the scoop

the scoop

define your denim

Jeans are a classic look, but wearing the same style day after day can get boring.

If you’re looking to throw old pairs away, stop. Pick up “Denim Revolution” by Nancy Minsky ($19.95, Potter Craft). It shows you how to turn your jeans into scarves, purses, hats and more.

While some stuff gets too patchwork for some people, there are some definite creative possibilities here, especially with some great skirts that include adding scarves or fabric with your denim.

Each project is classified as beginner, easy, intermediate or experienced. It will also tell you what denim and other materials you need and provide a step-by-step how-to.

rock & read

What better way to reach teens than MySpace?

Nylon magazine has recognized the power of the online forum, partnering with the site for a third year on its Nylon MySpace music issue. Titled “School of Rock,” the magazine has newly minted songstress Scarlett Johansson on its cover. The issue gives tips on how to become a “rock star,” with advice from record labels, musicians, music producers and industry vets.

If you’re not sure you want to throw down the $3 or so, download the issue for free at www.myspace.com/nylonmagazine. Online you can also find extra video content, including Beth Ditto giving vocal tips, and a glimpse into Johansson’s iPod.

ice-cream beans

Vanilla, the granddaddy of all the “cookies and creams” and “cookie doughs” of today, comes in a jelly bean, so why should more complex ice cream flavors not get the (albeit less natural) bean treatment as well?

Cold Stone Creamery and Jelly Belly have teamed up to bring the famous ice cream chain to you in a more portable sweet. The new beans come in popular Cold Stone flavor mixes, including “Birthday Cake Remix,” “Chocolate Devotion,” “Our Strawberry Blonde,” “Apple Pie a la Cold Stone” and “Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip.”

All of the beans in the “Ice Cream Parlor Mix” taste similar to their creamy counterparts. Picks for the best cream-to-bean transition are Chocolate Devotion (with a line of chocolate Jelly Bellys already, how could this one go wrong?), Our Strawberry Blonde and Apple Pie a la Coldstone.

new in stores

Competitors are counterprogramming “Metal Gear Solid 4” with the likes of “NASCAR 09” (EA Sports, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2), “Don King Presents Prizefighter” (2K Sports, 360) and “Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit” (Atari, 360, PS3). ... Most gamers will be drawn to the “destroy” part of Majesco’s “Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy” (Wii). ... The DS has goodies for most everyone, with Eidos’ “Looney Tunes Cartoon Conductor,” and Ubisoft’s “My Fashion Studio.”

even it out

Benefit wants you to “Get Even.” Your face, that is.

The line of face powder is designed to even out your skin tone and eliminate any shine (as a good powder should). But even better, it doesn’t feel like you have much on.

While many foundations and powders work well eliminating redness and blotchiness, they don’t do so well to make you look natural, or the 47-step process of foundations, powders, moisturizers, etc., can make your morning routine a little too long. This powder seems to do all of that in one easy step. You can even hide blemishes directly by trading the applicator sponge for a smaller cotton swab.

The powder ($30) comes in three shades and is available at benefitcosmetics.com, Sephora stores and Benefit counters.

qore curriculum

Sony has yet to provide much video content on its PlayStation Network, other than trailers for movies and games. Its first tentative step toward original video that you can download onto your PlayStation 3 hard drive is called “Qore,” and let’s just say it’s not going to make you trade in your DVR.

“Qore” essentially consists of previews for upcoming PS3 and PlayStation Portable software like “SOCOM Confrontation,” “Secret Agent Clank” and “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.” You get game footage, developer interviews and concept art, and Sony promises demos in the future. The first episode costs $2.99, and a 13-episode subscription costs $24.99 — which is an awful lot to pay for what is, essentially advertising. Spend your money instead on some of PSN’s excellent downloadable games, like “Echochrome” or “PixelJunk Monsters.”

new music

Chicago, “Stone of Sisyphus (XXXII)” (Rhino Records). Originally recorded in 1993.

Coldplay, “Viva La Vida” (Capitol). You’ve heard the riveting title track on the iTunes commercial — now the fourth album from British rockers is finally here.

Mick Hucknall, “Tribute to Bobby” (Rhino Records). Soulful singer for Simply Red pays tribute to Bobby “Blue” Bland.

Judas Priest, “Nostradamus” (Sony). First album in three years from British heavy metal gods.

The Notwist, “The Devil, You + Me” (Domino). First album in six years from experimental German indie-rockers, who dabble in both metal and electronica.

The Offspring, “Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace” (Sony). Eighth studio album features the single “Hammerhead.”

Katy Perry, “One of the Boys” (Capitol). Features the hit “I Kissed a Girl.”

Trevor Rabin, “Get Smart — Soundtrack” (Varese Sarabande). Former guitarist for Yes composes score to film starring Steve Carell.

Julieta Venegas, “MTV Unplugged” (Sony International).

Wolf Parade, “At Mount Zoomer” (Sub Pop). Progressive indie-rock.