The Modern Materialist : cars

Get a Sandwich To Go

Alex Zalben — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Let's say for the sake of argument that you're driving cross country. You decide you're sick of fast food, and want a nice fresh panini. What do you do? Pull out the Road Pro 12 Volt Sandwich Maker, of course:

Yup, it's a grill that plugs into your car's power outlet. Enjoy!

[$22, S King]

[Via Crave]

Start Your (Eco-Friendly) Engines!

Diana Vilibert — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:44:00 GMT

WTF, right? Yeah, that was my initial reaction too. It's the WorldFirst F3 race car, the first Formula 3 racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials. More on the WorldFirst F3, after the jump:

The team at the Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre incorporated a steering wheel made out of carrots, a seat made of soybeans, plant-oil based lubricants and a biodiesel engine capable of running on chocolate and vegetable oil. And last but not least, the car is capable of cleaning the air as it drives thanks to its revolutionary emission-destroying catalyst.

[via Inhabitat]

Quick Tip of the Day: Avoid Premature Deflation

Steph Auteri — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:19:00 GMT

Have troubles with premature deflation?

[$7.98, Harriet Carter]

These tire pressure caps can easily be screwed onto your tire valves so you can see at a glance when your tires need air.

[Via Ooh! Shiny!]

The Most Beautiful Car In The World

Alex Zalben — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Yesterday, Steph and I had the First Annual Modern Materialist Summit About Driving and Cars. Steph fell on the side of "I drive a car," and I fell on the side of "I don't have one." It was a pretty heated argument, let me tell you. But I think I might change my mind if I could buy one of these:

And by "Most Beautiful Car in The World," I mean, "Most like the Batmobile." Unfortunately, the Phantom Corsair (seriously, that's its name), is just a prototype from 1938, and the only one ever made is in the National Automobile Museum in Reno. Anyone up for a quickie wedding/robbery?

[Via Presurfer]

A Buick of a Media Center

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:07:00 GMT

[photo via]

Just as I was ranting about how things looked so much better in the 50s, British design student Thomas Thomassen designed this retro media center case!

I kind of want to go to a junkyard and decorate my room with scrap car parts now.

Here's a view of its behind:

[Via DVICE]

Get a Jolt From Your Coffee Cup

Alex Zalben — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:03:00 GMT

I usually get a good jolt from my morning cup of coffee, but this is ridiculous:

To answer your question, yes, I will be performing at the Catskills this Winter. To answer your other question, I actually think this is a rather neat concept: Two three prongs adapters that attach to the power outlet in your car, and fit neatly in your cup holder. Cool.

[$30, Keenzo]

[Via UberGizmo]

Bathtub Racers

Diana Vilibert — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:04:00 GMT

Got $11,000 to spare? Fulfull your childhood fantasies and pick up this bathtub racecar that actually works. Of course, if you're going to drive a bathtub, you need someone to race against, so luckily, that price covers two bathtub racers.

Um, I can't get over the fact that this exists.

[$10,995.00, Go-Racer]

Get Horny In Your Truck

Alex Zalben — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:41:00 GMT

Trucks are big, bad mothers, taking over the road with their pure sexual power. So one can be forgiven if they make you all horny:

[$26, PrankPlace]

[Via TheGreenHead]

Exclusive! Bill Murray on "Ghostbusters 3" + Buy Yourself an Ecto-1

Alex Zalben — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:02:00 GMT

A while back, I posted a list of the seventeen coolest movie cars, and how to buy 'em. Well, here's a bit of an update, because Ghostbuster's Ecto-1 has officially gone on sale. But first, here's a cool bit of exclusive info I got from a birdie, about Ghostbusters 3, from none other than Bill Murray himself:

In an interview with "The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet" airing this Friday October 10th, Murray comments on the rumors that there’s a ‘Ghostbusters 3’ in the works being penned by a pair of writers from 'The Office.'
“It’s promising, it’s never been promising before…[The unnamed writers] are probably pretty funny. And the idea of having a new fresh look at it, is a great idea, you know, to see if through someone else’s eyes. I think a new idea would be great, I think it’d be fun.”

So there you go... Why not pick up an Ecto-1, just so you can drive it to the hypothetical premiere of Ghostbusters 3?

[$45000, eBay]

[Via SlashFilm]

Related: Ghosts & Goblets

Top 17 Coolest Movie Vehicles Of All Time... And How To Buy 'Em

Alex Zalben — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:05:00 GMT

The history of film has been littered with memorable vehicles. Cars, trucks, and other things that go vroom have often been as important as the people who drive them. So herewith, a list of the fifteen coolest movie road vehicles (so no boats or planes) of all time.

And, since this is the Modern Materialist, we're going to hook you up with how you can grab one of your own movie rides. It may not be in everyone's price range, but it'll certainly be on your wish list:

17. Christine (Christine, 1983)
When you come from the minds of writer Stephen King and director John Carpenter, you know you’re a care who’s not to be messed with. An unstoppable terror, Christine is the killer car who just keeps coming back.

Where To Buy: Okay, so here's the problem... Christine doesn't quite exist. Technically, she's a 1958 Plymouth Fury. However, the '58 Fury described in the book, and in real life, differ in several respects, including number of doors, color, and more. The actual '58 Fury doesn't seem to be available for sale, despite being one of the most popular cars available that year. However, there are a LOT of collectors obsessed with the Red & White version depicted in the film, so it's relatively easy (though not un-pricey) to pick up a customized scale model of the car.

[$50 and up, eBay]

16. Peterbilt 281 (Duel, 1971)
Steven Spielberg’s first feature film got a jolt from horror vet Richard Matheson (who wrote the script based on his own short story), as well as the looming presence of the Peterbilt 281. A relentless machine of both physical and psychological torture, the Peterbilt has made generations of film goers look both ways before driving on the freeway.

Where To Buy: The actual truck from Duel was bought in 1985, and was being rebuilt from the inside out by devoted Duel fans. Though all sale items were removed form eBay because of "dishonest buyers," you can contact the owners directly at the below link, and see about picking up a piece of film history for yourself.

[St. Louis Dump Trucks]

15. 1969 Dodge Charger (Death Proof/Grindhouse, 2007)
Though Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) claims that his car is 100% Death Proof, its certainly not adverse to killing of young girls looking to party in Quentin Tarantino’s exploitation homage. Though it’s eventually *spoiler* bested by a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and a trio of vengeance happy babes, the Dodge Charger still races through our nightmares.

Where To Buy: You'll have todeath proof it yourself, but there are a ton of Dodge Chargers available online, including a well preserved one currently in Scottsdale, AZ.

[$170000, Deals on Wheels]

14. Herbie (The Love Bug, 1968)
The original Love Bug, Herbie zoomed his way through five different feature films, five episodes of a 1982 television show, and five German movies. With a mind of his own, and some serious speed on his side, Herbie is a movie car to be reckoned with; and with a forty-year lifespan, the oldest vehicle on this list.

Where To Buy: As we'll see a lot on this list, Herbie isn't exactly a car that exists. He's a 1963 Volkswagen Sunroof Sedan with modifications. However, various cars stood in for Herbie, and even through the most current Lindsay Lohan film, current VW bugs were altered to look like the 1963 original. Given all that, I was able to find a few 1963 VW Sedans online, but none with Sunroof, or the Herbie paintjob. That being said, it should take a two minute musical montage to customize your new car. Tops.

[$4300, eBay]

13. Bumblebee (Transformers, 2007)
Though technically a giant robot disguised as a car, Bumblebee spends the majority of the recent blockbuster Transformers movie doing his best Herbie impression. Though he gets a little action towards the end of the flick, Bumblebee is way better at making sure his owner Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) gets a little action from hot girl next door Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox).

Where To Buy: Bumblebee takes the form of a yellow (of course) 1974 Camaro, which means you can buy 'em... And cheap.

[$4000 and up, Camaros & Firebirds]

12. The General Lee (Dukes of Hazzard, 2005)
General Lee may not say a single line in the 2005 comedy flick, but there’s no mistaking the distinctive horn… Or the trail of destruction left in its wake. If you doubt that this car is important enough, check out the poster for the movie, which is ¾ car, ¼ human beings.

Where To Buy: Here's the good news... All you need is your own orange '69 Dodger, and this is easily the cheapest car on the list, as there's a website devoted to making your own General Lee. Driving skills, and cop avoidance not included.

[$275, Build a General Lee]

11. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 1968)
The most magical car of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flies, floats on water, and causes children to spontaneously break into song. Though CCBB was previously a book, and later a live stage musical, the film car has one huge advantage over its literary and Broadway brethren: it was built by Dick Van Dyke.

Where To Buy: Yeah, I don't know what to tell you guys; this just plain doesn't exist. Back in 2007, a man named Ralph Spencer, who also owns a Batmobile, bought the original film vehicle. He lives in Florida, so you can start trying to track him down there.

[BBC Article on the Sale]

10. Lightning McQueen (Cars, 2006)
Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) isn’t a bad guy… In fact, he’s not a guy at all; he’s a talking car in a world populated by only talking cars. Though he’s a little self involved at first, Lightning McQueen ends up caring about, and in fact saving, the entire town of Radiator Springs. Oh, and winning the heart of the lovely Sally Carerra (Bonnie Hunt). Lovely, that is, if you’re attracted to cars.

Where To Buy: Since buying a real version of McQueen would mean you were sitting inside his brain, instead, you can buy 1:24 scale model, and deal with that.

[$40, Amazon]

9. Batmobile (Batman Returns, 1992)
You could have a whole separate list for the Batmobile, but for our money, the coolest movie version is the one in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. Without the excess of Batman & Robin’s flaming winged design, or the super realism of Batman Begin’s Bat-tank, the Batmobile from Batman Returns strikes the perfect balance between cool and retro… Just like Burton’s film.

Where To Buy: Considering the number of Batmobiles that have been built, the models come up for sale with a good deal of frequency; there was actually one on sale earlier this week, and it went for over a hundred thousand dollars. The sales are usually on eBay, and usually go quickly. My suggestion? Set up a Google News Alert for "Batmobile for sale," and you'll be one of the first to know. Here's a rundown on one of the last one's sold.

[Comic Book Movie]

8. Volkswagen T2 Microbus (Little Miss Sunshine, 2006)
7. Wagon Queen Family Truckster (National Lampoon’s Family Vacation, 1983)
Let’s just be honest here: Little Miss Sunshine is nothing more than an indie film remake of National Lampoon’s Vacation, with a beauty pageant subbed in for Wally World. Yet, both films make the most of their broken down cars, with their hideous colors (yellow for Sunshine, pea-green for Vacation), and ample space for dead grandparents.

Where To Buy: For the T2, I found you one broken down, just like in the movie! For the Wagon Queen, it's actually a 1979-1981 Ford LTD Country Squire, modified for the movie. You just missed picking up one for $2900, but if you're dying to get one, try the previous owner, and see if you can make an offer.

T2 Microbus: [$1000, Craigslist]

Wagon Queen: [$2900, Classic Cars]

6. Mach 5 (Speed Racer, 2008)
Say you want about the movie (and both audiences and critics certainly have), but the future-pop world of Speed Racer has yielded one of cinemas most awesome vehicles in the Mach 5. Whether it’s fighting off enemy saws with its hubcaps, or flipping over a cliff to win a big race, the Mach 5 is the fastest car even put on film.

Where To Buy: Suprisingly, a replica of the Mach 5 in real life was made, and sold on eBay around the opening of the film. The page is a little wonky now, but you can check out info, and contact the seller to see if you can grab your own.

[Mach5ForSale]

5. Ecto-1 (Ghostbusters, 1984)
An upgraded 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor, the Ecto-1 straddles the line between being totally dorky, and totally cool. Totally dorky, because let’s be fair: it’s a silly looking car with some silly looking stuff on it that doesn’t do much. Totally cool, because it’s used to fight ghosts. And Bill Murray is in it.

Where To Buy: There's not Ecto-1 available right now, butsimilar to the Batmobile, these babies end up for sale more often than not. For your one stop Ecto-1 shop, a fan page for the car has been set up.Check frequently for updates on eBay auctions, and more.

[The Ecto-1]

4. De Lorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future, 1985)
The most incredible thing about the De Lorean is that, despite the fact that it was a car released in America in 1981, and featured prominently as a time/flying machine is an enormously popular film series four years later, that caused a craze for the vehicles, even now, thirty years later, it still looks like a car from the future.

Where To Buy: Look, this is on sale right now, but I'm going to warn you... Don't buy it. You're going to think it's super awesome at first, but really, you'll be super dorky. Still buying it? Sigh, okay, here you go:

[$19000, eBay]

3. Aston Martin (Goldfinger, 1964)
When you’re the official car of James Bond, the coolest cucumber in movie history, you’d be automatically cool even if you weren’t a high end sports car. Though bond switched over to a BMW for several films, with Casino Royale (as well as the upcoming Quantum of Solace), Bond is back where he belongs: behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DBS.

Where To Buy: Yeah, I'm just going to go ahead and sy buy one of these. They may not have missles, guns, or oil slicks (I may be thinking o Spy Hunter, not James Bond), but this is probably the sexiest car ever, right?

[AstonMartin.com]

2. Grease Lightning (Grease, 1978)
Let’s just put all of our cards on the table: Grease Lightning is supreme; Grease Lightning makes the chicks cream. We’re not braggin’, but she’s a real pu—Well, you know the rest. (It's "pussy wagon," FYI).

Where To Buy: Grease Lightning (and before someone calls BS, the song is call Greased Lightning; the car is Grease Lightning) was most likely a souped up '48 Ford. And, good news for all of you, if you're in the UK: you can rent Grease Lightning for your wedding or Bar Mitzvah! Also, K.I.T.T.

[American Dreams]

1. Landspeeder XP-34 (Star Wars, 1977)
Need to get around the desert planet of Tatooine in style? Then you need the Landspeeder XP-34. This sleek, sporty hovercraft will take you wherever you want to go, whether it’s to pick up hermit Ben Kenobi, or into Tashi Station to pick up some power converters. The Landspeeder XP-34: the coolest car ever, if you’re ten years old.

Where To Buy: Dear Internet... You can watch some Australian idiot dance in the most boring routine possible by the millions, but you can't build and sell a full size landspeeder? I'm disappointed in all of you.

Update: Naturally, one hour after I post that a real-life Landspeeder doesn't exist, this shows up in my inbox. I never should have doubted you, Internet. You my boo.

Honorable Mentions:

Taxi Driver (Taxi); Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Ferrari 250 California Spider); Scoobie Doo (Mystery Machine); The Italian Job (Mini Coopers); Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1948 Tucker Sedan).

Baby Won't You Light My Lamborghini

Alex Zalben — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:31:00 GMT

You could literally say these are the Lamborghini's of cigar lighters and cutters, as they are literally made by Lamborghini. And because I don't have a ton to say about this, here's the best Lamborghini video ever:

[Lighters Direct]

[Via Uncrate]

In the News: Mini Coopers

Steph Auteri — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:36:00 GMT

My friend Nicole (she of the Test Drive: SoundTech fame) has this adorable, bright blue Mini Cooper that I sometimes wish I could run away with. And just this past weekend, I found out that someone else I know just bought a Mini Cooper Convertible (!) slightly used. She let me ride in the back seat, and it made me wish I had never spent my hard-earned money on a mere Mitsubishi Galant with sparkly red paint. At the moment when we breezed through an intersection, and I felt the wind whipping through my ponytail, I declared: "I am getting one of these."

Then Crave went and crushed all of my dreams, by posting about the fact that all MCs are SOLD OUT!!!

I shall now watch this video whilst sobbing:

Related: Green Machine: Smera

Dork Trap

Alex Zalben — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

I swear to god, I must be the biggest nerd in the world. Let's see if you are, too. If I told you that the above vintage/modern land-rover mash-up had 1500+ HP, what would you think that means?

If you said Horse Power, you'd be absolutely right. If you couldn't figure out why a car has 1500+ Hit Points, then you just fell into the same Dork Trap I did.

Sigh.

[$157709, Bell Aurens Auto Club]

[Via The Land Rover Chronicles]

July 4th Must-Haves: Party-A-Cargo

Alex Zalben — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Kind of waited to the last second to think about your July 4th plans, huh? Well, Modern Materialist is here to help! We'll be posting some July 4th Must Haves throughout the next few days, leading up to, you know, July 4th.

Anyway, the first one is a doozy:

The Party-A-Cargo comes standard with a hitch-mount Kegerator, perfect for tailgating. It can be customized with speakers, a CD player, an iPod dock, an LCD screen, and more. Oh, and it keeps the party going for up to twleve hours on one charge of its internal battery. Start your engines.

[$2900-$3800, Party-A-Cargo]

[Via Uncrate]

Quick Tip Of The Day: Add a Solar Panel to Your Prius

Alex Zalben — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:30:00 GMT

We recently took a survey, and found out that 100% of the people that read this blgo own Priuses… Uh, Prii. Anyway, everybody owns a Prius, so here’s a quick tip on how to trick out your car to make it even more environmentally friendly, and save even more money.

SEV (Solar Electrical Vehicles) offers a solar panel for your 2004-2006 Toyota Prius that lets the whole car run on sunshine. In fact, you’ll (most likely) never have to plug the hybrid in again, saving electric energy, while you’re also saving on fuel. SEV estimates that you’ll make your money back on the solar panel in under three years, just from the energy savings.

Pricing is available on request, and SEV suggests that the panel should be installed by professionals, though you’re welcome to tear the roof off your car by yourself. Oh, and by the way, I’m aware you don’t all own a Prius. And thanks to Will, for the tip!

Check out a video of the SEV Panel in action, below:

[Solar Electric Vehicles]

[Via TakeApart]

You Don't Know Air Jack

Alex Zalben — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:30:00 GMT

I don’t own a car now, but when I did, getting a jack under there was a pain in the asshole*. If your tire is flat, you’re already dirty, sweaty, and annoyed, so getting a cold metal jack under a car and cranking just makes things worse.

Luckily, there’s an alternative, the Titan Exhaust Air Jack, a super smart idea who’s time has come. You hook up the hose to your exhaust pipe, run the car, and it knocks your auto down a hill. Kidding! Unless you’re not careful, then I’m NOT kidding.

But basically, the Air Jack balloons up with enough force to let you safely get under the car, and change the tire. And now you know jack.

[$120, Northern Tool]

[Via Book of Joe]

*I’m trying to help out our big sister Scanner with their Cuss-O-Meter Score.

Moov it, Kid

Alex Zalben — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:30:00 GMT

As well documented on this blog, I very much liked to take things apart and put them back together again. Therefore, as I’m sure you can guess, I kind of totally loved Legos (and Lincoln Logs, but in retrospect, I may have been wrong to love them). I also loved riding my bike, or hot wheels, or any sort of vehicle I could get my hands on.

So thank you, Berg Toys, for creating Moov, which is basically Legos meets Hot Wheels.

Each set includes the basic pieces to build four entirely separate kids’ vehicles: racer, carver, tricycle, and scooter. You build ‘em up, ride ‘em around, then take them apart and start again.

Don’t quote me on this, but I bet if you got two sets, you could put ‘em together to create an entirely new type of vehicle, and that, my friends, would be awesome.

Check out this video of the Moov in action with cute kids:

The Moov will be available in June, in the U.K., with, hopefully, the U.S. to follow.

[BergToys]

[Via TechEBlog]

Give Your Man a Mini Hummer

Alex Zalben — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:30:00 GMT

I mean, think about it: when’s the last time you gave your S.O. a Hummer, right? Probably at the beginning of your relationship, you guys were all Hummer crazy. Every night, you gave your guy a Hummer, and he was all like, “I love Hummers! Give me more Hummers!” And you were all like, “I don’t know if I can, my mouth is sore… From talking to the car dealership every day to buy you cars!”

Psyche! You thought I was talking about something dirty, when I was ACTUALLY talking about the car, the Hummer. I totally tricked you suckers. Also, I made an incredibly original pun that no-one has ever made before. Ever.

In any event, on the off chance that you A) don’t want a gas guzzling Hummer, and B) don’t have the space for a giant car, and C) play golf, you may want to check out the Mini Hummer from Harrods. It’s shaped, of course, like a Hummer H3, but is actually the size of a golf cart. It also moves at the pace of a golf cart, hitting a maximum speed of 30mph. There’s also an option to set the max speed to anywhere between 0 and 30mph, in case you have children, and don’t want them playing high speed Hummer bumper cars.

You can get it in red, black, white, grey, or yellow, and if color options don’t convince you, how about this: get a Mini Hummer, and you’ll be driving the same tiny car as Harry Potter’s eternally mugging Rupert Grint*!

[£1,400, Harrods]

*Really? He owns one? He has GOT to get his priorities straight.

Ferrari… For Kidz!

Alex Zalben — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Get ‘em young, I always say, and I guess Ferrari says that too, as they’ve released an officially licensed Ferrari Go-Kart. You know, for kidz?

The Ferrari FXX is the “ultimate experience” because it has “7 gears, 12-inch lightweight metal wheel rims, with ultra flat super slick X-treme tyres.” You can also monitor your speed and time with the digital dashboard computer. And there is a “leather-looking” steering whell, and soft sport seats.

I don’t know about you, but I think this Go-Kart might be nicer than my apartment.

[$2480, Berg Toys]

[Via Toyology]

Adventures in Tacky: 3D Hanging Car Shelf

Alex Zalben — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Technically speaking, this is the front grille of a car that you can install on your wall as your shelf. In actuality, it’s a shelf, and then also, the front grille of a car.

Take a close look at the picture. I can understand why you’d want a car sticking out of your wall: when you were five, you went to the Hard Rock Café, and have spent the rest of your life trying to duplicate their décor. Don’t worry; I’m the same way, but for Planet Hollywood. So far, I have William Shatner’s toupee on my bookshelf, and an “authentic” coffee cup from Friends. My fingers are crossed for that day when I can finally track down a life-sized Terminator… Here’s hoping!

Anywho, so you go ahead and purchase one of these “shelves,” which comes in ’57 Bel Air, Ford Mustang, or 1959 Cadillac. And finally… FINALLY… Your Hard Rock dreams are complete. Now, all you need to do is cook up a limp, tasteless burger, blast some Rolling Stones, over-charge yourself for food, and you’re good to go!

Check out the product page for some other choice items, including a lovely wall clock, and a coat rack.

[$55, California Car Cover Co.]

[Via Freshome]

Little Coal Briquette

Alex Zalben — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:30:00 GMT

This one’s for the fellas, so ladies, go back to your Best of Etsy, or whatever.

Dudes, now that we’re alone, let’s talk about the two most awesome things ever, and how we can combine them. No, I’m not talking about Beer Football. I’m talking about cars, and BBQ. Thanks to the fine folks over at BBQ Vette, you can finally combine the hottest car with the hottest coals.

Just a quick check, we’re in the 1980s, right? Okay, cool.

Anyway, The BBQ Vette features the backs of cars, with grills coming out of them. It also features working taillights, and is guaranteed to get you laid.

That last part is a joke, but let’s face facts: what lady can resist the trunk of a car full of cooking hamburgers? Not any ladies I’ve ever met, and I’ve met at least three ladies.

The propane model is $400 more, and, confusingly, doesn’t run on charcoal. I mean, how can you be a hairy man beast if you’re not burning some sort of fossil fuel?

Ladies, you can come back now.

Ladies?

Hello?

[$1795, BBQ Vette]

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Salt n Pepper's Here and We're in Effect

Alex Zalben — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:30:00 GMT

[$60, Top of the Line]

At first glance, I thought this was some sort of steampunk inspired salt and pepper shakers. But turns out, it’s a little more authentic, and a little less ironic:

The aluminum side-draft carburetor body, reduced to 70% of its original size, is fitted with two stainless steel, inlet ram pipes that contain salt and pepper. Quality abounds. No detail is left out. A real, one-of-a-kind gift all the way around.

A hidden bonus is a front panel that slides back, revealing a compartment for sugar packets and toothpicks. What more could you possible want on your dinner table?

I’d replace “dinner” with “diner,” but otherwise, we’re good to go on this. If I was a kid, I’d love the hidden compartment. If I was an adult, I would love the car inspired design.

And, that, friends, is my incredible grasp on the differences between kids and adults.

[Via Thoughts from the Sidelines]

Product Porn: Rinspeed Squba, the Underwater Car

Alex Zalben — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Taking the least dangerous page from Bond's arsenal, Rinspeed have created an underwater car that actually works:

It's completely submersible, and also, completely green (it runs on rechargable lithium ion batteries). Good girl who turns out to be bad not included. [Via]

Plug It In, Plug It In

Alex Zalben — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:00:00 GMT

A situation: You’re in your car, and you want a smoothie badly. You’ve just left the supermarket, have a bunch of bananas, some strawberries, non-fat vanilla ice cream, and your four-speed blender. So it seems a waste to stop by Jamba Juice, and you decide to make a smoothie in your car, while you’re driving.

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, the biggest problem with this scenario is that your blender doesn’t have a car adapter. Enter Black & Decker, who have the solution to all your non-smoothie drinking needs: a power adapter to turns your car into a three-pronged outlet! The 100 Watt Power Inverter converts your vehicle’s 12 volt DC power into 115 volts of AC blending power.

Sounds, great, right? Except, and here’s the twist, you have a USB Blender! You’re so stupid! Why did you buy a blender that only plugs into a USB port? That makes no sense!

It’s okay, stupid, because Black & Decker has a solution for that, too: the 200 Watt Power Inverter comes with TWO three pronged outlets, and a USB port, so you can hook up to three different electronic devices, including, yes, your USB blender.

And in case you’re wondering, both models come with an automatic low battery shut down, so your blender, toaster, and self inflating air mattress won’t drain ALL your car’s battery. [$29, amazon.com]

[Side Note: Mad props to the first person who finds me a USB Blender.]

Disgruntled American Automakers Want Us Dead

Will Doig — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 17:03:00 GMT

Today's New York Times runs with a page-one story that smells a bit stale, but nevertheless provides a reliable twinge of superiority for us non-car people: More High Tech Invitations To Take Your Mind Off Road.

"Talking on cellphones and typing text messages while driving has already led to bans in many states. But now auto companies, likening their latest models to living rooms on the road, are turning cars into cocoons of communication systems and high-tech entertainment."

Though not the article's purpose, the alliterative "cars into cocoons of communication systems" makes this idea sound incredibly appealing. So does the latest vehicular-distraction buzz product, the 2009 Ford F-150's optional "Work Solutions" package, a head-on-collision happy bundle of keyboards, printers, touchscreens and, according to Engadget, "an RFID-equipped Tool Link system built in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic for a real-time inventory of your RFID tagged tools." Yeah that's right.

Photo credit: John Gress/Reuters