Posts Written by Vic Arkoff

The basement beneath L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum holds one of the world’s greatest private collections: a treasure trove of 250+ iconic and rare cars, trucks, and motorcycles that few visitors ever see. For the first time, you can sign up for free (donations welcome) 60-minute live-stream tours of their exclusive vault.

While enjoying happy hour at home, raise a glass to Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head Vodka team. They make some fine hooch, but it’s the iridescent, skull-shaped bottle that’s so head-turning. Designed by artist John Alexander and manufactured in Milan by Bruni Glass, here’s an inside look at the heads being made.

Minutes before COVID-19 shutdowns started, at The Magic Bag in Detroit, the Squirrel Nut Zippers made this video of “La Grippe,” a macabre ditty about the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. The infectious song originally appeared on the band’s debut album and will inevitably rock the setlist for the “Inevitable 25th Anniversary Tour.”

Even metal guitar gods are mortal. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine is playing it safe by isolating at home with his family during the COVID-19 shutdown, so he and his daughter Electra (a monster singer in her own right) recorded a living room jam on a Beatles classic: “Come together! Right now… QUARANTINE!”

There’s something so right about Cariuma’s limited-edition sneakers in Classic Blue, Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year. The hue is as timeless as the evolved old-school designs of the OCA Low kicks – and the high-top OCA High. Just unbox and hit the street. They’re comfortable thanks to cushioned support and top-grade canvas.

Built for high-intensity outdoor action, Helly Hansen’s comfy, quilted pullover provides warmth with Primaloft insulation that doesn’t absorb water. The side zipper and lack of bulk make it easy to throw on over or under layers, and it’s stretchy enough to move with you unlike most windproof and water-resistant fabrics.

This luxury safari getaway in South Africa is a four-story treehouse in the wilderness of the Ngala Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, where visitors can spot the Big Five including prides of lions. The solar-powered treehouse has a third-floor bedroom and a rooftop platform for a genuinely wild night.

The Skycamp Mini transforms nearly any small car, short-bed pickup, or SUV rooftop into a 2-person sleeping tent with a quick 1-minute setup. The 125-pound tent has double-layer canvas with air insulation, an aluminum floor, and an aerodynamic hard shell that makes it condensation resistant and almost soundproof.

Record stores are no longer an endangered species reports The Vinyl Revival, a doc about why the tables are turning again. Director Pip Piper explores the vinyl renaissance with industry pros, artists, record sellers, and the new generation of vinyl aficionados choosing needle drops over digital streams. DVD drops 4/10/20.

Fox’s competition show LEGO Masters proves you’re never too old to play with toys by giving adults an unlimited supply of LEGO bricks for fantasy builds. Host Will Arnett brings the funny while amateur brickheads face-off in themed challenges. Play along at home with weekly Brick Tips on the show’s YouTube channel.

How do you improve the original duck boot? Make it warmer and more flexible by replacing the traditional rubber shell with waterproof AeroForm polyurethane so it doesn’t transfer cold. Coupled with a water-resistant, full-grain leather upper and heavy-traction soles, the LaCrosse Aero Timber Top is built for slushy, muddy tasks.

Legendary Butthole Surfers singer Gibby Haynes has unexpectedly become a kickass book author for teens. Gibby’s debut novel is as brash, twisted, fearless, and darkly hilarious as he is. The chapter titles alone deserve a Newbery Medal.

Trade in your stinky old exercise tote for Pendleton’s rugged, but refined, wool blanket bag. The cylindrical Crested Butte Gym Bag is Western style at its best, sized for a change of clothes, toiletries and towel, plus exterior and interior pockets for your small stuff. Has a practical polyester lining and a removable shoulder strap.

What’s the most overlooked cocktail ingredient? It’s ice. Ice, baby. The key to a perfectly chilled drink is a big chunk of ice so it doesn’t melt and dilute the good stuff. This heavy-duty Anvil Ice Pick is just what the mixologist ordered. The stainless-steel anvil end scores an ice block, while the sharp bit does the breaking and carving.

The tiki candle collection from Fury Bros. tips its sunhat to tropical cocktails. Hand-poured in the USA using soy wax and natural oils, they come in four scents: Mondo Mango Daiquiri, Pele’s Punch, Polynesian Painkiller, and Flamin’ Zombie. After their 70-hour burn, the ceramic tiki mugs are perfect for liquid libations.

Navigate the wonders of the night sky via Phaidon’s book Universe: Exploring the Astronomical World. It’s an entertaining and thought-provoking journey through our fascination with space, from cave paintings to modern astrophotography. Its 300 images were curated by stars of astronomy, photography, and art.

Christmas arrived early in October when Los Lobos released Llegó Navidad. For a special holiday edition of NPR’s Tiny Desk, the beloved group performed four festive tunes: “Dónde Está Santa Claus,” Freddy Fender’s “It’s Christmas Time In Texas,” the record’s title track, and Llegó Navidad’s sole original, “Christmas and You.”

Ditch that bulky puffer. Linksoul’s three-season down puff jackets – Kirkwall Hoodie and Hilgard – are cozy warm, light as air, and easily pack into their own interior pocket for travel. Other inside/outside pockets keep your stuff dry. Made of durable nylon filled with soft goose down, they’re thin enough to layer under a shell.

Made from sustainable bamboo, silky smooth Lyocell is a super-breathable fabric that wicks away moisture. Ettitude’s PJ shorts and tailored short sleeve PJ shirt are inspired by classic menswear with white piping and a front patch pocket. Long-sleeve and long-leg separates are also available, with dreamy bedding to match.

Retro reigns supreme with Polaroid Original’s limited-edition MTV instant camera, a snappy throwback to the first Polaroid 600. The refurbished and redressed analog camera sports a bold color block design in MTV’s original color-scheme: red, yellow and blue. Be sure to grab some film cartridges too.

Pendleton heirloom-quality blankets have been coveted since 1863. The family business makes high-quality, pure Americana blankets, including the Yakima Camp Throw. Camp blankets were originally used by shepherds in the Pacific Northwest, where these rugged virgin wool/cotton versions are still woven.

(Spoilers) The smash debuts of Disney+ and Star Wars The Mandalorian have us obsessed with mysterious helmeted characters, stark desert planets, incredible creatures, and a ridiculously cute baby Yoda. If you’re craving more, too, take a peek at this original gallery of concept art from Chapters 1 to 4 of the series.

Funny lady Mindy Kaling has put her wit to work writing holiday messages for top-shelf Johnnie Walker Blue Label.Choose from several engravings including “Damn, someone made the nice list.” Grab one at MindysBlueLabelHoliday or the Johnnie Walker Holiday Pop Up at Brookfield Place in NYC. Free shipping with the code MINDY.