Morning Roadsters, today is a big day for our Premiership title hopes as we take on Aston Villa. These are beginning to be our main rivals from below, replacing the Scousers and the Spuds.
It wouldn’t upset me too much…. in fact I would love us to win the Premiership and have Villa as the runners up.

I cannot think of anything that has really made me dislike Aston Villa, apart from they are a bit like Chelsea in midland terms were as  they are the glamour club, but unlike Chelsea I think they have earned that title through football history rather than just bought it, so not even that really.
Jealous? Yes a little they have won the European big one.. Good things come to those that wait, but you have to be in it to win it, that is why a top 4 spot in the Premiership is so important to both these clubs.

There is something about Villa’s style of play that we struggle against, which in reality we should be the best ones in the league to handle them, with our fast full backs counter acting there fast wingers and strikers.

But we always fall into the Villa trap.. possession football moving further and further up the pitch leaving acres of space for Villa to run into. Is this our problem or a lack of desire?

Martin O’Neill, he is a Mr Motivator and I have to hand it to managers who can keep motivating player beyond there capabilities, if we could clone a lot of Arsene and that bit of Martin we would have some manager, but I am not in the dressing room so perhaps Arsene does that anyway, in a more mellow sort of way. Mystic Arsene…

So who do we start today, we have to work out who we have left un-injured and that doesn’t leave many options. If Theo doesn’t start that would cheer me up as I can see Arsene can see the same thing us fans can.. I am not entirely happy with Arshavin leading the line, I would rather Eduardo but at the moment beggars can’t be choosers.

All the main players in the Premiership are losing their way but unlike us they have injuries and we have a fully fit squad so we need to take advantage of this.

Man U have no centre halves, the press make me well up more than watching a secret millionaire.. So instead of buying 10 x £30 million pound players, Mr chequebook Fergiescum, you could have bought a 100x £3 million pound players and develop them like we have to and wait,, and er wait..

Chelsea have a batch of players off to the African Nations Cup, so if Man U or Chelsea don’t buy the Arsenal business model will prove to be the winner in this recession ..

My team for today would be different to Mr Wengers OBE’s.. But I expect Arsene to field a conservative line up.

……………..Almunia ..

Sagna… Gallas…. Vermaelen…. Traore..

……….. Song..,,, Denilson….

…………….Fabregas…..

.. ..Nasri…… Arshavin…. Diaby..

I always think we can win at least 6-0 just like I did when we used to walk up the steps to get to the terraces, with my bag of chips, wishful thinking, but that’s what brings us back every week the unknown, but I am going for a 2-1 today..

That would bring a smile to our faces and be the best present Santa never brought us..

Just a quickie, see you in the comments..

Woke up early to the sound of wind chimes going crazy and my cell phone ringing off the hook. The word was out that the wind was blowing 30 and the swell was still well over head making it a promising day for a good long downwinder kiteboarding down the coast. I got a quick work out in, finished a couple errands and then met a friend to drop a car off in San Clemente and then continued up to Laguna beach, where we started our 10 mile downwinder.

“There’s nothing better then living in a place where you can do it all; it’s no Hawaii, but for my lifestyle, it’s perfect”. “Every sport helps me train for the other”..

We worked our way down the coast, hitting waves all the way to the Dana Point harbor and then again just before the San Clemente pier. We only get a weeks worth of cranking clearing winds with good surf, so you have to take advantage of it when it’s on. we finished the run with an hour of riding pounding shore break before our hands went numb. Ha ha

We hustled and got a quick bite to eat and made plans to hit up Trestles for an afternoon kite sesh, after a little work. We rallied kind of late as the wind was already starting to die down.

should I stay or should i go????

What do you do; rig a bigger kite, decide to call it because the morning session was all time, or just waist time talking about it on the beach as the wind gets even lighter??? I fall victim to the peanut gallery in the parking lot and rig up my bigger kite, with short lines and work my way up wind to Trestles. Sure enough most of the kiters are on there way in, but at this point, I’m wet and just powered enough to get a couple waves. I get a couple good long set waves through the inside where the wind shadow starts and quickly kick out before getting too underpowered. The wind keeps getting lighter, but I’m greedy; just one more wave, that’ all I want. Sure enough, my greed gets the best of me as I ride my last wave through the inside and on my last turn, my kite drops out of the sky right into the shore break. What an idiot… I can’t remember the last time I did that.

GoPro (POV) kite boarding

I quickly swim in and run down the beach and grab my kite and board before I risk trashing my kite. “I knew I should have just went with my gut feeling and called it a day when the wind started dropping off, but Nooo, I had to have the double session and get one more wave”…… too funny…

looking on the bright side, I got off easy... ha ha..

The best thing about the day was watching the sunset on the way back to the truck.  ”my lesson for the day; listen to your gut feeling and be thankful for what you already have because greed only gets you into trouble”……

Martin O'Neill (© AFP 2009)

Birmingham: Di musim lalu, Aston Villa digadang-gadang bakal menjelma menjadi salah satu tim yang mampu mendobrak dominasi the big four. Sayangnya, di paruh kedua musim, penampilan Stiliyan Petrov dkk memburuk. Alhasil, Villa hanya menduduki peringkat enam besar, terpaut 10 angka dari Arsenal yang menempati zona Liga Champions.

Di musim ini, bersama-sama Manchester City dan Tottenham Hotspur, anak-anak asuhan Martin O’Neill pun tetap dipandang sebagai kandidat kuat untuk mengganggu hegemoni empat tim elite. Prakiraan yang setidaknya menemukan kebenaran. Sampai pekan ke-18, Villa mampu bertengger di peringkat empat besar dengan jumlah poin yang sama seperti yang dimiliki The Gunners yang baru menyelesaikan 17 laga.

Meski demikian, O’Neill mewanti-wanti Petrov dkk untuk tidak bersikap jemawa dan terlena. O’Neill menunjuk kegagalan musim lalu meskipun Villa sempat unggul lima angka dari Arsenal. “Kami tampil perkasa sampai Februari. Namun, kami begitu mudah tersungkur di beberapa pertandingan berikutnya. Kami kalah di kandang Chelsea, bermain imbang dengan Stoke City dan takluk di tangan Manchester City. Kami pun terpukul dan hilang kepercayaan diri,” terang O’Neill seperti yang dikutip Daily Mirror.

“Situasi seperti itu dapat saja kembali terjadi. Performa kami sedang membaik. Tapi, jangan lupa, tidak ada kata ampun dalam kompetisi Liga Premier. Bisa saja setelah berhasil meraih kemenangan di sejumlah partai, kami ditimpa musibah cederanya sejumlah pemain, yang ujungnya kami pun menelan kekalahan,” tandas O’Neill yang akan membawa anak-anak asuhannya akan melakoni partai big-match, menantang Arsenal di Emirates Stadium, Minggu, 27 Desember.(MEG)

Jim O’Neill
China will be Americas largest trading partner, China’s consumption increase will lead to China becoming a huge importer of American goods
Whenever Burlington Northern starts turning a profit

With “El Nino Winter” in full effect, we have had a great run of solid swell over the past 2 months and it keeps on coming. Not even back a week from chasing XXL swell in Hawaii and I’m off again for a quick 1 day road trip up the coast with friends. When dealing with chasing swells, your always making plans last minute making it super exciting because it’s always a gamble and you never know what your going to get.

We made the call last night at around 10:30 pm and were on the road 2 hours later with 2 skis, SUP boards, tow boards and paddle boards. We arrive at the harbor just before light; it’s 4o degrees out with a 20 mph smoking offshore wind and a building West swell. We suit up and do a quick 30 minute jet ski ride up the coast to a fun slab of a wave that breaks over a shallow swiss cheese reef shelf.

Early morning buzz, gearing up for an epic day with all the toys.

Early morning gold....

Your chariot awaits.....

As the sun pops over the mountain range, the first sign of the swell pulses a couple gaping A-frame tubes over the shelf that spit like a fire breathing dragon. “It’s on”, with a quick scramble to tie off all the extra boards to an anchor, we race to the outside to pick off a couple sets. “This is what it’s all about; I feel like a kid at Christmas time”…….

Gliding in to set up for the pit. "what a rush".....

This is what it's all about and well worth the stress and last minute circus getting there.

it’s like a studio out here, with a couple photographers shooting off the ski and another swimming in the pit; it doesn’t get any better…. We all trade wave after wave, sometimes getting our clocks cleaned and sometimes getting shot out of the tube like a cannon. “It’s the best way to train because we all push each other to go deeper and in doing so, sometimes you cash in the fun tickets for a quick ride down the elevator shaft to the basement of the kelp forest”…. After a solid beating like that, you really feel alive and that is all part of the rush that keeps you going back for more….

Do you feel it???

40 spitting hallways and a dozen punishing car wrecks and I take a break and swim in the pit to shoot a couple water shots of the boys doing their thing. “It’s the best seat in the house”..It’s such a cool feeling to watch your friends charging and driving in the tube right next to you..

Another freight train......

Pato, gliding into a bender..

A good hour of swimming in the pit, fired me up to sling into a couple more bombs as the tide slowly dropped out. 4 skis in the water with no shortage of waves, kept the moral peaking all day. By mid afternoon, the low tide created huge staircases to launch off in the tube, making for some unbelievable entertaining rodeo rides. With 8 hours of fun under the sun; hunger and exhaustion set in and we called it a day.

The Saemen brothers, home bound..

The day ended with a huge feast at a local pub as we all reflected on the days treasure, exchanging stories of wipe outs and stand out tube rides. It’s amazing what punishment you can put your body through and still have a smile on your face. Another great successful stealth mission in the books and a big thanks to my friends who shared this epic day and to photographers Fred Pompermyer and Mike Jones

The crew, (from L-R) Bella, Pato, Mike Jones, Bryce Saemen, Eric Akiskalian, TJ Saemen, Ed Guzman and yours truly, Chuck P

- extensive selection of New Zealand surf labels.

The best place to stop by in Matakana to shop before you hit the fantastic local beaches.

Brands available include: Billabong , Quicksilver,  Rip Curl, Rusty, O’Neill, Sanuk, Element, Sector 9, Hectic, Sea Folly, Von Zipper, Electric, Dragon, Huffer, Havaianas, Moneyshot.

The bach surf shop is situated in the heart of Matakana Village- occupying what was once the old Post Office building, which served the community from October 1958 to August 1988.

Daniel and Julie Baturic purchased the property in July 2006 and transformed what was then the Matakana Backpackers into the first local surf shop. It is open seven days a week, so come on in and check it out!

I have learned in the past, when making travel plans; “Mother Nature” always throws me a curve ball. Six weeks ago, My sponsor “Hobie” made arrangements for me to fly to Australia to help promote Hobie SUP boards and race in a series of down wind SUP races with my team mate Byron Kurt. Sure enough 7 days before I was to leave for Australia; a huge storm began to form just off Japan and after further studying the storm track and wave models, it looked to have all the characteristics of a perfect storm producing solid 60′ ft waves and light winds aimed straight for Hawaii. To make matters worse, I was on call to compete in the Jaws Tow surfing championships on Maui which was in the holding period and set to run on the next huge swell, condition permitting.

I had a tough decision to make and the clock was ticking. Either way, my sponsors were behind me; but I was gambling on speculation, so I decided to wait and see how the storm developed day by day. After 4 days of internet surfing; I decided to go with my gut feeling and fly to Maui in hopes of tow surfing, and possibly SUP surfing Peahi, “Jaws”.

I arrived on Maui with Hobie team riders TJ and Bryce Saemen and met up with good friend and photographer Tim Ditty. The Baxter family had a truck waiting at the airport and within 2 hours we were backing the skis in at Kahalui harbor to get a quick tow session in before dark with the new building swell.

After spending so much time in Maui back when I was competing windsurfing and kiteboarding; I was very fortunate to get to know the Baxter family who sponsored me in and took me in as a part of their family. I watched thier kids grow up and excel at every water sport imaginable. I grew very close to their son Connor who I treat like my little brother and help train to become a solid waterman every time I’m in Maui and now I stay with them every chance i get.

The next morning; Connor and I took TJ and Bryce out to Peahi “Jaws” with the skis to get them dialed before the swell was in full effect. We did a bunch of swimming in the pit and practiced pick up drills as well as drive the skis through the rock zones where lost boards can be picked up when the shit hits the fan on the big days..

"Peahi" quiver

Early morning drill

That night we spent several hours getting all the boards ready and skis outfitted for an early morning assault. The word on the street was that this swell was so big that all the harbors were threatened to be closed to any boat traffic, so we made a plan to launch the skis an hour before sunrise to make sure our skis were in the water no matter what. That morning, our plan worked flawlessly and we drove the skis up the coast to Peahi “Jaws”. My adrenaline gets pumping the minute We round the last reef point and you can see the spray from the waves breaking at Jaws a mile a way. It was a bit nerve racking taking TJ and Bryce out for their first time because any mistake gets magnified x 10 and you are being watched by everyone. it was all about patience and baby steps for the Saemen brothers.

almost there..

Peahi, line up

Kemper on the first wave of the day

making the fins work over time.

inside bowl

one of many skis that got totaled on the rocks, Monday...

The morning started out slow because of the inconsistent swell, but by mid day we got into the groove and started getting some good sets and having fun. The swell was out of the West at 20-25′ ft hawaiian (40′-50′ ft faces)with light offshore winds. My boards were weighted pretty heavy which made a huge difference in making the bottom turn with the bumps and the speed to make the west bowl. By the days end, there were 3 to 4 skis and about 15 -20 boards washed up on the rocks.That night we were in bed by 7:30 pm and up at 4 am to do it all over again.

Racing for the West bowl

The 3rd day the swell dropped with sets still hitting 30′ ft faces and I decided to bring my SUP gun to give it a shot. You only live once, right!!!!! It was probably one of my heaviest big wave SUP sessions I have ever attempted because the swell was out of the West and 15 tow teams were still going. My first wave was pretty heavy with the bump and offshore winds holding me at the top and then finally pushing over the edge for the roller coaster ride of my life. I was leaning so hard on my bottom turn to hold an edge and just folded my paddle and exploded in an avalanche getting pulled like a torpedo hoping my leash didn’t break. It’s kind of funny when your getting ragged dolled under water; the more you fight the worse it gets and if you just relax, it seems to make the punishment more enjoyable..I caught one more and called it quits to fight another day with better conditions.

SUP stress session and finally getting the goods....

We towed for another 2 hours, got lunch and then I took Connor out on his newly weighted board until dark. he really excelled and after every wave, he always had the biggest smile on his face. It was really awesome to see so many new young guns charging so hard.

The next morning I SUP surfed with Dave Kalama, Jamie Mitchel, Slater Trout Kai Lenny and friends at Sprecks and finished with a great breakfast talking story; then we packed up the boards, cleaned and packed away the skis and flew on the redeye home.

It's not all fun in the sun, water time while traveling...

I want to thank all my sponsors, friends and family that made this last minute water world trip possible.

Aloha and i hope to see you all in the water soon…………

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games and events in Beijing are still several months away. However, sad and disturbing world headlines concerning China and these Olympic Games are everywhere. Last week the Chinese government reported that air pollution in Beijing reached its highest level on record as a sandstorm from the north shrouded the capital in dust, choking pedestrians, and delaying flights.

In fact, filthy, polluted, air in Beijing has just convinced Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie to pull out of the Beijing Olympic marathon. The world record marathon holder was a favorite for a gold medal this summer and will now focus solely on the 10,000 meter run because of air pollution and his problems with asthma. The truth is that China has not been effective in improving the quality of the air in Beijing. As a result, these 2008 Summer Olympic Games will feature participating athletes wearing charcoal masks with team trainers and doctors close by with ibuprofen and asthma medication. It should now be obvious that to award the Olympic Games to a country with extreme environmental issues like China was not in the best health interest of any of the 10,500 participating world class athletes.

In addition to the problems with air pollution, China has been restricting the free speech of reporters and arresting internal dissidents. Also, world newspaper headlines describe a possible potential boycott of the opening ceremonies of this summer’s games by France and other countries due to the recent Chinese government military crackdown against protestors in Tibet.

It is now apparent that the 2008 Olympic Games have become hostage to China’s sad record on the environment and human rights. All the current controversy is really the result of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote in 2001 which named Beijing as the 2008 host city. In fact, only two rounds of voting were necessary for Beijing to obtain a majority of ballots over four other candidate cities. Beijing received 56 votes in the second round to 22 for Toronto, 18 for Paris, and 9 for Istanbul. Osaka, Japan, was eliminated in the first round.

Of course, China’s dubious record on human rights and the environment was well known in 2001. So, we may ask the question of why China was awarded the honor to host the 2008 Olympic Games? An answer to this somewhat puzzling question was given after the award announcement seven years ago by Francois Carrard, (Executive Director of the I.O.C.) . He said that delegates faced one overriding political issue with regard to Beijing: human rights. ”Some people say, because of serious human rights issues, ‘We close the door and say no’. The other way is to bet on openness. Bet on the fact that in the coming seven years, openness, progress, and development in many areas will be such that the situation will be improved. We are taking the bet that seven years from now we will see many changes.”

Today, seven years later, it has become obvious that the IOC has lost the bet. In the decision to ignore China’s human rights record and bet that improvement would occur through time and the prospect of Olympic sport, the IOC now appears to be complicit with China in the continued compromise of that country’s basic human rights. Now that the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremonies may be subject to a boycott, the IOC’s basic position, (as stated repeatedly by IOC President Jacques Rogge), is that it is a sports organization and unable to pressure China or any other country on political matters.

The fact is that the current government crackdown under the cover of Olympic security has made China’s sad human rights record become even worse. Also, it has become apparent that by voting for China to host these Olympic Games, the IOC chose a venue that is in violation of the spirit of its own Olympic Charter. The Charter states that sport must be “at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.”

In 2001, the award of the summer Olympic Games for Beijing was a bet by the I.O.C. that China would be serious about cleaning up its environment. The award was also a bet on the promise by China to improve its sad human rights record. The reality is that for these 2008 Olympic Games, the dubious worldwide headlines now serve notice that, like all bad bets, the time has come to pay.

James William Smith has worked in Senior management positions for some of the largest Financial Services firms in the United States for the last twenty five years. He has also provided business consulting support for insurance organizations and start up businesses. He has always been interested in writing and listening to different viewpoints on interesting topics. Visit his website at http://www.eworldvu.com

Travel Blog

Motivated by a comment from The Seven Seas of Hudson (aka My Name’s Not Barbara), I decided to post the picture I drew that would be the cover if this book ever actually gets published for real style.

I fake-published it because I’m a big dork and it makes me really happy to see my own writing in print. Plus, my memory is not so good so once every 2 years I can go back and read stuff and not remember a lot of it. AND, this book has a lot of friends mentioned from the 3 high schools I went to (James I. O’Neill High School in Highland Falls, NY; Herschel V. Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia; and Benedictine Military School in Savannah, GA).

The cover is supposed to show how spazzy the main character (me) is – and Veronica (on the cover) is The Seven Seas of Hudson (you’ll have to read to see why – sucker). I should’ve had Jason Mundie do the drawing (who is also in the book).

Copyright 2009 Brad Stanley

]]> http://claireridgway.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/review-the-emperor-jones-by-eugene-oneill/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:24:53 +0000 ClaireRidgway http://claireridgway.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/review-the-emperor-jones-by-eugene-oneill/

The Emperor Jones by Eugene O’Neill

National Theatre, Dir. Thea Sharrock.

Photograph: Tristram Kenton

With a great, golden corrugated disc hanging over the huge expanse of the Olivier stage, the National Theatre’s production of O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones is set to be enormous. With an eerie canopy created by designer Robin Don and a cast of fifty-one, director Thea Sharrock has disregarded her interpretation of intimate claustrophobia as seen at The Gate two years ago. The play follows Jones (Paterson Joseph), a black despot who, having taken on the persona of a powerful white man, is forced to flee to the jungle when his people revolt. Upon his journey, he descends into madness as he is haunted by visions of his black heritage, resulting in the ultimate acceptance of his true identity.

Sharrock’s direction assertively addresses the racial differences highlighted in O’Neill’s text – particularly interesting considering the audience is predominantly white. The cruel power Smithers(John Marquez), a white rogue trader, has over an old black lady (Corinne Skinner Carter) is demonstrated as he towers over her menacingly, just as Jones maintains height and power, both visually and verbally, as he towers over Smithers from his regal platform. Jones’ denial of identity is further confirmed as his self-satisfied Imperialist swagger is offset with undertones of absurdity as he refers to black natives as ‘niggers’ and to Smithers as ‘white man’. Sharrock remains true to O’Neill’s text and does not shy away from the play’s offensive language. As the audience gasps at the exclamations of nigger it is clear that the term is just as taboo as it was when the play was written. Yet, despite the offence it caused, its inclusion is applaudable as it helps to drive home the racial issues O’Neill addresses.

Joseph writhes about the stage, dripping with sweat as Jones plummets deeper into his internal hell. His powerless terror is made all the more intense by Sister Bliss’ driving African beats as he encounters several visions: a man rolling die; slaves whom he joins at work but whose smooth rhythmic actions he cannot replicate; a slave market where he is sold and a slave ship where he joins the chorus of moaning. Jones’ visions are intensified by Sharrock’s haunting chorus ensemble as they lurk and crawl across the stage with ghostly presence – continuously reminding Jones of the black world he belongs to.  The play reaches its climax as a horned witch-doctor bursts from a ball of flames and performs a ritualistic dance. The sound of the relentless beating tom-tom is left resonating throughout the auditorium as Jones is carried off stage, ripped of his clothes and status, tragically having accepted his true identity a little too late. Joseph’s intense physical manipulation of both space and body captures Jones’ mental deterioration in a way that makes him a character to empathise with. His performance of O’Neill’s text and provocative language also raises the themes of race and identity to a new level of understanding, some eighty years since the play was first staged. Although the play’s language may offend, this production must be praised for its brave attempt to present the play in its original form; its themes being frighteningly relevant even today.

Segue adiado o WQS patrocinado pela o neill em Sunset. A Próxima chamada será amanha as 8 da manha horario havaiano e as 16 horas no Brasil.

Fiquei chateado com a eliminação do Marco Polo, pois ele está entre os que se classificam para a elite e agora fica dependendo de resultados dos outros para se classificar

ao vivo no aspworldtour.com

De 24 de novembro a 6 de dezembro rola em Sunset, Hawaii, o O’Neill World Cup 2009, ultima etapa do WQS nesse ano.

Hoje o campeonato não foi para a água por que o mar estava TOO BIG.

A próxima chamada é amanha, 6 feira, as 8 hs da manha no Hawaii, 16 horas no Brasa.

Vamo lá Brazucada, queremos ver vcs no WCT ano que vem.

Boa sorte, galera.

Segue video do teaser oficial do evento.

Para assistir a competição ao vivo, clique no link abaixo:

A LIVE

As a student on the BA (HONS) journalism course at Edinburgh Napier University, we frequently have the opportunity to meet some of the great names in our field.

This month we have had the opportunity to listen and talk to three of the most inspiring men I have ever spoken to.

Firstly there was Brian Taylor, current BBC Scotland political editor, who has had 52 years of journalistic experience. He gave a talk at the university’s Craighouse campus, followed by a Q and A session.

Mr. Taylor began by introducing himself and outlining some of his many achievements. For him, journalism is about “finding things out and telling folk about them” – something he has clearly mastered the skill of. He maintains, “the only thing you need to be a good journalist is rat like cunning.

His talk centred around the current relationship between politics and journalism: how politics is becoming increasingly detached from day-to-day reality, via its subjection to sensationalism. He highlighted the media’s tendency to over-emphasise the smaller issues around politics, which might provide entertainment, but do not really cover the issues at hand. Significantly he noted that in order to affect a change, we must produce a media which does not require instant gratification, but is instead prepared to wait for the real story.

Society’s involvement in politics was also an issue for Taylor. Ministers too often act as scapegoats, he feels, when perhaps if a community could come together, they could help themselves.

Journalists also have a profound influence on politics. The way we report on politicians’ comments impacts upon the comments they make. For example if in one instance a politician is indecisive and is derided for it, the next time they are faced with a decision they may act rashly.

Concluding his talk he mentions that the public now see “politics as a battle between good and evil”. He notes that this perception is the fault of the media and that change is needed in the way we report on the subject. He thinks that “the media should self-regulate” but is aware that “there would still be controversy” – with politics, there always will be.

After the Q and A session, as the lecture theatre emptied, I took a moment to ask why he had got involved with political reporting. He said that he felt it was area which still had “the biggest influence on people’s lives.”  He added, “if it’s done properly.”

Mid-way through the month we travelled as a group to Glasgow, to the Herald and Times Group headquarters. As this is where our tutor Kathleen Morgan used to work as an editor, we were made to feel very much at home. We were shown around the building and introduced to several editors and managers, who were very accommodating and clearly enthusiastic about their workplace.

The main appointment of the day was the “Real Lives” programme that the group have started to encourage prospective journalists into the industry.  The presentation was led by David Pratt, foreign editor of the Sunday Herald.

Mr. Pratt started his career as a freelance photojournalist, after graduating with a degree in fine art from Glasgow’s School of Art. He took a risk and travelled to places like Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Bosnia chasing stories and delivering word-picture packages to British newspapers. After a time, newspapers like the Herald began to commission him to travel and report.

For a spell he worked with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) in Bosnia. There his mission was reinstalling journalism in the third world.

He says that foreign correspondent is really a “kings and commoners profession”. He has met all sorts of people from the insignificant (at the time) to world-leaders and even Osama Bin Laden. “That always gets them,” he jokes.

Although his profession does entail many risks, (Pratt himself has been shot at, taken hostage and tortured), he seems to take these trials in his stride. For a foreign correspondent especially, he believes that “A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world.” This quote, from 20th century novelist John Le Carre, focuses on the fact that real experience can’t be achieved from a seated position.

He had some advice for anyone thinking of moving in to the profession. He says it is important for a foreign correspondent to pin a specific area, writing for a relevant audience who will have a great interest in the subject matter.

Multi-skilling is one thing he finds crucial for someone hoping to occupy the role. He is confident that there is a future in this kind of reporting, in gathering news and making it real, but the right person will be a fully trained journalist with a great variety of abilities. Foreign correspondents will always be needed to provide local insights. “No access, no story” – this is Pratt’s number one rule.

Finally, at the end of the month, our class was fortunate enough to be rescheduled to include a talk with Eamonn O’Neill, an experienced investigative journalist. He now lectures in journalism at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, having spent 20 years in the field.

O’Neill has worked for major papers and broadcasters across the UK, investigating intelligence issues, crime, terrorism and alleged miscarriages of justice.  He believes that investigative journalism should always provoke a reaction.

Much of his talk was consumed highlighting the facts and figures that govern modern news: a decline in newspaper sales and a rise in sensational stories. He comments on how public relations (PR) has changed the face of journalism. Most comically he presents the fact that what he calls Google “News”, in a 2006 survey, was shown to have drafted 14,000 stories from just 24 real news stories.

He also mentions the “Echo-chamber of Journalism” – the concept that newspapers especially, pander to their readers opinions, securing an audience, rather than challenging their views as real news might. “Real journalism is expensive”, he laments.

The three rules of investigative journalism are simple. According to O’Neill the work must firstly be your own, it must be relevant in a real-world sense and it must contain evidence or material that someone wants to keep hidden – it must “monitor the powerful”.  He notes that these three conditions do away with 90 per cent of all modern journalism.

Carl Bernstein’s rule is also of great importance to him: “Investigative journalism is simply the search for the best obtainable version of the truth.” You can only present the information that you have amassed at any one given time, it can be amended as further research is carried out.

Closing his talk, O’Neill highlights the objectives of investigative journalism. The focus is on challenging and improving the unverified nature of most news, utilising new technologies to make this change. The practice recognises that good journalism can change lives. Journalists who specialise in this area must also be prepared to take risks, in the name of providing “voices for the voiceless and scrutinizing the powerful”.

He points out the difficulties in not coming across as obsessive or impassioned and the need for finding proper answers – essential to the profession.  He comments on the requirement of an editor who is “enthusiastic [and] willing to take a chance”.

In the short Q and A session after his talk I took the opportunity to ask why he himself was attracted to investigative journalism. He replied that it was largely the possibility of providing “social justice”, adding “I’m not a great saint.” He feels that “It was almost like it chose me…not like I chose it.”

He concludes that he has always enjoyed “digging things out” and has a “nack for putting together the bigger picture.” He reminds us that investigative journalism is “not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

These three, then, have all contributed towards my growing love of journalism, as I warm to the industry in which my future lies. All three men demonstrated fantastic humour and individuality. Perhaps it was this, coupled with a great wealth of experience in many sectors that made meeting them so worthwhile.  However, the most inspiring thing was that I could see elements of my future self in each one of them.

In the SUP world, the Rainbow sandals Battle Of The Paddle is recognized as the SUP World Championship, where all the top SUP racers in the world come together to battle it out in the most challenging race ever. This years event was a 2 day event held in Dana Point at Doheney state beach where the beach was covered with SUP industry tents, boards and thousands of people waiting to see who would win the world crown.

Full story and photos soon…..

Thousands of people crowded the Dana point shores to see the Battle.

One of the most challenging SUP race starts ever.....

The Hobie Hennesseys US Paddleboard Championships were held in sunny, warm Redondo beach. There was a great crowd of prone paddlers and SUP paddlers which continues to grow like wild fire. This was a tough race to get ready for because I was fighting a pinched nerve in my back from a bad wipeout in Tahiti a couple weeks before. I went to Dr. “G”, Gary Arthur, founder of Health in Balance in Laguna beach, who is a highly respected Chiropractic Kinesiologist that works with several professional athletes in keeping them in peak performance for competition. He helped educate me about my body mechanics and put me through physical therapy and damage control and taught me how to stretch and listen to my body as I train. As an athlete; you are always going hard and sometimes you forget and have to really stop and slow down and listen to your body so you can keep charging at a high level. None the less, I still had a race to do and went for it anyway.

I paddled my Hobie 18′ unlimited race board and a new custom Kialoa race paddle (86″) long. The race started out with the usual rolling start where everybody gets so excited and keeps paddling past the start and then the horn goes and your off. I held the lead for a short while and good old Danny Ching starts grinding next to me and finally passes and I’m playing follow the leader.

After we round the first buoy, my shoulder starts to go numb and shortly after, then my hand. I struggle with getting a good grip on the paddle as i stroke on the Right side, but I am determined to keep going because that is what your stubborn mind tells you to do. I round the 2nd buoy and really start to notice a lack in board speed as Thomas starts to get closer. I give it all I have just to keep my sanity and start to have problems feeling the paddle every time I switch to my right side. I round the 3rd buoy with one more lap to go and I decide to pull out of the race. This was one of my hardest decisions to make, because you know you can do it yet your body is telling you otherwise and you think about your sponsors and fans and even yourself; how you let everyone down and you failed. This was a very humbling decision that I will never forget, but it was the right decision and I learned a lot about myself and what it takes to stay on top of my game plan and keep myself healthy to fight another day.

All of us go through this type of thing in different ways every day and it’s a healthy and exciting learning process that makes life such a great challenge to be the best you can at anything you choose.

Event site, in Redondo beach

My new Rainbow "Race Weed" racing fin.

My mind is always full of butterfly's at race time and all i want to do is get it over with as fast as possible.

questioning my decision as I quit early and paddle in.

I'm super lucky, to have such great support from all my sponsors and friends.

Thomas Shahinian 2nd, Danny Ching 1st and Tom Gallager 3rd; great competition.

Hobie team rider, Byron Kurt 1st place 12'6 stock SUP class.

Tyler, 1st prone paddle finisher, interviewed by Tim Ritter.

always a pleasure to meet the young guns like Slater Trout from Hawaii.

"Dr. G" Gary Arthur; Founder of Health In Balance and one of the best that continues to help me work through my injuries. HIBTherapy.com

Visit SubRepublic and get 5% off all items, Surf, Skate and Snowboard wear before Christmas and after until 31/01/2010

All you need to do is visit www.subrepublic.co.uk and copy the code off the main banner ads, nothing hidden or cryptic then follow the link to the mosther site so to speak, shop, vheckout, enter your code and get free delivery.

New codes coming all the time on the top Surfwear mekes such as Animal, Roxy, Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Oneill, Reef, Oakley, North Face, too name a few with a few other gems in there.

There is also a good range of Snowboard gear also and other techincal kit.

have a great winter by starting here!!

http://www.subrepublic.co.uk

Watermans sunscreen put together a great 6 mile SUP race in Dana Point off Doheney state beach. Conditions were smooth with a slight South swell and Southerly breeze.

I decided to paddle a new 14′ Hobie Carbon race board to see how I would fare against the 18′ unlimited guys. Unfortunately each board class started a 2 minutes apart, but I managed to catch up deep into the middle of the unlimited class before finishing 1st in my 14′ ft division.

The race was well run, with a good crowd and all for a good cause.

Race finish

There was some fun South swell at the finish

No matter how tired I am, I always like to finish strong.

Micky Munoz and Sparky of Rainbow sandals; these gentlemen keep me inspired.

When you don’t get the big waves at home, you have to go find them. Anytime the buoys are showing 15′ ft or bigger with light to offshore winds, I’m out the door on a mission.

my phone is ringing off the hook and I’m glued to my laptop studying weather and wave models on the internet to make sure I know where to go to get the best conditions and the best waves. Sometimes it’s a gamble, but that’s what makes it an adventure.

On this particular swell, we had a ton of wind and rain moving down the coast, but there was a small window showing a break in the weather with promising conditions. My partner in crime, Eric from Towsurfer.com and photographer Fred Pompermyer.

We left at 3 am in poring rain and wind all the way up the coast and about an hour from our final destination the weather broke and everything got super calm. We had our sights on a mini slab that always gets super good with a West swell.

We got to the boat ramp, set up the skis with rescue sleds and packed our tow boards and my SUP surf board and paddle, suited up and off we went. Conditions were so perfect, we couldn’t believe it. We got to the off shore slab wave and I will let the pictures show the rest of the adventure and yes, I took a good couple beatings this day; making it that much better.

Off shore slab doing it's thing.

on the way out to the slab in between storm fronts.

this is what it's all about, Adventure!!

The diamond in the rough; life is good....

The sun even graced us during my SUP session.

Sunset, ending an epic day of surf.

Après quelques sessions d’échauffement du côté de Half Moon Bay, le premier vrai gros swell s’est pointé le week-end dernier. Malgré un vent de nord-ouest léger, Nathan Fletcher (remis de sa fracture du fémur), Ian Walsh, Carlos Burle et tous les locaux se sont mis de gros drops.

Pendant ce temps-là, Nate Yeomans remportait, un peu plus au sud et à l’abri, le WQS 6* prime de Santa Cruz. Et Nat Young empochait le Pro Junior.

Transworld Business is giving us a peek at what’s coming up around the corner for outerwear styles in 2010/11. Check out the shots for a few select pieces with Canadian ties.

Nomis - nomisdesign.com

Left: Men’s Logo Jacket and Men’s Denim Pant
Right: Women’s Asym Jacket and Women’s Denim Pant

O'Neill - oneill.com

Left: Men’s Seb Toots Signature Jacket and Men’s Hammer Pant
Right: Women’s Balloon Jacket and Women’s Envious Pant

Signal - signalsnowboards.com

Men’s Dufficy Pro Jacket and Men’s Radar Pant

Westbeach - westbeach.com

Men’s Ridge Runner Jacket and Men’s Gnarhartt Pant

Westbeach - westbeach.com

Women’s Caprive Jacket and Women’s Rendesvous Pant

Check out Transworld Business for more outerwear from Quiksilver, Burton, Billabong, Special Blend, Technine, Sound, Foursquare and many more.

FIBERTRONIC Co.Ltd.

ibretronic is an innovation company focusing on the development and manufacture of soft electronic component solutions. Using our proprietary technologies for embedding micro-components into flexible substrates, we can create highly functional materials for application in soft or textile products. They have access to the latest developments in the electronic components industry enabling to create innovative and novel systems for a broad range of product applications. Fibretronic has extensive global facilities with design, development and sales functions in Europe and the USA, supported by in-house volume manufacturing in Asia. These resources, together with Fibretronic’s unparalleled expertise in electronic textile systems development means that they have all the capabilities to support your most advanced projects.

Fibretronic is the leading developer and manufacturer of soft electronic component solutions. Their platform technologies, such as textile based switches and keypads, fabric iPod controls, wearable sensor and lighting systems and other soft-format electronics are available for immediate application in a broad range of textile and related products. Fibretronic’s flexible electronic solutions are designed specifically for seamless integration into soft environments such as clothing, upholstery and medical textiles. Also their innovation-led approach means that the product range stays fresh and at the cutting edge. Their aim is to provide designers and developers with the new materials they need to create revolutionary products of the future. Fibretronic’s patented platform technologies offer a wide range of highly functional electronic systems suitable for integration into textile based products both standard systems as well as customized solutions designed to meet specific  requirements. Products can be supplied with fully finished textile detailing such as molding, embossing, printing or other trimming features so that they are ready prepared for easy assembly into the final article. They also supply their systems in modular formats with Velcro, snap or magnetic fastenings to allow for the easy attachment to the finished product. Product range includes:

•Flexible switches and keypads systems

•Textile cable systems for signal or power transport

•Flexible lighting and display components

•Textile based security locks

•Flexible light sensors and temperature sensors

•Flexible pressure and moisture sensors

•Connectivity solutions and electronic accessories

•Wireless interfaces

•Bluetooth audio streaming

The electronic systems can be applied to almost any soft product. This versatility gives designers and developers the scope to create exciting new products with advanced functionality and embedded intelligence. Fibretronic has a unique range of electronic products designed specifically for wearable applications in garments, bags and other clothing accessories. Products include keypads, switches, joystick controllers, lighting systems, signal cables, 2-way radio communication systems and a range of sensor technologies. They can be supplied in a form suitable for permanent integration into the finished clothing item. Alternatively, the company can also supply these products in modular formats to allow for the easy attachment/detachment of the system to the final article. The range of iPod controllers includes keypads, joysticks and self-contained control modules in both wired and wireless formats. Additionally they can also supply Bluetooth audio streaming for wireless headphones. Fibretronic’s range of switches, sensors and lighting systems can be also seamlessly integrated into upholstered surfaces to create advanced interior products with electronic functionality. Sensors incorporated into automotive seating can be used for occupancy detection whilst switches embedded in car door panel upholstery offer new interfacing solutions for the control of interior electronics. 

For domestic or commercial interiors, sensors can be incorporated into furniture, carpets and other soft surfaces to carry out monitoring of interior spaces for occupancy detection, environmental sensing, energy management or security. Switches and keypads incorporated into furniture provide new design formats for the control of interior electronics. Fibretronic has also  a range of technical sensor systems designed for temperature, moisture and pressure detection in soft or wearable environments. They can supply single sensor products customized to individual specifications as well as more complex multi-sensor systems with interfacing hardware and software.  In the healthcare sector, sensors can be incorporated into clothing, bandages, bedding or seating for unobtrusive patient monitoring. In the sportswear market, sensors can be applied to footwear, garments and other soft accessory products to allow the wearer’s activity or performance levels to be monitored. CONNECTED wear™ is a global Plug & Play system of embedded controls for consumer apparel and other wearable products. Keypads and Joysticks are found in a wide range of garments, bags and accessories, they link you easily with  iPods, audio players, mobile phones and other personal electronics.

• Security for  mobile phone, iPod or MP3 player. Keep them hidden away whilst retaining control of them.

• Hands free operation of gloves.

• Easy remote control of simple device functions

• Protection for your devices from rain, snow and cold.

• Control your devices while running or on your bike

• Connect to devices using standard connectors or wireless by Bluetooth.

All apparel, bags, gloves and other types of soft goods fitted with CONNECTEDwear™ Keypads or Joysticks can connect to any of the electronic controllers in the CONNECTEDwear™ range. Many of the world’s leading apparel brands are now integrating CONNECTEDwear™ interfaces in their most advanced products. ( Outerwear Jackets, Casual Jackets, Hoodies & Fleece, Soft Shell Jackets, Suits & Blazers, Trousers & Jeans, Gloves & Accessories, Backpacks & Bags, Electronics armbands and holsters). Fibretronic has launched also a new range of high brightness LED products designed for technical lighting applications in outerwear, bags and other wearable accessories. The lighting range, which Fibretronic is selling under the ‘I-Lume’ brand, includes light emitting buttons which can be sewn or bonded into clothing to add high visibility features. The buttons can be simply pressed to turn the light on/off or to make it flash. They are available in a variety of colors and the button molding can also be customized to a specific logo or design. The “I-Lume” range also includes a high brightness torch module which is designed to be sewn or bonded into jackets, gloves or backpacks to provide a useful light beam function for dark conditions. The torch module includes a light, an on/off switch and textile cable which connects to a small battery controller that can be stowed in a pocket.

Fibretronic’s Wearable Bluetooth Module

The unique BT-MOD product is a self-contained soft module for the handsfree operation of mobile phones and other devices. The Bluetooth enabled module incorporates a speaker, microphone, call answer/hang-up button and speaker volume controls. Also a mini USB port is included for battery charging. The product simply attaches to a garment or bag using Velcro. This allows the wearer to take calls without needing to remove their mobile phone handset from the safety of a pocket. The embedded speaker in the module also allows the user to listen to music stored on their mobile phone if so desired! The module has been designed to be weatherproof for outdoors use in snow, trek or streetwear applications.

For further information, technical specifications or pricing, you can contact Fibertronic in one of this places:

Fibretronic (UK) Limited

North Barn-Broughton Hall Business Park

Skipton-BD23 3AE

United Kingdom

email: info@fibretronic.com

Tel:+44 1756 796555       

 Fibretronic (USA) Limited

3933 South Hill Street

Los Angeles-CA 90037- USA

email: infous@fibretronic.com

Tel: +1 213 749 0510

 Fibretronic (ASIA) Limited

5th Floor, Precious Industrial Centre

18 Cheung Yue Street

Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon-Hong Kong

email: infohk@fibretronic.com

Tel:+852 3758 7000 

 INTELLIGENT TEXTILES

highly interesting company  is ITL (Intelligent Textiles Limited) a UK based research and development company founded in 2002 specialized in the weaving of complex electrical circuits in conductive fabrics. Starting in the traditional application areas of consumer apparel (eg. wearable music player and phone controllers), healthcare (eg. biomonitoring) and flexible heating (eg. heated gloves), the company has recently become a specialist in the defence and first-responder arenas with the development of fabric personal-area-networks that reduce the burden of conventional power cables and data connections in digital soldier systems. ITL has three basic lines of solutions: ‘detect’, a e-textile sensors for input functions like remote controls or keyboards, ‘heat’ to integrate low voltage heating elements into woven fabric and ‘connect’, a damage tolerant, e-textile based connection network between other e-textile components in a wearable electronic system. ITL’s E-Textile components are made by integrating a grid of electrically conductive yarn during the weaving process, allowing a large scale, cost efficient yet highly durable e-textile fabric production. The weaving process offers the high potential of lower production costs leading to a potentially lower component cost for E-Textile systems. E-Textile solutions like ITL is offering make life easier for the professionals and will help to pave the way for more durable solutions to become available for the consumer market. We have to mention that the first guy had the idea to built into a pant a kkeyboard was the dutch student Erik de Nijs ( see article below ).

To find out more just get in touch with ITL :

t.  +44 (0)1784 460 062  www.intelligenttextiles.com

 K-PANTS by Erik De Nijs

Erik De Nijs, Young Genius Designer of the Keyboard Pants, Explains His Nascent Design Philosophy:

My name is Erik De Nijs, I’m 22 years old and I’m a third-year product design student at the HKU in Utrecht Holland. HKU means “Hoge School voor de Kunsten Utrecht,” which means high school for arts Utrecht. I know I should make some kind of internet site so people can contact me if they want something, but I just don’t have so much time for that. I promised to explain my concept of the beauty and the geek jeans, so here it is. I also send some pictures. The jeans were designed for an assignment for school. The teacher’s name is Guido Ooms (www.oooms.nl). He has been a student at the design academy in Eindhoven. The assignment was to take two brands and combine them so that there would be a new product. Important was that there would be some tension between the two brands and that these brands weren’t an obvious combination. The example he gave was the Senseo coffee machine by Philips and Douwe Egberds (Douwe Egberds is a coffee company), only this cooperation between those two brands is too obvious for the assignment. The assignment was called branding. I did the assignment a little bit different. Instead of picking two brands and finding a combination, I was looking for a combination of two products, which would create a new kind of product which would be special. And afterwards I could brand them. So I came up with the idea of putting a keyboard in your pants, and to make jeans with all the important computer stuff (like a mouse, keyboard and the speakers) in it. Besides the new look the jeans would get, there was some sort of freedom behind your computer screen. You didn’t have to be stiff behind your screen, but you can move in any position you want because the keyboard would be in the same place. I made jeans I would like to wear. In holland, we say baggy jeans. These jeans are a bit loose, so there was enough space to build in the keyboard and the speakers. The jeans I made is a concept which is designed to work with a wireless bluetooth connection. In the model I made, this connection is not there, but a plug is connected to your laptop. This plug looks like a belt, which is put around your waist when you’re not connected. If I develop the model, I will make it with a full wireless USB connection because it is possible. But for the model I had to make in 3 weeks, I used a plug connection. If I would design a new model, I would do some things different. The jeans have stitches like the pattern of a mother board from your computer. This gives the jeans some technological look. I designed the back pocket for the wireless mouse in a way that sticks out a little bit, so the mouse fits in perfectly. The speakers are on the side of your knees where your leg bends. The mouse is connected to your pants with elastic, so if it falls, it does not break. So I did not create the jeans to solve the problem of sitting still behind your screen. It was an outcome from another perspective. I wanted to create something that had something playful over it. I don’t know how I should describe it, but what I’m looking for in all my products is an extra twist, not just a product that looks good or functions well. I want to put something extra in it. I hope you understand it a little bit because i think it is hard to explain in English. if you look at the products Guido Ooms makes, you maybe can see what I’m talking about. He says his products are to make life more fun. I’m not saying this is my philosophy because, to be totally honest, I don’t know what my philosophy of designing exactly is yet. I’m also not saying these are the kind of products I will be making in the future, it’s just that his products have an extra twist, and I find that very interesting. I’m not specially interested in designing technological products. If there needs to be some technique to create my concept, I will use it.

Erik De Nijs

ASRD™ A Step in the Right Direction

A Step in the Right Direction is a sneaker based wearable technology project designed by Stefan Dukaczewski / MSTRPLN in collaboration with Ubiq boutique. The idea of footwear was pushed further by converging elements of digital culture with fashion and design into a wearble technology. The end product is a sneaker designed to detect Wi-Fi wireless internet hot-spots wherever the user may roam, with every step. The ASRD™ sneaker is equipped with an integrated wireless internet detection unit embedded under the flap of the left shoe. Once the pressure sensitive insole is activated, the unit scans the surrounding area for Wi-Fi signals and displays the result through LEDs. The three LEDs on the flap enclosure represent the signal strength of any wireless internet signals within a 50 meter area.

A blinking LED represents no signal, while a solid LED shows that there is a signal present. The ASRD™ is based on the Nike Dunk platform and was re-engineered by MSTRPLN to fit the needs of this project. The aesthetics of the shoe keep in theme with a covert and stealthy feel. This is represented through the subdued all-black color way and additional technical features, notably the shroud style lace-saver that takes design cues from the skate shoes of the late 80’s. Additionally, the ASRD™ uses a dual-laciStefan Dukaczewski is a multi-disciplinary designer based out of Montreal Canada. Since 2001, he has worked on compelling projects within the spectrum of design for clients both locally and internationally, under the guise of MSTRPLN.

The design philosophy behind MSTRPLN has ultimately been to create awareness through the highest quality of work produced, regardless of medium. Clean design, attention to detail, and provoking thought through conceptual development could best describe the MSTRPLN methodology and approach to each project.ng system developed so that the shoe could be laced either internally with speed loops, or laced in the conventional manner. Lace locks keep everything under control.“Nike was not directly involved with the ASRD™ project ” say Stefan. “The project was done in conjunction with Ubiq Boutique in Philadelphia (www.ubiqlife.com ) which is one of the premiere sneaker & streetwear boutiques in North America. I chose the Nike Dunk for this project because it offered the perfect platform based on its aesthetics and function. I am able to work with many cool companies and cool projects if they are something that work well with the MSTRPLN image”.

Contact Information: Stefan Dukaczewski / MSTRPLN

asrd@mstrpln.com
www.mstrpln.com

Wi-Fi Networks Detector T-Shirt

Booting up your laptop only to find there are no Wi-Fi networks nearby is a pain. Thankfully, geeks everywhere can now find a signal for surfing by simply looking down at their apparel. The Wi-Fi Detector Shirt has a base station design on its front with signal waves emanating from it that apparently glow according to the intensity of a nearby network’s strength. For example, a weak signal may only light up a couple of bars on your shirt, while a stronger signal could illuminate all of them. Compatible with 802.11b/g and runs on three AAA batteries that sit inside a small pocket sewn into the shirt – but which aren’t included.

If you’re a messy surfer, the Wi-Fi decal can be removed so the t-shirt can be washed. It’s a nifty bit of nerd-clobber, although we’re not entirely convinced by the retailer’s claims that geeky chicks will swoon at the wearer’s presence or that people will bow to you as their “reverential Wi-Fi god”. The glowing bars on the front of the shirt dynamically change as the surrounding wi-fi signal strength fluctuates.

Product Features:  

•Glowing animated shirt dynamically displays the current wi-fi signal strength.

•Shows signal strength for 802.11b or 802.11g

•Black 100% Cotton T-Shirt

•Animated Decal is Removable (with hook and loop fasteners) for Easy Washing

•Battery Pack is Concealed in a Small Pocket Sewn Inside the Shirt

•Runs for hours off three AAA Batteries (not included)

If you need to get in touch with the manufacturer, here belowyou can find his contact:

Room 207, Xingye Building, 31- Guantai Road, Nancheng, Dongguan, Guangdong 523070, China

Tel: 86-769-22992719 　　

E-Mail: sales@zhen-teng.com

Skype: zhentengxiong

Textile Antennas  by Patria Aviation Oy & Centre for Wireless Communications – University of Oulu (Finland)  

Flexible antennas are becoming evermore attractive, since the recent developments in wearable computing have opened several possibilities to integrate wireless functions to clothing. The scope of this study is to demonstrate that flexible antennas are feasible in personal satellite communications. The project work contains complete design flow, from substrate material selection and characterization to actual design implementation and verification. The resulting demonstrator antenna is capable to operate at Iridium band under nominal human body environment as part of clothing. This is the ultimate goal and the actual measure of success from the project point of view. The overall objective of this activity is to study and analyze the viability of the textile (flexible) substrate materials for antenna elements and arrays. More specifically, the objective is to demonstrate compliance with satellite antenna user requirements using textile (flexible) substrate materials for antenna elements and/or arrays.

This shall be achieved by design, manufacture and testing of a breadboard textile antenna taking into account operational conditions. Selected demonstration application is the Iridium satellite phone system. The Iridium satellites operate at low altitudes (Low Earth Orbit, LEO) which make the communication possible between satellite and end-user without huge antennas. There is a coarse picture below about the use case, where textile antennas (blue patch) are located on both shoulders. Designed textile antenna shall be compliant with the Iridium system. Project output in hardware point of view is the antenna prototypes. No additional electronics e.g. antenna switches or transceivers are developed under this project. The selected application defines the antenna polarization. It requires that the antenna is circularly polarized. The operational frequency band is the Iridium band (L-band). Since the antenna is intended to be integrated as part of clothing it is considered to be self-conformal. It means that flexible wearable antennas can adapt its form according to the body where the antenna is attached. In addition, the self-conformal antennas are capable of re-adjusting its form as a function of time. There is a figure of the antenna EM-simulation model and the preliminary antenna prototype built on flexible substrate. However, this is only a glimpse of the complete selection of different flexible substrate materials under study. The preliminary antenna structure and patch shape can be seen from the figure. The dot in the patch is the antenna feed point. It is emphasized that this is a preliminary design which requires further iterations. Final implementation of the textile antenna is presented. Flexibility is demonstrated by bending the antenna as shown in the figure below. The structure of the antenna allows it to be bent similar way in each direction: vertical, horizontal and diagonal. Furthermore, the antenna meets the electrical specifications under bending conditions. Radiating element is shielded against environmental conditions using protective clothing. Measured 3D radiation patterns are shown for bent and unbent antennas to demonstrate the designed antenna performance. Axial ratio values in the 3D radiation patterns are in dB. It is emphasized that the designed antenna maintains circular polarization even under bending conditions, which is commonly recognized to be hard to achieve with soft, wearable antennas. The main benefits of the textile antennas are summarized:

•Light weight,

•Inexpensive,

•Low maintenance,

•No set-up requirements,

•No damage from obstacles (robust),

•Unnoticeable (military).

Current Status (dated: 06 Jul 2009): The project has been on-going now for a bit over fourteen months and the work has proceeded as planned. Achievements so far include the completion of the survey of the state of the art textile antennas. Furthermore, the demonstration application has been selected and the requirements for the antenna are defined. Preliminary antenna design has been made in order to determine the antenna patch geometry. Textile substrate has been selected and electrically characterized. The antenna structure is iterated to its final implementation during detailed antenna design. As a result, compliant antenna for the selected application is achieved. Several antenna samples of the final design have been manufactured for measurements. Currently the measurement of the textile antennas is on-going.

Gas Insulated Clothing – Klymit Gas Insulated Outerwear

Gas insulated clothing like this Klymit Gas Insulated Outerwear is a cool new way to stay warm and off course insulated. This gas insulated clothing requires you to have a small gas canister with which to inflate the interior lining of the clothing. The Klymit Gas Insulated Outerwear can also be deflated easily, so body temperature can be controlled almost instantly. That means no more layering with fleece, down or synthetic insulation and now you can turning your windbreaker into your ski parka whenever you’d like. We found some of the benefits of this technology to be the fact that is was weightless, loft retaining, warm when wet, thin, trapped the heat and eco-Friendly. Klymit shows off gas insulated outerwear at Outdoor Retailer www.examiner.com 2009-07-280 The Outdoor Retailer ‘09 Summer Market has started, and the Salt Palace Convention Center was packed wall to wall with exhibitors, retailers and press, all looking for the next big thing in outdoor gear and technology.

Klymit is one company in particular that stood out with their novel way of using gas as insulation as opposed to down or synthetics. Klymit is a Utah company based out of Ogden that makes climate controlled outerwear by using this gas technology. Klymit was founded in 2007 by Nate Alder, a BYU student who came up with the idea of using noble gases as insulation while he was on a diving trip in Brazil. While there, he discovered that deep sea divers use noble gases in dry suits to keep them warm in cold water. Alder figured that the same premise could be used in winter sports activities and industrial applications. Noble gases such as Argon, Krypton and Xenon are known by scientists to retain heat over long periods of time, and these gases are what will soon be used to keep people warm in the future. The problem for Alder was figuring out a way to get the gas into the jackets.After hiring a team of developers, and designing jackets and vests capable of being inflated with gas, a simple way of delivering noble-gas insulation into a piece of clothing was found, and it only required the touch of a button. They invented a small gas canister that attaches to the jacket to inflate the interior lining. With the touch of another button, the jacket deflates, so body temperature can be controlled almost instantly. That means no more layering with fleece, down or synthetic insulation. Klymit is preparing to partner with several outdoor gear companies who are committed to using this cool new technology in ski wear, camping gear and even military outfits. An inflatable camping pad is also in the works along with a line of insulating vests. Although Klymit products are not in stores quite yet, Alder says they will be within a few months. In the meantime, the Klymit website is taking pre-orders from anyone who is interested in experiencing a new and completely innovative way of keeping warm. As well as being the talk of the Outdoor Retailer ‘09 Summer Market, Klymit was also recently featured in a KUTV 2 News report which can be watched below.

NANOTECHNOLOGY & TEXTILES

So what is Nanotechnology ? Nanotechnology is defined as the science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules, or the branch of engineering that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers. A nanometer is about ten thousand times smaller than the width of a human hair. Nanotechnology deals with and manipulates anything that occurs within the scale of a nanometer. Nanotechnology is an extension of the field of materials science. Materials science departments at colleges and universities around the world are leading the way in current nanotechnology breakthroughs. The term Nanotechnology is also often used to describe the interdisciplinary fields of science devoted to the study of the nanoscale phenomena utilized in Nanotechnology. The future benefits that nanotechnology research could serve include advances in telecommunications, information technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. For additional information on Nanotechnology, what it consists of as well as its current and future impacts on the world of science, simply select any Nanotechnology article or other interactive feature below. Among the many possibilities: Soft protective vests stronger than Kevlar; Bandages that can contract to put pressure on; Artificial muscles powered by electricity  much lighter than current hydraulics. Would make it easier to incorporate electronic sensors and actuators into clothing. All of these possible applications derive from the remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes; the ability to conduct both heat and electricity along with the extreme toughness of the fiber. The researchers created the yarn by growing a mat of fibres on a substrate, called a nanotube forest. A sharp, pointed instrument then pulled at the fibres along the plane of the substrate. Atkinson said the tubes then formed into a “conga line” and were twisted and wrapped around each other as they were pulled. “As long as there are fibres in the forest, you can make a yarn as long as you want. You get a very even strand,” he said. “People say how can you spin something that is one-third of a millimetre long, but it is the length-to-diameter ratio that matters. We use fibres with a 10 nanometre diameter and put in a lot of wraps.” Science fiction writer Neal Stephenson wrote about arachnofiber uniforms in his 1992 novel Snow Crash. These bulletproof and lightweight uniforms were worn by the Deliverators, the world’s best pizza delivery guys. If you are interested in how technology is producing science-fictional clothing, take a look at Scentsory Chameleon Bodysuit: Biometric Fashion. Bulletproof vests and body armor tends to be rigid – but not Liquid Body Armor in Two Flavors – Shear Thickening and Magnetorheological.

Self-Cleaning Underwear Goes Weeks Without Washing (by Bill Christensen)

Self-cleaning fabrics could revolutionize the sport apparel industry. The technology, created by scientists working for the U.S. Air Force, has already been used to create t-shirts and underwear that can be worn hygenically for weeks without washing. The new technology attaches nanoparticles to clothing fibers using microwaves. Then, chemicals that can repel water, oil and bacteria are directly bound to the nanoparticles. These two elements combine to create a protective coating on the fibers of the material. This coating both kills bacteria, and forces liquids to bead and run off. The U.S. military spent more than $20 million to develop the fabric, deriving from research originally intended to protect soldiers from biological weapons. Jeff Owens, one of the scientists who worked to develop the process, said, “During Desert Storm, most casualties were from bacterial infections—not accidents or friendly fire. We treated underwear for soldiers who tested them for several weeks and found they remained hygienic. They also helped clear up some skin complaints.” Science fiction writer Neal Stephenson wrote specifically about nanotech fabrics that stayed clean; he referred to “fabricules” in his 1995 novel The Diamond Age: …with a quick brush, John and Gwendolyn were able to transfer most of the dirt onto their white gloves. From there it went straight into the air. Most gentlemen’s and ladies’ gloves nowadays were constructed of infinitesimal fabricules that knew how to eject dirt…British news organizations pointed out that an earlier reference to the general idea of clothes that never got dirty can be found in the 1951 film “The Man in the White Suit.” Sci-fi fans can console themselves with the fact that the lead role was played by Alec Guiness, who of course played Obiwan Kenobi in the original Star Wars films.

Microscopic Barcodes Identify Biological Weapons Quickly (by Scott Fields)

The scientists rendering of the complex nano_barcodes and the “sandwhiches” they’d look for to identify biological weapons. Credit: J. Tok. The scientists rendering of the complex nano_barcodes and the “sandwhiches” they’d look for to identify biological weapons. Credit: J. Tok. Microscopic metal wires marked with barcodes like so many boxes of grocery-store spaghetti maight someday help identify biological weapons much more quickly than today’s methods. The technology would allow soldiers to use the right kind of anti-pathogen protection at just the right time. At present, to identify biological weapons, whether a bacteria such as anthrax, a virus such as smallpox, or a toxin such as botulism, samples must be collected from the battlefield and cultured in controlled laboratories. The new system would be very small and work virtually instantaneous, said Jeffrey Tok, a researcher at Lawrence Livermore National  Laboratory and team leader for a multi-institution group that is developing the system. How it’s made? The core of this portable, lickity-split bioweapon recognition system is an amalgamation of two parts. One is the tiny wires, which are about 250 nanometers around (about 300 times smaller than a human hair) and 6,000 nanometers long. The other is an assortment of antibodies, the proteins that the body produces to directly attack, or direct the immune system to attack, cells that viruses, bacteria, and other unpleasant intruders infect. Each type of pathogen calls for a unique antibody. The tiny wires—made by an independent company —are electrochemically formed and then layered with bands of silver, gold, and nickel to produce patterns that are similar to the ubiquitous barcodes found on products worldwide. Then antibodies are essentially glued to the miniscule wires. Just as a box of 9-inch nails gets one barcode and a box set of classic Nine Inch Nails CDs gets another, anthrax antibodies are attached to nanowires with one code and smallpox antibodies are attached to nanowires with another. “In the end you will have a pool of various striped nanowires each of which will have a unique antibody assigned to it, which is to detect for that particular pathogen,” Tok explained. How it works? To identify pathogens, millions of barcoded, antibody-carrying nanowires are floated in a neutral liquid called an assay buffer, into which samples of suspected pathogens are injected. If a pathogen (or a cell in the pathogen called an “antigen”) meets its corresponding antibodies, the two will join, creating a nanowwire, antibody, antigen sandwich that will fluoresce, or glow, under a special light. To ID the pathogens the system takes two digital mug shots in quick succession. In the first the special light is off, and the barcodes are visible. In the second the light is on and the pathogen-fingering nanowires are glowing. A computer then matches each glowing wire in photo two to its barcode in photo one. An important advantage of the system, Tok said, is that many kinds barcoded antibodies can be mixed together in the assay buffer liquid, which can be used over and over. For the test project four types of antibodies, and corresponding barcodes, were used. “In theory we could interrogate for as many as 100 different striped nanowires in one single snapshot,” he said “That makes the analysis very fast.”

Nanotechnology based smart yarn:

Chinese and U.S. researchers have developed a carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn which can conduct electricity and be woven into textiles to detect blood or to monitor health. According to one of the lead researchers, today’s smart textiles, which are made of metallic or optical fibers, are fragile and not comfortable. So the team combined two fibers, one natural and one created by nanotechnology, to build a new kind of smart textile. If a soldier wearing clothes made with this fabric was wounded, his mobile phone could alert a nearby patrol to save his life. But read more…Researchers can use its conductivity to design garments that detect blood.” (Credit: Nicholas Kotov lab, University of Michigan) You’ll find a much larger version and another photo on this page. This research project has been led at the University of Michigan by Nicholas Kotov, Professor of Chemical Engineering, and a member of his lab, PhD student Bongsup Shim. They’ve worked with Wei Chen, Chris Doty and Chuanlai Xu, researchers at Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. So how did this team build these smart textiles? “To make these ‘e-textiles,’ the researchers dipped 1.5-millimeter thick cotton yarn into a solution of carbon nanotubes in water and then into a solution of a special sticky polymer in ethanol. After being dipped just a few times into both solutions and dried, the yarn was able to conduct enough power from a battery to illuminate a light-emitting diode device. ‘This turns out to be very easy to do,’ Kotov said. ‘After just a few repetitions of the process, this normal cotton becomes a conductive material because carbon nanotubes are conductive.’ What are the properties of these smart textiles? “The only perceptible change to the yarn is that it turned black, due to the carbon. It remained pliable and soft. In order to put this conductivity to use, the researchers added the antibody anti-albumin to the carbon nanotube solution. Anti-albumin reacts with albumin, a protein found in blood. When the researchers exposed their anti-albumin-infused smart yarn to albumin, they found that the conductivity significantly increased. Their new material is more sensitive and selective as well as more simple and durable than other electronic textiles, Kotov said.”And what could be the applications for such materials? “Clothing that can detect blood could be useful in high-risk professions, the researchers say. An unconscious fire-fighter, ambushed soldier, or police officer in an accident, for example, couldn’t send a distress signal to a central command post. But the smart clothing would have this capability. Kotov says a communication device such as a mobile phone could conceivably transmit information from the clothing to a central command post.”In Carbon Nanotube Clothing Could Take Charge in an Emergency, Larry Greenemeier describes how these yarn could be used in a more expressive way. (Scientific American, December 12, 2008). ” soldier is badly wounded on the battlefield in Afghanistan or Iraq by a roadside explosive. As he lies beside his vehicle, unable to reach his radio to contact his unit on his location and condition, blood from the wound seeps into his shirt. Luckily, its fibers are coated with cylindrical, nanosize carbon molecules that contain antibodies able to detect the presence of albumin, a protein common in blood. The shirt senses that its wearer is bleeding and sends a signal through the shirt’s carbon nanotubes (1,000 times more conductive than copper) that activates an emergency radio-frequency beacon on the soldier’s belt. This distress call is picked up by a nearby patrol that rushes to the aid of their wounded comrade. This may be the stuff of science fiction, but ongoing development of fabrics coated with carbon nanotubes and other nanoscale substances could someday make such smart clothing a reality, says Nicholas Kotov.” This research work has been published by Nano Letters, an American Chemical Society journal, under the title “Smart Electronic Yarns and Wearable Fabrics for Human Biomonitoring made by Carbon Nanotube Coating with Polyelectrolytes. The idea of electronic yarns and textiles has appeared for quite some time, but their properties often do not meet practical expectations. In addition to chemical/mechanical durability and high electrical conductivity, important materials qualifications include weavablity, wearability, light weight, and ’smart’ functionalities. Here we demonstrate a simple process of transforming general commodity cotton threads into intelligent e-textiles using a polyelectrolyte-based coating with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Along with integrated humidity sensing, we demonstrate that CNT-cotton threads can be used to detect albumin, the key protein of blood, with high sensitivity and selectivity. Notwithstanding future challenges, these proof-of-concept demonstrations provide a direct pathway for the application of these materials as wearable biomonitoring and telemedicine sensors, which are simple, sensitive, selective, and versatile.”

Nanotube infused cotton yarns:

Presently, smart fabrics are manufactured from metallic or optical fibres. They wear away quickly, and are brittle and uncomfortable. Laundry of such textiles also proves to be troublesome. Nano technology has come up with an innovative way of combining the two fibres; one natural and the other nano technology. Cotton yarn with a thickness of 1.5 millimeters is dipped a few times in a solution of a special sticky polymer in ethanol and dried. This enables the yarn to conduct power from a battery to illuminate light emitting diode device. The antibody anti-albumin is added to the carbon nanotube solution. Anti-albumin reacts with albumin, a protein that is found in blood. When the anti-albumin infused yarns were exposed to albumin, the conductivity is increased considerably. This method is more sensitive, simple and durable. By repeating the process a few times, normal cotton becomes a conductive material due to the carbon nano tubes which are conductive in nature. After the process is complete, the cotton yarn still retains its soft and supple features. This yarn is much better comparatively over the current designs available for electrically conducting fabrics. The only change in the yarn is that it turns into black color due to the presence of carbon.

Potential Applications:

Fabrics made from these smart yarns have potential application in professions that involve high risk. A police officer in danger, a firefighter who is hurt while at work, a wounded soldier at the warfront may not be in a position to send a message requesting for help. But the apparels infused with smart yarns would be able to do it. The clothes can be designed accordingly; to store energy, which will provide power to operate small electronic devices. A mobile phone or any other form of communication device attached with the clothing can transmit the information from the garment to a command post. It can also be used in garments and used for monitoring health. It also foresees lucrative applications as performance apparel.The concept of electrically sensitive clothing made from nanotube infused cotton yarn can be adapted in various fields based on their exposure to potential risks. The burgeoning interest in nano technology opens a floodgate of opportunities for developing new and innovative products in the textile sector.

Here is an experiment:  

Fashion designers and fiber scientists at Cornell have taken “functional clothing” to a whole new level. They have designed a garment that can prevent colds and flu and never needs washing, and another that destroys harmful gases and protects the wearer from smog and air pollution. The two-toned gold dress and metallic denim jacket, contain cotton fabrics coated with nanoparticles that give them functional qualities never before seen in the fashion world. Designed by Olivia Ong in the College of Human Ecology’s Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, the garments were infused with their unusual qualities by fiber science assistant professor Juan Hinestroza and his postdoctoral researcher Hong Dong. Apparel design assistant professor Van Dyke Lewis launched the collaboration by introducing Ong to Hinestroza several months ago.”We think this is one of the first times that nanotechnology has entered the fashion world,” Hinestroza said. He noted one drawback may be the garments’ price: one square yard of nano-treated cotton would cost about $10,000. Ong’s dress and jacket, part of her original fashion line called “Glitterati,” look innocently hip. But closer inspection — with a microscope, that is — shows an army of electrostatically charged nanoparticles creating a protective shield around the cotton fibers in the top part of the dress, and the sleeves, hood and pockets of the jacket.”It’s something really moving toward the future, and really advanced,” said Ong, who graduates in December and aspires to design school. “I thought this could potentially be what fashion is moving toward.”Dong explained that the fabrics were created by dipping them in solutions containing nanoparticles synthesized in Hinestroza’s lab. The resultant colors are not the product of dyes, but rather, reflections of manipulation of particle size or arrangement.The upper portion of the dress contains cotton coated with silver nanoparticles. Dong first created positively charged cotton fibers using ammonium- and epoxy-based reactions, inducing positive ionization. The silver particles, about 10-20 nanometers across (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter) were synthesized in citric acid, which prevented nanoparticle agglomeration. Dipping the positively charged cotton into the negatively charged silver nanoparticle solution resulted in the particles clinging to the cotton fibers. Silver possesses natural antibacterial qualities that are strengthened at the nanoscale, thus giving Ong’s dress the ability to deactivate many harmful bacteria and viruses. The silver infusion also reduces the need to wash the garment, since it destroys bacteria, and the small size of the particles prevents soiling and stains.The denim jacket includes a hood, sleeves and pockets with soft, gray tweed cotton embedded with palladium nanoparticles, about 5-10 nanometers in length. To create the material, Dong placed negatively charged palladium crystals onto positively charged cotton fibers. Ong, though strictly a designer, was drawn especially to the science behind creating the anti-smog jacket.”I thought it would be cool if [wearers] could wipe their hands on their sleeves or pockets,” Ong said. Ong incorporated the resultant cotton fiber into a jacket with the ability to oxidize smog. Such properties would be useful for someone with allergies, or for protecting themselves from harmful gases in the contaminated air, such as in a crowded or polluted city.

INTELLIGENT SPORTSWEAR EXAMPLES:

Minimalist and sleek looking on the outside, but packs a powerful punch with 39 hidden pockets. The Rodeo Jacket utilizes a patented Personal Area Network (PAN) mechanism that enables you to, “Run wires from cell phones and iPods®/MP3 players conveniently and securely inside the jacket”. You can have your tickets, keys, wallet, passport and all other items you need right inside your jacket. Other cool features include DeepPockets™ with magnetic pocket closures that prevent items from falling out of your pockets. The Rodeo Jacket is made from Teflon® treated microsuede that repels water and stains and silky lining. It is machine washable. All SeV products have tons of unique features you won’t find in any other garments.

These features allow you to discreetly carry AND use your gear, without looking like a total geek. “I created SCOTTEVEST/SeV® to solve a very common problem say Scott Jordan CEO and Founder.”I needed a way to carry and organize all my gadgets and gear. I am a gadget guy, but I had no way to carry them. My devices were all over the place, making it difficult to remember where I left them. I was regularly doing the gadget dance… you know that freak-out moment patting all your pockets trying to remember where you put your cell phone, etc. I decided to solve the problem, and hired a team of clothing designers and engineers (two groups that don’t typically get together much) to design clothes to address my problem – and SeV was born! Our clothes are attractive, our mantra is simple: Make great looking, functional clothing for an affordable price. Uniquely designed pockets hold all your stuff without getting in your way, and the patented Personal Area Network (PAN) from Technology Enabled Clothing – TEC® manages and conceals the wires from your iPod®. We offer many other features that make carrying your stuff easier, including TONS of ergonomically designed pockets, magnetic pocket closures (so your devices don’t fall out), and Weight Management SystemsTM to balance the weight from these added devices. SeV has come a long way and I’m excited to keep innovating for you, our loyal SeV fans”. For more info:

 SCOTTEVEST INC. 12588 Highway 75, Unit G -PO Box 2626-Ketchum, Idaho 83340-2626

sales@scottevest.com www.scottevest.com

HERO 3 ICU iPod-Snowboard-Jacket

The HERO 3 ICU Audio/Mp3/iPod Snowboard Jackets like this Hero 3 ICU iPod Jacket are the way to go if you want to catch some tunes, or stay wirelessly connected to your phone while snowboarding. The Hero 3 ICU Audio/Mp3/iPod Snowboard Jacket features a dedicated iPod pocket with Fibertronic’s connected-wear controls integrated into the sleeve for use of the iPod, Fibretronic’s IP30 iPod module which is compatible with the full range of music and phone modules for audio and mobile phone controls, and an integrated RECCO Avalanche Rescue System. It also boasts a unique double-hood system with built-in reflective goggles. You can buy Hero 3 ICU Jacket for about $200.

BTR Rocket Jacket by Bailo

Made by italian outdoor specialists Bailo, a well established brand for high quality mountaineering and rescue apparel, boasts high performance features like a standard iPod controller plus the choice of any of QIO System’s control electronics like Bluetooth module, AM/FM radio or Walkie-Talkie system. With a Italian fashion flair and fit, the Bailo Trail Running (BTR) Rocket jacket will be the most advanced interactive jacket we have seen so far. The jacket will be made from GORE-TEX PACLITE, a extremely breathable and flexible fabric, and will also feature reflective details for increased visibility in low light conditions and a transparent plastic insert on the cuff allowing the read a watch. The Rocket jacket will be available in Spring 2009 and comes in the colors Grey, Black, Cobalt Blue and Red.

Aerotype Hi-Tech Jacket

Bluetooth jackets like this one, will keep you hooked up and warm on the mountain, the street, and anywhere else. These Bluetooth jackets are water-resistant, double-layered, and feature interactive PaniQ™ technology that allows safe remote use of Bluetooth or MP3 players, Recco Avalanche Rescue System and scholler-PCM technology, which actively balances temperature extremes. The PANiQ technology features on the Aerotype Hi-Tech Jacket lets you plug your iPod etc. into the interior pocket using the included connector and adjust controls on the sleeve to play, change volume/tracks and phone controls. Also cool is the Recco Avalanche Rescue System that helps locate an avalanche victim using a non-battery reflector and search equipment and the Interior and the scholler-PCM, which balances temperatures with Phase Change Materials that store surplus heat to emit when necessary. You can buy  this Aerotype Hi-Tech Jacket for about $1295.

AEGIX YKK  by Aegix Performance Apparel.

The AEGIX YKK Sportswear combines function and fashion to create clothes with an emphasis on protection. Company founder Dave Dobkin, who has sustained enough injuries during his 20-year career in extreme sports to fill a medical journal, knows exactly where it’s needed when it comes to alpine sportswear. AEGIX YKK Sportswear can be adjusted to both the individual wearer and the terrain and uses technology like Poron Urethane’s to build padded jackets and pants to save your butt and other body parts. The jacket above, the AEGIX A1 Jacket is a lightweight, hooded parka designed for all-weather conditions. The patent-pending integrated protective system focuses on key areas of the upper body that are most prone to injuries; shoulder, clavicle, arm, elbows, ribs and spine. The price is about $390.

 Mountain Hardwear Refugium Jacket  

Electrically heated clothing like this Mountain Hardwear Refugium Jacket will keep you warmer than yours friends in the cold days to come. Electrically heated clothing will heat your core and charge your electronics. The Mountain Hardwear Refugium Jacket is a lightly insulated, low profile jacket that’s pre-wired for Ardica Heat and Power Technology and charges your portable electronics on the go. So now while you’re hanging in the lift line or just stopping on the slopes, you can charge up small electronics. That’s really cool! You can buy this Jacket for $230.

THE NAVJACKET by O’Neill

A dedicated navigation tool integrated into a high performance Gore-Tex® jacket for the mountains. The NavJacket is the product of an inspired partnership between O’Neill’s Wearable Electronics Department – the H Division, and MyGuide – a German  market leader in delivering navigation solutions based on GPS technology. The NavJacket instead allows you to easily navigate through the mountains with the help of the integrated display on the sleeve and the audio instructions in the hood. Simply enter your desired location and let the NavJacket guide you effortlessly down the slopes. And it doesn’t just stop with navigation. Your current speed, up-to-date local weather forecasts, and in-depth details about your route, such as distance and time have all been incorporated into the flexible display sleeve on the jacket using the latest technology. Using your mobile phone connected to the GPS unit, 3D views of the resorts as well as points of interest throughout the resort will also be available.An additional innovative feature of the NavJacket is a friend finder function, which will allow you to either track down friends, or choose to follow their path through the slopes. Eppo Van Berckelaer, O’Neill Global Marketing Director is excited about the strong innovation that continues to lead O’Neill. “The NavJacket strongly represents what the brand stands for,” he said. “It is about enhancing the experience in the mountains for the consumer. We have achieved our goal by teaming up with MyGuide, a strong player in the navigation market. Together we have managed to put cutting edge technology into our high quality products.” Aleks Ristic, VP Marketing of MyGuide is convinced that GPS will play an important role in future wearable technology. “The partnership with O’Neill allows us to leverage our GPS know-how into new market segments. We with co-development of the NavJacket, we are expanding our product range from car navigation into outdoor usage, where navigation is just one application of our technology. The market can expect further new innovations from ROAD group companies in the future”. The NavJacket will be tested on selected shops. For more information check out :

www.oneilleurope.com