Tivoli BluCon Bluetooth Receiver
Well-known for producing audio tech that looks as good as it sounds, Tivoli Audio brings us the Blucon Bluetooth Receiver ($150). This tiny device (only about 1" by 3" by 3"), brings bluetooth wireless functionality to any stereo with an auxiliary input jack, so you can play music from your bluetooth-capable device to your home stereo. Choose from a number of wood finishes if you'd rather it remain in view, or easily tuck it away in a cabinet.
Fisher Blacksmithing Garden Tools
Handcrafted in America by experienced craftsman Tuli Fisher, these Fisher Blacksmithing Garden Tools ($52) are part hand tool, part work of art. Whether you're into working in the earth, or just admire a well-made tool, they're definitely worth a look. From the rivets, to the dark-stained wooden handles, to the imperfectly hand-forged metal, these tools are a treasure to behold and work with. The line includes hoes, trowels, rakes, and more — everything you need to get a small garden going.
Garb: Finals Mix & Match
The way this series is going, we'll let you choose for yourself.
Supreme Liberty Shirt ($128). Miami Heat Stance Socks ($11). Converse Chuck Taylor ($55). Topski Black Sunglasses ($222). Real McCoys Cross Bandana ($58). NAU Slim Jim Black ($179). Yea Nice 5 Panel Hat ($25). Todd Snyder Black Selvedge Denim ($325). Skywatch Chronograph ($395). Dan Post Python Cowboy Boot ($280). Boots and Spurs Cufflinks ($50). Brooks Brothers Supima Sport Shirt ($88). Stetson Bar None Cowboy Hat ($TBA).
Lazer Sport Street Deluxe Woodgrain Helmet
Just because you play it safe when riding your bike, doesn't mean you need to look like a nerd. So, ditch the weird, angular shapes, neon accents, and glossy plastic for something a bit different, the Lazer Sport Street Deluxe Woodgrain Helmet ($57). Despite its woodgrain shell, this helmet still protects like its less-stylish alternatives, and, thanks to sixteen vents, will keep your head cool. Includes a set of detachable pads so you can customize it for a comfortable fit.
Socks by Mack Weldon
So comfortable customers routinely claim they’re “walking on clouds” thanks to the cushioned footbed. The No Shows ($14.50/2 pack) have a “no slip grip” that stays put in low cut summer shoes, while the crew length styles actually stay up if you want them to. Get one or get them all - the Sock Drawer ($135) includes 16 pairs. But do get them soon, because like all things Mack Weldon makes, these are in high demand (and insanely comfortable).
We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks
Whatever your opinion of Julian Assange — data-terrorist, free-speech-evangelist, or somewhere in between — it's time to forget everything you thought you knew. We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks ($7) takes an unbiased look at the man responsible for the greatest disclosure of state secrets in the history of the world. In a documentary that plays out like a political thriller, Academy Award-winning director Alex Gibney follows Assange's progression from infamous Australian hacker, to the public face of WikiLeaks, to his self-imposed hermitage in the British Ecuadorean consulate.
Paddle Your Own Canoe
Nick Offerman, perhaps better known as Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation, is the ultimate man's man. When he's not playing the manliest man on television, he's running his own wood shop — so when he offers advice on how to be a man, we're inclined to listen. Paddle Your Own Canoe: One Man's Principles for Delicious Living ($20) is a book of just such advice, from growing a mustache, and seducing a woman, to grilling meat, and appreciating nature. We're not sure reading it will make us half the man he is, but it's worth a try.
Lego Sydney Opera House
There are few modern buildings more recognizable than the Sydney Opera House, with its shell rooftops, harbor views, and striking lines. The Lego Sydney Opera House ($320) does a remarkable job of recreating this 20th-Century architectural marvel in the form of a 11" by 25" by 15" model. Modular construction and new building techniques will keep you intrigued throughout the build. With nearly 3,000 bricks (including the largest blue-stud baseplate they've ever made and a wealth of dark tan bricks), this set is a worthwhile challenge for the most advanced lego builders. Available in September.
2014 BMW 4 Series
Say "goodbye" to the BMW 3 Series Coupe, and welcome the new 2014 BMW 4 Series ($TBA). Like a cross between a sportier 3 Series and a smaller 6 Series, the 4 Series comes (in its most aggressive variation, the 435i) with a 306 hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Also available in four-cylinder diesel and gas variations with an optional eight-speed automatic. A lower stance, larger width and wheelbase, and improved aerodynamics further differentiate this quick two-door from its cousin, the 3 Series.
Garb: Primal Power
Get harder, better, faster, stronger with a little help from Onnit and their Primal Bell.
Onnit Primal Bell ($85). Onnit Battle Rope ($120-$145). Nike Legend Dri-Fit T-Shirt ($22). Nike Fly Doomsday Camo Shorts ($38). Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong Power Compression Shorts ($65). Poler Mini Duffle Bag ($70). Outlier Grid Linen Towel ($44-$120). Nike Free Haven 3.0 Shield Shoe ($80). Jawbone Up Wristband ($130).
This edition of Garb is sponsored by our friends at Onnit.
Military Tent Tarp Shorts
Whether you're into American military memorabilia, or just really enjoy the idea of owning one-of-a-kind menswear pieces, you'll like these Military Tent Tarp Shorts ($220) from J. Crew. They're assembled in America, in J. Crew's NYC design studios, and cut in their Stanton style, with 9" inseams, a classic fit, and button fly. Because each pair is made from an individual 1940s-era military canvas tent — including all the wear signs, seams, and stamps — they're guaranteed to look completely unique.
The Last of Us
The creative geniuses at Naughty Dog (the guys who brought us the Uncharted series) have done it again with The Last of Us ($60), a third-person survival-action game exclusive to the PS3. You play as Joel, a grizzled-but-resourceful survivor, 20 years after a fungus has reduced most of humanity to a flesh-eating horde. You're tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl, across the ruins of America, battling the infected (and other survivors) as you go. The game is packed with gorgeous scenery, cinema-quality cutscenes, tricky survival scenarios, and enough zombies in dark rooms to keep you entertained through to the end.
SolSource Grill
If you have a hard time reconciling your love for backyard barbecues with your sustainable mindset, then the SolSource Grill ($249) is here to ease your conscience. Not only is it environmentally-friendly, it's also a great grill — it heats up quickly and can cook a large meal in minutes. The average gas grill makes four times the emissions of your home stove, and a charcoal grill more than doubles that. This solar grill makes none, so your next cookout can be entirely guilt-free. Since it doesn't need charcoal or gas to work, you can use it miles away from anything, letting you cook great meals anywhere on the planet.
