The Sophistiques with Mo'tour Detail

VOID Watch. Inspired by the Horizon.

2012-06-09T11:47:00.003-07:00

"Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion."
Democritus

Swedish designer David Ericsson has graced the universe with the VOID Watch. He launched the brand in 2008. His watches design innovation utilize "simple yet expressive shapes". If Swedish architects Gert Wingårdh, Sigurd Lewerentz and Gunnar Asplund were to collaboratively create a watch, the result would be David Ericsson's VOID watch.

The VOID Watch brings Scandinavian design to life on your wrist. The watches utilize simple geometry to make a profound statement. The design draws largely upon the horizon. As VOID so eloquently puts it "inspired by the horizon, the line where the sky and sea meet, a coming together of elements and a reconciliation of opposites"... Very well said.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Lets Play Some Mind Games With NeuroSky's MindWave

2012-05-22T11:59:00.001-07:00

"What's on your mind, if you will allow the overstatement?"
Fred Allen

EEG technology (or Electroencephalography) as it is referred to by the brainiacs among us, measures the fluctuations in ionic voltage from the current flow given off by the neurons in the brain. (Don't you feel smarter just by reading that first sentence?!?!)The MindWave, which is developed by NeuroSky, allows us regular folks to measure our very own EEG in the comfort of our own homes. It's like an elliptical machine or a treadmill for the mind. (It'll make your brain sweat.)

The Mindwave is a wireless and lightweight headset with passive sensors. It captures research grade EEG and runs for 10 hours on a single AAA battery. It measures attention span, meditation and other brain activity functions. Additionally, it is compatible with both PC and Mac. This is a techie toy if I ever saw one...

...such geekie goodness. Delicious!

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Excuse Yourself....I Only Wear Selvedge Denim Jeans

2012-03-17T13:25:00.029-07:00

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives."
C. S. Lewis

The other one-tenth of durable happiness comes from having a great... really great pair of jeans. What makes a really great pair of jeans you ask? The answer is selvedge denim (derived from the term "self-edge"). These are jeans made on old-style shuttle looms. The fabric is weaved with one continuous cross thread. As the cross thread loops back to the edge and creates a "self-edge". Unlike projectile looms, the edge of selvedge denim jeans do not fray. On selvedge denim jeans, this edge is usually made very visible on the out-seam of the jeans (especially when a cuff is created). This does sound incredibly geekie but, it's really, really important and it is... "materially" significant (NO PUN INTENDED!!!)

America has long been the denim capital of the world. This has gradually changed over the last two decades. Kurashiki, Japan now holds that title. Thankfully, Cone Denim from Greensboro, NC is still carrying the torch for American denim. American denim of this quality is very expensive and very necessary (...very, very, necessary).

Ralph Lauren Rugby haberdashery shops (in NYC, the haberdashery is located at 390 Bleecker Street) have released a limited edition Cone denim jean in conjunction White Oak Mills with in their vintage slim cut. It can only be found at their haberdashery shops and cannot be purchased online. This is the second or third year of the event (it looks to be an annual occurrence). THE IS THE DEFINITION OF EXCLUSIVE!!!).... and the Sophistques LOVE EXCLUSIVE!!!

For details, call (212)462-4390

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Daniel Goleman's Social Intelligence (...The Most Important Kind)

2012-03-03T22:20:00.010-08:00

"The nature of society is largely determined by the direction in which talent and ambition flow-by the tilt of the social landscape."
Eric Hoffer

We all NEED each other. LITERALLY!!! New revelations in science have shown our brains are "wired to connect". The good relationships and pleasant exchanges actually do have a health benefit for us. Studies have shown that people with great social experiences (relationships) actually live longer lives and their bodies fight off diseases at a higher than average rate. Daniel Goleman, the author of "Emotional Intelligence", expands on this hypotheses in his follow-up book "Social Intelligence". It's the quintessential MUST READ!!!

The main function of the brain is to connect with other brains. In those terms, we all essentially exist in a social economy (the emotional ebbs and flows of one person's emotions have a real effect on another person's emotions). Our emotions are contagious. If you smile at someone, there is a better than average chance that person will return the gesture. Even our slightest interactions create real hormonal affects...

...Now, go out and tell someone yeah love'em (...or at least give'em a hug).

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

The Lumigon T2 - Because Looking Great Is As Important As Being Great.

2012-02-29T16:55:00.015-08:00

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
Steve Jobs

Those who know...know. Those who don't...can now say they do. The Lumigon T2... has arrived. It's the metro-sexual of smartphones. It's like the physics professor who only wears Armani suits. Not unlike any other fashionisto, the Lumigon T2 has a few fashionisto friends. High-end audio designer and manufacturer Bang & Olufsen provides the audio components by way of their patented ICEpower technology for the uber chic T2.

Lumigon is a Danish tech firm (which explains it's partnership with fellow Danish firm Bang & Olufsen). The T2 is powered by Google's Android 4.0. It has a stainless steel and Gorilla glass case with a 3.8 inch screen. But there's more...the T2 also doubles as an infrared universal remote control with a learn function and gesture recognition. (...This device is far from a one trick pony).

The Lumigon T2... the most interesting smartphone in the world.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Versace for H&M, Nov. 19th Event (the animal prints are appropriate for the savagery that will occur)... CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

2011-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

"If you look good and dress well, you don't need a purpose in life."
Robert Pante

During a recent stroll through a New York City department store, a pair of sneakers designed by Versace caught my eye. I thought to myself, "I remember when Verace was as in demand as Louboutin currently is...". I paused and then released a sigh for the years passed and the sweet memories that accompanied them. When the question was posed to me, "Can Versace ever return to such heights?" I regrettably responded "I don't think so"...boy, was I ever wrong.

Never under estimate a room of driven and passionate marketers...VERSACE IS BACK!!! It's a seemingly simple equation. Input #1, co-brand with the hot retailer of the moment. In this case, it's H&M. Input #2, produce a low cost by highly limited offering. Input #3, have an of-the-moment big time celeb sport a few of the pieces in advance of their release. In this case, it's Kanye West. Output, you've just created what we call a "buzz". That buzz will only get louder until November 19th at an H&M near you. (Be there or be square...)

Can you say "I wear my sunglasses at night"...Miami Vice Vogue.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

C'était un rendez-vous... Like Vintage Speed Porn But Better

2011-10-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
Mario Andretti

It begins with a steady heart beat...and ends with a kiss. On a basic level, it's an awesome tour through the streets of Paris. On a deeper level, it's a "how-to" driving video (...for the wannabe James Bond stunt driver). On it's deepest level (it's very core), "C'était un rendez-vous" is raw, aggressive, avant garde film production genius. These are all true for two main reasons. First, it was shot in a single take. Second (and most impressive), the production crew had no city permits to shoot the film. Hence, it was NOT STAGED!!! (...the other pedestrians, cars, buses, and trucks on the road that morning just happened to be on the road that morning.)

Film makers rarely display this level of bravado nowadays. It there were one single mishap, this film may have never come to fruition. "C'était un rendez-vous" is a short film written and directed by Claude Lelouch in 1976 one early morning in Paris. It is literally eight minutes of non stop action. It will inspire you to try and recreate it yourself...(why not?!?!?)

All that keeps coming to mind is... someone should film the sequel in New York City. (Hmmm...)

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

He Would, She Would... WEWOOD Timepieces

2011-10-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

"He that plants trees loves others beside himself."
Dr. Thomas Fuller

They could become what the Tesla Roadster was to the auto industry. They just might do what TOMS did for the footwear industry. They're WEWOOD Timepieces and they're the latest example of how sexy it's become to be socially responsible. For every timepiece sold WEWOOD will plant a tree (as if you need anymore incentive to yearn for these pulchritudinous works of art). It's also very fitting that these timepieces be made of... (drum roll please) ...wood.

An Italian brand, WEWOOD has chosen an "avant-garde approach to sophisticated sustainability". Through a partnership with American Forests’ Global ReLeaf Campaign, WEWOOD is able to realize it's mission of planting a for every timepiece sold. WEWOOD is the modern representation of "style with a conscience".

"One Watch – One Tree – One Planet"

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Donkervoort D8 GT - Compromise... They Don't Know The Meaning Of The Word

2011-10-11T19:55:00.001-07:00

"Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got."
Janis Joplin

The styling has no compromise. The performance has no compromise. The motto is "No Compromise". The Donkervoort D8 GT is a revolution on wheels (pun intented). In addition to "No Compromise", there are "NO" ABS (Anti-lock braking system), "NO" ESP (Electronic stability program) and "NO" power steering, but there "IS" a truly pure driving excitement (...and that "IS" all one really needs).

In 1978, this Dutch auto manufacturer was founded in The Netherlands by it's namesake Joop Donkervoort. A pure driving experience was always at the forefront of the Donkervoort philosophy. The roof, the rear and the doors and fenders of their flagship model Donkervoort D8 GT are made of carbon fiber. As a result, it's 650 kg total weight makes it the lightest GT in the world. Add that to a 270 bhp output and it's easy to see why Donkervoort makes "true" drivers act giddy like school children...

Donkervoorts are created solely for the true car enthusiasts...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Faux Eyeglasses, Steve Urkel Flow... with Distinctive Eyewear by A.J. Morgan

2011-10-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
Mark Twain

"To faux or not to faux" that is the question. And this is the answer...YES. Switch up your look, it's currently "COOL" to be intelligent or at least look the part... Steve Jobs swag. A.J. Morgan Eyewear is the perfect place to discover your spiffy new look. Why should people with bad eye sight have all the fun?

A.J. Morgan Eyewear has been designing distinctive fashion forward eyewear since 1981. It's time to ditch the Superman paradigm in exchange for some Clark Kent specs. Get rid of the Stefan Urquelle epitome and get some Steve Urkel goggles. Now, you've got your geek chic poppin'. So, I offer you an unapologetic...DID I DO THAT?

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Prostitute Chic - Kiki de Montparnasse and a Seductive Legacy

2011-10-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

"Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can have. It's much sexier than any body part."
Aimee Mullins

Prostitute chic is that red pair of 6 inch heels. Prostitute chic is the thong that almost isn't there. Prostitute chic is the mini skirt that's so short it can be mistaken for a shirt (...nearly exposing that thong "that almost isn't there"). Prostitute chic is playful and seductive. Prostitute chic is Kiki de Montparnasse. Release your inner Kiki...you won't regret it.

Kiki de Montparnasse is Alice Prin who was a French artist model, actress and painter who gained popularity in the 1920's as the muse of famed artists such as Man Ray, Pablo Gargallo and Moise Kisling, to name a few. She was called "one of the century's first truly independent women". She embodied "outspokenness, audacity, and creativity". We should all be so free...

Her legacy has spawned a fashion and lingerie line that pays the utmost attention to the spirit of who she was. Such playful seduction can be sinfully enjoyable. Once you've experienced Kiki de Montparnasse, "you will know the transformative power of erotic license. Such freedom is intoxicating…and addictive. Because love is all there is (and love is enough)".

Kiki de Montparnasse has retail locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City.

...in New York please stop by 79 Greene Street , New York, NY 10012 in Soho or call 212-965-8150 for directions.

"Thinking of you, thinking of me..."

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Dear Fond Memories, I Heart Sint Maarten

2011-09-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

"God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December."
J.M. Barrie

Dear Putus,
In retrospect, it was entirely appropriate that my first (I say first because there would be and will be more) pilgrimage to Saint Martin was to celebrate the marital union of two beautiful people I now call friends. As I landed at the Princess Juliana International Airport, the romantic soul within me was bursting in anticipation. Whether you say "Je t'aime" or "Ik hou van jou", the meaning is just as breathtaking...

Yeah, I was definitely about to be hit by cupid's arrow. We enjoyed whelks soup and johnny cakes from a box truck on the shores of Great Salt Pond. We did shots of guavaberry liqueur and then we took a stroll through Front St. Over in Simpson Bay. It felt as if we were regulars at Uncle Harry's as we devoured 4 lbs spiny lobsters (sorry..I need a moment). I had fallen in love with Saint Martin...
(Insert tears of joy [HERE]).

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

The Closer You Get To Death, The More You Appreciate Life (Exploring The Gunks With Alpine Endeavors)

2011-09-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

"Our way is not soft grass, it's a mountain path with lots of rocks. But it goes upward, forward, toward the sun."
Ruth Westheimer

The Shawangunk Ridge is a thrill seeker's love story. It's a place where thrill seekers go to kiss the clouds and hold a piece of bedrock in their warm embrace. (...and by "warm embrace" I mean "on, for dear life.") "The Gunks", as it is affectionately known, is world renown for its rock climbing. And for The Sophistiques, the choice certified American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) guide service for rock climbing is Alpine Endeavors. Hopefully, you don't suffer from acrophobia and even if you do...there's no better time to face your fears than the present. The closer you get to death, the more you appreciate life (...so be fealess.)

The Gunks stretch through Ulster County, Sullivan County and Orange County in the state of New York. Alpine Endeavors personnel will ensure your safety as you embark on this life altering adventure. The sport of rock climbing offers a great mental and physical challenge. As you scale the ridge, you'll quickly realize that your alone with nature (and nature can be a very cold and extremely harsh mistress). It takes an experienced lover to tame her.

Jimi said it best "Excuse me, while I kiss the sky..."

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Primal Leadership - The How-To-Book For Apex Predators

2011-09-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."
Peter Drucker

Answer these primal questions. What are you if you're a predator with no known predators of your own? What are you if you reside at the the top of your food chain? The answer, you ARE an apex predator and you ARE ruler of all you survey. To the non Homo sapien set, such as lions, killer whales and crocodiles, this literally means devouring everything beneath you on your food chain and even your own species. In the intellectually advanced world of humans, being an apex predator (as defined by The Sophistiques) means to a leader, a joining force that brings the best out of his/her fellow brethren/sistren and at the same time brings them together in a cohesive unit with a common goal. (I AM LION...hear me ROAR...)

Daniel Goleman and his cronies, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee expand on Goleman's previous writings on emotional intelligence by expanding the principles into a corporate dynamic and applying them to leaders of industry. The central idea in "Primal Leadership" revolves around building empathy and in turn resonant leadership. First, one has to be familiarized with the Four Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence which are as follows A) Self -Awareness, B) Self-Management, C) Social Awareness, and D) Relationship Management. (Study them well...)

The six leadership styles (4 which are resonant and 2 which are dissonant) are identified. In descending order of effectiveness, they are 1) Visionary, 2) Coaching, 3) Affiliative, 4) Democratic, (and the 2 dissonant styles) 5) Pacesetting and 6) Commanding. Additionally,the fives discoveries a leader (or would be leader) should go through are also detailed 1) find your "ideal" self, 2) find your "real" self, 3) create a learning agenda, 4) Experiment and 5) develop a support group.

NOTE TO ALL APEX PREDATORS: Daniel Goleman's Primal Leadership will give you the tools required to go out and rise to the top of your personal food chain. It's a must read for anyone with grand ambitions. (Devour on, my friends. Eat and be merry...)

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Ecology of Love (A Change of Scenery Can Do Wonders)

2011-08-02T08:20:00.001-07:00

"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined... to strengthen each other... to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories."
George Eliot

Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Love...well that varies greatly depending on who you ask. Our environment plays as much of role in our relationships as the person we're involved with (whether we realize it or not). We humans are a complex bunch.

"Ecology of Love" is directed by Brin Hill. Pharrell Williams plays a jilted lover Andre. He appears to fall into a depressed state after spotting his ex-lover (Kam Heskin) with her new beau. Andre at that point opts for go for a drive to clear his mind when his car breaks down in the middle of the desert. He is forced to spend the night at a motel in the middle of nowhere and happens to cross paths with french speaking Alila who is played by the gorgeous Dania Ramirez.

The film was made back in 2004 but was only recently released to the web. The joint efforts of The Film Movement, VISA and Details Magazine made this delightful short film possible. It's a refreshing reminder that love knows no language, time or place...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Dionne Bromfield (Amy Winehouse reincarnate...)

2011-07-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

"Memories can be sad, but sometimes they can also save you."
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata

It took a few days for the following words to come together...

Tormented souls always end this way. They fade to dust just as quickly as they were created. Fortunately, beautiful flowers can arise and blossom from that very same dust. On July 23, 2011, Amy Winehouse physically left this world. She graced the masses with her signature deep contralto voice. Fortunately, before departing this world Amy's soul crossed paths with Dionne Bromfield. Born on February 1, 1996 Dionne is the goddaughter, protege and first artist signed to Amy's Lioness Records imprint. Dionne second album "Good for the Soul" was released on July 4, 2011 in the UK, a mere 19 days prior to Amy's passing.

First, there was Amy...

The Sophistiques prefer to celebrate the emergence of Dionne Bromfield as opposed to mourning the passing of Amy. Through Dionne, a piece of Amy will always be with us... and for that we should be grateful. The Queen has passed her crown to the princess...

Then, there was Dionne...

Dionne Bromfield featuring Amy Winehouse (Live)

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Dionne Bromfield will prove to be the most endearing part of Amy Winehouse's legacy and for that, the world is thankful...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

IFR Aspid is really... Further Beyond.

2011-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

"Performance is your reality. Forget everything else."
Harold Geneen

In 1985, Robert Zemeckis decided to use a DeLorean DMC-12 as the time machine in his movie "Back to the Future" because it resembled an alien spaceship (in the most flattering way). If Robert were creating that movie today he would undoubted opt for the Spanish built Aspid. The Aspid was developed by Ignacio Fernandez Rodriquez and his firm Ignacio Fernandez Rodriquez Automotive (IFR). It appears Ignacio may have been a fan of the "Back to the Future" franchise in his building of the Aspid. The Aspid not only looks futuristic, it is... Like Dr. Brown said "The way I see it, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?" (Truer words have never been spoken.)

The Aspid is a car of the future in that it boasts more than a few technological advances. For starters, it has Alexcom which is an aluminium extrusion composite system. (I don't know what that is or means but it sounds HOT.) The Aspid also sports a Twin Disc Braking system for added efficiency and cooling (which reminds me, I need to change mine). There is also a suspension arm construction system called DLR and last but not least...Unidrive. Unidrive is an electronic maintenance system with an in-steering wheel display which eliminates the need for an instrument panel. Aspid appears to be way ahead of it's time. It's the car for the forward thinking...

Some things will always be true. "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." Marty McFly

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Guilt Free Gazpacho

2011-07-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

"Worries go down better with soup than without."
Jewish Proverb

It's summertime and it's hot and humid outside. You're faced with a few dilemmas. First, you need something to satisfy your hungry and simultaneously cool your body down. Secondly, you need to maintain or take further steps towards reaching that quintessential summer body. (So you need to watch what you eat). From the shores of Spain and Portugal come Gazpacho (or Gaspacho). It can be described as either a cold tomato soup or a liquid salad. You'll describe it as delicious.

Gazpacho is a simple combination of (but not limited to) tomato, garlic, onion, olive oil, cucumber, vinegar and bell pepper. (Proportions may vary from recipe to recipe). All ingredients are then mixed together in a food processor or blender. This isn't molecular gastronomy. This is gazpacho. The equation is simple, Gazpacho + Summertime = No regrets.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Tokyoflash Japan...Excuse me, Do you have the time?

2011-06-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Art is making something out of nothing and selling it."
Frank Zappa

A guy once purchased a Ferrari California and then complained that his six kids couldn't fit in the back seat. A lady once purchased a pair of 6 inch heeled Louboutin Lady Peep pumps and then complained about not being able to run in them. Another guy was purchased a Tokyoflash watch and complained about not being able to tell time on it. There are quite a few instances in life where form trumps function. Tokyoflash Japan has embraced this doctrine. Technically speaking, Tokyoflash makes watches. But in reality, Tokyoflash makes statements (very profound statements).

Whether the statement is geeky, playful, outgoing or convivial. The message is always heard...

Although, it may require an advanced degree in engineering in order to read the time on these timepieces, that isn't the point. Tokyoflash manufacture experiences far more than they do wristwatches. They'd like you to change the way you think about time.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Ernestine Shepherd (Like Ernestine, If I Could Be Like Ernestine)

2011-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place."
Abigail Van Buren

There are very few people who can honestly be described as "inspiring" in the manner of which Ernestine “Ernie” Shepherd can be described as "inspiring". She's "get up out of your bed on a Monday morning" inspiring. She's "I just ran 10 miles but I won't allow myself to be tired" inspiring. Ernestine Shepherd is "battery in your back" inspiring. When a person is able to will his or herself to defy commonly held physical (not to mention psychological) limitations and succeed, that person deserves a collective applause from the rest of us. And so without further ado... The Sophistiques applaud you Ernestine Shepherd...(the crowd goes wild.)

At the age of 74, Ernestine Shepherd is a personal trainer and has been recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest competitive female bodybuilder ever. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland where she runs 10 miles per day in addition to her time spent at the gym. What makes Ernestine's story all the more captivating is she was a self described "couch potato" up until she was 56!!! (...there are officially no more excuses.) She told the Washington Post "If you are going to try to motivate people, you have to live that part". (...and has she ever.)

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Geneva... beyond convention.

2011-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

"If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."
Moshe Dayan

It has been referred to as the "Peace City". It's also one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live (kinda makes sense... whoever said "peace" was cheap). It's renown for its high quality of life as well as being an important European financial center. It is Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is the essence of tranquility and civility. The city can be described as a metropolis with a suburban feel. It's a place where a person can go to "catch their breath" if only for a moment.

The Jet d'Eau serves as the icon of the municipality. It's a large fountain which shoots into the air from Lake Geneva. The Jet d'Eau adds to the uniquely Genevan experience of walking along the shores of Lake Geneva. The Flower Clock, a symbol of the Swiss watch industry and Parc de Bastions are two other uniquely Genevan experiences.

Geneva is a mature destination. When you've reached the point in life where you can admire the simple moments, only then will you comprehend the beauty that is Geneva...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

The Sweet Science... better yet The Tasty Technology of Pugilism

2011-06-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

"To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other."
Jack Handey

As you and your opponent stand toe to toe, chin to chin and exchange steely gazes just before you touch gloves, in your head you hear Bill Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" playing on your mind's private radio. You're about to engage in what is called "WORK" in these circles. There is no money at stake. THIS IS EXERCISE! This is amateur pugilism (or amateur boxing in layman's terms) and it IS a combat sport. (if you'd prefer not to get hit... keep your hands up.)

Sophistiques embrace all manner of challenges. For instance when running, Sophistiques run our own race. However, running allows a person to cheat (not push to the extreme) without suffering any tremendous loss. As far as exercises go, boxing exposes any cheating or short comings in a persons training instantaneously (your opponent will see to that). Given the restrictions of only being able to hit with the fists and only at restricted areas of the body, boxing maintains an air of civility when compared to the near savagery of other combat sports such as upstart Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Boxing training is great for weight loss, building physical as well as mental stamina, burning calories and heart health. (It's better than eating an apple a day.)

In the DUMBO section of Brooklyn resides one the the premier Pantheons of Boxing...Bruce Silverglade's Gleason's Gym. Since 1937, it has been a mecca for those brave enough to enter her square shaped rings. In the black and white photos Connor Fieldman Boals' captures what seems to be a millisecond of action but is really an eternity to the two fighters as they square off. It's a deeply primal and visceral experience. Simply... ...EXHILARATING.

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

The Bravery... Saved My Life.

2011-06-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

"To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. To just give. That takes courage, because we don't want to fall on our faces or leave ourselves open to hurt."
Madonna

The year is 2005. George Bush has been inaugurated for his second presidential term. Pope John Paul II dies and is succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI. The Bravery, a post punk revival / new wave band out of New York City, release their debut single "An Honest Mistake" which laid the groundwork for their self titled debut album. Sam Endicott, Michael Zakarin, John Conway, Mike Hindert and Anthony Burulcich delivered an unforgettably aggressive, adroit and rollicking compilation of tunes that lived and gave life to the minions who dared to experience this mellifluous work of art. It was the sonic equivalent of mixing No-Doz pills and a Cocaine Energy Drink. The result is... you blackout and wake up in a strange bedroom surrounded by 3 (or 4) super models. (Life could be much worse.)

"I'm a begger and a chooser"... why shouldn't I be both...

"...I just want something for nothing"

the bravery - rites of spring

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The Bravery - Fearless (2)

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Heavy on the synthesizers and heavier on the attitude "The Bravery" is an album that will continue to live in the memories of music fans and critics alike. Although, its chart success was nominal, that barometer can't be used to accurately measure the impact of "The Bravery". Like all things Sophistique, they are measured by a more complicated metric...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Malcom Gladwell's The Tipping Point - Let's Start An Epidemic Together.

2011-06-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

"Fashions are the only induced epidemics, proving that epidemics can be induced by tradesmen."
George Bernard Shaw

Gladwell states "Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread like viruses do." There exists a social economy in which all of humanity play a role. We're all connected and our most minor of actions can affect a myriad of individuals around us. Gladwell details the necessary requirements for such contagion as The Law of the Few, The Stickiness Factor and the The Power of Context.

The Law of the Few: Gladwell references the Pareto principle which states that approximately 80 percent of the work will be done by approximately 20 percent of the people. That 20 percent is broken down into three groups, the Connectors (they link us to the world), the Mavens (they are the information specialists) and the Salesmen (they are the persuaders).

The Stickiness Factor: the content of a message that leaves a memorable impact.(Say "it" like ya mean "it"...)

The Power of Context: Gladwell describes this as "Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur." (Timing is everything...)

Gladwell tackles the process by wish hit music, successful political revolutions, major fashion trends and hit movies are created. A very complicated algorithm, but made very comprehensible thanks to Gladwell's very engaging writing style. The Tipping Point is the Sophistique handbook...

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques

Hulme CanAm Spyder is... THE FASTEST KIWI EVER!!!!!!

2011-05-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

"There are no speed limits on the road to excellence."
David W. Johnson

There is a cross section of society who have come to adore flightless birds and fuzzy egg shaped fruit but this is something new altogether. Out of New Zealand comes Hulme Supercars Limited which hath beget the Hulme CanAm Spyder(...and it sure is "SWEET-AS", that's Kiwi for "COOL"). To say the least, New Zealand has entered the automotive markets in magnificent fashion. With the CanAm Spyder, New Zealand has capitalized on it's strong racing heritage. The Hulme CanAm Spyder delivers Formula One driving excitement to a road near you. Two words... ...vroom, vroom(better yet...in four words VROOM,VROOM,VROOM,VROOM...)

New Zealand is the birthplace of such racing greats as Bruce McLaren (of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes fame), Chris Amon, Scott Dixon and the namesake of the Hulme CanAm Spyder, Denny Hulme who in 1967 was the Formula One Championship winner. So, Hulme Supercars Limited has a strong tradition to build upon and with their 600 bpm mid-engine creation, they've gotten off to a fast start (pun well intended).

Just watch out for those judder bars (...that's Kiwi for speeed bumps).

Oz

Mo'Betta & Oz a.k.a. The Sophistiques