SoundHound LiveLyrics, Cool!
Whoa, just discovered the LiveLyrics feature of the SoundHound app. How does it do that?
Showing the lyrics for a song is cool, but scrolling the lyrics line by line in step with the music is downright amazing!
Lana Del Rey vs Katy Perry
This is an interesting spin on pop music success. Katy Perry started her musical career as Katy Hudson, a gospel singer. She then underwent a pivot, changing her persona and her fortune.
Basically, Lana Del Rey followed a similar path to Katy’s but with differing results (for now anyways). The trailer park-living Lana is actually Lizzy Grant who has significant backing for her talents. Her past and musical start didn’t begin with YouTube but as a member of Interscope Records. After this was revealed, there was backlash against Lana though her Born to Die album is melancholically good.
I’m not sure why Katy’s change didn’t derail her popularity. Maybe it’s Katy’s can’t-be-taken-seriously image she portrays that is the big difference, personified with songs like California Gurls and Last Friday Night. For the seriousness and weight of Lana’s genre, a transgression in her storied past cuts deeper since it questions her pain and angst captured in her music.
Listen to Lana’s music, and you decide for yourself.
Oahu in a Cup
What does the essence of Oahu taste like? Take a sip of Starbucks’ new (and limited) Oahu Coffee to find out. Check out the coffee’s description:
This 100% Oahu Coffee is grown in rich volcanic soil amid gentle Pacific breezes, resulting in sophisticated notes of baking chocolate and dried fig, and a silky, smooth texture.
Who knew our trade winds induces flavors of chocolate and fig? Anyways, look for this limited release in-store or better yet, order online at StarbucksStore.com.
No H50 Nikes Spotted
Scanning pictures taken from the blessing ceremony for Season 3 of Hawaii Five-0, I didn’t see anyone wearing the custom designed Nike Free Trainer 5.0. These shoes needed an appearance at this event. 🙁
I’m hoping these kicks are seen sometime this season on or off air, preferably on air. C’mon H50, if you got custom kicks, you gotta book’em rock’em!
Love the Eco-i-Lite
Aw, I’m bummed that my original pair of Eco-i-Lite flashlights have both died. I love these rechargeable lights. Plop them into their inductive charging bays, and that’s it. When the power goes out, these light up themselves. Under normal conditions, the charging bays also act as night lights. The LEDs in the flashlights are bright (though not focused beams) and their batteries last for a long time.
Sadly, I can’t find them locally anymore. I swear I bought these at Costco or Sam’s Club a few years back and thought I saw them in the past few months. But neither big box retailer carries them anymore. Not sure why, but Amazon has them so I’m ordering a new pair.
Starbucks Pearl City Shops Is Refreshed
It’s not just the Enchanted Lakes Starbucks getting refreshed. The Pearl City Shops Starbucks is also charged up for the national launch of Starbucks new Refresher flavors.
Check out this electrifying display! I didn’t see this at Enchanted Lakes.
Since it was lunchtime, there were samples of hand crafted Cool Lime and Very Berry Hibiscus. What did I think? Well… I expected more tartness from the Cool Lime. That or I would have preferred some carbonated zing. But the carbonation is reserved for the canned Refreshers (Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade, and Orange Melon). Both the Lime and Very Berry drinks are available either hand crafted (made in the store) or in instant VIA form. Of course the hand crafted versions have fresh ingredients added that are not in the VIA packets. As of now, there are no canned versions of Cool Lime or Very Berry Hibiscus.
Next I sampled the Very Berry Hibiscus and true to my expectations, I was reminded of the Hibiscus flower while drinking this. It’s a better blend than the Cool Lime, but I can’t shake that flowery image as I drink it. Oh, and a word of caution. After sampling the Refreshers, your palette is in for a bitter shock if you chase it with a coffee-based drink.
So the Refreshers live up to their namesake and is refreshing. This marks a different market for Starbucks, going beyond coffees and teas. But I’m still a coffee fan, addicted to its taste, color, and scent, so I’m sticking with the brown stuff. 🙂
Here are a few more pictures of the Starbucsk Pearl City Shops location.
The Volturi Are Coming for Us on November 16
The conclusion of the Twilight saga starts November 16, 2012.
Starbucks Enchanted Lakes Got the Refresher Refresh
Stopped by the Starbucks Enchanted Lakes location this morning and saw the new Refresher look.
The bright, bold colors reflect the new Refresher flavors of Cool Lime and Very Berry Hibiscus. Today marks the national launch for these flavors. Inside and out, the store is really pushing these fruity additions.
You can score a coupon for 50% off any Refresher flavor.
If you want to sample these new drinks, head on over on Friday, July 13, from noon to 3pm. You’ll receive a free tall sized Refresher.
While you’re bedazzled by all the Refresher activity, don’t forget to pick up this week’s pick, the Tasting Table Cookbook.
I haven’t yet had the chance to sample the Cool Lime or the Very Berry Hibiscus. Cool Lime sounds like a natural match for this iced drink. I’m a little wary of the Hibiscus drink, not really wanting to drink a flower you know. 😉
I have had the original three Refreshers, Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade, and Orange Melon. From the names alone, I would have guessed Orange Melon would be my favorite, but instead, it’s Raspberry Pomegranate. To me, this had the best flavor combination. There was an aftertaste to the Orange Melon. It started good then the aftertaste kicked in, negating the initial yumminess. I didn’t feel that way with the Pomegranate. The Strawberry Lemonade was okay, not great, not bad, just okay. I am looking forward to Cool Lime, but given my experience with Refresher flavors, maybe Very Berry Hibiscus will be my new favorite.
For more info on these new Refreshers, check out the coverage by Starbucks Melody.
Oh, a few more pictures of the Enchanted Lakes store (which was still setting up in the morning).
The Kenmore Elite 72053 Refrigerator Is Magnetic!
Here I thought the stainless steel Kenmore Elite Model 72053 (31-cu ft) refrigerator did not have a magnetic surface. I am wrong, or partially wrong at least.
Out of pure randomness, we passed a magnet near the behemoth’s surface, and it stuck! But it’s only in the upper left corner where the ice maker is. And the magnetism isn’t strong. Don’t expect to attach large or heavy objects. Pictures and single sheets of paper are okay. Anything else starts sliding down the surface. “Magnetic stickers” work well though to get your refrigerator in the seasonal spirit.
Contest: Win an iPad from Farmers Hawaii
Win an iPad? Then surely, this contest can’t be from the limited coffers of Pulpconnection! But yes, you can win a free iPad from Farmers Hawaii in their traffic safety karaoke contest.
Starting today until the end of July, singers, crooners, and American Idol-wannabes can sing along to Jake Shimabukuro’s original creation, Slow Down, and submit their renditions. One winner will receive Apple’s latest iPad, and a fan favorite, as voted by you the people, will win $200 in gas.
For you alpha types, be one of the first five to submit your entry and get a $25 gas card just like that. For all other entrants, you’ll get a copy of Jake’s latest, Peace Love Ukulele.
To enter and to read the official rules, jam on over to http://www.myfarmershawaii.com/karaoke.
Are you ready? Warm up them pipes and sample your challenge.
Can you beat this sample? This ain’t me, I swear.
Good luck!
Spotted VH07V Again
Driving around the Windward side, I spied another VH07V sticker. Looks like the brand is building its popularity!
Nike Zoom Structure Is For Me
I can’t deny it. Nike’s Structure line of running shoes is for me. No matter what other Nikes I experiment with, I always come back to the Structure. I used to run in the Moto but moved up to the more supportive Structure line. I’ve had the 12, the 14, and recently, picked up the discounted 15. Darn Zappos for telling me about these shoes!!
I guess my flat feet need the stability provided by these shoes. I wasn’t completely sold on this wolf grey colorway, but in person, they’re not bad. And you know you can get away with the most outlandish, gaudy shoes while running. In fact, it’s expected!