Swedish Fire Steel

Swedish FireSteel

Used by the Swedish Department of Defense, FireSteel makes building a fire easy under any conditions. It’s ability to work, even when wet, has made it standard equipment for armies all over the world and outdoor enthusiasts. Weighs 1.9 ounces, and is good for 12,000 strikes.

What this means to you:
Let friends work to light fire. Break out FireSteel and ignite fire in one strike. Sit back, and enjoy the marvel.

Cost: $16 @ ThinkGeek


Gear Girl - Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi

If you haven’t already seen her on Bravo’s Top Chef, then you’re missing out on one of the deadliest combination in women. Supermodel & Chef.

  • Date of birth: November 30, 1970
  • Place of birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Factoid: Worldly popular, her career highlights are numerous. One that stands out in the depths of her resumé is the guest appearance is the imperious princess in a Star Trek: Enterprise episode.

More photos of Padma after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »


Sanyo Xacti Waterproof Camcorder

Sanyo Xacti CamcorderThe worst part about camcorders is that they easily break and they’re obtrusive. Men don’t mind taking videos, but they certainly do mind an excessive number of gadgets in their person and worse yet, obtrusive ones. The Sanyo Xacti is here to remedy that problem.

It’s the first consumer waterproof camcorder and is spec’d out surprisingly well:

  • 90 minutes-per-gigabyte SD recording
  • 6.0 megapixel digital still images
  • 5x optical zoom
  • 2.5-inch LCD
  • Up to 12 hours of recording with an 8GB SDHC card
  • Can be submerged in water down to five feet for as long as 30 minutes

What this means to you: Chronicle your lifestyle, and don’t worry about your camera keeping up with you or weighing you down.

Cost: $499 @ The Sharper Image


RLX Challenger Running Jacket

Ralph Lauren Challenger Running Jacket

An ultra-lightweight jacket made of streamlined water and wind repellant stretch fabric. This one will serve you for more than just running though, it has an iPod pocket and an interior pocket for your headphones.

What this means to you:
There’s no more flattering color than black. Might as well look fit while you get fit.

Cost: $145 @ Ralph Lauren


Oronoco Rum

Oronoco RumpRum should be in your bar’s summer stock. Another fantastic complex beverage, rum is one of the most difficult of spirits to make. Sometimes based on molassas, sugar cane or even yeast, there’s a wide variety of rum available. Oronoco rum is a Brazilian white rum with a slightly vanilla flavor. It’s perfect to mix with juices.

What this means to you: Stop thinking Pirates of the Carribean and start thinking your new summer spirit.

Cost: $50 @ Beverage Warehouse

Drink Recommendation: “The Paulistano”

  • 3 freshly cut lime wedges
  • 1 1/2 oz Oronoco rum
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • Splash of orange cognac
  • Mint for garnish

Muddle lime wedges in a cocktail shaker. Add Oronoco rum, mint leaves, pineapple juice, orange cognac and shake with ice. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with mint. [via Cocktail Times]


One Round on the Old Course at Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Set against dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Half Moon Bay Golf Links is 36 holes of championship golf. As a par 72, 7,104 yard course originally designed in 1973 the parkland-style course’s signature hole is the home hole that plays next to the ocean.

What this means to you: Last we checked, round trip tickets to San Francisco weren’t that expensive…

Cost: $80-$195 @ Ritz-Carlton