 25, 2011

Houston Texans Vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers - 10/2/2011 - I Predict the Texans Will Win ! 34 - 24



The Steelers are one of my favorite teams. Mike Tomlin has led them to the Super Bowl 2 times out of the last 3 years. Their pat Pro Bowl receiver Mike Wallace is an amazing display of talent, argualably the fastest sprinter in the NFL.  But the Steelers stand no chance against the Texans next Sunday.

I saw them fail to muster a win against the Saints today. It was a hard lose, filled with angst and urgency, but I saw something new in the Texans.  Matt Schaub and the squad has proven to me that he can perform under pressure and deliver clutch plays a good percentage of the time, offensively and defensively 

The Steelers does have an impressive offense but they seem to make too many mistakes. Mistakes I undoubtedly believe that the Texans will capitilize on, more often than this Colts are creating tonight. Their running game will be pummeled by the Texans' new Wade Phillips 3-4 defense. With DeMeco Ryans causing incomplete passes as soon as receivers touch the ball, Brian Cushing with his one armed body slams and the inevitable pass rush and sacks by Mario Williams, Mendenhall will be getting no where come next Sunday!

He doesn't stop and cut like Arian Foster, he's not a nimble power back like Ben Tate, he just runs forward into the offensive line and get's tackeled for a gain of no yardage. Yeah he may break for random 7 yard gains here and there, but I'm sure our defense will keep him in check.

Now our secondary is still under review, but 2 interceptions against Drew Brees today proves that they're receptive and will take advantage of Roethlisberger's sloppy throws. I've scene some wide gaps in the Steelers secondary tonight so I'm sure Schaub's fundamental approach will consistently score points.

A poor running games creates the air game, can the Texans 3 passes next week?


If the Steelers struggle to compete with the Colts, barely winning in the fourth quarter, without a healthy Peyton Manning, then what makes you think they can contend with Andre Johnson, who has over 2000 yards this season on my Madden 12,  and the rest of our explosive arsenal of obvious play-off protagonist's.

I wish the best for the Steelers, Mike Tomlin is a genius! They may make the highlight reel but will get get 3 tears.  Texans Win, 34 - 24!




Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Justice - Helix - Official Pre Release Snippet - This Is Just A One Minute Sample - Album Coming October 25



There is no bass section of this the song, it's just two guitars playing a riff with 3 sets of micro samples playing in between the riff melody. The drums sound like they've been sampled from a MSTRKRFT's 1000 Cigarettes (feat. Freeway), which is ironic because MSTRKRFT strongly resembled Justice back on '07 and now the tables have turned.

I'm anxious to hear the rest of the song! Hopefully a splash of their aggressive synth and slap bass will add more of their more popular or "previously released" style and tone of music.

I'll obviously be pleased without it, it'll just give me more to learn from. But in their last interview with Art of Noize, posted on this blog, they did mention keeping the violence and aggression.

Justice Interview - Audio Video Disco - Art of Noize



"We wanted the last record to sound like it made for the night, and for the city, and we made the new record thinking about daytime and the country side"

After listening to the last Justice album, The Cross, for the last 4 years and watching it influence other artists' style,  the people should generally agree that it is am album for the night. I first discovered Justice by watching a Michael Jackson/ Justice video of Genesis. They took the video from Thriller and replaced the sound with the audio of Genesis. Genius!

With that in mind, all records released by Justice has portrayed a genuine attraction to aggression. Waters of Nazareth sounds perfect in Grand Theft Auto 4. I beat the game 2 days ago, and I still joy ride when either Sebastian's remix of Testerossa Overdrive or Waters of Nazareth. (I know, I'm late.) I'll get 4 stars and play "catch me if you can" with the cops just cause the song is playing.

It's electro house, It's hard and violent but still fun and full of positive energy!

I'm ridiculously anticipating this new album from Justice! I heard a snippet of Helix and it immediately reminded "Arabest" by Sebastian with the whole computer funk sound. I still haven't moved on to that style of producing.

I'm mainly influenced by the Cross album's hard electro basses, but I've recently noticed Ed Banger releasing electro funk records with short micro vocal samples. This technique can be found on Stress and Genesis, Threnody by Sebastian, and First Love by Uffie and Mr. Oizo. I think the corps will be using it more.

Enjoy!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Define Preppy: Where To Find Custom Varsity Jackets - Ralph Lauren - Rugby - Black Cardigan Vs. VSA Custom Apparel- Vintage Varsity Cardigan Sweater

Trying to look preppy? Go with larger strips, plaids and nice pair of black wayfarers. Avoid stonewashed or faded jeans, go with simple dark denim or tweed to compliment your sweater. Broken in leather boots or driving shoes fit any occasion, especially when you're preppy.




Ralph Lauren's cardigan is quite simple yet achieves the sleek and classic look one would aspire to maintain. I'll take both, in blue and black, with a white 5 one both of them!




This just goes to show that companies know the value of their products, regardless of it popularity. Here you see a comparable piece, around the same price, but with subtle differences that only matter to those who look at the label.  For value, should this be your choice?

Men's Style Tips: How To Wear Jeans With A Suit Jacket - True Religion - Vince Basic Jean vs. Kenneth Cole Reaction - Knit Blazer

Are you trying to figure out how to wear jeans with a suit jacket. It's easy, replace the trousers with dark denim jeans, spray on some night time cologne like Cool Water, and take off the tie or put one on to almost pull off the look.

Know you have to add some jewelry or a hat, that fits within your swag, to finish it off. Just keep in mind the types of occasions you could pull such a casual ensemble as jeans and a blazer. It's a street style more than anything.  




I'm really digging this blazer! It looks comparable to a cardigan but it's obviously a blazer. You could go with a well tailored suit jacket in a basic blue, black or white or show versatility by going with a moto blazer or this knit blazer!   

True Religion



True Religion are clearly pilots in the luxury clothing industry, they're mentioned in rap songs, commercials and movies all the time. It's a prodigious go to brand for fashion does and don'ts todays's evolving trends. They have a wide variety of cuts colors, go with the slim straight scene here.

Men's Style Tips: How To Wear A 2 Piece Suit - Emporio Armani vs Indochino

This noble niche in men's fashion will continue to evolve, but not as fast as woman's fashion.  We like our fashion clean cut and to the point, plaids but no polka dots.

To appear generally calm, vigorous, and sleek all at once is a sought after attribute of the alpha male attitude.  A man's routine doesn't changes much, it compels us to focus on more important things in life. Ingenuity, accomplishments and accolades are just a few of the goals that could be on the top of any man who wears a suit on a regular basis. The elite knows what's up



Most designer men's dress suits are made up of mostly wool. I would stay in the 95-100% because of the consist amount of designers, such as Emporio Armani, using this method. However, you could save your self 2 or 3 hundred dollars by choosing a different mix of fabrics such cachemire and viscose with the wool, to turn around and spend it on matching ties and a pocket square. 






In about 2 or 3 years, I see Indochino in outlet malls and and flea markets. I see them in cool little TV commercials with hard electro and typographic editing. I'm a graphic designer, so I can see the huge "impact" letters stacked on top of each other with flashing in and out, with video similar to the new H&M commercials.



They would need to campaign like Obama, visiting colleges and malls to harvesting friends and influencing people rather than only selling to their audience. Become public figures of philanthropy and cross promotions. I see good things for Indochino.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

How To Add Your Blog To Blog Directories - Here's Your Free List!!

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What to Wear In Las Vegas: How To Wear A Watch With A Dress Shirt - Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph Automatic Steel (5980/1A) vs. Cartier Calibre de Cartier Silver Dial Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch W7100015

You've just been invited to a private car show, and at the last minute, you've got to decide what to wear and where to get it from.  Your trying to find the nearest jeweler, but you've got a headache and there's an awful long line in CVS, with only about 2 hours to make it to the dinner.

10 minutes later, you're sitting in your car, typing on your Tom Tom, trying to find a the nearest Tourneau. A couple rights, a few lefts, in another 22 minutes, you should be there.

While approaching the salesman, you remember that too many options can confuse ones self. So with moderation, you ask him to show you his two favorite watches.  He looks you in the eye and says, "Right this way sir."

He brings you 5 pieces,  but compares the benefits and the purpose each watch serves in a given situation. Sure, you are just telling time, however, some solutions are more appropriate than others(like not robbing banks). After understanding his wisdom, you choose between these 2 time pieces.





 




You chose a watch, slide the card, wave "good buy" and storm off to your room at Bellagio. Before making it back, you scan the internet on your iPhone and pick up random men's fashion and style tips. (you're speeding so your being extra careful when you're looking at the screen.)

- Remember is that your dress shirt should show no more than 1/4 of an inch past your suit jacket. The shirt should barely show past the cuff of your jacket.

- Wear the watch, loose-tight. Not too tight, and not sloppy loose.

- Round tip dress shoes are preferred. Keep it traditional with your tie and pocket square.

- And most importantly, try to get your suits tailored.

After brushing off your shoulders while stepping off the elevator. You've just scene someone that you haven't talked to in 3 years. Now you have to decide whether you're going to the car show or not.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Men's Style Tips: How To Wear A Suit - Dolce & Gabanna vs. J.Crew

These suits are amazing! This iconic look, origination from the 20's, hasn't changed much doing the decades. It's very simple, straight leg dress pants, slim fitted jacket, white dress shirt, and a skinny tie. After choosing a suit, move on to the belt, shoes and of course, the pocket square.

Dolce & Gabbana, among most designers, tailortheir clothing by trimming and measuring on live models. They choose a particular body type and mold their sizing proportionate to the model. It's interesting how tailoring seems so elementary, but the results could yield more than you had hoped for.

In the case of looking smart-casual, you couldn't go wrong with either of this brands. These brands are respected, influential, and innovative (to a degree), I would be humbled sporting these suits!







Thursday, September 15, 2011

What To Wear To A Blink 182 Concert? Abercrombie & Fitch - Slim Straight Jeans vs. Famous Stars & Straps - Remix Mens Denim Pants

9/27/11, stop what your doing and pick up Neighborhoods, the new album from Blink 182. Whenever they're coming to Houston, I'll be sure to make the concert. Because of how well Travis Barker played the drum part to Aliens Exist, he's my favorite drummer! I used to play covers of The Enema Strikes Back when I got home from school, it's probably one of the top 10 best live albums of all times.

Now that I'm "Up All Night", I have a question for you? Which jeans would you wear to the concert when they come to your city?

Ok, so, we have a choice between Abercrombie & Fitch and Famous Stars & Straps. You could't go wrong with either pair of 100% cotton, slim straight jeans, but which pair would you rather rep to an event of this caliber. Yeah, you might sweat a little, but when was the last time you've been to a concert of a band whose been making hits for last two decades?


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

How To Wear A Long Sleeve Plaid Shirts? GANT Rugger - Old Loom Oxford Gingham Shirt vs. Express - Plaid Modern Fit Shirt

About 2 months ago, I was walking by Express in the Galleria, here in Houston, and I heard a Justice remix playing! It Lenny Kravitz - Let Love Rule(Justice Remix).




I stopped, walked into the store and browsed around until the music stopped playing. I wanted to pick up some new jeans, but it was smarter to make my appointment at the Apple store.

Since then, I've been a loyal customer. Any one who's a fan of Justice is a friend of mine! But where is their biker jacket. I went to the Guess store this past weekend and tried on a real sharp looking leather jacket, went back to Express and didn't see one. What's up guys?

What they do have are hi quality plaid shirts. BTW, roll it up, ditch the dress pants and lace up some TOMS.


GANT Rugger have almost hit the century mark, they know a thing or two about trends. This New York based brand has always been a staple in the dress shirt niche of the men's fashion market. Other designers look to them for inspiration to see what works. Does it work for you?


It is just tartan plaid, but you have to wear it right. There is a thin line between looking sharp and dorky, so try to add some modern swag to it by wearing leather bracelets and a pair of wayfarers. But, define your own style, wear what works for you.

Define Preppy: How Look Preppy The Right Way - Benjamin Bixby vs. Vineyard Vines

I wasn't a huge fan of preppy clothes back in high school, I was stuck wearing sports clothes. Loose mesh shorts with random graphic Nike t-shirts, by choice. There is nothing wrong with sports clothing, it's just that a slim fitted appearance would have been better for my size, and probably my grades.

Mark Twain said, "Clothes make the man...". I interpret that parallel to, "you are what you eat.". Clothes wouldn't help you have better grades, but a a well groomed chic would mean you care about yourself and aspire to do great things in life. It's not about what you wear, it's about how you feel, looking your best only means you feel your best.

Knowing anything about good music, you would know about OutKast. A very colorful pair of rappers who have branched out in various media projects to exploit their style. Andre Benjamin, the funky one of the two, started Benjamin Bixby in 2008, and in my opinion, because of it's vintage Americana approach, it could never go out style. If you're trying to look preppy the right way, look like an OutKast.


Vineyard Vines has a very laid back approach to today's preppy look. Soft pastels are the dominant color scheme of this brand, which are perfect almost anytime of the year. For the cooler months of the year, you want to go with darker colors with plaid with tweed and wool. For Spring - Fall, leather boat shoes, pastels and earth tones seem to fit the mood more pertinent.


This is a nice opportunity to put your best foot forward. It's a nice step toward meeting the right people and making the right connections. There is nothing wrong with fitting in, we're sold acceptance everywhere we go. The clothes themselves won't make your grades higher, but feeling confident, and having the right attitude in every situation in life is necessary to gain the most out every situation. Whether it's work or play. Or in mY case, both!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

What To Wear In Italy? A Bathing Ape - Prep Rally Tee vs. IceBerg - Spoopy Print Tee

A week or so has passed and you've meet some knew friends who have invited you to a college birthday party. You've been dressing up a lot in the last week, going to Black and White Balls and such, but for this event, you want to keep it simple.

If your not already, you should be a huge fan of A Bathing Ape (BAPE). They have a wide variety of jackets, knitted sweaters, pants, and their most sought-after product, their graphic tees. They're a less dress, more comfort type of luxury brand.

This shirt reminds me of my high school days. On both sides of the football field, I would always see flag runners sprinting from one side of the field to the other, divulging their school name. Ah, the good ol' days!


I remember Iceberg becoming popular way back when I was in middle school. Since then, they've become more famous than I'd ever expected them to be. Their casual dress clothes are something like a low key Versace, with out all the variegated colors. The aesthetics of their t-shirts are a little polychromatic as well, however, this particular piece is simple.


I'm sure the Snoopy shirt would turn more heads than the BAPE shirt, but the BAPE shirt seems to fit the occasion. Which shirt do you like more? Are these shirts college party appropriate? Don't forget to leave a comment!

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

How To Look Hotter, Younger And Like A Model! - Billionaire Boys Club - Helmet Polo vs. Express - Plaid Slim Fitted Cotton Shirt

It takes confidence. The type of confidence where you could careless what people think of you when you enter a room. It takes attitude. The attitude that allows you to ignore ignorant remarks and praise positive thinking. It takes emotional stability. I apply the 80/20 rule to a number of things in my life; "life is 20% what happens to you and 80% how you react to it.

Above all things, you must first love yourself and be approachable. You need to care about yourself before you can expect someone to care about you. Do you want to take yourself above the status quo? Then stop associating with the unwise. People who aren't going anywhere in life aren't going to take you to where you want to be.

Set yourself apart from the rest by dressing in luxury clothing. You will attract the people who could help you or simply have more common sense. Try this Billionaire Boys Club Helmet Polo. I mean come on, its BBC. Back un 2005, Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes started this brand with Nigo, the founder of A Bathing Ape. He's had a strong influence in music over his career and so has his clothing. Try them out!


Express has awesome plaid dress shirts. They come in 2 colors, Steel and this Berry color below. You could hi-light the color of the shirt by buying a tie with shades of grey and Berry. Nothing to flashy, it'll fight against the patterns of the shirt. Express is one of my most favorite brands, I'd wear just about anything they'd make. A lot of lines having weird clothes, some look amazing, while others are dull or technicolored. You can't go wrong with Express!


You don't need fashion to make you feel good, but dressing your best says a lot about yourself. We're not supposed to judge, but people do. We fight hard to be accepted everyday. We brush our hair, shave, and tuck our shirts in sometimes. So do what you must to look your best. But remember, it's starts from the inside.

What To Wear In Italy? Diesel Black Gold - Toricy Propaganda vs. Burberry - Pique Cotton Sport Polo Shirt

You've just got off the plane and you're smack dab in the middle of one of the most fashionably gifted cities in the world. You're a student, you've been anticipating site seeing but more so about courting someone new.

The weather there stays nice year around. Depending on how fancy the event is, wearing a moto blazers, or a two piece suit wouldn't be bad for an evening date. For a casual daytime lunch, you obviously want to avoid hot clothing.

A graphic tee and jeans would go great with this scenario. You want to get something artistic, something that says something bold yourself. I'm a huge fan of typography and this particular shirt by Diesel Black Gold portrays and an unconventional way of showing it. Buy it slim fitted, wash it in cold water, hand dry it or permanent press it, flip it over inside out and iron it on medium low heat to preserve the life of the shirt.


Never put a pique cotton shirt in the dryer, even if it is white. The heat from the dryer fads the hue of the fabric after three washes. I would suggest taking a trip to the dry cleaners before you ruin your finely knit clothing. This Burberry Polo is quite plain, and this is exactly the image your looking for. Polos with huge logos tacky. Keep it traditional.


I'd probably do Burberry on the first date, and Diesel on the second. But that's up to you to decide.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

What To Wear In Las Vegas?: Calvin Klein - Moto Hybrid Blazer vs. 7 For All Makind - Tailor Notch Blazer

There's nothing wrong with dressing sharp, it's boosts confidence and creates the image you're aiming for. You don't need nice clothes to feel good about yourself, but if you truly love yourself and you've made the right decisions to insure that you enjoy the finer things in life, you should enjoy hi-quality clothing.

I can't get enough of this Calvin Klein blazer. It has more pockets then you need and it's lightweight with a light sheen finish. It's made like a motorcycle jacket with it's faux leather appearance but it's cut like a blazer, with two studded snaps as buttons. This would do nice with a pair of black or white skinny or straight leg jeans with some Pumas.


7 For All Mankind started in the casual fashion capital of the world, Los Angeles California. They began selling womens clothing but after quickly earning acclaim, because of their attention to detail and tailoring, they began selling men's and kids clothes as well. I've always felt that wearing white gives you a more sleek appearance. You just have to stay clean.


I have a tendency of putting the item I like more on top, but in this case, I'd think I'd wear the white, 7FAM blazer more often. They do match my shades quite well. Would one do you prefer?

Saturday, September 3, 2011

What To Where In Las Vegas: Dolce & Gabbana - "Back to Denim" Dark Wash Jeans Vs. Surface To Air - Slim Fit V3 Black On Black Jeans

So your heading down to Vegas for the weekend with some friends and you need to grab a new pair of jeans. You know that over the next year you're going to wear them about 100 times so you want to get a pair of hi-end jeans.

You could start with D&G. They're tapered low to give them more of a regular/slim fit and they use a delave effect to give them more of a worn-down, beat up appearance. You would think you could get away with tearing up your old jeans, but designers such as D&G create them in more artistic proportions.


Surface To Air has definetly built lots of respect over the years. They've worked with Justice in the past on a biker jacket and Kid Cudi is occasionally scene wearing their merch. But you have to crawl before you walk, you have have the right jeans before you get the jacket. Skinny jeans have now become a standard for any medium sized person looking to sport the biker jacket look. But I'll get to the jackets later.


Regardless of your decision, I'm sure you wouldn't mind having both of them.
So the question is, which pair would your wear more often?

Don't forget to share this survey with your friends! Leave your comments below.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Do Not Steal: Audio Video Disco - The New Justice Album! - Coming October 25th


Justice created one of the most influential sounds of the last decade. Most of the music I hear today have recognizable similarities to the distorted sounds of Justice. Mstrkrft, Feadz, Mr. Oizo, Sebastian, myself, and Boyz Noize, just to name and few.

I have been totally reprogramed with their music. Why? Because of the fact that they had confidence and audacity to carry an illuminated cross everywhere they performed after naming their debut album after it. Their first track off of their first album, Genesis, is a funky mixture of distortion and organization. The way the the slap bass accents the movement of their grungy synth bass keeps the beat moving and interesting. Their ablility to filter, side chain, and program samples to come in and fill in gaps seamlessly with mix says a lot about the education and technique behind their form of electro clash.

Their impressive techniques, arrangement style, as choice of distorted synths to create energy, compelled me to start making my own "Christian disco." For most of this year I've been trying to mimic their style and presence to create my interpretation of what I thing electro rock is. I've read that actions like these are ultimate forms of respect. I'm probably their biggest fan!

Their last album was an ensemble of mostly funk rock bass synths, energetic hi hats and drums and soulful strings, but this new album will have a 70's progressive rock sound. Their new song Helix sounds like it would make you want to save the world, while their other song, Civilization sounds they invited Queen into the studio. I have not heard Parade but Prince had a song with the same title. I wonder if it sounds anything like the old one.

Whatever the case may be, I would hope that you buy the album rather then stealing it. It will be available all over the place come October 25th, buy it from iTunes or Amazon or something! Don't be a thief!

Do you agree or disagree? Leave a comment!

Express 1MX Extra Slim Fit Stretch Cotton Shirts Vs. Polo Ralph Lauren Custom Fit Oxford Shirts

Here we have the Express 1MX shirt in "deep Aquarius". It's stretch material is made up of 97% cotton, 3% spandex, giving a tight yet elastic feel to your shirt when you're moving around. The slim fitted shirt is tailored around the waist, chest and shoulders to accentuate those areas for a less sloppy, baggy approach. When it comes to being different, and transcending your past, this dress shirt would turn out to be a wise purchase.


If you're looking for classic, fashion-forward tailoring, Polo Raulph Lauren usually has you covered. Whether you're taking a special girl to a nice dinner and maybe dancing, or going to your second interview to a would be, great job, dressing this dress shirt up or down wouldn't be a mistake in either situation. It's up to your personal style to decide when to roll up your sleeves.


The question is which one would your wear to your next dinner party. Which shirt would you whether wear to a nice lounge, club or casino? Can you even adapt to this style, is it your style? Please leave your thoughts and comments.

Thank you!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

How To Survive the Random 4.1 Earthquakes of Los Angeles

As you may know, a 4.1 earthquake has shocked the surface of Los Angeles. No one has died, but what is sad is that this is just another day in the life for them. Quakes come all the time!

I've got three ideas for you if your trying to survive those moments when your life flashes before your eyes.

1) Move! The city has smog, horrible traffic, and an even more unstable economy. Trying to survive an earthquake should be the last thing on your plate!

2) Get away from all the glass. If by chance a large glass window or a huge light fixture is near you, seek cover! Maybe under a table or a in a closet.

3) Protect your head! We can get you another leg, but brain damage is much worse and harder to repair. So get a pillow or a bat to swing at stuff.




I'm no expert, but running from your problems doesn't really solve them. But in this case, that may be the wisest decision.

By the way, no one died.