While we doubt it will get you into any beer commercials, pledging a few bucks towards the purchase of the Pabst Brewing Co. will do doubt make your day better. This crowdsourcing effort asks each potential "owner" to make a pledge of $5, $25, $100, or $250,000 towards the $300 million asking price for this well-known Milwaukee brewery. A certificate of ownership, and a lifetime's supply of PBR, awaits. Thanks to Flickr user compujeramey for the choice photo.
Whether you're a Strokes fan trying to bide time between albums or just a fan of interesting music, Phrazes for the Young by Julian Casablancas ($10/CD; $5 AmazonMP3/iTunes) is worth a listen. The debut solo album from The Strokes' frontman, Phrazes features eight Strokes-esque songs, dealing with Casablancas' struggles with alcoholism, amongst other subjects, all a little more expansive, a little more electronic (in a 1980s sort of way), and a little more poppy than what you'd expect.
Don't dare call it a netbook. The Litl ($700), the first "webbook" from Boston-based Litl, is a mix between a netbook and a photo frame on steroids. It packs standard netbook hardware — a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor, HDMI output, 1GB of RAM, 2GB of flash memory, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, a webcam, mic, and speakers — but moves beyond the typical mini-laptop paradigm with a customized OS and a unique design that allows the 12.1-inch screen to be rotated past 180 degrees, letting it stand on its own like an easel, displaying content such as a Facebook feed, photos from Flickr or Shutterfly, Weather Channel forecasts, and more.
Keep your hands free and your eyes on the well-illuminated job with the Stanley Heavy Duty Clamp Light ($30). This 80 lumen flood light features a 350-degree rotational head to let you aim the light where you need it, the ability to run off either 2 or 4 C-cell batteries — for 15 or 30 hours of run time, respectively — and a strong clamp that opens up to 3.5-inches wide for gripping onto beams, joists, table tops, or basically any other stable surface.
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Powerful graphics? Check. Blu-ray? Check. Wi-Fi? Check. Downloadable games and movies? Check. 120GB hard drive? Check. Multiplayer online gaming? Check. The new PlayStation®3 120GB system does it all using 34 percent less power and taking up 32 percent less space.
The venerable Rubik's cube meets iPhone-era technology in the Rubik's TouchCube ($150). This impressive, if slightly pricey, update to the original game uses lighted squares, touch sensors on all six sides, and an accelerometer to provide the classic Rubik's gameplay in a modern way, with built-in speakers adding an extra bit of polish to the fun, frustrating puzzle.
Capture this winter's snowball fights in all their glory with the Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP Waterproof Camera ($150). Despite its bargain price, the Z33WP packs respectable features like a 10 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD, face detection technology, an unfortunately VGA-limited movie mode, Fujifilm's Picture Stabilization tech, and SD/SDHC storage. Plus, it's waterproof down to 10 feet, so it'll be just as handy for next summer's trip to the beach.
Get the classy look of Polo without the oversized bulk in the Polo Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Shirt ($100). This long-sleeved button-down is made from yarn-dyed cotton broadcloth, comes in four styles, and features barrel cuffs, a slightly curved shirttail hem, a chest pocket, and a slim, modern fit that is perfect for cold weather layering.
"It devises its own destiny, gratifying every whim as it orchestrates an enthralling spectacle for the aesthete and connoisseur." We're used to seeing nonsense in fragrance descriptions, but the above line for Cartier Roadster ($105) takes the 2009 award for most absurd. With notes of English mint, cashmere wood, patchouli, cistus labdanum and vanilla, it may not be an "enthralling spectacle," but it smells damn good. For those looking for a more active scent, Roadster Sport ($105) packs citrus notes of lime and tangerine, as well as herbs and spices like sage, rosemary, and black pepper, for a decidedly more masculine musk.
Military toughness meets civilian style in the Spiewak Durand Moleskin Jacket ($180). Made from rugged cotton moleskin, this winter jacket features quilted Thinsulate lining, an inner chest pocket, slit front pockets with stitched detailing, button tab cuffs, a button front closure, and button-down rain yokes at the front. Funny, the last time we heard the word "yoke" we were playing Oregon Trail.
We have no idea what Poseidon — of Greek mythology and "I'm On A Boat" fame — has to do with patio heaters, but the Chillchaser Poseidon Patio Heater (£850; $1,400) is neat enough that we'll overlook the odd nautical reference. Boasting a weatherproof, all-metal design, the Poseidon features a built-in media player with USB port, auxiliary input, hi-res LCD, and stereo speakers, a PIR infrared sensor to turn itself on and off automatically based on nearby movement, Far Infrared carbon fibre heating elements good for 8,000 hours of use, a full function remote, and more.
With classic looks and solid construction, the Worksman Bike ($700) is a no-nonsense ride you can depend upon for years to come. Once used to deliver Good Humor bars and handcrafted in New York since the late 1800s, this cruiser-style bicycle features a fully-lugged steel frame, front fork, and coaster brake, heavy-duty rims, upright handle bards, a rear cargo rack, padded hand grips and a comfy, ergonomic seat. For maximum versatility, grab the saddle bag ($65), bike horn ($20), and bullet headlight ($50) as well.
While many of us are preparing to shut down our lawn care duties until next spring, those of you in warmer climates still have work to do, and it's never too late for the rest of us to start planning for next spring. The Black & Decker Lawncare Center ($200) is a great way to do so, featuring a wall-mounting 3-port charger and holder for the included electric blower, Grass Hog edger and trimmer, and Hedgehog hedge trimmer. Just add a lawnmower and you've got everything you need to maintain a fine-looking, homeowners association-conforming lawn.
Infinity pools have been around for a while, so it only makes sense someone would apply the same idea to another home-sized water feature: the aquarium. ZeroEdge Aquariums ($600 and up) do exactly that, providing overflowing aquatic environments for all types of fish and sea creatures in a variety of styles and shapes, ensuring you can find one that's right for your home or office. Just remember: no edge equals no lid, so be sure to keep the Darla-types away. [Thanks, Brian]
Throw a perfect strike every time with a Remote Control Bowling Ball ($1,500). Available in a totally inconspicuous translucent green with lights that flash when the directional mechanism moves back and forth, this 14-pound technical wonder is powered by a rechargeable NiMH battery, and inlcudes a hand-held remote unit for discrete control. While it might be a little hard to actually cheat with, it's no doubt perfect for fooling — and frustrating — your drunk buddies during a heated match on your residential bowling lane. [Thanks, Chuck]
We've seen plenty of not-so-hot iPhone cases that have tried to tack wallets on as an afterthought, but this is the first time we know of it's been done the other way around. The Hard Graft Phone Card Wallet (€79; $120) is a slim, front-pocket style credit card wallet that's built with such strong elastic tape that it can also hold a phone inside for a decidedly less-slim solution. Other features include grey vegetable tan leather construction, seven card slots, and measurements that happen to hold an iPhone perfectly.
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