Continental Divide: Golden Throats

by Doug Black

Thick with reverb, swirling Rhodes piano and a chorus of distorted bells, Continental Divide's Golden Throats is a shabby collection of five imperfect songs—which isn't meant as a slight. The album's charm lies as much in the music as its visible seams.

Most songs begin with Nathan Pemberton's hesitant vocals echoing over simple progressions on guitar or piano. His voice is the most prominent instrument, and though it may sound unpolished—and occasionally atonal—it's hard to deny a palpable underlying sincerity. Songs vacillate between hushed verses and explosive crescendos, often dissolving into a cloud of analog dissonance. But underneath all of the distortion and clatter are elegant melodies. The dichotomy draws easy comparisons to artists like Phil Elvrum of the Microphones/Mount Eerie or Neutral Milk Hotel. While comparable, the music is far from derivative.

Continental Divide is comprised solely of Pemberton, a Florida-native who plays all instruments on the record and employs a transient assortment of musicians for live performances. In recent months they have shared the stage with the likes of Man Man, the Walkmen and Black Kids. Completely self-released, Golden Throats comes in handmade packaging, cobbled together as shabbily as the music itself. You can buy Golden Throats for $7.50 on Insound.

Patagonia Shelter Stone: World's First Recyclable Nylon Jacket

by Tim Yu

While current eco-trends make companies quick to boast about their use of biodegradable glues and materials, Patagonia has been quietly pioneering greener methods for years , oftentimes inventing the new technologies. Their newest innovation is the world's first recyclable nylon jacket, the Shelter Stone, which can be processed through their Common Threads Recycling Program.

Making no compromises, Patagonia engineered the fabric so that the look, feel and performance is like any other traditional three-layer nylon shell. Surprisingly breathable for a waterproof shell, the Shelter Stone has reinforced high impact areas such as the shoulders, arms, sides and waist. Small details, like a helmet-compatible, three-way adjustable hood and coated zippers with garages to prevent from freezing, also make it technically sound. I love the two handwarmer pockets and soft fleece lining placed in especially abrasive areas such as inside the collar and around the chin. Cuff tabs and strategically placed drawcords at the hem ensure a snug fit and keep out the elements.

Unlike their competitors that buy fabric, Patagonia frequently develops them in-house, engineering garments up to their standards and trail-blazing new territories for recyclable clothing. The Shelter Stone is a prime example of their dedication to sport but more importantly the environment. Purchase it this fall at Patagonia for $350. Matching Shelter Stone Pants will also be available for $300.

I spoke with Star Heorauf, Patagonia designer of the Shelter Stone, to get her thoughts on the jacket.

What is one thing you require all coats have as a designer?
Most important things are fit and good pocket placement—hood fit in particular. I also design to avoid four seam intersections. I focus a lot of attention to contact points with the body too, for example inside collar details.

What purpose did you have in mind when designing this coat?
The jacket is intended for all-around mountain activities. Highly durable and mid weight, this jacket is intended for working in a mountain environment—whether it be slogging on the glacier roped in with a pack or guiding.

Any specific inspiration you followed when designing it?
The jacket is a balance of form and function. Fabric reinforcements and pocket openings are strategically placed for use with a pack. The inspiration for this design came from being roped in, traversing a glacier on a lovely sunny August afternoon—which within minutes turned into driving frozen rain and hail.

We're there any design compensations you had to make for this type of recyclable nylon?
No, the recyclable Nylon performs as well as its non-recyclable counterpart.

And the trim, is that recyclable too? What was used?
By trim, I assume you mean zippers, cord locks, etc. We don't source anything special for the trim package because, frankly, there isn't really much available at this point. That said, we've been working really hard on sourcing an eco-friendlier trim package, which we're hoping to include in future lines. The reality is the more people that jump on board, the greater the demand will be, which will increase availability and reduce cost.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Pastafarianism)

by Max Gold

It was once said by a wise man that there are (arbitrary large number) paths to God. Our current path of choice is the youngest religion to date—a mere three years old. This new sect is called The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster or "Pastafarianism" and is complete with its own Gospel, an ever-growing following, religious art and artifacts and best of all: evidence. It's a religion of the modern age because it exists only virtually, both interactive and accessible to everyone (i.e. it's for nerds).

Endorsed by scholars around the world, CFSM is a creative response to the theory of Intelligent Design. At its core, Pastafarianists believe that if we can decide that scientific evidence exists proving all things were created by a single God in seven days, then, well, to quote from the Open Letter To the Kansas School Board, "Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him."

"Some claim that the church is purely a thought experiment, satire, illustrating that Intelligent Design is not science, but rather a pseudoscience manufactured by Christians to push Creationism into public schools. These people are mistaken. The Church of FSM is real, totally legit and backed by hard science. Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental."

FSM ingeniously takes a seemingly solution-less argument that has generated endless hate and confusion, and liberates the controversy with clever humor. As it grows in popularity, FSM joins the ranks of Steven Colbert and others, pushing satire to new limits by not only imitating but becoming that which deserves ribbing.

Though FSM will never admit to it.

Doug Cowan

by Lost At E Minor

Doug Cowan is an artist's artist in the purist sense: an illustrator who truly loves his sketchbook. That said, the New York-based artist' work is clearly permeated by an overarching sketchbook aesthetic. Cowan doesn't so much sketch in his book than thoroughly loses himself in it. The result being the most hauntingly beautiful drawings of nature, forlorn figures and everyday ephemera.

Parke & Ronen Swim Shorts

by Jonah Samson

My search for the perfect swimsuit has been an ongoing project for the better part of the last 10 years, so I was pretty excited to happen upon the newly opened Parke & Ronen boutique during my last visit to Los Angeles. Despite the fact that Parke & Ronen (made up of the creative team of Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel) design a complete line of men's wear, I have always associated their name with great swimwear. Not only was this the first time I had ever stepped foot into one of their stores, but it was also the first time I had ever had the opportunity to try on one of their swimsuits. I can confidently say that my search for the perfect suit is now over.

Available in three different models and in a wide range of patterns and colors to please every type, their swimwear line is the perfect combination of style, fit and sex appeal. Designed to follow the lines of a man's body, the suits provide a flattering fit that rivals anything I had tried to date. Check out their website for examples of their short and sassy snap shorts, and for the many styles of their 4" and 8" shorts. You can purchase online (shorts start at $75 each), but in addition to their L.A. boutique, Parke & Ronen also have a shop in New York. Be sure to stop by to see their complete line of clothing as well as swimwear.