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The author of this book, Jaron Lanier may not ring a bell in anyone’s head, but that doesn’t mean you’re not familiar with his work. Credited for popularizing the term “Virtual Reality”, this dreadlocked genius has served as a professor in several prestigious American Universities such as N.Y.U, U.C. Berkley, and Columbia, as well as on the board of directors for a variety of technology focused start ups.
In an age where the pace of technology is quickly altering life as we know it, his new book You Are Not A Gadget serves as a challenge to the now seemingly universal belief that we as a society are better off thanks to the innovations we have created. While there’s no doubt this manifesto is strongly infused with his opinions, the core message that individuals are far more important than machines and information is one lesson we could all benefit from hearing over and over. A highly intelligent but deep read, we’d recommend it to anyone interested in technology and willing to hear a unique dialogue most choose not to have.
Buy Now: $15
As part of my 1/2 marathon training, I’ve enlisted the help of RunKeeper to act as my virtual coach and running companion. While tracking time is all well and good, the RunKeeper Pro App utilizes the iPhone’s GPS to measure distance, speed, and average pace. It will even give you verbal updates on each metric throughout your run. All of that information can then uploaded to the Runkeeper website for further examination, and, if you’re like me, you love examination. Favorite feature? Seeing my run path overlayed on Google maps, complete with mile markers and elevation changes.
The RunKeeper Pro iPhone app also allows you to set specific training schedules and will track caloric burn. Of course, the app let’s you listen for your favorite tunes as you train. Now, if only it would actually run for me.
See the RunKeeper iPhone app tutorial here.
Cost: $10
WIS (watch idiot savants) like to hold long and protracted arguments over what constitutes a tool watch. R.E. Smith went a different direction. He started RESCO and built the tool watch he wanted - the Patriot. As a Navy SEAL instructor and former SEAL Team member, he had an exacting vision of a watch that could fit his needs. RESCO’s first offering, the Patriot, will soon hit the market. Based around a automatic Slava S-2427 movement (the Iron Curtain irony is not lost on R.E.), it has a custom 42mm stainless case developed in conjunction with Lum-Tec. The Patriot offers a host of other features you’d expect from a high-end sport watch including:
The Patriot is a blunt watch. It’s made to provide a rugged watch that will tell you the (right) time no matter the situation, and maybe look decent in the process. By all accounts, its’ succeeding, as a prototype has made it through all Phases of SEAL training and continues to perform in advanced testing.
Cost: $1,225
Anyone who has ever seen Robo Cop or Terminator 2 should have some ideas of the heads up display fantasy’s entertainment visionaries have teased audiences with for decades. Somewhat out of left field, well known goggle and optics company Zeal now seems to be on the verge of delivering on that crazy Sci-Fi notion with the announcement of their Transcend GPS Ski goggles which are scheduled to hit shelves later next year.
By Guest Writer and Outdoor Enthusiast Sandy Bandu
Weighing in at under one and a half pounds, the Etón Solarlink FR 360 Radio has more uses than you could possibly imagine and ultimately provides basic security against the elements. Designed for emergency purposes, it features an LED flashlight, AM/FM/NOAA weather radio, and a USB cell phone charger.
Robert Pelton knows hostile environments. He’s spent four weeks running RPG alley with Blackwater, hung around the siege of Grozny in Chechnya, and been inside the hunt for public enemy numero uno with the CIA in the hills of Afghanistan… and those are just his more recent exploits. So, when RAT Cutlery asked him to combine his experience with their 10+ years of teaching jungle survival, it spawned one helluva knife, the DPx H.E.S.T. by RAT Cutlery ($100).
It’s no secret that the country that brought us Heidi Klum, Christoph Waltz, and an odd obsession with David Hasselhoff has given the world it’s fair share of great automobiles. Much like Kenya’s ability to produce great long-distance runners, Germany produces cars that are meant to be driven, not just ridden.
A great quandary and often times an either/or choice for modern day auto buyers is the decision to choose luxury or performance, as few vehicles excel in both departments. But, there are bastions of balance in this category and Audi’s most recent installment of the venerable A4, Audi’s most popular model, is one of our favorites.
Casual runners not already betrothed to brands like Saucony, Asics, or Brooks, should take a long hard look at the Nike Air Max Tailwind+ 2, especially for those who lack inward motion in their gait (known as underpronation). Built with dual, low pressure Air-sole units in the heel and forefoot of the shoe, the Tailwind is no slouch on comfort. Reflectors on the front and back are another great safety feature for preventing death by smashing for every day road runners. If you didn’t catch it in the name, Nike+ is of course built in to each pair should you want to track your workout progress or lack there of.
Ultimately, what we really like about the Nike Air Max Tailwind+ 2 Running Shoes are the fact they’re unlike other aforementioned shoes, in that they don’t scream “I’m a hardcore runner”. Now, we realize some may prefer that look, but for those looking for a sneaker to pull double duty both on work outs and a pair of jeans, the Tailwind+ 2 is a great all around option. Of course if the neutral black and white colorway shown above isn’t your thing, a bolder “electric green” is also available.
Buy Now: $100
Those who drink gin and those who don’t stand on opposite sides of the proverbial line in the sand. If you happen to fall on the side of some of our editors and like this juniper berry infused spirit, then we recommend trying out Oxley Classic English Dry Gin, a brand launched in 2009 by Bacardi.
With a taste similar to London dry gin, Oxley is crafted using an uncommon technique in the gin industry known as “cold distillation,” which involves utilizing sub zero temperatures to mute gin’s normally overwhelming pine tones while subtly enhancing other aspects of its botanical flavoring. Infused with 14 different botanical ingredients such as the rare English Meadowsweet herb, it’s apparently the only gin to use fresh citrus (as opposed to dry) fruit as part of its flavoring.
Oxley Classic English Dry Gin is appropriately packaged for its premium market positioning; bottle details like the hand-wrapped leather top and galvanized metal bottom are hard to miss or not appreciate. As for the tonic and cucumber… well, we’re reaching for them now.
Buy Now: $57
Winter isn’t done yet, but that shouldn’t prevent you from thinking of refreshing your attire come spring. New for spring/summer 2010 season, boutique shirt manufacturer Gitman Vintage which is a sub brand of Gitman Bros. has released a series of cotton poplin shirts paying homage to the styles of 1984.
If that point didn’t send you running for the hills, you’re obviously one of the few who understands that the 80’s is clearly rotating back towards being “in” thanks to the funny cyclical nature of the fashion industry. Featuring a clever mix of colors in classic patterns, any of the shirts in this collection should go swimmingly with a pair of khakis shorts and boat shoes (if that’s your thing). We’re also inclined to think that at least some of the less pastel influenced versions in this line could even be worn now, but perhaps that’s just us getting excited for heat, barbecue, and the beach. To see all of the patterns available in this line and pricing, check below.
