Awesome Ice

Throw a lifeline into your favorite beverage with this silicon ice tray which makes ice rings in the shape of tiny life preservers. Probably would look even better using frozen milk instead of water.

An ice hockey team in Slovakia manages to narrowly escape tragedy when the roof on their rink unexpectedly collapses under the weight of the snow outside. Incredible footage, and no injuries.

Part of us feels there is something terribly sacrilegious about turning an expression of unadulterated terror into a freakin’ mold for ice. But mostly we think it’s hilarious.

Designer Atsuhiro Hayashi’s ice cubes float polar bears and penguins on mini glaciers in your drinks, while their gradual melting reminds us of the impact of global warming on the polar icecaps.

The Funston is a simple but dual purpose outdoor accessory. One container is a (clearly marked) fire pit, while the other one functions as an ice pit with a bottle opener on the side.

Opaque ice cubes are so passé: check out Jacky TC Wu’s Polar Ice Tray; the water freezes from top to bottom, removing impurities and allowing the ice to remain clear. Bonus: sculpture mold included.

Ever heard the expression “crazy from the heat?” The opposite rings true in this video, filled with luscious natural light in Norway. The first oh-no-he-didn’t moment is at :31. (Thanks PistolPete!)

The 2011 Ice and Snow Festival is coming soon to China’s Heilongjiang province, and so far it looks pretty darn spectacular. Events will include snow splashing, skating and skiing races. Ok; sign us up.

TRON: Legacy will be released next week, but if you can’t wait, try out The Legacy of the River suite at the Ice Hotel in Sweden; chances are you’ll be rocking out to Daft Punk while you’re there.

Planning a winter vacation on a tropical beach somewhere? Drop these ice cubes in your glass in tribute to the suckers back at home. Set comes with 6 eyes made out of coal and 3 carrot noses.

Inspired by the Finnish tradition of building snow and ice sculptures during their long winter, a team at Nokia has created the world’s first ice touchscreen using digital projection technology.

Cockeyed kills two birds with one impractical but funny stone – a tray that holds and cools beer. It’s hard to carry, it melts after a while, and it takes too long to make, but it’s still cool.

Want to chew on an icy kiwi-strawberry popsicle but too lazy to leave your air conditioned house? The Zoku Quick Pop Maker makes up to 9 delicious frozen treats in about 7 minutes, without electricity.

CAPRON Designs’ “Rocks” are shiny stainless steel cubes you can chill, then float in your beverage in place of ice, keeping your drinks cool, without melting and diluting your precious booze.

New for 2010: ICE’s Adventure, Sprint, and Vortex are recumbent trikes that differ in terms of seating height; all offer ICE’s CFT folding system, which folds in 30 seconds. Thanks, Chris!