ISLAND LIFE SHORTS
Dig this robot
Advertiser Staff and News Services
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How do you package fashion, graffiti, pop culture, comics, music and art into one image? It's not easy, but Paul Budnitz's Kid Robot collection of miniature toys manages to pull it off. Since 2002, the company has produced collectibles created by various artists, with prices ranging from $6 to $20,000. Now, Kid Robot has released an array of bright, funky and colorful T-shirts, available in limited locations. Want to get your hands on one? Visit Dig Lifestyles for some of the newest designs, at $40 to $60; Ward Warehouse, 591-8501.
— L.M.
RELEASES
ERYKAH BADU REDUX
On her fourth studio album, "New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War)" (Universal/Motown), Erykah Badu moves even further away from neo-soul, challenging fans to keep up with her creative impulses. Those who do will be richly rewarded.
The CD is more daring than the album's current single, "Honey." Dark, mesmerizing head-nodders dominate. Incantatory chants, esoteric spoken-word rants and Badu's quirky vocals — whether achy blues or mumbled coos — add to the funky jumble. It's a brilliant mess.
Badu's lefty socio-politics ("The Cell"), messages of self-acceptance ("Me") and the power of perseverance ("Soldier") reveal an artist willing to share herself as the unfinished article.
— Brett Johnson, Associated Press
DO THIS
PRETTY PARTY
Sisters Emi Hart, left, and Alyssa Fung have turned their love for style into a shopping mecca for women — The Fashionistas Market. On Friday, in addition to clothing and jewelry by local designers at big discounts, there will be free hair services, cocktails and makeovers.
Throw in live painting by Newkon, a DJ and it's a happening; 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 21 and older, $25 in advance, $40 at the door.
The sale continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, 2454 Beretania St.; $10.
Tickets: www.fashionistasmarket.com.
— L.M.
ON THAT NOTE
Sometimes you can't count on a canned comment to communicate your feelings. That's when blank stationery is the only personal way to go. Modern Pacific Weddings in Kaimuki offers a collection of colorful and charming sets — including hand-painted, Asian-accented and beach-themed designs. Prices range from $1.50 to $18; 3620 Wai'alae Ave., 737-0638.
— L.M.
SALES & BARGAINS
— Pualana Lemelle
MILD IN THE CITY
A new coffee shop in Chinatown seeks to leave the hustle of the typical Downtown pit stop behind. At Land of Organica, on the corner of Nimitz and Maunakea in a restored antique building, high-grade organic coffee service, selected organic teas, and an array of juices and sorbets in flavors including POG, guava, lemonade and mango are offered. The juices and sorbets are sweetened with Hawaiian honey or agave, giving the same sweet taste without the sugar rush. The cafe also has biodegradable options for your take-out, making a healthy lifestyle comfortable and convenient; 900-A Maunakea St., 372-7459.
— Lacy Matsumoto
