Water

Matt Damon's New Water Bottle For Charity

Matt Damon has been involved in charity efforts for a long time (he is part of the Not On Our Watch project which focuses on bringing attention to mass atrocities like the situation in Darfur). His latest effort is Water.org which he co-founded with Gary White. Water.org is a nonprofit organization that has transformed hundreds of communities in Africa, South Asia, and Central America working with local partners to provide access to safe water and sanitation. Damon and his charity have developed attractive limited edition metal water bottles that are environmentally friendly and 100% of the profits go directly to support nearly a billion people in the world who lack clean water.

The CamelBak(R) Better Bottle has an integrated handle and hold 16 ounces. The double-wall insulated stainless bottle features vacuum insulation to keep beverages cool for hours. The bottles are made from medical-grade stainless steel, with no inner liners or plastic coatings. The design was a collaborative effort of Kyle Damon, his wife Lori, designer Elissa Traher of Traher Design, and artist, Jane Dixon. The steel bottle sells for $24.95 and 100% of the profits, about $10 go to fund the life-changing work of Water.org.

[via BSC Kids]

Tags: matt damon, water, water bottle, water.org

The Great Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports, Books

Originally released in 1994, Grant McClintock's classic angler's almanac Flywater: Fly-Fishing Rivers of the West documented his year-long journey visiting the creeks, springs and freestone rivers that make the West the world's premiere destination for fly fishing. Now Universe has issued an updated edition complete with new photographs from McClintock's collection, revealing new river finds full of trout and steelhead. The destinations pictured in more than 200 full-color photos include New Mexico, California, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Wyoming; the cover shows picturesque Pelican Point on Montana's Missouri River. Interspersed with the photos, McClintock explains the complexities of fly fishing in each type of "flywater". The book also features a foreword by renowned newsman and fly fishing enthusiast Tom Brokaw, who notes that McClintock magnificently captures the sport's "sense of majesty and humility – majesty in the surroundings and the humility that comes with understanding that the fly-fishing angler is there on nature's terms."

Tags: books, coffee table books, Colorado, fishing, fly fishing, fly-fishing, nature, New Mexico, outdoor, river, sports, Tom Brokaw, water

Fizz With Flair, SodaStream's Penguin

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

The recent crop of home soda makers appeal on several levels: environmentally (no plastic bottles to discard), economically (no plastic bottles to buy) and practically (fizzy water for everyone, anytime). But one shortcoming has been aesthetics, since most models look like a Nalgene bottle jacked into a piece of lab equipment. Thankfully SodaStream has corrected this oversight with their Penguin.

Available through SodaStream's website and at Williams-Sonoma, this avian-themed carbonation factory is something you'll actually want to display at home. Operating without batteries or an electrical connection, the Penguin carbonates beverages with a few quick pumps of the beak (I prefer to add my own penguin sound effects when doing this). Simply rotate the stainless steel flask and insert one of the two glass carafes provided, which are attractive enough to pass for vases or decanters. Close and lock, depress the beak to activate (2-4 times, depending on how much fizz you're after), and push the pressure release valve before opening again. Once carbonated, you can seal the carafes with the provided hermetic stopper for freshness. The CO2 canisters that power the Penguin are easy to install and SodaStream estimates you'll get about 45 carafes-worth of fizz out of each.

SodaStream also offers various soda mixes and recently released a line of all-natural flavor syrups, from apple mango to pink grapefruit, but I've found that a few well-placed lime wedges work just as well. I haven't yet experimented with the Penguin and alcoholic beverages, but something tells me a Collins night is in order soon.

Tags: carbonation, kitchen gadgets, penguin, soda, sodastream, water, williams-sonoma

Missoni for S.Pellegrino Limited Edition Bottle

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

The sparkling water brand S.Pellegrino has been working to promote the Italian luxury market and part of that effort is their first ever collaboration with a designer to reinterpret their label and bottle packaging. Fashion house Missoni was chosen and their vision resulted is this cheerful and very welcoming label that comes in four different colors and includes a signature knit sleeve with bright red star charms. It's quite the treatment for a bottle of water -- seems particularly well suited for a picnic or other outing where a little padding or coziness would be appreciated.

The specially designed bottles were released earlier this year and although they're technically a limited edition 30 million will be distributed to vendors.

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Tags: bottled water, missoni, san pellegrino, water

Hello Kitty Does Bottled Water

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Hello Kitty never does anything in a plain or boring way and bottled water is no exception. Fillico is offering Hello Kitty branded water bottles that in addition to the iconic kitty face and prominent cartoon bow also feature Swarovski crystal accents and crown-shaped toppers. There are five colors available, each representing something different: yellow for "heartful," pink for "cute," lavender for "sweet," green for "wish," and red for "friendship." The bottles are priced at $100 each (or $500 for the set).

Also see Fillico's other $100 bottled water, Fillico Beverly Hills.

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Tags: bottled water, hello kitty, swarovski, water

Ovopur, Award-Winning Water Cooler Style

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Water coolers have traditionally been ugly, functional things with disposable plastic tops and ugly plastic bases, but not anymore. Not if Aquaovo has anything to say about it, as their award-winning water cooler design is a functional and beautiful work of art. Ovopur has no right angles but is made up entirely of gentle curves to ease the flow of water naturally and to symbolize abundance, rebirth, purity, and infinity. Handcrafted according to the age-old traditions of Chinese artisans, the Ovopur is also an environmentally friendly option because it needs no energy to work (relying instead on gravity to filter and replenish the water) and is made up almost entirely of recycled or recyclable parts. Even the filter cartridges are reusable -- you can return them for a rebate on new filter purchases.

Available in several different colors and both floor/countertop styles, Ovopur balances urban style with environmental awareness and traditional artisan craftsmanship. Prices vary, get it here for $895.

Gallery: Aquaovo's Ovopur Water Cooler

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Tags: aquaovo, ovopur, water, water cooling, water filter

The Safe & Reusable Water Bobble Drinking Bottle

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Yachts & Sailing

Wow, this is a really good idea. I love this thing, and it is not just for the luxury crowd. This nicely designed device is the "Water Bobble." We first discussed it here on Luxist. It is a reusable plastic water bottle that filters water. If you are anything like me you drink a lot of water out of bottles. If you do, then you have two options, buy loads of water bottles and use them once, or reuse bottles again and again until they get... well funky. The Water Bobble can be reused about 300 times, and includes a built-in carbon filter. The same type of filter that something like a Brita water filter uses. Only here it is easier to use (and much better looking).

The Bobble is made from recycled plastic actually, and has a nice smooth ergonomic shape that fits in your hand. The makers of this product did a lot to make it look pretty. The top is like a sports bottle that pulls open, and there is a plastic lid. Really good modern design. The point of the thing is to reduce the environmental impact of water plastic bottle (a real issue) and to make drinking filtered watch much easier. It can also save you a good amount of money. The Water Bobble comes in a bunch of colors (the bottle is always clear plastic, but the filter and cap colors change). In addition to the red tone, other colors include black, green, blue, orange, yellow, and magenta. Price is just $9.95 for this little piece of genius. You can order them online via the link above.

Tags: Bobble, bottle, filter, Water

S.T. Dupont Limited Edition Neptune Gift Set

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Writing Instruments

Inspired by mythological Roman figure Neptune, God of water and of the sea, this set from S.T. Dupont pays tribute to ancient times with a contemporary design that beautifully represents waves, water, and serenity in deep blue Chinese placed lacquer. Great for a collector or lover of Roman mythology (or of course anyone who just likes to use stylish writing instruments), the set comes in a numbered limited edition of 888 and includes a Ligne 2 lighter plus three Olympio Large pens -- one each fountain, roller, and ballpoint. $1000

Via Bornrich

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Tags: mythology, neptune, pen, pens, s.t. dupont, S.t.Dupont, st dupont, StDupont, water

Pharos Marine Designs Hydrogen- and Diesel-Electric Orcageno Superyacht

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

The Orcagena is a 60-meter yacht with a 12-meter beam and room for 12 guests and 14 crew. It contains a spa and health center, sun deck Jacuzzi, and an open-air lounge for the owner's cabin. The dining room overlooks the 2-story swimming pool complex, where you'll be protected from that relentless Aegean sun by a retractable sunroof.

All of that, though, is par for the superyacht course. Where the Orcagena takes its stand is in its propulsion system: a hydrogen- and diesel-electric combination that can provide thousands of more Earth-friendly nautical miles. Dual-fuel engines can run on either diesel or liquid hydrogen, that latter fluid being stored in specially designed tanks in the bow. That engine then powers an electric motor that runs the propellers for quieter, more efficient motoring.

Running on hydrogen eliminates the yacht's carbon footprint, and using the hydrogen alone you can get from London to Brindisi at a leisurely pace, or if you're in a hurry to get to that Campari and soda, Monaco to Brindisi. The full complement of hydrogen and diesel will get you from LA to your second home in Cheju, South Korea... and back. The axe bow and hull design based on the shape of the sperm whale go a long way to making that happen.

The Orcagena is only at the design stage now, but it is more proof of the best in luxury and the best in treading softly are headed for an inevitable union.

Gallery: Pharos Orcagena

[Source: Green Car Congress]

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Tags: hybrid, orcagena, pharos, pharos marine, PharosMarine, superyacht, water, yacht

Armin Elements Regulator Watches Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I've been fascinated by the upcoming collection of Armin by Armin Strom, Elements watch collection (that I previously mentioned here). The four versions are each named by another element, giving us the Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. The very interesting dials are special because they are designed well enough to live with as your daily watch. Reading the unique regulator retrograde displays puts a smile on my face. The watches use modified manually wound ETA Unitas movements, and are very nicely decorated - a hallmark of the Armin Strom watches. The dials have separate indicators for the hours, minutes, seconds, and the date.

I got to spend some time with these watches and check them out a bit. Armin Strom would like me to remind you that these are pre-production prototypes. So the final ones will a have much nicer fit and finish. You can see how nicely the movement is decorated with a unique circular polish pattern. The dial has an intense depth and detailed look. Operating the watch is simple via the crown. One thing that I am not totally happy with is the pusher located at about 10 o'clock that is used to adjust the date. I don't mind a pusher for this function, but I think it should have been protected (so that you don't accidentally press it), and designed to be a bit more attractive. It just looks a bit blase compared to the crown. Otherwise the case is done nicely. The reptile straps are awesome. Thick and very well made. The certainly have that hand-made feel. The extension lip sticking out of the bezel at 6 o'clock is used by Armin should you want personalized initials engraved on the watch.

Pictured is the Armin Elements Air model in its "light and airy" white and blue tones. I quite like the summery look of the watch. Aside from the pink gold cased Fire version of the watch, the Elements collection starts at about $17,600. To get an Armin Strom watch you can contact their US distributor at (724) 263-2286.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Armin Elements Watches

Tags: air, Armin, earth, Elements, fire, regulator, Strom, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay, water

MasterCraft Cruises into the World of Day-Trippers with its MasterCraft 300

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

MasterCraft is known for its recreational boats -- the company leads the market in inboard skiing, wakeboarding, and sport craft. With the 30-foot, 4-inch MasterCraft 300 twin inboard (the platform adds another 3.5 feet) the company moves into the big boat business, and with its first offering wants to reset a boat buyer's expectations about how a day-tripper should make its owner feel.

The cockpit features big-boat electric equipment standard, but you can opt up for items like the Raymarine E80 and get a systems monitor with maps, radar and a 3-D terrain view of the ocean floor. And you'll be able to see it, and to stay cool behind the wheel, under the boat's tinted glass hardtop that is lined with a misting system. However, the folks lounging on the transom's adjustable seating will probably be having more fun than the pilot, with custom wetbars on either side and space for an electric grill or, even better, a waterproof flat screen TV.

The 300 is the first boat in the segment with a twin-tipped monohull, which opens up space in the interior cabin. Head below decks with your head up and your chest out, and you'll find customized hardwood cabinets and hardwood floors, ultra-leather fabrics, a galley with all the mod-cons, and a stand-up shower with a full-sized door. When it's time to get off your sea legs, the room in that twin hull provides you a bed big enough stretch out in, meaning that unless you're a Grizzlies center you don't have to sleep in the shape of a 'V.'

And once you're in bed, if you realize you forgot to turn off that "Songs of the Humpback" CD, don't bother getting up. Just grab the Contour Zone remote (or C-Zone to you, Commodore), which puts you in pushbutton control of all the boat's electrical systems. That way you can let the real humpbacks sing you to sleep.

Gallery: MasterCraft 300

[Source: MasterCraft]

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Tags: boat, mastercraft, mastercraft 300, Mastercraft300, powerboat, water

Electricity and Water Do Mix: Nimbus Reveals an Electric Boat

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Green

Ever since that youthful Christmas when we drove our remote-controlled car into the pool, we've been focused on keeping battery-powered objects away from water. Today, though, Sweden's Nimbus Boats gave us hope that one day big, battery-powered craft can live in harmony with "H" and its two "O" friends.

The 27-foot Nimbus E-power is the first commercially available electric boat. A full recharge only takes four hours, a span of time could provide the perfect interlude for a siesta and a frolic in the lagoon at that little atoll just over the horizon. Or at least, it would when they equip the lagoon with a 400V electrical supply. If you're using the standard euro-version 220V outlet, you'll need 28 hours to see the gauge back at "Full."

Lacking that crucial step, you'll need to within the E-power's range of 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers), and probably go easy on the craft's top speed of 27 knots if you want a full day of fun (cruising speed is 22 knots). A tank of juice costs €5, so your wallet will love you, and the boat creates no emissions so the fish will love you -- at least the ones you aren't busy catching now that you spend so much more time on the water...

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Tags: boat, nimbus, nimbus boats, NimbusBoats, sweden, water, yacht

Evian Babies Take Over The Web

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

We've seen some unique marketing stunts from Evian before but nothing like this. The French water brand has partnered with designer brands before but this time their partners are a bunch of special effects babies. The new advertising campaign, called "Live Young" features CGI-enhanced breakdancing and roller-skating babies. The Wall Street Journal reports that the video has already had 2.8 million views on YouTube in the U.S., and another 2.3 million internationally. The computer animation features babies cavorting around doing daredevil antics and skating around bottles of Evian to a remixed version song "Rapper's Delight."

The Wall Street Journal article questions whether or not the dancing babies are cute or creepy. They don't work for me in terms of promoting Evian but many people seem to find them adorable. Check out the video and vote below:

Is Evian's Live Young Campaign?
Creepy!	181 (45.1%)
Adorable	220 (54.9%)

Gallery: Evian

Tags: ad campaigns, AdCampaigns, evian, water

Alain Sauser 'Elements' Ladies Jewelery Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

These pretty watches remind me of some of the new Bertolucci women's timepieces, but that is just fine. This is the Elements Ladies collection (Water, Terre, and Feu watches) from Alain Sauser (isn't that an exemplar of luxury brand sounding names?!). The collection is part of a larger collection of timepieces that share the same type of case that is rendered in so many ways, with so many designs. I couldn't write about them all though. The concept of creating a line of watches for the elements is common, but this one really makes me see the inspiration in each. The water watch really looks like it should be in water, and you can see the cracked dirt in the Earth model. Not sure where the "Air" model is, somewhere flying around perhaps.

Each watch comes in a 38mm wide 18k white gold case with a bevy of applied jewels including 685 diamonds, and either sapphires, rubies and yellow sapphire, or brown and black diamonds. The jewels are each set by hand. Not sure, but I believe the watches have quartz movements. Dauphine hands complete the elegant look, and the straps are fun and friendly to go with the theme of each watch. Look for the Alain Sauser Elements Ladies Jewelry watches available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: alain sauser, AlainSauser, collection, elements, feu, ladies, lady, terre, timepieces, watch, water

Eco-Style: KOR ONE Water Vessels

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Green

KOR ONE believes that being healthy and living a sustainable lifestyle is something that should be celebrated and displayed, not hidden or kept quiet in an aluminum water bottle. KOR ONE water vessels have a transparent design specially created to showcase the liquid inside, as well as a screwless lid design that is not only more convenient to use (no time-consuming twisting involved) but also more comfortable thanks to no threads and an ergonomic opening that's just the right size.

Plus, each bottle is color coordinated to support a specific earth-friendly cause. Sales of the Blue bottle supports Algalita Marine Research, the Green supports The Wetlands Initiative, Orange the Container Recycling Institute, and Pink sales go to Blue Planet Run. $29.95

Gallery: KOR ONE Water Vessels