Posts Written by Vic Arkoff

Apple’s iPhone 13 has dropped. Before you drop that fragile $1000 phone put it in a protective case that means business. Pelican’s clear, four-layer Voyager case is tested to military standards to protect against impact, dust, shocks, and 18-foot drops. Comes with a swivel-clipped holster that converts to a kickstand.

Betcha the Shiba Inu that sold cigarettes in Tokyo could’ve made a doggone mint selling homemade pet yummos with this Mini Dog Treat Maker by Dash. The nonstick plates heat evenly to cook fresh bone-shaped treats in minutes, and the Recipe Guide shows how to use pet-safe natural ingredients already in your home kitchen.

The ultra-compact, all-weather Zoom Tube has best-in-class optics and a wide field of view to bring nature closer. Really close. An optional 4x multiplier lens turns it into a field microscope. Weighing just 9.5 oz., it easily slides into a pocket, and the awesomely rugged, grippy, water-resistant ribbed housing absorbs impact.

Think like a pirate to solve the clues in a video treasure hunt and be automatically entered to win a free cruise anywhere Windstar Cruises’ small ships and yachts sail. During their voyage, the winner and a guest will then be doubly rewarded with what Windstar says will be “the ultimate hidden treasure.”

Worn as a chest harness, Nixon’s stylishly utilitarian Zion Bandit Bag keeps valuables handy and secure while in action. USA Skateboarding Team star Zion Wright incorporated Sakura blossoms and catfish into his signature pattern: nods to his 2021 Olympic debut and Florida home state. All-over cherry blossom style also available.

We’re loving Mezcal Amaras Verde’s label series by artists from Chicago, LA (our pal Chaz), Seattle, Berlin, Argentina, and Mexico. Even better is the naturally fermented mezcal, and the distiller’s initiatives to pay 20% over market for labor and materials, and to reforest Oaxaca with 10 agave plants for every one harvested.

No more dead batteries. The solar-powered quartz movement of the Light-Wave Watch by Nixon is a timely stroke of genius, and eco-friendly with its recycled plastic case and comfy band made from recovered ocean trash. Good minimalist design and durability plus good planet stewardship equals a wonderful daily timekeeper.

The most important ingredient in Brazil’s beloved Caipirinha cocktail is Cachaça, a rum-like spirit made from fermented sugar cane. Novo Fogo has perfected Cachaça distilling with an array of rested and barrel-aged expressions, all of which are USDA organic and carbon neutral, absorbing more CO2 than the process emits.

Before visitors reach your doorbell, get right to the point with the original Beastie Boys welcome mat by Happy Matz. The flocked coir mat asks the musical question “So, what‘cha, what’cha, what’cha want?” Or opt for another Beasties lyric for frequent deliveries: “mmmmm… DROP (unless it says fragile).”

Motor City Candle Co.’s tins look like vintage motor oil cans, but the only oil inside is a blend of essentials oils to scent vegan-friendly soy wax. The masculine fragrances – such as leather (Detroit Muscle); cedar, sandalwood, and patchouli (Tiger); and amber and moss (Victory) – can pimp any man cave. Handmade in Detroit.

Halloween candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker. No bones about it, this mouth-blown Glass Skull Decanter from Pottery Barn is ideal for serving spirits – and ghoulish guests – at Halloween parties. Molded of clear borosilicate, it’s BPA/lead-free and dishwasher safe, so there’s nothing to worry your little head about.

BMW Motorrad predicts that the future of urban mobility sits between e-bikes and motorbikes. The Vision AMBY is a concept vehicle debuting at IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich. AMBY stands for “adaptive mobility,” an electric two-wheeler with three speed levels set automatically by geofencing tech for different road types.

Zignum Mezcal’s Joven, Reposado, and Añejo spirits are pleasantly smooth versions of tequila’s smoky cousin, with the latter two benefiting from 8-18 months in oak casks. The Oaxacan distillery’s eco-friendly initiatives include solar heating, water recycling, and a nursery where Espadín agave is grown from seeds.

One of the lightest full-cover hoodies we’ve ever seen, the River Run Hoodie protects from the sun with dual-surface UL blended Merino wool. It shields from the heat and wicks sweat to keep you comfy and dry. Machine-washable, soft, thin, and light as feather, it’s a go-everywhere, do-everything adventure staple. USA-made by Voormi.

This long, scarf-like tube has twin openings in which to place two heads for lo-fi chitchat and giggles. But we’d rather believe the wonderful weirdos at Meow Wolf who claim it’s a “communication device which connects one experience to another using the most sophisticated facial recognition technology.”

United Airlines might need to update its slogan to “It’s time to fly electric” and get some extra-long Lightning cables. They’re buying 100 electric planes being developed by Sweden’s Heart Aerospace. The 19-seaters could take off by 2026. They’re also buying 200 Archer electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for air taxi service.