One might question the sanity of buying a full-size SUV in an age of crossovers and ever-higher gas prices, but for those that really need the... utility, the 2011 Ford Explorer ($28,200 and up) looks mighty nice. Powered by either a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine good for 237hp or a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine with 290hp, the new Explorer offers impressive fuel economy, as well as a six-speed automatic transmissions, intelligent four-wheel drive electric power-assisted steering, the MyFord Touch and SYNC systems, and a new weight saving design. Not included is a shield to deflect all the eco-hate being thrown your way for driving around in such a conspicuously large vehicle.

Based on the company's best-selling middleweight superbike ever, the Ducati 848 EVO ($13,000) improves upon its stablemate with a specially tuned Testastretta Evoluzione engine pumping out 140 horses, Brembo Monobloc brake calipers, improved chassis and braking systems, a cross-mounted steering damper for added control, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, and a curb weight of only 369 pounds. Available in traditional Ducati Red or the amazingly stealth "Dark" edition.

Make your burgers and steaks feel the power of the dark side to Darth Vader BBQ Apron ($25). This 29-inch, polyester apron will go perfectly with that Vader helmet you've been keeping around and the Leia Bikini Apron for your girl. Also works great as a bank robbery disguise.

Good luggage doesn't have to cost a fortune. The Hideo Feather Carry-On Trolley ($190) is a fine example, with a lightweight, water-repellent nylon exterior, three outer zippered pockets, three mesh interior pockets, a zipper closure, and adjustable straps to hold everything in place. We recommend sticking with the green or red models, lest you need to adorn it in garish muti-colored straps to keep it standing out in the wilds that are baggage claim.

Fresh off the success of Root, its organic, alcoholic root tea, Art in the Age is back with another organic alcoholic treat. Snap ($33) is an 80 proof, 100% organic spirit inspired by authentic ginger snaps made with blackstrap molasses and fresh ginger, featuring flavors of both ingredients, with a hint of butter. Serve it straight, with a splash soda, or mixed with a good bourbon for a cold weather pick-me-up.

Move over, Moleskine. MUCU Notebooks ($12-$20) are made by a small Tokyo-based company using artisan techniques, hand-finished and built using largely untreated materials like newspaper stock, canvas, and tarpaulin. Styles include the Moleskine-like pocket ringbook, the Field Notes-esque blank note in both medium and small sizes, and the unfortunately Mead Five Star-reminiscent squared ringnote.

And what a fitting name it is. The End of History Beer ($650-$900) is an ultra-limited — as in, it might already be sold out — 55% alcohol blond Belgian ale, brewed using crazy freezing techniques, and featuring hints of juniper berries, mead, and nettles. Of course, being the world's strongest and most expensive beer wasn't enough for these restless brewmasters, so they took things one step further, and packaged the beer inside taxidermied roadkill, creating the end game of premium beer. Seriously, just look at it. [via | Thanks, KJ]

The battle of SLR-like pocket cams rages on with the Panasonic Lumix LX5 ($500) This high-end point and shoot features a 10.1-megapixel CCD with sensitivity ranging up to ISO 12,800, which is paired with a new f2.0 ultra-wide-angle 24-90mm Leica lens that can shoot in 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9 ratios. Other features include a dial with dedicated manual, shutter, aperture, and programmed priority modes, 720p video recording, a 3-inch LCD, and a hotshoe for connecting flashes, view finders, and other unnecessary equipment.

One pair, wear anywhere. That might as well be the motto of the Timberland x Opening Ceremony Water Shoe ($95). Arriving in one of three colorways, these versatile kicks are made to handle pretty much any summertime environment with breathable mesh, quick-dry neoprene, and waterproof nubuck suede, all accompanied by a textured sole. [Thanks, Josh]

No need to have a freezer nearby for sub-freezing shots — just pick up and plug in the Margaritaville Liquor Chiller ($200). This kitchen drinking appliance stores and chills up to 25 ounces of your favorite liquor at a frigid 10 degrees, serving it with the press of a lever. Great for Jäger, Rumple Minze, or, if you're living in a backwoods trailer, a large batch of moonshine.

Whether you're a laid back Dude or an uptight Walter, you can appreciate the subtle brilliance of these The Big Lebowski Tribute Posters ($35-$250). Designed by Ibraheem Youssef and available in sizes ranging from 12x18 to 35x52.5, these Giclee, 120# Canon printing cover stock prints feature the title, actors, and directors -- as if you need help remembering -- along with either the Dude's squarish sunglasses or Walter's trooper-like lenses sitting prominently at the bottom.

Want to see how the cleanup is coming along up close and personal? Hop aboard your Personal Submarine ($2,000,000). This two-person submersible vehicle features a transparent, climate-controlled acrylic pressure sphere, a 120- and 24-volt battery bank good for up to six hours of adventuring, two 3-hp main thrusters, two 3-hp vertical thrusters, four external halogen lamps, upright seating, a VHF radio for communication with the surface, GPS, and the license to descend up to 1,000 feet under the sea.

First brewed in Manchester in 1778, Boddington's Pub Ale ($7) is a one-of-a-kind pale ale. Its pint-sized cans feature the "Draughtflow" system that uses a pressurized insert to release millions of tiny bubbles upon opening, creating the same creamy head as a traditional hand pulled draught. This tasty golden brew goes down great with lamb or game, or all by itself.

Another day, another new app that seems hellbent on proving once again why you dropped $500+ on that shiny new iPad. Flipboard (Free) is a new "social magazine" application that grabs info from your Facebook and Twitter feeds, as well as from other sources around the web, and presents them in a magazine-like layout, complete with large images, clean typefaces, and a general panache that goes well beyond the average client — which is making our standalone social apps more than a little nervous.

Made from sustainable — i.e. fallen or dead — walnut and handcrafted in Seattle, Erickson Longboards ($300) are a classy alternative to the average deck. Each one is custom milled, and features Landyachtz Bear Grizzly 1040 trucks, as well as unique characteristics based on the natural variations of the wood. Remember to wear your helmet, maybe some knee and elbow pads, and if you're really clumsy, maybe some sort of Halo-style body armor. [Thanks, Jake]