Archive for December 2021

Cracking nuts while sipping cocktails and making small talk with relatives: it’s a timeless holiday tradition. But what about those stubborn nuts that refuse to crack so easily – what about them? I’m looking at you, macadamias!

Reading: it’s fundamental. Cactuses? Not so much, unless maybe you’re a desert. But combining these two unlikely companions is the Babyletto Cactus Bookcase from West Elm. It’s a bookcase that looks like cactus. Obviously, if you don’t fill the entire thing with western novels about cowboys, you’ve done it all wrong.

Designed for use in the coldest weather conditions, these United States Government Issue extreme cold weather face masks are the same ones worn by the US Army during operations in frigid climates. Fingers crossed Santa doesn’t decide to wear one while he’s delivering presents this year, because the last thing I want for Christmas is a heart attack.

Inspired by the legs and feet of a peregrine falcon, engineers at Stanford University’s Cutkosky Lab have developed a set of SNAG (“stereotyped nature-inspired aerial grasper”) robotic legs that can perch on different sized branches and grasp objects in a manner similar to the bird of prey.

Gaming: it’s more fun with a partner, even if that partner is a cat. And to encourage co-op feline gaming, Japanese gaming furniture manufacturer Bauhutte has created this Nyangaroo (nyan:’meow’, plus kangaroo) hoodie featuring a pouch for your cat to hang out in while you mash buttons and curse at the screen.

Clearly unafraid to utilize the latest in flying technology, Santa is experimenting with delivering presents this year via a drone disguised as his sleigh and reindeer. Available from Firebox, the Flying Santa Drone is a radio-controlled drone featuring the likeness of Santa and four of his reindeer.

The Millennium Falcon is best known for its ability to do the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. But did you know it’s also suitable for cutting parsnips? Or chopping onions? Or julienning carrots? Well, it is if you pick up this Millennium Falcon cutting board from Promi Design.

It’s that time of year. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. It’s time to set up the Christmas tree, string the lights, and hang the ornaments. But if you’re tired of all the jolly and festive holiday traditions, maybe you need to go with something a little darker for your decorations this year.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise and the release of Halo: Infinite, Microsoft has teamed up with Swarovski to craft crystal Master Chief Mjolnir helmets and Energy Swords. I don’t know about you, but I could see either dangling proudly from a gold chain around my neck.

Released just in time for Christmas (but not guaranteed for Christmas delivery), Tesla is selling a child-sized version of the Cyberquad it introduced alongside the Cybertruck’s November 2019 unveiling. You know, because why should adults get to have all the fun?

Because who doesn’t want to draw a bunch of unwanted attention to themselves when they’re just trying to stay hydrated, this is a collapsable silicone water bottle available on Amazon (affiliate link) that looks like a grenade when completely collapsed, and much less like one when it’s not.

Space: according to Star Trek, is the final frontier. And I learned everything I know from watching Star Trek, most importantly of which is always keep someone in a red shirt between you and an enemy’s phaser.