Usher

7/21/2008 - REPRESENTING A-TOWN

We all know Usher hails from the A, and he shows his pride by sporting a fashionable Atlanta Braves Cap... Get your very own Atlanta Braves Authentic Fitted Hat for $32... ...at www.lids.com. -- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/30/2008 - THE ULTIMATE SPEAKERS

Great music requires great gear. That's why Klipsch's Palladium line keeps raising the bar for high-end audio equipment that's not only sonically advanced but damn fine looking, too. With a choice of wood grain veneer colors and sizes, these beauties were created with input from BMW Group Designworks USA and range from about $4,000 all the way up to $20,000 for the P39-F, a floor standing speaker system with 9" woofers. Turn it up!
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7/21/2008 - USHER ROCKS A LOUIS V

Usher shows off a bit of prep blinged out style with this Louis Vuitton monogram canvas backpack... Feel like ballin? Get your very own Louis Vuitton Sac a Dos Bosphere for $1,350... ...at www.eluxury.com. -- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/16/2008 - ROCK UNDERGARMENTS

Usher is very adept at telling fans that an outfit just isn't right unless you're wearing the proper undergarments: Crisp, fresh boxers, whether printed or plain, are an obvious wardrobe must have. A few suggestions: Top Row: Banana Republic Geo Celtic Print Boxer, $16.50; Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Ground Stripe Boxer, $19.

Bottom Row: Paul Smith Floral Boxers, $60; Polo Ralph Lauren Knit Boxer, $20.

-- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/21/2008 - THE BEST MUSIC APPS ON THE IPHONE

OK, now that you stood in line with all the other clowns to get the new iPhone 3G it's high time you rocked it out with sick musical apps being offered by the Apple App Store.

The ones we're most excited about? See below.

Midomi - you hum a tune into the phone, and unless you're really bad, the original pops up

iTunes Remote - allows you to use your iphone to remote control your computer's iTunes files and iTV

Pandora - an internet radio station that builds and spins you a playlist of songs you might like after you indicate some favorites

Mixmeister - allows you to do your own scratches over the jams in your playlist

GuitarToolKit - tune your axe and learn new chords with this super handy app for aspiring shredders

7/21/2008 - SCARF SWAG

Adding a subtle scarf to an outfit is an easy way to instantly upgrade your look while looking supremely suave: Splurge on your scarf swag with this $126 Peace Treaty Scarf by Oak... Or save with this $20 Split Plaid Square Scarf... -- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/21/2008 - FROM THE RUNWAY... TO THE STREET

Red plaids have been popping up on the Fall 2008 runways of DSquared... Costume National... and Kris Van Assche... ...Usher shows he's on trend with a red plaid shirt, worn casually... ...when out shopping with wife Tamika.

7/16/2008 - TIGHT LOW KICKS

No one does Old School like NIKE. The Beaverton, Oregon company has set the standard for street style for so long, it's hard to keep track. Here's a tight new pair of classic lows that prove why.

7/16/2008 - UPSIDE DOWN

Usher blessed a recent performance in Africa with this cool move: You can't wear any old sneaks to do moves like those. Get your breakdance groove with these $155 Creative Recreation Dicoco Lo Top Sneakers: -- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/10/2008 - DROP THE TOP

When the dog days are here, sitting inside a hot car is about as much fun as going to the dentist. Better to go convertible, like with this new Benz, the 2009 SLK350, which has some sick features. For example: a fully-retractable hardtop, an iPod port in the glove compartment, and cushy seats with their own neck fan vents for those times when the breezes get a little chilly. It also gets about 26MPG on the highway, which offsets that little $50K + price tag somewhat. Check the C/Net review here.

7/10/2008 - DRESS LIKE USHER

Have you heard of the Parisian brand Surface 2 Air? Seems their Justice line stocks a plethora of leather jackets and jeans, perfect for the man looking to emulate the every stylish Usher. A few looks: Xavier Leather Jacket, appromitely $1,250 Just Blue Jeans, approximately $235 Gaspard Leather Jacket in Black, approximately $1,235 View more at www.surface2airparis.com. -- Check out The Fashion Bomb http://www.thefashionbomb.blogspot.com

7/10/2008 - SPLURGE/SAVE: WHITE JACKET

Usher donned a crisp white blazer with a white button down and matching bright white sneaks to a 2006 party... The white blazer proves that it's a classic look: two years later it still looks fly! Splurge on a similar blazer with this $370 BOSS Black Textured Two Button Sport Coat: Or save with this $80 INC International Concepts Linen Blazer:

7/10/2008 - THE ULTIMATE IPOD DOCK?

As soon as the iPod showed up in the world a series of docking systems followed, many of them chintzy and underpowered. No longer: from ultra high-end audiophile audio equipment manufacturer Krell comes the KID and Papa Dock, which, when combined, become a 150 Watt Amplifier system for your tunes (speakers sold separately). With the most elite circuitry and a serious power rating to boot, this system lets your tiny little iPod come alive with world class sound ($1,500.00 and $2,500, respectively).

7/10/2008 - ESSENCE SWAGGER

Usher covers the August issue of Essence Magazine holding his beautiful baby boy... ...you can't have the baby, but you can copy a bit of Usher's cover cuteness by accessorizing with a Dog Tag, like this D&G Dolce & Gabbana Leather Tag Necklace... ...get it for a reasonable $115 at www.eluxury.com.

7/10/2008 - PREPPY PLAID

In this vintage Usher pic, the man himself wears a cool summer ready button down plaid shirt to sit front row for Fashion Week... Get a fashion front row swagger with this Shades of Greige Shirt in Brentwood Plaid... ...only $77 to look fly on the sidelines. Now the medallion, you'll have to find for yourself!

7/10/2008 - BOLD PIN STRIPES

Not one to stick to a predictable fashion formula, Usher switches it up from time to time in bold pinstripes: Get the look with this $374 Pinstriped Blazer by Costume National...

7/2/2008 - TAKE IT TO THE TRACK

Not one to always pose in blazers and fedoras, Usher kicks back from time to time in track jackets with jeans: Get a similar look with this $88 Lucky Brand Beijing Track Jacket:

7/2/2008 - SLICK LAPTOP

Rose colored gold is all the rage these days, especially worn on the wrist, in watch form. But on your desk? Luckily the new limited edition of Fujitsu's LifeBook P8010 isn't just a pretty face, so to speak. Check out this portable supercomputer's big numbers (but not too high of a price) here.

7/1/2008 - USHER GETS SPIDEY

Usher wore a unique spider web sweater the other day in the BET Awards Press Room: Add webs to your wardobe with this $111 Juicy Couture Spider Web Shirt: Or keep cool in this $28 Spider Web Crew Tee:

7/1/2008 - EAU D'USHER

Ever wondered what a star smells like?? How about Melon, Blue Lavender, White Pepper, Violet Leaf, with top notes of Amber Wood, Black Suede, Sandalwood, and Sensual Musk? Get a superstar scent with Usher's own fragrance... $50 for 1.7 oz and $65 for 3.4 oz at www.sephora.com.

7/1/2008 - USHER 2009?

It's Men's Fashion Week in Europe and uber designer Yves Saint Laurent just unleashed in Spring/Summer 2009 Menswear looks. Can you see Usher in these???

6/30/2008 - ROLLING GREEN

These days a trip to the gas station is enough to break the bank. And four-to-five dollar gasoline may not even be the worst of it. Trouble is, most hybrids and other alternative fuel cars have been wack when it comes to style, despite what they contribute to the battle against global warming.

Enter the Tesla Roadster and the just-announced Model S, an all electric 4 door, 5 passenger sedan to be manufactured in California by Tesla Motors. At about $60,000 (but projected to drop soon after) the Model S is a plug-in electric, meaning it gets Zero MPG -- there's no gas tank -- but about 225 MPC or Miles Per Charge. And it looks bad ass, too. Check It.

6/25/2008 - GOLD-PLATED WORLD PHONE

Over the next 6 weeks the Olympics are going to be all over the news. And come August 8th, the buzz will grow to a full-on roar. Just in time for the historic competitions Samsung has come up with this tricked-out worldphone, now the official cell of the Russian Olympic Team.

6/25/2008 - BET AWARDS

Usher loves leather, and he showed his devotion last night with an explosive performance at the BET Awards in LA... ...get a similar stage ready look with this $1,646 Dolce & Gabbana Leather Trim Bomber Jacket:

6/25/2008 - THROWBACK

Throwback: The Cardigan Usher made an appearance at MTV's TRL a few years back sporting a classic schoolboy cardigan... ...preppy and fun, any fashionable man can pop on a cardigan for a polished retro look. Get the look with the following: Left to Right: Charcoal Chalk Stripe Cardigan, $300; Vince Cricket Cardigan, $260; Wrath Arcane Cardigan, $94.

6/24/2008 - COURTSIDE COOL

Usher knows that fashion doesn't stop off the red carpet! He hit up a Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets basketball game last year sporting a plain polo with a sophisticated round face watch: Get Usher's watch steeze with this $475 Burberry Heritage Watch... Or save with this $85 Kenneth Cole Time 2 Tell Watch:

6/20/2008 - TOP HAT

Usher gets his grown man on with a ribboned wool fedora at a Conde Nast Movies Rock Event... Get your summer version with this $250 Lil Dap Hat by Still Life And check out more fedora styles at www.stilllifenyc.com.

6/19/2008 - MINUTE GUZZLER

Back in the day car phones were big and clunky, with squared off edges and thick ass antennae (Wall Street the movie lookin' joints).
Now you can get a phone to match your Hummer, if you have one.
Check out Quantum Telecom's new line of cell handsets tricked out with the stylings of the latest Hummer.
Think they eat a ton of minutes like the trucks eat gas?

6/19/2008 - KEEP YA YOUTUBE GAME TIGHT

Summer is the time for making home movies -- the park, shows, road trips, you name it. Now there are new camcorders coming out with mad features and HD -- or High Def --resolution.

For starters check Panasonic's new 3MOS line, which combine super-sensitive chips for better resolution, Leica lenses, and an advanced image stabilizer (from $1099.95). Not cheap, but your YouTube game will be tight!
Peep Then there's a new Sony that has the face recognition technology, allowing it to take still photos of your subject when they are smiling the most ($900). Peep

6/20/2008 - BLINGED BUDS

You've got the iPhone, now you need the ultimate earphones. Are you ready for this? The iDiamond Ear, a set of high-tech earbuds plated in 18K white and rose gold, comes with 204 diamonds weighing 1.65 carats.

But better get busy: there are only 1000 pairs made, and at a mere $7,200 plus tax they are sure to be snatched up. Too bad the all bling can't keep them from getting tangled up now and again.

Peep them here

6/20/2008 - MONEY SHIRT

Usher hit the club in a slick green button down and corduroy jacket... ...his shirt is money, and the perfect item for a night on the town. Get his look for less with this $78 D.A. Daniele Alessandrini Shirt... ...from www.yoox.com.

6/18/2008 - VINO RECOMMENDATIONS

For the third straight year in a row, US winemakers say their fastest growing segment is riesling, the white grape traditionally from Germany used to make everything from light summer sippers perfect for outdoor dinner parties and barbecues to after-dinner dessert wines.

Winemakers in Oregon, California, Washington, and even New York are turning out award winning wines that rival the Old Country. It's light but complex and makes a great complement to many summertime foods.

Here are three of the best American producers and wines to look out for:

Brooks Ara Riesling, 2006 (Oregon)($25)
Dashe Dry Riesling, McFadden Farms 2007 (California)($20)
Lamoreaux Dry Riesling, 2007 (NY)($13)

6/18/2008 - NO AVERAGE T-SHIRT

Not your average T and Jeans Usher showed us that even t-shirts have style at the Hills Season Finale back in May: Little design details can take the all American look from casual to chic with a small amount of effort. Try these for your own Usher look: Top Row: Endovanera Black out Tee in White, $77. Affliction Tee, $55. Bottom Row: Diesel Thepeki T-Shirt, $31. French Connection Guy People Tee, $38.

6/18/2008 - SO FRESH, SO CLEAN

So Fresh So Clean Nothing says summer more than a white blazer. Usher shows us how to rock it by pairing his version with a blue button down and orange pocket square: So fly! Get a similar look with these: Dolce & Gabbana Woven Shirt, $195; Joseph Abboud White Cotton Herringbone Blazer, $209; True Religion Bobby Basic Jeans, $248.50; Forzieri Orange Silk Pocket Square, $28.

6/16/2008 - PERFORMING IN THE A...

Usher's back stateside from Tokyo, and decided to bless his return home with a performance at Philips Arena in the A... For his jacket swag, we felt this Junk de Luxe Bomber Jacket fit the bill... ...get it for $216 at www.asos.com.

6/16/2008 - PRINT PERFECTION

Your man Usher went for a slick black and white print shirt for February's Grammy Awards... ..eye catching and unique, a smart print is a great way to instantly upgrade a run of the mill suit. Get a summer version with this $165 Nudie Jeans Calvin Button Up: ...wear this version with jeans for a polished look.

6/13/2008 - NY TIMES COMPARES USHER TO JAMES BROWN & MARVIN GAYE

This week Usher earned a lot of high praise for his show at the Apollo Theater. Some of the most impressive props came from the New York Times, who compared him to James Brown and Marvin Gaye. Take a peek:
\"... He let that notion sink in a moment, implicitly evoking a roll call of legendary performers at the Apollo Theater, like James Brown and Marvin Gaye.
Then he asserted his place among them.\"
Read the full review at: NYTimes.com

6/12/2008 - TOKYO SUNGLASSES

Usher sported a pair of brown shades for a recent promotional event in Tokyo, Japan... Get his look for a steal with these $26 ASOS Moulded Plastic Aviator Sunglasses:

6/2/2008 - USHERTREND: NEWSBOY CAP

Usher wore a slick white newsboy cap during his album celebration in New York City... Not an easy look to pull off, but Usher does it with pinache by matching it with a white T and athletic jacket. Get an Usher look with this $88 Emporio Armani Newsboy Cap:

6/12/2008 - AIRPORT STYLE: COMFY COOL

Usher blessed Japan's Narita International Airport on June 9th in a comfortable cool look, adding a cozy cardigan to his standard jeans, t, and sneaks fare: Plan on taking a summer trip? Pack a cardigan like this $129 Banana Republic Shawl Collar Cardigan: ..for an Usher airport look.

6/12/2008 - ILLEST TURNTABLE...EVA!

From the UK's comes this outrageous setup for your smoothest vinyl, the Acutus. What sets it apart is a super advanced suspension system and steady-as-she-goes weight of 42lbs. It also has a stand alone power supply and tons of other features that only the most insanely serious audiophile will consider. And those with a serious disposable income: this baby (also available in a chrome finish) will set you back a mere $24,000. Avid Company

6/11/2008 - STEP YOUR GAME UP

Your man Usher can rock more than comfy jeans with leather jackets! He wears a sharp steel grey suit for a night on the town with wife Tamika in LA: For a baller status suit look, go with this $2,065 Dior Homme Gray Suit... Or save with this moderate $289 Calvin Klein 3-Button Gray Suit... Get your grown man on!

6/11/2008 - USHER GETS SIRIUS

In celebration of Black Music Month Usher will be a featured guest DJ on Sirius' Hot Jamz (ch. 50). During his time on air Usher will not only be talking about his own work, he'll also be spotlighting the artists who have inspired him over the years. So if you want a taste of who is in Usher's playlist check it out. Here are the dates and times his appearance will be airing:
June 14th at 10am est
June 15th at 12pm and 11pm est
June 28th at 10am and 8pm est
June 29th at 12pm and 12am est

6/10/2008 - VIBE.COM REVIEWS USHER'S ONE NIGHT STAND

Vibe.com has a glowing review of Usher's performance at the Apollo Theater:

"The street vendors that frequent Harlem, New York's 125 Street put away the incense and aloes last Friday. Replacing them were scalpers in front of the street's famed Apollo Theater trying to hustle up $175 ("Prices negotiable!") from desperate fans that did not buy tickets for the one night only sell-out show going on inside the venue..."
Continue reading the review at VIBE.com

6/10/2008 - ATL'S RITZ CARLTON = THE BOMB

Last night in New York City the James Beard Foundation threw the food world's equivalent to the Oscars. And though he didn't walk home with the prize, Frenchman Arnaud Berthelier of the Four Seasons in Atlanta (Usher's hometown) was a nominee for Best Chef in the Southeast and joined the star-studded red carpet party at Lincoln Center. Here's more on him, and the jacket-required dining room that is Atlanta's very best. Check it.

6/9/2008 - ULTIMATE MEN'S SHAVE

Designed by Wolfgang Joensson, an artist in Europe, the Monte-Carlo groom center was created in a limited edition of only 500 and is made from platinum plated silver and copper.

Best of all? The box, made of lacquered pear wood with plated hinges and magnetic locks can be converted into a high-end humidor for his stogies, with its own humidity control ($6,500.00; www.hommage.com; currently in stock at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City)

6/9/2008 - RED LEATHER...REALLY?

Red leather jackets graced many the runway for the Ready to Wear Collections, with everyone from Versace... to Sean John.. ...to Y-3... Displaying versions for their Spring and Fall 2008 collections. Usher shows he's always on point during a June 6th performance at the Apollo Theater... ... pairing his jacket with a pair of white jeans, white shirt, and sunglasses.

6/9/2008 - USHER\'S ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE

According to a recent interview, Usher will never be involved in any of the drugging many associate with superstardom. \"I didn\'t choose not to get into hard drugs,\" he explains, \"I was just too fearful what drugs might do to me. I worried that maybe there was a chemical imbalance that may trigger something, so I couldn\'t do it.\"

6/6/2008 - MILITARY MAN

The military shirt is a cool, easy look, flattering on any man: Usher wore his own version in London when visiting the BBC radio station. Get your own with the following high and low priced options: 1. Morphine Generation Traditional Button Up, $184. 2. Standard Jason Military Shirt, $44. 4. Triple Five Soul Adirondack Military Shirt, $42.

6/4/2008 - LOVE IN THE CLUB VIDEO CONTEST ENTRIES

The entries are starting to roll in!
Do have a story to compete with these?? Enter the contest now!!

6/6/2008 - DOPE WATCH

Every April in Basel, Switzerland the world's top watch makers show up with the craziest bling imaginable. One of the wildest inventions this year was the De Grisogono Meccanico dG -- it might look like a digital watch with an analog dial above, but on closer inspection you see what makes it a hot topic among collectors.

It may be the most mechanically complicated watch ever made: with 651 moving parts, the digital numbers are actually tiny green metal bars that move in and out of place to form the numerals. Only 177 in titanium (shown) and 177 in white gold models exist in the world, so we're not even going to speculate on the cost.

6/6/2008 - ROCKIN' THE SUIT VEST

The suit vest? It's a great option for the office as a cool alternative to a blazer. Try these for a similar look: 1. Mason Plaid Vest, $44.50. 2. Year Solid Suiting Vest, $98. 3. Heritage Herringbone Suit Vest, $129.

6/5/2008 - USHER'S RELAXED LOOK

Usher stepped out with frequent collaborator Jay-Z a few weeks ago in Cali: If you want his chill steeze, go with these: Top Row: ASOS Utility Mixed Fabric Jacket, $75. Lucky Gigante T-Shirt, $34. Bottom Row: Alejandro Ingelmo Mirrored High Top Sneaker, $485. Seven Tripster Jeans in St. Bart, $187. Grace Hats Belt Rib Hunting Hat, $36.

6/5/2008 - THE ULTIMATE DAD'S DAY GIFT

Father's Day is around the corner (Sunday, June 15th), and for the dad that really likes his cigars, a beautiful cutter is essential. Check out this list of sweet blades including Dunhill's tight lineup.

Say he already has a dope collection? Well, he probably doesn't have one of these, a special limited edition humidor containg 135 cigars from Cohiba – the gold standard.

It's $15,000, and technically banned in the US, but, hey, the embargo won't last forever, and someday, any average joe will be able to buy these hand-rolled MVP stogies. And Pop's worth it, right?

6/5/2008 - USHER GOES CELLULAR

SonyEricsson has announced they will be sponsoring Usher's North American tour. The sponsorship is a first for the cell phone company and will include offerings of:

"Walkman phones, access to exclusive Usher content, competitions to meet with Usher and tickets to Usher's planned North American tour."

Am I the only person who instantly thinks of cassette tapes when they hear the word Walkman? I guess it's a good thing that's not the case with the Walkman phone since that would make it quite the heavy proposition!

6/4/2008 - USHER "STANDS" AT #1

The final numbers are in and it looks like Usher has conquered not only the US album chart, but nearly every album chart in existence as "Here I Stand" debuted at #1 in the US, Canada, Japan, the UK and Australia.

His 433,000 U.S. copies sold give him the highest first week sales total of any male artist this year. These are numbers that would be considered great in any era, but to do this in 2008, when record sales are at an all-time low, makes it an even more impressive feat.

6/3/2008 - "LOVE IN THIS CLUB PART II" SECOND LIFE VIDEO!

Some people just have too much time on their hands! But we do appreciate!

6/2/2008 - RIP BO DIDDLEY

On Monday, June 2nd, musical legend Bo Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Florida. For those who don't know who Bo Diddley is, he's well worth your time to Google as he was a true pioneer in black music.

6/3/2008 - ORDER WINE, LIKE A WINEMAKER

Ordering wine for dinner can be a bit of a test. It doesn't have to be. Next time you're on a dinner date and it's time to make an impression, there are a few ways to look like a sommelier, not a sucker. Here's some ground rules.

- Ordering the most expensive bottle on the list is for poseurs. There are great, food-friendly wines under $100 these days, especially from places like Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon. At the same time, $200 and up full-bodied 'Super Tuscans' from Italy like Sassicaia (www.sassicaia.com) or California Cabernets like Stag's Leap (www.stagsleap.com) or Oregon Pinor Noirs like Domaine Drouhin (www.domainedrouhin.com)-are often worth every penny with the right meal.

- The best way to be discreet about how much you want to pay is to show the wine list to the server with your finger on a number that is a bit below what you're willing to pay. Then ask for a few recommendations "in that range." Order a more expensive choice among them, and the service ought to improve from that point on.

- As the server presents the cork to you, inspect it, but never, ever smell it. Natural corks smell like cork, not the wine inside. Instead, eyeball it and place it on the table, wet side up. If it looks scummy or crumbly and darkly streaked, your wine may be tainted. This happens in up to 8-10% of wines with natural corks.

- The swirl: vigorously swirl with the glass bottom on the tablecloth to get the wine some air. (Practice this to avoid spilling.) Then take a deep sniff. If it smells extremely sour or like wet cardboard, you might have a problem. This should be done quickly and without any fanfare. To overdo it is to look like a clown.

- If the wine smells and tastes good, particularly a red, and if you're in a nicer restaurant, ask if it's possible to decant the wine. The aeration can make a lesser wine taste much better, and a great wine extraordinary. And the presentation is a nice touch.

6/3/2008 - RED JACKET: SAVE OR SPLURGE

Usher's got the jacket game on lock, and this red number is no exception: If you've got Usher's Baller's status, splurge on this $435 Raf Simons Jacket: Or save your bills with this $94 Diesel Jacket: Yeah!!!

6/2/2008 - BEST SUMMER DRINK...AND THE ULTIMATE GLASS

When it gets hot out, and it is getting there pretty quick, for most of us-there's really no better cocktail than a classic margarita. The rocks, salt, lemon-lime juice, orange-liqueur, and all-important tequila combine for a perfectly refreshing drink that goes well with backdeck barbecues.

These days there are so many tequilas it can be hard to pick one from the crowd, but one of the best certainly is Tequila Don Julio, founded in the smalltown of Atotonilco el Alto in the Los Altos region of Mexico in 1942. Look for the Blanco ($45 for 750ml) for margaritas and the Añejo ($55) for sipping. But to really step it up there's the Real ($350), which is made in small batches from 100% blue agave and aged for up to five years in American white oak barrels. It has an intense but smooth flavor that recalls the finest caramel and coffee.

This month Tequila Don Julio launched a limited edition crystal glass to go with this fine spirit, designed by renowned NYC-based architect Jeffrey Beers, who once worked under I.M. Pei. Individually hand blown and cut in the Czech republic, the glass is weighty and substantial in the hand, and cool to the touch, with a jewel-like appearance and perfect clarity. Suffice to say it's not for shots of Cuervo ($350 for a set of two; in LA available at Show; 323-644-1960; in NYC at The Future Perfect, 718-599-6278; in San Francisco at Propeller, 415-701-7767).

5/30/2008 - MAKING OF "HERE I STAND" PART I

5/30/2008 - USH'S GMA LOOK

Usher performed today for Good Morning America in a light brown military inspired jacket... ...the look is the perfect summer item for a stylish man with swagger. Want it? Take the look off stage and to the streets in this Juicy Couture Military Jacket:

5/30/2008 - "HERE I STAND" TV COMMERCIAL

In case you're like most people these days who don't watch TV and hang out online, you might have missed this TV commercial for the album!

5/30/2008 - A SHADE OF USHER

If you want eye catching shades that pop, you can't go wrong with these $143 Sean John Turtoise specs. Get this pair at www.sunsrus.com.

5/28/2008 - TRL = TOTALLY REAL LEATHER!

Usher hit up TRL in this cool cognac leather jacket. Get the look with this $1,985 Maison Martin Margiela Leather Jacket.

5/27/2008 - USHER MAKES CHUNKY JEWELRY WORK

Usher performed exclusively for Sony Ericsson in London on May 22nd, wearing dark straight legged jeans with a Mandarin Collar military jacket. The whole outfit was fly and flashy, but what put it over the top were his necklaces and chunky jewelry.Accessories are tough to rock, but Usher pulls it off. Get his look with these: Top Row: Beaded Rosary, $17. Maison Martin Margiela Link Bracelet, $425. Bottom Row: Juicy Couture Latin Chain Link ID Bracelet, $95.Seven Silver Cross and Anchor Necklace, $152.

5/28/2008 - NYT & MSNBC REVIEWS

Both The New York Times and MSNBC have given Here I Stand high marks, with MSNBC practically gushing over it, calling it a "Can't Miss" album. So now that we know what they think, what do you think? Your reviews mean just as much as the ones we read in the press so hit us with them right here!

5/27/2008 - SUMMER'S HOTTEST WHIP

Every era has its iconic car – a ride so sweet it seems to sum up the feel of an entire decade by its masterful design alone, not to mention what's under the hood. Think of the '57 Chevy, '64 Mustang....then fast-forward through such head-spinning creations as the Lamborghini Countache (1974 - 1990), Ferrari F40 (1987-1992), and Mercedes SLR McLaren (2003 – present).

Without a doubt, though, the super car of the moment is the Audi R8. You won't encounter many of these scary-sexy 2-door coupes on the road yet – they are just now arriving in the US - but when you do, chances are you won't forget it, even if your eyes are closed. Why? The growl of this car alone is simply incredible. The 4.2 liter, midmounted V12 engine (dramatically visible through the rear window) roars with menace, cranking out 420 HP and capable of a top speed of 187MPH - far more than most anyone should ever use, of course, but it's nice to know its there. One of Audi's ads jokes it's the "Slowest Car We've Ever Built" YouTube but in a recent test drive on NYC's Brooklyn Queens Expressway and through the neighborhood of Red Hook, the R8 was no laughing matter, quite literally stopping traffic and hitting 60MPH in just over 4 neck-snapping seconds.

There's just too many qualities to list in this machine, Automobile magazine's Car of the Year for 2008 - its sure-footed handling, phat Bang & Olufsen sound system, supple leather interior - so we'll stop here. But this is a ride to watch out for. Starting at $109,000 Official Site

5/27/2008 - Hemingway, Twain, Wolfe...Usher

White suits are typically donned by literary men--Tom Wolfe, Earnest Hemingway, and Mark Twain all rocked 'em in the summertime. Usher goes for a streetwise take on stage for a recent Saturday Night Live performance: ...going super edgy with a cream jacket and white pants. Get the Look: Left to Right: J. Lindeberg Leather Jacket in Cream, $688; James Perse Straight Legged Khaki, $176.

6/3/2008 - JAY LENO TONIGHT!!

I'm not sure if we can call this Jay Leno's farewell tour quite yet, but the world already knows Conan O'Brien will be taking over for him in 2009, so tonight will probably be the last time Leno will have the opportunity to hang with Usher, at least on camera, which should make for some pretty good television. I'd love it if Leno tried to dance. In fact, Usher should make it a point to try to get Leno on the floor and try out some moves. C'mon Jay, it's your last year!

5/27/2008 - "HERE I STAND" IN STORES TODAY = USHER'S BUSY

Usher's new album, "Here I Stand" hits stores today. His itinerary for the day is pretty ridiculous. A normal day for most folks in NYC consists of a couple of subway rides, but it looks like Usher's going to need a Fun Pass because he's going to be on the following programs:

Good Morning America – This one's gonna be an early wakeup call for Usher. He's probably not going to just roll outta bed and head on over to the interview, but that's what I'd do. Hopefully he has a hotel room near Times Square so travel won't be a problem, if not he'll be dealing with the morning rush hour fun of New York City (which is really no fun at all).

MTV TRL – Usher should have time for a nap in-between GMA and TRL, so I expect him to be refreshed and ready to deal with an in-studio audience full of screaming fans by the time this show starts. Don't make the wrong turn while at MTV, though, or you'll end up hosting a reggaeton show on MTV Tres!

MTV Sucka Free – After TRL Usher will stick around at MTV to be on Sucka Free, so suckas be warned, you are not welcome on this program. If you're a sucka may watch Usher on all the other programs he's on today, but not this one, this is one place where suckas will not be tolerated!

106 & Park – It's a long ride from MTV to BET, but Usher's gonna make it up there for 106 & Park. I think being on TRL, Sucka Free and 106 & Park all on the same day is some kind of holy trinity of music television. Has anyone ever done that before, and if they have how exhausted were they by the end of it all?

6/5/2008 - JIMMY KIMMEL TONIGHT!!!

I'll admit it, I was an avid fan of The Man Show back in the day and a large part of the reason I loved it was the show's hosts, Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. Well, Carolla has left the television world to take over the radio airwaves and Kimmel had grown into being a late night talk show host, so while there are no longer girls jumping on trampolines for either, unless it's in the privacy of their own backyards, there are guests and performers. Usher will be one of those performers on tonight's edition of Kimmel. Word is he'll take up enough time to bump Matt Damon off the show… who will then engage in some kind of play with Sarah Silverman.