Monday, June 29, 2009 1:00PM - By Jared Newman

Southern Americans will tell you that the word “Barbecue” should never be used as a verb. What will they say about dropping the final “e” for a bit of European flare? Italian designer Piero Lissoni’s “Barbecu” does just that, with both a gas igniter and the ability to make any Southerner proud with charcoal. Best of all, a set of work tops accomodates all sorts of outdoor occassions, from the straightforward pit to the tabletop grill to the tall, rolling cart. There’s no assembly required, either. Look for the Barbecu at Panik-Design, via Alessi, in a matter of days. [Panik-Design]
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Friday, June 26, 2009 3:00PM - By Jared Newman

At 31 inches by 62 inches, the Football carpet isn’t fit for staging any actual matches, but think of all the happy feelings you’ll get when walking through the door, if you’re a Soccer fan, that is. Designer Karin Mannerstål has created an approximation of a footie field with 100 percent, hand-tufted wool. Admittedly, we’re not familiar with the benefits of hand-tufting, but hopefully stepping on this carpet feels something like running around on fresh grass, fielding a header into the net and filling out your sails with the delighted screams of fans. It’s available in one color — green, of course — and sells for $190.43. Angry hooligans on the sidelines not included. [ScandinavianDesignCenter via Cool Material]
Friday, June 26, 2009 10:00AM - By Jared Newman

It’s not what you think, really. With the help of Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax, brothers Sean and Benjamin Anderson have created a series of multicolored sculptures constructed entirely of surfing wax. The two bros (or is that “brahs?”) are avid surfers and were “very excited to merge an icon of surf culture with the contemporary art world … and make it smell good.” As for the Sex Wax, Mr. Zog’s surf company is steps away from the Anderson brothers’ studio in Carpinteria, Calif. — a respectable spot for catching waves, we understand. The skulls will be on display at Rogue Wave, a surf art show scheduled for tomorrow, if you’re in the area. Otherwise, all seven of them are up for purchase through info@andersonARTcollective.com. Because nothing says “sexy” like a wax skull. [via Anderson Art Collective]
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 2:00PM - By Jared Newman
Solar power is everywhere, just waiting to be utilized. But how do we use it? How do we take full advantage? Check out the video above, then read on, for some tips on using solar power while camping.
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Friday, February 27, 2009 2:00PM - By Jared Newman

At a cost of $500 to $1,100 in materials and 30 hours of construction time, you could build a paintball turret just like this one. And there’s no reason not to; this thing fires 34 rounds per second and can even be taken on the road with wireless operation. Can you imagine planting this thing on your buddy’s lawn, then waiting patiently to trigger an ambush? In the arena, though, it’ll prove worthless except maybe to freak out your opponents. Instructional videos are coming soon to paintballturret.com. [Inventgeek via Dvice]
Friday, December 19, 2008 2:42PM - By Jared Newman

While I’m not sold on LG‘s liberal use of the word “floating” (make it levitate and we’ll talk), the unconventional look of this DVD player, and the wall-mounting capabilities that lend its nickname, are at least easier on the eyes than your standard disc box. The DVS450H uses HDMI to upscale standard-definition DVDs to 1080p, and can play DIVx files using an attached USB hard drive. For $240, it does not play Blu-Ray. [Reg Hardware via Slashgear and Boing Boing Gadgets]
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 12:00PM - By Joseph Penalver

Unlike traditional wakeboards, the Ronix Zariel Wakeskate has no bindings whatsoever. Now, I am sure you are thinking, “how can you wakeboard without being tied to the board?” Sure, this lack of straps means balancing takes some practice (even though the textured deck helps), but it also allows riders to pull skateboard-like tricks on the water, with the wakes crest taking the place of a half pipe. The WakeSkate is crafted from poplar wood, making this board both flexible and durable. Wakeboarding with the feel of a skateboard? There is only one thing to say and that is that it’s totally RAD! [$330 at ronixwake]
Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:00AM - By Joseph Penalver

Thinking about bringing a feast to the beach? Or do you simply want to haul enough grub and beer for the ultimate tailgate party? If you answered yes, we’ve found a cooler that will do your job best. The Yeti cooler’s Tundra Series provides you with a 2-inch polyurethane lining and freezer style sealing gasket ensuring your food and beer stays cold. Sturdy rope handles, a dry-goods rack and a leak proof drain keep things convenient. Not to mention that a lockable lid prevents your freeloading friends from swiping your stash…
Buy: From $225.00
Monday, August 25, 2008 8:00AM - By Joseph Penalver

Recently there was a Bisphenol-A or BPA scare. The plastics additive Bisphenol-A or BPA, which is found in almost all plastic bottles, can cause harmful effects in animals by mimicking estrogen. That is where the KOR water vessel comes in. The KOR water vessel is a new, plastic free BPA water bottle specifically constructed to support a long product life. This progressive little bottle has a special flip top which pops right open with one hand. If you’re an athletic individual, that comes in handy on the bike or on a run. So if you use water bottles on a regular basis and want to protect not only the earth but your health (not to mention your pocket book) then the KOR One is a solid solution.
Buy: $29.00