1 part Red Bull + 1 part magazine = 1 wild read

Updated on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 1:01 AM by Logan Molen

One of the early U.S. versions of the magazine contains a nice feature on unorthodox pitcher Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants. A slow-motion video within the piece details the unique throwing motion that earned Lincecum his "The Freak" nickname.Most everyone is familiar with Red Bull the energy drink. But Red Bull is more than a beverage, it's a lifestyle that spills over into many different things, like auto racing, thrill sports and, more than ever, publishing. 

And traditional publishers should be wary of the energy a drink company can deliver in stealing readers bored with the same ol', same ol'. 

Red Bull first dipped its toes into publishing upon launching its Formula 1 racing team in 2005, producing The Red Bulletin, a lively "alternative" newsletter published four times each race weekend. The Red Bulletin created ripples for its punk attitude in what had been a traditionally reserved sport, with lively layouts and content that said what people were thinking but were afraid to say. Perhaps the most famous example was a blast against the French at the French Grand Prix, held at the Magny Cours circuit far from the country's charms. 

iPad versions of the mag are available in two languages so far: English and German"The nearest town to the circuit is Nevers and if you pronounce it the right way, it perfectly describes how many times people want to come back," The Red Bulletin said, generating waves of protest from offended French patriots. 

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Bakersfield Californian iPad app hits market

One of our tabloid front pages as seen on our new iPad appIt's taken us awhile but a replica edition of The Bakersfield Californian is now available for the iPad. 

And I must say it looks pretty sweet. 

I'm not a big fan of reading replica versions of broadsheet newspapers on computer screens but our weekday tabloid format is well suited for most monitors and is near perfect for larger tablets like the iPad. Those with reasonable eyesight (I'm blind without contacts or glasses) will be able to read text without zooming.  

We're not alone in sharing that enthusiasm. Shortly after learning Apple had finally released the app into the iTunes The cover of our classified front as seen on our iPad appstore, we shared the good news with some of our readers who had been clamoring for an iPad-enabled version. One downloaded the app, then wrote us back a short time later:

"My compliments.  Quick download with % DL indicator, always handy with slower connections.  Great organization.  Crisp text and graphics.  I like how closely it mirrors the print version and the fact you can see the whole page.  Call me old fashion, but that's what I like about a newspaper, one glance and you can see everything.  Good work!"

How's that for a first reaction? We couldn't pay for that kind of applause. 

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How scripted viral video can dwarf traditional ad outlets

YouTube has certainly revolutionized the concept of homemade video and, for better and worse, lowered the bar for what can become popular entertainment. 

It's also spawned a new form of entertainment that threatens longtime vehicles for high-dollar advertising. 

Case in point is Kenny Block, a professional rally driver better known for his Gymkhana driving stunts in which he does amazing things with small cars. Block's YouTube videos have been viewed more than 100 million times, making him one of the most popular viral-video stars in history. 

I wrote about Block back in September but am mentioning him again in light of a very astute AutoRacing1.com column that suggests viral-video stars like Block may be a better spot for advertisers rather than well-known auto racing series like IndyCar. 

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