%u201CWhich best describes how you feel about the United States in terms of the environment your future?”

When asked “Which best describes how you feel about the Untied States in terms of environment?” among 13-25-year-olds across more than 5,000 people from a representative sampling within our second annual Humanitarian Youth Culture Profile Report, one of the most interesting results is by age demographics:

Maverick’s Big-Wave Surf Championship Goes Off in Half Moon Bay with Pummeling 30-Foot Swell; What This Means for Sports TV Viewership Among Youth Culture Surfing

On Saturday, January 12th after months of tracking the patterns of Mother Nature and officially receiving a greenlight less than 48 hours from Contest Director Jeff Clark, the 2007/2008 Mavericks Surf Contest

Volcom Acquires Electric Visual Evolution for $25.25 Million -Label Networks Takes a Look at What This Means Where the Brand Ranks Among Youth Culture Opportunities for Growth Based on Demographics

On January 16th, Volcom announced their all-cash offer to acquire Electric Visual Evolution -one of the hottest sunglass brands in action sports, known for their lightening bolt logo. Under the terms, Volcom will pay Electric shareholders $25.25 million. Volcom says that Electric will remain a stand-alone brand as a subsidiary of Volcom.

%u201CWhich of the following affects you most in your daily life?” -Label Networks’ Humanitarian Youth Culture Profile Report Reveals Top Concerns Including Gas, Education, Domestic Violence, Economy, More

Label Networks has asked a very important question to North American youth culture markets: “Which of the following affects you most in your daily life?” Results are part of our new Humanitarian Youth Culture Profile Report (also known as the Green Marketing Report by subscribers) that looks at humanitarian, environmental, and lifestyle issues effecting young people mostly.

Direct-to-Consumer Continues to Be the Hot Ticket in New-School Retail as Gap Buys-up Athleta

Athleta, one of the more popular women’s activewear lines in North America, was purchased for $150 million in cash by The Gap.

Pool Fashion Trade Show Becoming Leading Platform for Art- Designed-Brands and Specialty Boutiques Looking for Fresh Takes on Fashion and Alternatives to Streetwear

Art and Design came together at the Pool Fashion Trade Show in Las Vegas as brands ranging from small to large showcasing their unique collections came together in a platform that’s created passionate exhibitors and buyer experiences.

Dragon Goes Private, Bucking Trends of Building-up to Get Acquired; Label Networks Looks at Youth Market Consumer Preferences for the Brand, Plus Data on the Size of Market, Spending Patterns, and Opportunities in Optical Lifestyle Accessories

Going niche may have been a strategically good move, however the real story lies within how the market has changed in terms of price points of sunglasses within youth culture, and the new size of market and opportunities presented by the growing importance of youth lifestyle accessories in general.

Summer Tours Sponsorship Round-Up: Vans Warped Tour, Rockstar Energy Mayhem, Projekt Revolution, Rock the Bells VI, Download, Detour, Hootenanny, Lollapalooza

Busy summer music tour season ramps up with bands and sponsors in various North American multi-band, multi-stage tours featuring unique packages to attract specific audiences. Here’s the round-up.

%u201CGothic & Lolita Bible” by Tokyopop Provides Insight Into the Victorian/Music-Inspired Japanese Street Fashion Trends Behind One of the Fastest-Growing Subcultures in America

One of the most distinct style trends in the world, and a source of inspiration among top designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, the “Bible” provides details about the history, designers, top brands, and DIY trends of this growing subculture of lifestyle fashion.

Sports News Round-Up: ASR Launches”Virtue” Trade Show; Shaun White 4 Target Drops; RVCA X Cinelli X Barry McGee Pumps Fixed Gear Cycling’s Cool-Cache-Factor; Surfing in Summer X Games Nixed

Things are heating up in the land of action sports, with top pros turning big-box designers, fixed-gear cycling ramping up another cred-notch, surfing taking another hit, and yes, another “lifestyle” fashion show debuting.