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Nevermind that it collapses down to fit into an included OGIO pack for travel — the biggest trick the Trak Kayak ($4,900) performs comes after it's put together. Using three hydraulic jacks, the Trak can add or reduce tension on its skin to allow you to shape the boat to your needs. Need maximum speed? Make it lie flat. Extra maneuverability? Bow the ends up. It can even bend left or right to combat crosswinds. Like a Transformer, but without the awesome alien weaponry. [via]

Need help with chafed, cracked, or dry skin? Put on some BodyGlide ($15). This skin protectant helps prevent all of the above, as well as blisters, rashes, and other surface-related problems. Petroleum free, it won't clog your pores, and is sweat, water, and rub resistant. Your skin will thank you. [via]
Celebrate all things Dude at the 7th annual Lebowski Fest in Louisville, Kentucky. Besides lots of bowling, ample white russians and the occasional acid flashback, this year's festivities include comedian Brian Posehn, an appearance by Liam, several music acts and movie screenings, the presentation of a Lebowski cake by Duff from Ace of Cakes, and the premiere of the documentary The Achievers. Lebowski Fest is today and tomorrow. Saturday. I told those fucks down at the league office a thousand times that I don't roll on Shabbos. [via]
Cables are your enemy. Your secret weapon is the Belkin FlyWire ($1,000). Operating in the open 5GHz band, this system wirelessly transmits high-definition 1080p video and audio around your house. This means that you can hang your HDTV on a wall and store your components (Blu-ray player, Wii, DirecTV receiver, etc.) out of sight in a closet or cabinet. The FlyWire offers 3 HDMI inputs, 2 Component inputs and 1 Composite input.
A couple weeks ago, our friend Joel at Boing Boing Gadgets naively trekked into the New Jersey backcountry to survive off the grid for a couple days. To help get him through his technology addiction, he brought along the Brunton Solo 15 ($650), a rugged, rechargeable battery that can power any device you pack. Weighing in at 4 pounds, the Solo 15 offers a max of 77 watts that'll keep you Twittering and Flickring for days. There's also the Solo 7.5 ($373), which offers a little less power. Since there's no outlets in the woods, you'll need to also order a Brunton portable solar panel if you plan to stay AWOL for a while. Choose from the foldable Solaris 52 ($1,300) or the Solaris 26 ($620).

This is as big a "no-brainer" as you're going to find. The Best of Radiohead ($20; June 3) is a 2 CD set of the big R's best, from Pablo Honey through Hail to the Thief, along with a bonus disc featuring 13 tracks not featured on the band's prior studio albums. "Creep," "Karma Police," "High and Dry" — they're all there, just in case you have a gaping hole in your collection where the band's first six albums should be. If you're looking for a smaller set or different formats, the compilation will also be pared down to a single CD, and made available as a quadruple vinyl or digital set.
Drink your ale the way it was meant to be in one of these authentic British Imperial Pint Glasses ($7). These British style pub glasses, etched with the official European Union pint seal, finally allow you to replace your oh-so-classy Budweiser frog mugs. But these aren't just for looks — the heavy ridge on the Imperial glass provides durability and easy stacking.
Leave it to Marilyn Manson to come up with a stellar brand of absinthe. Mansinthe ($56/bottle) is the result of a two-year collaboration between the Antichrist Superstar, Absinthe.de, and the Swiss speciality distillery Matter-Luginbühl AG, and recently won a Gold medal at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. A well-known absinthe enthusiast, Manson was very involved in the drink's development, constantly tasting samples and providing feedback. The result? A great tasting, modern absinthe for the dark, brooding rocker in your life.
Grant Theft Auto is a series that needs zero introduction, so we'll refrain from telling you that it's one of the most influential (and controversial) video games ever. We won't waste your time telling you that the franchise has sold more than 65 million copies, or that your grandmother is carjacking fools right now from the secrecy of her bedroom. No, we'll just let you know GTA IV ($60) is now available and you want it — you want it badly. The game takes place in an environment with an uncanny resemblance to New York City, but a bizarro version with a lot of crime. Using Serbian war vet Niko Bellic as your instrument, you can either kick, cut, drive and/or shoot your way to the top of the crime world. With hours of gameplay, tons of games-within-a-games, and a number of all-new multiplayer modes (!), even Granny is upstairs wondering why you haven't bought it yet. And truthfully, so are we.

Little buddy, indeed. The Burton Lil' Buddy ($60) is ready to spend its summer by your side, keeping up to 12 cans of your favorite suds cool while its built-in speakers crank out tunes from your iPod via the aux-in port. The perfect party pack-along. [Thanks, Erika]
It's bad enough you force man's best friend into a cage every night, so at least get him one that will make his friends jealous. Like the ultra modern eiCrate ($320). Ideal for dogs 4 lbs to 40 lbs, it features a removable leak-proof liner and can be used indoors or out. Available in four powder-coated color finishes and one ridiculous 22.5k gold version ($11,000). There's also an eiCrate Fitted Cover ($180) that helps especially yelpy dogs to sleep.
What can you do with 5 pounds of Silly Putty? Beats us, but we're sure you can think of something. Choose from Original ($77), Blue ($77), or the color-changing Purple/Pink ($153) and Orange/Yellow ($153). If, for some reason, you want to split up your monster blob, you can buy 100-case packs of Silly Putty plastic eggs ($110) in various colors. [Thanks, Aaron]
The lack of weather information on most handheld GPS units can be a real problem. The Bushnell ONIX 400 ($500; Summer 2008) uses XM satellite broadcasts to grab real-time weather information, including Doppler radar, letting you know exactly what's going on around you. Plus, the 400 boasts a rugged waterproof design, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a vivid 3.5-inch screen, and, since it's already getting weather info from XM, it can also tap into over 170 channels of radio, keeping you entertained out there in the great outdoors.

Go green and get some exercise with the Giant Twist Freedom DX ($2,000; May). This electric bike offers users a choice between using battery power, pedal power, or a mix of the two. It sports dual 26-volt lithium-ion batteries, which offer a range of up to 75 miles per charge, depending on how much your lazy butt wants to pedal. An integrated torque sensor keeps things running smoothly, while a cushioned seat keeps you comfortable throughout your commute. [via]

Prepare for Springtime rains with The North Face Triumph Anorak ($180). The Triumph utilizes unique two-panel construction to make it a super-light weight (5.4 oz.) pullover that's perfect for rainy training sessions. It offers a hood and a zippered chest pocket, and its waterproof, breathable HyVent DT fabric will keep you dry both inside and out, wicking away sweat from your body as it protects you from the moisture outside.
Give a bump to your productivity with the Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX Dual Screen Display ($550). The 22-inch LCD display comes with an extra 7-inch screen that can be attached to any side or used by itself on your desk. The 2263DX sports a 1680 x 1050 resolution (800 x 480 for 7" screen), a 1000:1 contrast ratio (400:1 for 7" screen), built-in webcam, down-firing speakers and microphone, UbiSync USB, and HDMI 1.3.
Get all touchy-feely with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500 ($400). The compact 10-megapixel cam features a dual-control system that combines a 3-inch touch-screen LCD and joystick control. The FX500 also features a 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica DC lens, 5x optical zoom, advanced Intelligent Auto technologies, and the ability to record HD video (1280 x 720p) and snap 16:9 photos. The DMC-FX500 will be available in black or silver.
We told you about them weeks before the release (and hype) of their first album last year. And now we're here to tell you that their new album, without any notice whatsoever, has been released a month early on Amazon MP3 ($9) and iTunes ($10). The follow-up to the group's Grammy-winning debut album St. Elsewhere, The Odd Couple features even more of the Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo magic. Standout tracks: "Run" and "Charity Case".

Sometimes the solution to a problem is so simple, it's surprising no one has thought of it before. Such is the case with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger ($25). Expanding one power outlet into three, the sleek surge bar also offers two USB ports for charging up your gadgets. If you're a frequent traveler, this needs to be in your laptop bag.
Add some underground style to your crib with these Vintage New York Subway Signs ($1,600). Measuring over two feet tall each, the 50's era framed signs includes stops for Kings Highway, Coney Island, Fulton, Euclid Avenue, and Lefferts Boulevard.

Looking for a high-end sub that won't be an eyesore? The JL Audio Gotham & Fathom Subwoofers ($2,000-$11,000) offer fantastic performance in enclosures that look as good as they sound. The subs' cutting-edge, ultra-long excursion drivers are made by hand at the company's Florida assembly plant and are paired with gorgeous black enclosures that take more than two weeks to produce. The result? Astounding clarity, deep, rich bass, and a better-looking theater room.

Handmade from scissors confiscated by airport security, Scissor Spiders ($250) are some of the meanest-looking cubicle candy we've seen in a while. Measuring six-inches across and nine inches across, respectively, these metal menaces will have your vinyl toys running for cover. [Thanks, Christopher]

Get a crash-course in the history of the U.S. punk scene with American Hardcore ($10). This 100-minute doc. from director Paul Rachman traces the movement from its beginnings to its end, filling in the gaps with a myriad of performance clips, insightful interviews, and interesting tales from the road. Inspired by the Steven Blush book of the same name, it's a must-see for punk aficionados and general music fans alike.
In 1984, when these runners debuted, they were pretty cutting edge. More than 20 years later, they're still lust worthy. The Adidas Micropacer ($250) features perfected retro styling and comes with an integrated microcomputer including range finder, pedometer, and stop watch features. This Venice Carnival Edition pair, from Adidas' Flavors of the World collection, will satisfy any gadget geek or sneaker freak.
If you're a recent Mega Millions winner, or just had a good year on Wall Street, there's no better way to celebrate than with your own Black Light Mini Golf Course ($90,000 - 9 holes; $140,000 - 18 holes). Choose from these themes: The Incredible Hulk, Search for Atlantis, Blackbeard's Revenge, Haunted Mansion, Lunar Landing, Space Wars, Area 51, Tombstone Haunted Ghost Town, and Titanic. The interactive sets are completely built on site (your basement), requiring at least 2,400 square feet for 9 holes and at least 4,000 for 18 holes.
Wanna be like Mike? Add this Nike Limited Edition Jordan 23 Basketball ($150) to your short list. Only 2323 of the full-grain leather balls are being made, featuring the trademark Jumpman on the side, and a graphic chronicling his Airness' triumphs wrapping around. The perfect complement to that new pair of Jordan XX3's.

If you live in an area that's likely to stay cold for a while longer, or if you just have a thing for funny-looking headgear, check out the Beard Cap ($135). Made from Icelandic wool, the handmade woven cap covers the entire head save for the eyes and nose, and features an awesome beard-like shape, complete with a woven faux mustache. From zero to Grizzly Adams in no time. [Thanks, Hidetaka]

Did you happen to miss director Wes Anderson's latest effort during its limited theatrical run? Then follow us to your nearest DVD shop to pick up a copy of The Darjeeling Limited ($18). Filled with trademark Anderson quirk, it tells the story of three estranged brothers — played by Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody — as they embark on a trip to find their mother in rural India. Great cinematography, a memorable soundtrack, and terrific acting make this a worthy title for that spot on your movie rack next to The Royal Tenenbaums. Oh, and the DVD includes the prologue Hotel Chevalier, staring a scantily clad Natalie Portman. So you can stop wondering.

Move over, PS3. Our current favorite Blu-Ray player is about to get knocked off its perch by the new Sony BDP-550 Blu-Ray Player ($500; Fall 2008). The slim, blue-faced player offers support for Blu-Ray 2.0 spec, Bonus View PiP, and BD-Live, and features a 1GB storage device, 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output, 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, dts-HD High Resolution Audio, and dts-HD Master Audio decoding and bit-stream output, as well as 7.1 channel analog audio output.

We pretty much knew it was coming, but Apple has finally released its new MacBook Pro ($2000-$2800). The new models sport multi-touch trackpads that let you pinch, swipe, and rotate simply by using your fingers, like you would on an iPhone. They also include the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, ranging from 2.4-2.6 GHz, and built on a 45nm process with 6MB of cache. Nvidia GeForce graphics keep games running smoothly, and up to 4GB of RAM and high-capacity drives keep the power users happy. So the real question is, anyone looking to buy a used MacBook Pro?

Wouldn't it be great to have an extra portable power source for your gadgets that didn't take up much space and was easy to charge? The Powerstick ($70) is a thumb drive-sized accessory that charges via the built-in USB connector and can provide extra juice for lots of different devices, including most cell phones, iPods, and others that charge via mini-USB. A simple fuel gauge graphic lets you know how the charging is going and how much power you have left. Genius.

If any actor has a shot at upsetting Daniel Day-Lewis this Sunday, it's George Clooney for his performance in Michael Clayton ($17 DVD; $25 Blu-ray). He plays the title role, a "fixer" at a major law firm who becomes entangled in a volatile situation of corporate corruption within one his firm's biggest clients. The film has picked up a total of seven Oscar nods, including best picture, director and original screenplay.
Sign up for the 23andMe Personal Genome Service ($1,000) and find out more about yourself (besides that you like when this happens). The service sends you a kit, you send back a saliva sample, and they use a special genotyping process to read nearly 600,000 data points on your genome. The result? A better understanding of your personal chemistry, including ancestry, family inheritance, and possible medical genetic dispositions. It's like having a super-accurate palm reader for your DNA.
More than 30 years since Roger Moore's 007 put the idea into every guy's head, someone has finally replicated the underwater auto experience. Swiss design company Rinspeed has created the sQuba ($1.4 million), the world's first submersible car. Based on the Lotus Elise (it was a Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me), the all-electric convertible can drive you to the lake in style and then dive underwater to a depth of over 30 feet. The car's engine was removed and replaced by three motors — one for land driving, good for up to 75 mph, and two others for the underwater propellers. Power is supplied by rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. You can check the sQuba out in person at the Geneva Motor Show next month, but, unfortunately, there are no current plans to build others besides this prototype.

Going beyond the traditional masking tape-and-Sharpie, Message Tape ($10-$15) is covered with dots or digital digits, which you use by blacking out the unwanted areas to create a custom message. Unlike other custom-order message tape (think police tape), Message Tape can display a different message with every strip, letting you personalize as much as you want. [Thanks, Robert]
The mastermind of JPG Magazine is back with a new project, this time with smart, community-submitted stories based around a common theme. Fray ($15 each; $45 yearly) is a quarterly paperback book that's simply filled with excellent and true first-person stories from ordinary folks. The first book's theme is Busted! True Stories of Getting Caught in the Act. Inside, you can find several anecdotes, including our favorite, one about a bank robber who got beat by technology.
A great snap-together design makes the DLO Portable iPhone Speakers ($50) perfect for travel. The TDMA interference-free system features a removable, rotating stand that holds the iPhone upright or horizontally, and offers a wide sound stage thanks to two independent speakers. All of it snaps together to create a handy travel egg. Plus, the entire system turns into a speaker phone when a call comes in — no need to disconnect.
Keep your claws trimmed with the Zwilling Pour Homme Ultra-Slim Stainless Steel Nail Clipper ($29). Winner of an iF Design Award, the clipper features a precision engineered flat design and comes with a leather storage pouch.

Listen to your music wirelessly wherever you roam with the Sony Ericsson MBS-100 Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($TBA; Q1-Q2 2008). This great-looking orb-shaped speaker packs in Bluetooth technology for devices that support audio streaming, but can also be used with nearly any device thanks to a 3.5mm audio input jack. A built-in rechargeable battery keeps the music playing no matter where you are, and its small size makes it easy to pack along with you. [Thanks, Dennis]
Thinking of building a yourself an outdoor man room or office? Skip the normal, bland pre-fab game and check out the Kithaus K3 (starts at $29,500). This modern building uses a proprietary clamping system to make installation quick, easy, and virtually waste-free. All of the lightweight, anodized aluminum pieces are pre-cut and drilled in Southern California and shipped to you for on-site assembly, which takes only a few days. As a bonus, the Kithaus is built with eco-friendly materials, and you can order one complete with decks, canopies, and louvers for under $45,000; solar and furnished packages are also available. It's the ultimate adult treehouse.
Now available. Originally posted 02/08. Sure, the DraughtKeg is handy, but it's also a little messy, and takes up quite a bit of room in the fridge. The Heineken BeerTender ($300) solves these problems by serving as a standalone beer-serving machine, made especially for the 5L DraughtKeg. Co-developed with Krups, the BeerTender features integrated refrigeration to keep your beer the ideal temperature, and the built-in display lets you know when it's time to refill. Plus, with its advanced pressure system, you'll get the perfect pour every time. [Thanks, Zach]
Get caught up on all the recent movie buzz with an all-day showing of the 2008 Best Picture Oscar nominees. On Saturday, Feb. 23, the AMC Best Picture Showcase ($30) will let you waste your entire day watching all five nominees — Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, Atonement, Juno and No Country for Old Men — back-to-back at 81 select AMC theaters. The admission also includes a free large popcorn with unlimited refills all day.

Despite all the books on enlightenment, only this one can actually provide light. The Enlightenment Book Lamp ($130) is a book-shaped lamp made from white plexiglass, lit with a 9-watt energy-saving lamp, and with the words "The Enlightenment" on the binding and front cover. Plus, ten percent of the proceeds goes to fund education projects run by the Edukans Foundation. Now that's enlightenment. [via]
While this 2 hour and 40 minute epic was nearly ruined by its long runtime, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford ($17 DVD; $25 Blu-Ray) turns out to be a terrifically moody story about the dangers of hero-worship and the obligatory betrayal that follows. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck both put in above average performances, and if you can make it to the end of your living room screening, you'll come away fulfilled even though the title and history spoil the ending.
Tote your stoges like a mob errand boy with one of these Zero Halliburton Cigar Cases ($300-$500). Available in two sizes and three colors, the cases feature a stacking tray system that holds 30 large cigars and feature a Digital hygrometer and Paradigm Humidification System with anti-fungal sponge. The classic anodized aluminum exterior and rotary combination lock finish things off.
We hadn't heard too much about Eastern Promises until Viggo Mortensen's recent Oscar nomination, but damn is this movie good. With a gripping story revolving around the Russian mob, a dead hooker and her baby, and a midwife in London, the movie has a classic feel to it, very much like The Godfather has. There's a couple pretty big twists towards the end, including one insane bathhouse brawl.
The Ultimate Tastes of Chicago Combo ($90) is a must have for lovers of the Windy City's culinary delights. Each combo package includes a deep dish pizza, hot dog kit, ribs, and cheesecake — all from Chicago landmarks known for their famous must-eats.

Suffering from writer's strike blues? Well, if you didn't get to check out this quirky, funny new HBO show last summer, now's your chance. Flight of the Conchords - The Complete First Season ($24) is a two-disc set containing all twelve episodes of the critically-acclaimed comedy, including all the musical antics of Bret and Jemaine as they try to make it as a struggling band in NYC. And unlike that other new HBO show from last summer, this one is actually returning next season.

Like an Apple TV on steroids, the LaCie LaCinema ($230) is not only the same price as the fruit-branded set-top box, but also offers similar features with real internal storage — either 500GB, 750GB, or 1TB. Simply drag your audio and video content over from your PC or Mac, and then connect the LaCinema to your TV. It supports most popular audio and video formats, including videos up to 1080i resolution, making it yet another nice addition to your HDTV.
If you're as obsessive about your Myriad Pros and Helveticas as we are, check out the Pentragram 2008 Typography Calendar ($22-$36). Full of type designs by Matthew Carter, including Walker, Snell Roundhand, and Galliard, the calendar is sure to provide some inspiration for your blog, and should also help you keep your disorganized ass in check.
It's the same Apple TV, just a lot better. Apple TV Take 2 is loaded with entirely new software that lets you rent DVD-quality and HD movies directly on your TV. Yep, but it gets better. Requiring no computer (hi, Grandma!), the new Apple TV (40GB $230; 160GB $320) also adds YouTube and Flickr support. You'll be able to choose from over 1,000 titles by the end of February, including over 100 movies in HD with 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound. The standard DVD-quality iTunes Movie Rentals are $2.99 for library titles and $3.99 for new releases, and HD versions are $3.99 and $4.99. Oh, and current Apple TV owners will soon be able to download the new software, making their "eh" boxes way more awesome.
Now Available. Originally posted 09/07. Whether you're a professional heli-skier or a geek stuck down in the IT department, you should always have a good multi-tool in your pocket. But if the thought of said tool weighing down your pants all day doesn't appeal, maybe it's time to get yourself something a little less bulky. The Leatherman Skeletool is an ultra-light pocket-survival-tool that includes just the essentials — a super sharp knife, full-size pliers with wire cutters, an interchangeable screwdriver, and a carabiner clip/bottle opener. The Skeletool keeps weight and volume to a minimum without sacrificing quality or functionality. Two versions will be available — the Skeletool ($58) and Skeletool CX ($80; shown), which switches out some of the stainless steel components for carbon fiber.
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