The hit show that captivated viewers when a commercial jet crashed on a mysterious island is back for its final season. “Lost” has definitely left fans in a state of disarray trying to figure out the strange and esoteric occurrences on the island. The show started with a fairly standard premise: a group of people crash on an island and need to figure out how to get off, but as the series played out, the show turned out to be anything but typical. Time travel, smoke monsters, ghosts, and destiny have all been interwoven in the make up of “Lost” to create a intricate puzzle that seemingly takes a genius to solve. There are many open ended questions coming into the final season with ample theories all over the web and media attempting to provide answers. Over the course of the shows’ impending end, I will add my insight and conjectures over the enigma what we’ve come to know as “Lost”.  Beware, spoiler warning, if you missed the first episode of the season, don’t read any further.

Season 5 of “Lost” ended dramatically when John Locke’s possessed body encouraged Ben to murder Jacob in the present, and Juliette set of the hydrogen bomb in the 70s with the intention that the lives of those trapped on the island could return to normal. The looming question coming into season 6 was rather the explosion worked or not. What the explosion did was rip the fabric of time and create a parallel universe where on one hand, the survivors were still on the island in the present while on the other hand they were back on their plane unknowingly passing over the island buried deep beneath the sea. So what does it all mean?

Parallel Realities

The first thing to pay attention to are the subtle changes in the lives of the characters without ever landing on the island. Boone does not come back from Sydney with his sister, John Locke does indeed go on his long awaited walkabout, and Hurley actually has good luck after winning the lottery. Seemingly Jack’s plan to return to “life before the island” actually worked, but it’s not all positive. Jin and Sun’s relationship returned to its tumultuous beginnings, Charlie is arrested for attempting to commit suicide on the plane, and Kate is still in custody and will seemingly continue to be on the run. This new double reality allows a comparative analysis of the effects of the island for the oceanic passengers. It is another representation of the constant duality exhibited in all aspects of the show. The first few seasons gave insight to the characters through flashbacks, then flash-forwards displayed the affects of the island once the “Oceanic Six” made it off; now the back and forth between the different realities will provide closure for each character in an alternate setting. Jack and Kate can end up together on the island, and maybe Sawyer and Kate off the island, the possibilities are endless. There are also forces connecting the two realities as seen with the disappearance of Desmond, and Jack’s father from the plane.

Jacob and the Smoke Monster

Jacob and the nameless entity that takes possession of Locke’s body are classic models for the duality of good and evil. Jacob is seen as a well intentioned character who believes that humans are inherently good while his antagonist seems to think that all interactions between visitors to the island will end in chaos. No one really knows the extent of their power, but after revealing the nameless being as the smoke monster, there is more clarity in what the two might be capable of. With a better understanding of the supernatural abilities of the smoke monster, it can be assumed that the ghosts seen on the island are just incarnations conjured by this character. The smoke monster can only take the form of the bodies of the dead on the island. That’s why Jack’s father has been such a pivotal figure along with Claire, Boone, and later Charlie; the smoke monster was able to take the shape of those killed to manipulate the course of events on the island. So far Jacob has not shown the ability to shape shift, so one has to wonder if that was truly Jacob who advised Hurly to take Sayid to the temple to be revived. The process of healing was thought to be a failure with Sayid when he was submerged in the purification pool where it was assumed he drowned. When Sayid awoke at the very end of the episode the question remained—- was that was really Sayid, Jacob, or the smoke monster? More to come after episode two airs tomorrow.

Mansa Motif

Every once in a while our brands will re-release their most popular hoodies from previous seasons. It’s exciting because usually once a hoodie sells out, it’s gone and you can’t find more anywhere. This year Dub Wise brought back a hoodie from ‘08 that sold out fast and was almost impossible to re-order, the Allover Lion Square hoodie in olive/khaki. It’s a light weight full zip with tons of classic rasta accents like the Lion of Judah allover screen print, sleeve pocket with custom rasta crown, rasta colors, and signature Dub Wise embroidered waist logo.

Shop the freshest Dub Wise rasta hoodies and more only at www.hoodiepeople.com

Tags: dub wise, hoodiepeople.com, hoodies

Back in October of last year I was given the honor of seeing the screening of the film “Still Bill“; the story of the man behind such classics such as “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Lean on Me”, and “Grandma’s Hands.” I walked into the dimly lit theater enthused at the prospect of learning about the man whose music I listened to so much as a child. My mother was and still is a huge Bill Withers fan, his worn out tape stayed in my mom’s car like there was no ejection button, so from a young age to my adult life I’d gained a great deal of respect and admiration for the man and was eager to learn about who he really was.

The movie opens with a picture of a smiling seventy year old Bill Withers; his grin radiates with kindness, wisdom, and graciousness. The picture fades out to the musician performing “Ain’t no Sunshine” live in his youth, eyes closed while his unique voice carried the soulful sound over the strings of his guitar. I closed my eyes as well, drifted back to the memory of being in my mom’s passenger seat while the music played on my way school, remembered how I tried to connect the words to the song to my elementary crushes while purposely evoking a sense of sadness to capture the song’s sentiment. When the music faded I was back in the theater smiling, thankful for the memory.

There isn’t too much I want to say about the rest of the movie, I feel that it’s a film that people should see who wish to learn about someone that has provided the purest form of music. I walked away from the film thinking deeply about music today, about its delegates, its soul. I was able to witness a passion that I rarely get to see in artists today. Far too many musicians are compromised by financial aspirations to the point where their product is diluted and reshaped by the slave masters who call themselves record companies. I watched a man go 25 years without recording a word or play a guitar string due to his respect for the art form, unwilling to conform to the constraints “blacksperts”(Bill Withers quote on white “experts” on black music) placed on his music. In contrast I see artists pumping out albums lacking substance, drive and meaning. I witnessed a man who never compromised his integrity, yet today there are those whose principles are attached to a price tag.

Times are different today; the industry was always ugly, but it has taken on a form much more appalling than anyone could have ever predicted. There are a number of good artists and musicians out in the world; they work outside the “matrix” patiently waiting to be sought out by listeners craving for something in contrast to the status quo. Bill Withers’ story reminded me of a forgotten past. We cannot continue to make excuses for those who persist in massacring the very music that our hearts beat to, that our minds create to, and that our souls move to.

Mansa Motif

Nothing says I love you like a fresh hoodie and nothing sets the intimate mood better then a valentines day gift that your sweet heart actually wants.  Skip the cheesy heart boxer shorts and candy this year and get your lover something they will really love….a fresh hoodie

Save 20% All Hoodies at hoodiepeople.com

At checkout enter coupon code: ihearthoodies

Need some ideas: Checkout the 100% Recycled Hoodies from Playback Clothing, amazing quality and design in lots of fresh colors for guys and girls.  If your sweetie loves Star Wars, they are going to flip out for the new Star Wars hoody collection featuring Darth Vader, Storm Trooper, and Clone Trooper Hoodies.  Looking for something to keep your babe warm and cozy all winter long?  Check out the Jack Frost Hoodie and the Hammer Smith (guys) and Hannah smith (womens) jackets from Sitka.

Sale end 2/14/2010. Order by 2/10/2010 for guaranteed Valentines Day Delivery with standard $5 flat rate shipping

Love,

hoodiepeople.com

Tags: hoody sale, sale hoodies, valentines day, valentines day hoodie sale, valentines gift

hoodiepeople.com asked friend and “Purpose Finder” Jullien Gordon to take a quick break from his nationwide college tour to give our readers some helpful information on how to achieve success.  Jullien Shared with us the following tip on “networking”.  For more of Jullien’s work, check him out at Purpose Finder

True networking is all about facilitating a new flow of energy. It is about creating a channel and currency between two energetic beings that is mutually beneficial to both sources. Oftentimes we qualify our ability to network by the number of business cards we have sitting on our desk at home, but that is a false measurement. Our social capital is our ability to mobilize our network to move in a unified direction, whether it is by garnering (social, intellectual, or financial) resources from them and/or their networks.

The key to developing more social capital is learn how to plug in. Plugging in is 20% about what you say when you actually meet someone for the first time and 80% about what happens afterward. We have 4 choices when we meet someone new:

1. 2-way: They plug into what we’re doing and we also plug into what they’re doing
2. 1-way: They plug into what we’re doing only
3. 1-way: We plug into what they’re doing only
4. No way: No exchange (except meaningless business cards)

In order to effectively plug in, there are a few things that you should do.

1. Have a story to tell.

When someone asks you “What do you do?” don’t just give them your job title (ie doctor, lawyer, banker). Instead, share your purpose with them. The more clear you are, the easier it is for your new friend to hear where they can plug-in to what you’re doing.

2. Ask about their story.

Honestly, I suggest asking questions into you find a deeper bond and a compelling reason for the two of you to plug-in to each other’s lives afterward. If after interviewing the person you still can’t find a link inlet or outlet, think of all of your friends that this person could potential plug-in with.

3. Have something to give.

By giving them something (anything) you automatically activate the law of reciprocity. When people receive something for free, they feel inclined to give back. Lasting relationships start with small commitments and exchanges that get bigger over time. Simple gifts to consider include referrals to a person, website, organization, event, or book that you think is relevant to them or a genuine affirmation about them and their purpose.

4. Have something to recruit to.

Always have an upcoming opportunity to deepen their relationship with you like a monthly dinner at your house or a current project. Make them say “no”. (Note that it is harder for people to say “no” if you’ve done #3.) By inviting them into your world, they will get an opportunity to know you more intimately by seeing you in your element which will deepen the relationship.

Everyone has inlets and outlets that may energize you. Don’t let another potentially beautiful relationship pass you by without trying to plug-in.

By   Jullien Gordon

www.julliengordon.com

http://www.facebook.com/jullien

While its a bit of a stretch to think Spring is here we are starting to see the early spring deliveries come in and we can’t wait any longer to announce a few of the major new brands joining the hoodiepeople family.  The fall and holiday seasons were very big and we launched nearly 10 new brands in November and December 2009 alone, including Marc Ecko, Famous Stars, Playback Clothing, Diamond Supply Co., Elm, Supra, KR3W and more.  It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t open 2010 with the same intensity.

So what fresh brands are launching on hoodiepeople.com Spring 2009?  Here are a few to wet your hoodie appetite:

Tokidoki is one of the hottest brands in the world right now and started as a personal website of founder and creative mastermind  Simone Legno. After moving from Rome to LA Legno has built an entire world of Tokidoki including some of most sought after collaborations in the universe with names like Karl Lagerfield, Hello Kitty and new for spring 2010 Marval. www.tokidoki.it

We all remember original Penguin polos from back in the day, and the brand has stayed true to its design roots and is once again making a huge splash.  Original Penguin perfectly balances quirky 70’s colors and patters with modern cuts and a major emphasis on quality fabrics and construction.  The 2010 lines from Penguin look amazing and we are extremely happy to have fresh Penguins hoodies for you. www.originalpenguin.com

Hailing from Sweden and originally making aa name for themselves with their epic headphones WeSC WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy has been growing like crazy in the US over the past 5 years and is already a major player in Europe.  They describe the brand as  a Street-Fashion brand for Intellectual Slackers and they have gained a loyal global fan base by staying very true to the brands focus and working alongside freinds and fans to promote it. The apparel is extremely current on a global scale and reaches people with a very positive and unique message. www.wesc.com

What I like most about each of the new brands is that they all have a strong cult following of real like minded people that love the style and lifestyle and get out in the streets to represent it.  The authenticity of the three brands has obviously contributed to their success and helps them stay real through the growth.  Additionally each of the brands does a lot of cool work with hoodies and offers customers something unique, style driven, and cool. Big thanks t all the peeps we have been working with at Penguin, WeSc, and Tokidoki.

Tags: hoodies, new spring hoodies, original penguin, tokidoki, WESC

We just got a shipment of BB Dakota Bella Twilight Hoodies in silver birch and the new color is super cute. It’s not quite silver or off white. It’s a modern color blend that creates a more sophisticated and clean look than the denim like Lake Blue color worn in the movie. Some customers are even saying that it’s better than the original. Either way, the more colors the better! Shop BB Dakota Bella Twilight Jacket Hoodie in Silver Birch or Lake Blue and more at www.hoodiepeople.com

Tags: bb dakota, bb dakota bella twilight hoodie jacket, hoodiepeople.com, silver birch, twilight

Due to the devastating earthquake that has occurred in Haiti, the world has turned its attention towards the country providing aid and support. We at hoodiepeople.com want to do our part as well and contribute to the efforts of helping the people of Haiti through this tragedy.  We are offering FREE SHIPPING with you purchase of one or both of these amazing T-shirt’s from Jedidiah.  Please Support.

Haiti Earthquake Relief T Shirts from Jedidiah

50% of the proceeds go directly to Compassion International and their efforts to provide assistance to families and children devastated by the earthquake.

Our friend Eddy DiBiase rippin the ollie heel-flip in Duality reversible black hoodie from Sitka.

Big thanks to Eddy and my sister Nuriya for shooting and posting this awesome skate clip.

Check more hoodiepeople fan news and updates on facebook: http://facebook.com/hoodiepeople

Tags: Duality reversible black hoodie, Eddie DiBiase, ollie heel-flip, sitka, sitka skate hoodie, Skate Video

The hottest hoodie of the year is back in stock….for now.  These hoodies sell out fast every time.  Grab one here

Best thing about the jacket is not that it was worn in the first Twilight movie by Kristen Stewart’s Bella character, which is pretty awesome, but its super warm, great quality, and really versatile with tons of different looks.

Its safe to say this hoodie was a must have holiday gift for girls of all ages, we could not ship them out fast enough (thanks Twilighters).  If you didn’t get yours in December, treat yourself while you can.

Tags: bella jacket, bella twilight, bella twilight hoodie, twilight clothing, twilight hoodie