Ethereal tunes from a collective of L.A. music nerds Dubbed an “indie pop quartet,” L.A.-based band Superhumanoids has more in common with the emotionally-languid style of vets like Morrissey than with peers lumped into the same near-meaningless genre. Like all good design, their tunes balance honesty, innovation and attention to detail that stems from the group’s dedication to music. The four members—Sarah Chernoff, Cameron Parkins, Max St. John and Evan Weinerman—all play different instruments and roles in other bands. A natural frontman, Parkins typically takes the lead with his sex-phone-operator baritone anchoring his sensually-hysterical high notes and Chernoff’s soothing backup melodies. A steady beat and intriguing riffs—like on “Hey Big Bang,” a power ballad with a catchy staccato drumbeat that feels tailor-made for Chernoff’s haunting vocals—ties the dreamy roller coaster of sound together. While the four have only been playing together for just over a year, songs like “Contemporary Individual” and “Cranial Contest” showcase a well-honed instinct for blending their individual talents. Superhumanoids’ recently released Urgency , a red vinyl EP, sells from record label Hit City U.S.A. , which Parkins’ cofounded along with fellow Franks bandmate Colin Stutz. (Chernoff is the drummer and third member of The Franks.) Pick up the record ($10) or CD ($5) online from Hit City or visit the band’s website to download the album through Soundcloud.

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Superhumanoids: Urgency

A back-to-basics debut of ethically-made tanks, Bajas and dresses From the founders of LaRok clothing, Brooklyn-based label stockists and more views of their Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

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Ace & Jig

A biodegradable rinse for effortlessly cleaning reusable bottles As global awareness of the benefits of choosing reusable water bottles, a little education on the best way to clean them is in order. Dishwasher heat releases harmful chemicals in some plastics (not to mention melts some of them), and washing by hand can often leave soap behind or grow mold if the bottle doesn’t dry out properly. Developed by cyclist Jennifer Letscher, Skweet powder cleans and deodorizes plastic, aluminum and stainless steel sports bottles, easily ridding them of germs and rank smells that seem to linger behind after use. Requiring little more than a good shake, Skweet uses all-natural, biodegradable ingredients such as citric acid and grapefruit oil that activates with warm water to clean bottles. Each recyclable tub holds enough powder for about 24 washes, and sells online from Skweet or various bike shops for $9.

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Skweet Sport Bottle Wash

Tyler Brûlé’s new broadsheet designed for leisurely summer reading An antidote to disco-worthy iPads and nerdy eReaders unfit for the beach, Monocle ‘s recently published ” Mediterraneo ” newspaper, like their magazine, goes against the publishing grain for a glare-free summer read. The 64-page extension of the acclaimed glossy comes packed with sensible tips, progressive geopolitical thinking, and their reputable take on fashion and design. Meant as holiday companion, the mini-edition is now on sale at resorts from California to Lebanon and at select airports in between. The newspaper also sells online for

NYC’s latest food truck serves up a dose of zany pop art Luz Azul, the NYC-based artist who goes by Marco , recently moved his gallery from the Lower East Side to the open road. Deciding to jump on the mobile vending movement to reach out to his customers rather than wait for them to come to him, the enterprising artist purchased a former food truck through Craigslist and for the past few months has been rolling around greater New York City hawking his works. New Yorkers will already be familiar with Marco’s ubiquitous murals and pop art portraits of original fictional characters in slapstick situations. His illustrations mostly feature a protagonist octopus named Ollie, but one that stands out includes a cartoon cop confronting a peanut with the phrase “Bust A Nut.” Marco’s works span $20-$500, depending on size, and come in hand-painted wooden frames. In addition to his mobile gallery, Marco works with various charities and often throws children’s painting parties with proceeds also benefiting charitable organizations. We caught up with Marco at one of his stops where he explained he will soon launch a series of webisodes featuring celebrity interviews and paintings based on his interpretations of them, which he will also donate to charity. To take a peek into Marco’s whacky and feel-good perspective towards life, track his whereabouts via his Twitter, marcoartmobile , or check out his online gallery .

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MarcoArt Mobile

Totes and rucksacks handmade in Portland from canvas sailcloth Not long after learning the art of custom canvas for sailboats and yachts with his dad, Portlander Nick Everett started designing and crafting one-off bags and clothing for friends from the material. When Jordan Saylor of Portland-based menswear boutique Vanport Outfitters . The new brand draws on Americana with a West Coast feeling—durable yet relaxed. The company uses no synthetic materials, and skilled craftsmen hand-make each item in Portland, constructing each item from start to finish, including all cutting, sewing and hardware installation. Despite intricate tailoring, the line remains surprisingly affordable, with the beach sling—perfect for those tired of the ubiquitous raffia beach tote—retailing for $98. Vanport Outfitters sells from Le Train Bleu , with prices spanning $75-475. You can also view the line of products or contact Everett for customized orders at the

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Vanport Outfitters

Kick into high gear with Keds’ latest 1940s military-inspired throwback Keds’ latest addition to the Century Collection is the Call of Duty , a solid shoe echoing the war-laden 1940s. Offered in military-inspired colorways with camouflage interiors, the men’s shoe is built to last with leather bindings and rawhide laces. The fourth shoe created for Keds Original Sneaker campaign , the Call of Duty is sold exclusively online and comes in khaki, olive or indigo for $55.

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Keds Call of Duty

Subtly sweet vodka, triple distilled from pure Vermont maple sap Typically made from earthy vegetables or grains like potato or wheat, Vermont Gold vodka, made from 100% maple sap, defies most preconceptions about the popular spirit. With an aroma that hints of tartness and butterscotch, it has a smooth taste with just a bit of spice and each sip’s complex flavor profile is surprising for an unflavored vodka. Starting with pure Vermont maple sap (harvested for only a few weeks of every year), the brew undergoes a triple distillation process using local spring water, and vodka passes through a charcoal filter at the end of each cycle to remove impurities. The strict attention to detail in the distilling and fermentation process, along with the freshest local ingredients, results in the clean, maple-infused taste. In addition to Gold, Vermont Spirits also offers Vermont White —made from 100% milk sugar—as well as an annual Limited Release vodka made from the finest “early run sap.” Bottles sell online and in stores through the U.S., with prices beginning at $43 each.

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Vermont Gold

BBC Radio 5 live’s Declan Curry explains just what GDP stands for and why we should care.

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Business basics: What is GDP?