Whatever you think of the MacBook Air, you have to admit that producing one from a manila envelope was and is undeniably cool - trouble is, there’s not much reason to do so these days. Enter the Timbuk2 Steve Sleeve: Made from recycled PET (old plastic bottles!) on the outside with a biodegradable liner, this bag is definitely green. It’s sized to fit the Air snugly, so most notebooks won’t fit. Something like an Eee from Asus might, though - let us know if you’ve tried it.

If I had a MacBook Air to carry around, I’d carry it in this.

Filed under: Gadget Protection, Gadgets | Technology, Other — Max @ 7:59 am

I like backpacks, but I usually travel light. I had been using a bulky North Face number (the Recon), which was a great bag despite it’s habit of getting snagged on things, until I saw this minimalist bag from Built NY. Fashioned from neoprene, it’s nicely cushioned and stretches to accomodate more stuff. While a lone laptop fits in it quite snugly, the fabric will stretch to accomodate a large pile of stuff if you want - and it’ll shrink back down afterwards. There’s actually two main compartments: a top-loading slot for laptops and books, and a side loading slot for the accessories; the two are separated keep things organized but otherwise the same size. There’s also a little pocket in the left strap for phones, keys, etc. I’ve got one, and I love it - the thing is comfortable as hell, and it gets great reactions - mostly people ask if it’s body armor! If that’s the look you’re going for, you can flip it around to the front and people will stare. Actually, the last time I did that someone told me I looked like Jack Bauer.

The Built Laptop Bag runs about $80 from their website, but Amazon is selling them for $60 right now. Be aware that they are not adjustable, and thus there exists a large version for the titans among us. Color options are black, olive, and a wood-grain type pattern in black and grey. Go grab one before Amazon bumps up the price!

Filed under: Other — Max @ 2:36 pm

Since I learned about the Pacific Trash Vortex I’ve drastically cut down on my bottled water consumption. Instead, I treated myself to this handsome metal bottle from Sigg that nestles into a stainless steel cup, and I’ve really been loving it. It’s oval shaped, so it’s a bit more pocket-friendly than a conventional bottle, and the black powder-coating is actually matte, which makes it look pretty badass. The cup and strap are totally removable, leaving you with a plain old Sigg Oval Bottle if you prefer that. Mostly I use the bottle alone, but I’ve been using the cup at home a lot. I keep getting asked if it’s a flask, actually - and it could be, because Sigg lines their bottles with a special coating to make sure that nothing from the metal gets into your beverage. (Acidic beverages, like lemon juice, will slowly dissolve metal) Sigg bottles are safe to transport anything people can drink, and are BPA free. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the bottle, and it’s 20 oz (0.6 L) capacity is a good compromise between portability and capacity. The $30 price struck me as high until I held the thing - the quality is top-notch, and chances are you’ll never need another water bottle. Which means less crap in our oceans, and I think we can all agree that’s a good thing.

Filed under: Other — Max @ 3:14 pm

I don’t know where to start.

How do you even write about a game like Grand Theft Auto IV? It’s great, for sure, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s tough to tell if someone will enjoy the game short of asking if they enjoyed any of the Grand Theft Auto III’s or another sandbox game - the open-ness, the sheer amount of choice is crippling. There’s a story here, but you don’t have to listen to it if you don’t want to. The driving aspect of the game is great, but you could avoid it and still have plenty to do. Combat is finally good, with a new cover system that allows for spectacular, movie-style gunplay. The hilarious radio DJ’s playing excellent music are still here; new are movies and the internet. In short, it’s the GTA you remember, but bigger and better.

Continue reading GTA IV: Worth Checking Out Whether You Like It Or Not

Filed under: Other, Video Games — Max @ 8:20 pm

The Japanese have us beat in a lot of places and the convenience store is one area where the gap is considerable. Journey into your typical American store of convenience and you’ll find that, often, the most convenient choice is leaving. I have never been to Japan, but I’m told that things are much nicer. Now, us Americans have something close in Famima!! (The exclamation points are not mine). Famima!!’s store front boasts “Super Convenience” and does not disappoint upon entry. It’s really nothing revolutionary but it’s just a nicer way to shop for prepared foods, sundry items or stationery. I would love to have one of these within walking distance of work because the prices and selection make it perfect for a lunchtime constitutional. I picked up the salmon roll sushi and a box of Pocky for $7.27. Not bad for something I stumbled upon. There are 11 locations, all of them in the Los Angeles area. Check it out; if you, like me, have an affinity for things Japanese, you should enjoy it.

Filed under: Other — Roy @ 10:22 pm

Things have been tumultuous in Kenya recently. I’m glad to read this lighter story amid all the other issues going on there. And this story has to do with Honorary Beer.

Back in 2004, East African Breweries Limited introduced Senator Keg beer in honor of Sen. Barack Obama’s election to the U.S. Congress. It also appears that those who drink the brew call it the “Obama.”

So, when is this going to be offered in the US?

Link: BBC Story
Picture Source: BBC

Filed under: Other — Pilar @ 10:07 pm

I’ve got a thing for wood, and I’ve got a big thing for cars. Combine the two, and you have one of my favorite car makers, Morgan. For those of you that don’t know, Morgan is a British car manufacturer that still makes their chassis out of wood. I visited the LA Pen Show this past weekend with the rest of the Velvetron crew, and imagine my surprise when I saw a man who makes pens out of discarded wood from the Morgan factory! That right pens, and not just pens, pen accessories and usb drives.

Continue reading Zooming up your margins, it’s the Morgan Pen!

Filed under: Art | Design, Cars | Transportation, Other — Santi @ 9:38 pm

I love Los Angeles. For me, its being able to try and experience new things and a different walks of life wherever you go. While I hate how much that sounds like a cheap travel brochure, I fully believe it. For example, last week, I had no idea that there was a community of people with a deep passion for writing implements and their history. I also had no idea that their 20th annual meeting would be right in my backyard, at the Manhattan Beach Marriott.

Continue reading 20th Annual Los Angeles International Pen Show

Filed under: Other — Roy @ 12:38 pm

I just finished a good book (actually, an audiobook): Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. It tells one version of the story of the 1996 Everest Disaster, which marked an especially deadly season for the mountain. Krakauer was there, on Everest on assignment for Outside Magazine when an ill-timed storm wrought havok on many of the climbers attempting to ascend that day in May.

I thought the book was fascinating, weaving together bits of Everest history from over the 70 years humans have insisted on climbing the mountain. The most interesting parts were actually the few passages when Krakauer tried to explain the allure of mountaineering, the need to reach the peak. I can’t say I understand, but it was engrossing nonetheless. It made me want to summit Everest - and wonder why anyone would want to.

Filed under: Other — Max @ 10:08 pm

Sorry if this is a bit off topic folks, but I felt the need to pay my respects.

Sheldon has been a tremendous asset to the bicycle community. His website has taught me much of what I know about bikes. Having my own obsession with old (particularly french) bicycles, his website provided me with a wealth of information that was not available anywhere else. And his humorous writing style made it all easy to digest. Apparently, there were a lot of fans of Sheldon’s site.

When embarking on crazy ideas on how to modify bicycle drivetrains or find replacement parts for my french bike, i would email him, and he always responded with great advice.

The world will miss him dearly.

Rest In Peace Sheldon. Hope they gave you a bicycle to tinker with wherever you may be.

[links Make Blog, Harris Cyclery]

Filed under: Other — Santi @ 10:45 am