Even though they’re dressed as vikings and flying through a cartoon sky, MGMT and Yo Gabba Gabba got it right…art is everywhere!

In Las Vegas, January is dedicated to electronics as hundreds of thousands of techies descend upon the city from far and wide for the largest convention of its kind, CES (Consumer Electronics Show).

While all Las Vegas natives are well versed in negotiating the convention from the outside – dodging masses of men in suits and badges by avoiding the Strip at all costs – this was my first experience with the show from this inside as a proper member of the Press.  And I must say, as far as conventions go, CES is quite incredible.

There were more large TVs, 3D TVs, and mini TVs than anyone ever needs to see in one place.  Computers, mobile devices, photographic technology, audio, home security and enviro-green-everything abounded.  There were tasers, robots, flying spaceships, droids and driverless cars.

By far, the most amazing invention I saw were holograms that have countless applications and, though they are in the fledgling state today, I expect will change the way gamers game and everyone interacts with their technology.  There were accessories and applications for every type of device ever invented and thousands of options for each.  I left the show thankful that I’m not a buyer who must make any major purchasing decisions and I can simply take in all the brilliance and recommend some of the things that caught my eye.

Since the cool little products that we use every day tend to seem underwhelming next to the flashy larger ticket items, I wanted to focus on those.  I always root for the underdog.  Also, I figured these are a few things that can actually improve your life and add a little Dahlight to your day.

De-Clutter with the POWERMAT cordless charging device
Designed to eliminate the hassle of plugging and unplugging your chargeable devices, Powermat delivers freedom and convenience by allowing you to “Drop and Charge” your phone/iPod/etc.  Simply place your device on the mat and it will automatically charge.  No cords.  No clutter.

Get personal with YURBUDS individually fitted ear bud enhancers
Yurbuds are custom-sized ear bud enhancers developed by world-renowned audiologists that are guaranteed not to fall out, are comfortable for hours and provide exceptional sound quality at lower volumes.  Coming soon, they will launch their application that allows customers to take a photo of their ear for immediate sizing.  Best of all, they fit on most existing ear buds.

Accessorize with DEOS earphone covers
For all you electronically-hip fashionistas with discerning taste should check out Deos earphone covers.  Exclusively designed and patented to fit the iPhone and iPod ear buds, You can express your personal style with the style that best fits your personality.  My favorites, the diamond encrusted covers (but I’ll settle for the Swarovski crystal option too).

Prettify your office with IN WN computer and component covers
If you’re like me, you hate the look of all things tech.  Especially external drives and PC towers.  That just means that you need to look into In Win artistic storage devices.  Made of beautiful Japanese porcelain, the external drive dishes are clean and pretty.

Spiffy up with the CYBER CLEAN cleaning compound
I love extracting gunk from everything, so when I discovered the Flubber-like gooey substance of Cyber Clean, I fell in love.  Shmush the goo over your keyboard, on your telephone, in the cracks of your car vents (you get the idea) and all unwanted dirt and grime will be picked up without harming the surface.

SINGGOD BKV Karaoke Machines
Because every party girl needs a mobile karaoke machine.

WALKMAN MP3 Player
I still have my original yellow Sport Walkman so how could I resist at least playing with the 2010 version.  I’m sticking with my iPod for music on the go, but this is a good option for those of you who are suckers for nostalgia.

SCANSONIC Sound & Style
How can you not love the sleek, retro look of these radios/mp3/cd players?  And they’re more than just a “pretty face”, they sound good too.

No joking, The Dead Weather literally rocked my world and put on the best concert I’ve seen in a very, very, very long time.

I was also happy to see that Jack White’s fans dressed for the occasion and provided some fashionable and tasty eye-candy.

I will leave you with some snaps I got from the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles and simply say – if you have the chance to catch a show, do yourself the favor and see this freaking amazing band!

I went to my first large public concert in LA the other night.  The band was Kings of Leon.  The venue was the Forum.  The fashion was…mostly boring.

As one who naturally observes my surroundings and finds inspiration in random places, I was almost looking forward to the people-watching as much as I was the music.  After all, this is LA and I was eager to see how the city’s hip locals would dress themselves for the evening.

I guess I set myself up for disappointment.  It seems LA’s style – like its relaxing weather, mellow pace and pleasant attitude – is lax.  It’s as though people dressed for the beach but ended up at a concert.  A handful of girls must have come straight from their Las Vegas cocktail-serving job, and most of the guys looked like they’ve been living in a tent (I know Hung is a good show, but emulating Ray’s lifestyle won’t make your unit any bigger) .  There were a few notable vintage exceptions who, though I couldn’t get their photo, stood out because they looked smart, classy and clean.

I think these photos (pardon low-light iPhone quality) do a fair job of illustrating the overall fashion mood, so let me know what you think.  In some small way, I have to admit there’s something liberating about the thought of sporting your lounge wear while rocking out to a great band.  I just wish people would put more effort into expressing their personal style while wearing the exact same thing as everyone around them.

Steve Damstra

I got a hold of Steve Damstra’s iPod and found an eclectic mix of interesting goodies on it.  There were so many artists that I hadn’t even heard of that I asked him to compile a summer playlist for my Dahlighters.  Here’s what the talented (and adorable) front man of the bands Whirlwind Heat and Folded Light is recommending.  Hope these tunes sweeten your summer!

01.  Chainsaw – The Ramones
02.  Barbara Ann – The Beach Boys
03.  Ride A White Swan – T Rex
04.  (I’m not your) Stepin’ Stone – The Monkees
05.  Brown Eyed Handsome man – Chuck Berry
06.  Why Bother – Weezer
07.  Song 2 – Blur
08.  Wildcat! – Be Your Own Pet
09.  Silver – Whirlwind Heat
10.  Hey Little Cobra – The Rip Chords
11.  Till the Morning Comes – Neil Young
12.  Broken Bricks – The White Stripes
13.  Last Cares – The Misfits
14.  The Dirtbombs – Chains of Love
15.  Hip Hugger – Booker T and the MGs
16.  Cripple Creek Fairy – Neil Young

If you want to take home a little piece of Steve yourself, you can find him here…

Whirlwind Heat

Folded Light

iTunes, iTunes

Amazon, Amazon

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Like so many others, I grew up a fan of Michael Jackson.  I was awed by his dancing, moved by his melodies, inspired by his flair, and I coveted his sensational performing skills.

As I grew older, I began appreciating his apparent love of the world and his compassion for all those that inhabit it.  I was proud to hang his poster on my wall and I have fond memories of choreographing dances to his Thriller album on roller skates in my driveway.

I was also among those that moved away from the superstar as he began to make super-sized and bizarre choices.  My judgment went so far that I thought it a strange choice to make his memorial so extravagant and public.  I was wrong.

The memorial was produced with captivating and palpable love.  It was gentle and human.  And, best of all this special celebration shared with us some valuable life lessons.

Smile.
Smile though your heart is aching, even if it’s breaking.  Smile through your fears and sorrow and you’ll find the sun will shine on you.  If you smile.

Start with the mirror.
Make the change in yourself that you want to see in the world.

Embrace and encourage your inner child.
Take time to play and be silly.  Climb a tree, dance freely, dress up in colorful costumes, complete a puzzle and keep exploring.

Be the best.
Success is not a measure of fame or accolades but rather our choice to be the very best at what we do – whatever that is.  True success comes by being the best street sweeper, barrista, doctor, teacher, plumber, artist, dog groomer, or ditch digger we can be with peaceful contentedness.

Live forever.
Our positive energies and actions live a full life of their own.  They have the power to inspire, encourage and dahlight.  Through these reverberations we live forever.

Thanks for all the good times Michael, we’re still listening.