And the winners are..………

After close scrutiny and durability testing by a team of experts, and yes 10 years of school carrying stuff makes you an expert,  we have declared some winners in each category.

As different schools and different  dudes have different requirements, there is not a “one size fits all” solution to what to buy and what to carry.  Commuters need one thing and on campus housing might need another.  Still,  we were about to narrow down the field to just a select chosen few.

BEST COMMUTER BACKPACK  (Lighter weight division)

“The Smart Alec” by Tom Bihn-Seattle .

This bag is light weight but sturdy .

The Smart Alec has two long pockets on either side of the bag that zip open and close with splash-proof zipper. One of the side pockets has an expanding water bottle pocket .The other side pocket has two pen slots and a wallet/PDA sized pocket, and can also fit other items such as a paperback book, notebook, scarf, or other smaller accessories.

The comfortable shoulder straps on the Smart Alec are made from 3/8″ padding that offers serious comfort without bulk.  This worked great for Ben who is 6’5″ tall.

 

MOST AWESOME LARGER SIZE ( longer) BACKPACK

“The Babylon Backpack” by  Wheelmen & Co.

 

 

One of the greatest features of this backpack is that it sits a little narrower and longer than the traditional size backpack.  We found this bag doesn’t interfere with standing  in line at airports as it doesn’t sit “out” as far on the sides .  The quality is amazing with leather trim and a waxed cotton outside shell.     This bag was Max’s choice for the perfect backpack.

 

BEST ACCESSORIES TOM BIHN-SEATTLE

Vertical Sleeve for papers and folders

Vertical Freudian SlipThe Freudian Slip slides inside the Smart Alec and features four slots of files and folders on one side, and organizer pockets for cables, small electronics, business cards, pens, and more on the other side. Best of all, you can pull the Freudian Slip out of the Smart Alec and hang it nearby your desk, giving yourself easy access to your accessories while keeping them organized.

Organizer Pouches:these simple pouches will add an extra pocket of organization to any bag. The clear window allows you to know what’s inside.  We found that these were especially good for jump drives and SD cards along with cables.

 

FAVORITE MESSENGER BAG-SKOOBA Ipad/Netbook Messenger

Just perfect for our new Macbook Air, the SKOOBA messenger bag is a great size for Ipads,  netbooks, kindles, nooks and smaller size electronics. Compact and light, yet packed with  pockets.

• Holds iPad or other tablet or netbook(up to 10.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″), plus power cord and accessories, with room to spare for books or papers and more.

• Over a dozen pockets and compartments in all, hold cords and adapters, compact gadgets and accessories.

If you are able to go without carrying books or large notebooks, this bag is awesome.   It was definitely  our favorite messenger bag of all the ones tested.

 

BEST BIKE COMMUTER BAG-NORTH STREET BACKPACK PANNIERS

 

This small, durable backpack organizes everything you need for the day.  A quick-release flap and pockets inside and out keep everything organized and accessible at a moment’s notice.  Each bag is made from durable water resistant fabric which works well in the unpredictable South Florida weather.  They are made in Portland Oregon where it rains a lot too.  The only downside to this bag is the metal connectors where it attaches to the bike frame.  You wouldn’t want to bang into anyone with them cause they are quite rough on the edges.  Other than that, this bag is a perfect commuter backpack for bike riders.   Check out all the great bags this company makes for bike riders!

 

 

That’s all for the award winners.  Check back in late August for our video feature.

The Crew

Rachel got to try out some cool hair accessories from Medieval Metal and we were enthralled by the original designs that this company features. Their metal hair twisters are unlike any hair accessory that you have ever owned. The hair twister wraps around a pony tail or section of hair giving it a sleek finished look. They also makePonytail Wraps, Mini HairTwisters, Hair Hooks, and Charms. We thought they’d be great after the pool or anytime your hair is wet. It totally dresses the ponytail up.

 

by Ben Pawliger

 

During the 2011 NFL Lockout, some players like Drew Brees are working hard, some players like Chad Ochocinco Johnson are having fun, and some players, like Bret Lockett are trying something completely unique for a football player. That, is singing. Bret Lockett, a safety for the New England Patriots, decided one day that he wanted to not just spend his life playing football, but also singing.

Bret is a R&B/ Rap artist, and has already started creating music. When I asked him what it is like to be a Professional Football player while a musician at the same time, he said it was different and unique and a good experience. Some of Bret’s inspirations for his music are Tupac and Jay-Z. Bret filmed his music video, Let’s Go in the Dominican Republic, which Bret described as the experience of a lifetime and a life changing adventure. But wait, there.s more. Bret is also a model and designs athletic attire and regular attire. You can check out Bret’s music video, Let’s Go right here.

 

 

 

 

 

by Jody Vining

Any seasoned music festival veteran knows that large-scale events that gather thousands of people in one place to camp out and enjoy a weekend of music bring with them a certain level of discomfort.  From massive traffic jams that leave you stuck in your car for up to 8 hours (I’m looking at you, Bonnaroo), to scorching heat, and long lines for portapotties, beer, food, and security – music festivals have a way of inducing as much pain as they bring enjoyment.

 

However, this past weekend I attended a music festival that will forever change my perception of what a music festival can and should be:  The Wanee Music Festival at the beautiful Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.  This fest essentially removes most of the negatives that come along with the typical music festival and amplifies everything that makes a music festival of this size so much damn fun.

 

As we pulled up to the festival on Thursday morning it was clear things at this event were going to be different from our prior experiences.  Traffic was light getting in, and we would soon learn that’s because we were late to the party.  Even though the festival “officially” started Thursday morning, music acts had started playing as early as Tuesday.  This allows people to arrive a couple of days early, find a choice camping spot, and get the party started a little early – it also ensures there won’t be any of those hours-long waits to get in to the venue.  Instead of being lined up in a field to camp behind our cars, the staff at the SOSMP directed us in to the park and told us we could camp wherever we wanted.  We drove through and realized this party was already in full swing – folks we talked to along the way to what would be our campsite had already been there for days.

 

After driving around the expansive music park for a little while, we settled on camping along the banks of the extraordinarily scenic Suwannee River.  While setting up our camp, the sound of a large group of people hooting and laughing could be heard echoing across the bank of the river – so we obviously had to check out what was going on.  After walking a few minutes down the river trail, we found a large beach with dozens of people laying out enjoying the sun, swimming in the river, and enjoying a massive slip and slide built from camping tarps and an intimidatingly high rope swing tossing festival attendees in to the dark Suwannee River water.  That’s right – a river, a beach, rope swings, and a slip and slide.  This festival is definitely VERY different.  We were already having a blast, and hadn’t even made it to the stages yet.

 

A short walk down River Rd (the main road that runs through the park) brought us to the main venue at the Wanee Music Fest:  The Peach Stage.  This is a large stage with a giant field that provides great sight lines and plenty of room to set up blankets and chairs.  We saw incredible performances at the main stage from Widespread Panic, The Allman Brothers Band, rock legend Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, DJ Logic (with a guest appearance by John Popper), and loads of other incredible acts.

 

However, one of the biggest surprises for me, was the smaller venue at the festival:  The Mushroom Stage.  Set amongst the oak trees and covered by a natural canopy of trees and moss, this natural amphitheater is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen live music performed.  The ambience and intimacy this venue provides seems to bring out the best in the acts that perform at it.  Popular acts like Keller Williams, John Popper, Hot Tuna, and Galactic brought the house down while less familiar acts such as Big Gigantic and the Soul Rebels certainly made a bunch of new fans.

 

When it was time to pull the stakes and depart the SOSMP – I found myself really not wanting the leave.  The people that attend this fest are some the of the warmest,  friendliest music fans I’ve ever met, and the setting is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  If you’ve never attended the Wanee Fest before and you enjoy music festivals you should definitely check this one out next year.  But be warned:  it might ruin all other music festivals for you.

 

——–

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In The Pines, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1978.  The mission of In The Pines is to provide safe, clean and affordable housing combined with social services and support programs to enhance the quality of life for low income farm workers in Palm Beach County Florida.  We spent the day doing games and  arts and crafts with the kids.

Thank you to everyone who has donated arts and crafts supplies for our community service programs.  These faces show you how much everyone appreciates your donations.