You Need: Bamboo Underwear

Designer underwear lines are a dime a dozen, and in the end most of it is nothing but a name on the waistband and some ads in GQ. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m as much a label-whore as the next True Religion jean and Vivienne Westwood pocket handkerchief wearing guy (and underwear is no exception), but I’ll take form and function when I can get them together thank you very much.

C-IN2’s newest line of bamboo infused underwear is stronger, more comfortable, and more eco-friendly than standard cotton. It’s also naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, deodorizing, breathable, and moisture wicking. Are those Emporio Armani boxers you’re wearing anti-bacterial?

Premium underwear makers 2(x)ist also have a bamboo line which they call their Carbon Collection. Both lines can be found at MensUnderwearStore and 10percent.com.

Je Veux – Francis Francis! X1 Trio Espresso Machine

Sure any $1000+ espresso machine will make you a great cup, but how many have the look of a vintage Italian sports car? Not to mention it’s available in four colors.

New Touchscreen Blackberry Thunder to Compete With the iPhone

RIM is set to release it’s first launch into the touchscreen smartphone market with their Blackberry Thunder 9500. The device will be exclusive to Verizon Wireless in the US and to Vodafone in the European market, both carriers apparently with a lifetime agreement. The device is rumored to launch in the 3rd quarter of 2008, undoubtedly to compete with AT&Ts recent release of the 3G version of the iPhone.

RIM has yet to release any official information on the Thunder’s specs or features, however it will more than likely have limited access to GSM signal frequencies, meaning it will work in Europe, but here in the US it will only connect to Verizon’s CDMA network. This makes unlocking the device pointless as it will not have the ability to connect to AT&T or T-Mobile networks in the US.

Development is still in very early stages (the above image is a rendering, not an officially released photo) and even the name is not set in stone. It’s buzz is undeniable, however if it’s OS is able to match the groundbreaking slickness and control of the iPhone remains to be seen.

Read Now: Temeraire

The Temeraire series by English author Naomi Novik is essentially one part fantasy epic and two parts classic historical fiction, making up an alternate history of the Napoleonic Era. Now, if you are half as reluctant as I am about reading a book with a dragon on the cover (or the word ‘dragon’ in the title) than you are quite reluctant indeed, but Novik is excellent at seamlessly fusing the real with the unreal, creating a story which can be enjoyed by fiction and non-fiction fans alike.

Following a British naval officer turned aviator and his Chinese Imperial dragon Temeraire, the story encompasses the enormity and grandeur of the Napoleonic War. The idea of these historical battles being fought as they were and where they were, but with the addition of dragon riding aerial corps is an excellent, and not unoriginal premise. This is not a dragon story with a sword and sorcery setting, but rather one dropped right into real world history.

With the cinimatic possibilities clear, the option rights have been purchased by none other than Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.

” ‘Temeraire’ is a terrific meld of two genres that I particularly love — fantasy and historical epic,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait to see Napoleonic battles fought with a squadron of dragons. That’s what I go to the movies for.”

“As I was reading these books, I could see them coming to life in my mind’s eye,” Jackson said. “These are beautifully written novels, not only fresh, original and fast-paced, but full of wonderful characters with real heart.”

The first book in the series was retitled His Majesty’s Dragon in the States, and is to date followed by three further volumes (Throne of Jade, Black Powder War, and Empire of Ivory) with a fifth Victory of Eagles coming later this year. I recommend making the extra effort to get yourself the UK printings however (as pictured above), as the cover art is much classier and does not look like schlock fantasy fiction as the American printings do. Jackson’s film is not yet in production, and will undoubtedly have to wait until after his two The Hobbit films are complete.

The PX Lounge – Alexandria, VA

The PX is a throwback to a more sophisticated and refined era in American bar culture, the 1920s upscale speakeasy scene. With no phone number and no sign advertising it’s presence, the initial vibe culminates with a locked door and the classic slot for the doorman to check you out before allowing you admittance. When the lounge is open, and not full, those in the know are alerted by the illumination of a soft blue light by the door. Seating capacity is a mere thirty-eight, which allows the atmosphere to be more that of a private cocktail party in a friend’s home.

Ambiance is far from all the PX has to offer. The man behind the shaker is sommelier, chef, and mixologist Todd Thrasher, who has hand crafted not only a fine menu of uniquely and classic cocktails, but many of his own mixers as well. The PX uses Thrasher’s own house made tonic water, an array house made bitters (lemon, peach, mint, cherry, orange, kumquat, and cranberry to name a few), as well as all hand squeezed fruit juices, and this is just scratching the surface.

Specialties of the house include the Sweet Basil, a combination of simple syrup infused with opal basil, Lillet Blanc, a splash of Hendrick’s gin, and house made orange water, topped off with fresh basil. Another favorite is Eamonn’s Cocktail, a complex mixture of yuzu juice, simple syrup, and soy lecithin blended to a foam then added to a shaken blend of Irish whiskey, more yuzu juice, and red lemonade. These as well as the many other unique PX creations stand beside traditional retro cocktail favorites such as Pick Your Onion Gibson, the Bittersweet Gin Fizz, and The Mule to name a few. Dress to impress, don’t even consider ordering a vodka tonic, and LISTEN TO THE ICE™.

The PX
Wed – Sat, 7pm – ?
728 King St. Alexandria, VA
Look for the blue light
reservations taken via clinton@restauranteve.com

Euro 2008: Footie Fashion

Who is the best dressed team in Europe? All kits are not created equal. With Euro 2008 kicking off this week let’s take a look at how the tournament would break down according to fashion. Just like the actual tournament, the top two teams in each group progress to the quarter finals. The group stage ends up as follows…

Portugal essentially walks away with Group A, as does Spain with group D. Group B is by far the weakest group with Poland finishing top with co-host nation Austria just behind. Also in Group B, Germany shows by far the largest gap between football and fashion prowess. Their home kit, a traditional black & white affair with red and yellow accent, is only surpassed in hideousness by their away kit, which with red and black vertical stripes and gold accents is quite possibly the worst shirt in the entire competition.

Group C, the so called “group of death” maintains this nefarious title with the transition into the fashion world. Current World Champions Italy narrowly best the orange of Holland, with the best dressed team not to advance to the next round in France finishing third.

Quarter Final Round

Portugal vs Austria
Poland vs Turkey

Italy vs Sweden
Netherlands vs Spain

The the Quarter Final round winners are Portugal, Turkey, Italy, and Netherlands. Turkey makes it surprisingly far with their clashing yet appealing sky blue & red away kits, while Holland’s interesting collars help them knock out the last Adidas clad team remaining, Spain.

Semi Final Round

Italy vs Netherlands
Portugal vs Turkey

The Semi Finals again see Portugal with an easy go of it, while titans Italy and Netherlands square off. The Dutch run comes to an end as the understated class of the Italian kits marginally top the colorful flair of Holland.

Final

Italy vs Portugal

The final of the tournament could not be a closer contest. Both teams sport a classic all white away kit; Portugal (as seen above on Ronaldo) with a thick deep red v-neck, and Italy with the single best kit of the tournament: a polo type collar with Italian flag detail and gold accents and Puma logos on the shoulders. In the end the final match is so close that it comes down to penalties, or in this case the manager. The fashionable Italian Roberto Donadoni secures the win for Italy.