For Ges Miyashiro, blogging does more than relay information — it connects him to the world. "Being here in Hawai'i, blogging and the Internet is the only way to get in touch with certain artists, labels, managers and publicists," says Miyashiro. "I'm trying to get my foot in the music industry, and blogging helped me gain many contacts." As one of Hawai'i's only hip-hop bloggers, Miyashiro has gained global recognition by writing about current moves in the hip-hop industry, interviewing rap stars like Lupe Fiasco, and dropping musical mix tapes before the public gets its hands on them. Check out Miyashiro's blog at www.knowxone.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

TOTES FOR THE EARTH

A new line of handmade-in-Hawai'i totes and bags are fashionably acceptable. Created by Cottage by the Sea, these totes feature Earth-friendly sayings and quotes including "Love Blooms," "Give a Hoot" and "Love Life." For $55, the totes can serve many purposes — as a purse, a gym bag or small grocery bag. Cottage by the Sea, Ward Warehouse; 591-9811, www.cottagehawaii.com.

— L.M.

FEELING FREE

The trio of promoters who gave us the Rice Cracker party, Saturdays at Chai's Island Bistro, has teamed up again for Free Thursdays — a no-cover party at Longhi's restaurant. "It's a sexy, down-tempo party with R&B and trip-hop music," says promoter G-Spot. With drink prices ranging from $4 to $7 and no cover, it's a good spot to cut loose on a budget. Longhi's, Ala Moana Center; 947-9899, www.longhis.com.

— L.M.

RELEASES

SUGARLAND EXPLORES 'LOVE ON THE INSIDE'

After Sugarland's first two albums, singer Jennifer Nettles kept hearing how their records were good and all, but somehow ... not.

"They'd say, 'You sound so much better live,' " Nettles recalled.

So when she and musical partner Kristian Bush went to work on their third one, they had a mission: Capture the raw energy of their live shows.

The result: "Love on the Inside." A deluxe fan edition with five extra songs, including a remake of the Dream Academy's '80s pop hit "Life in a Northern Town," hit stores Tuesday. The standard version is out this week.

With more grit and less polish than their first two, the disc has a loose, soulful groove, rooted in the Georgia music scene where Nettles and Bush cut their teeth in the wake of alt-rock heroes R.E.M, Indigo Girls and B-52s.

— John Gerome, Associated Press

SALES & BARGAINS