No ice needed.
(Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond)While nothing beats enjoying a cooler full of ice-cold beverages at the park, beach, or backyard barbecue, there is a bit of a downside risk: wet cans. As drinks are plucked from the murky depths of the ice chest, ice that is no longer ice clings to the can. It's something even cold-activated cans cannot fix.
Since the dawn of mankind (or at least the invention of the tailgate party), people have looked for a way to enjoy the crisp, clean taste of their favorite drinks without the inconvenience of wet fingers. Now, finally, there is a way.
The Wine Enthusiast Koolatron Rechargeable Bar On Wheels provides a way to cool your drinks anywhere, without the use of ice. The rechargeable cooler cools contents to a "near refrigerator" temperature of 40 degrees F.
Plugging into a standard home outlet, the 41-pound portable cooler also includes an AC/DC adapter for vehicle charging. One charge is good for up to four hours of active, quiet cooling, and for easy portability, two wheels are attached at the base.
With three removable shelves and space for in-door bottle cooling, the portable party-maker has a versatile interior capable of cooling all types of beverages. Complete with a flat work area on top and a hanging basket for accessories on the side, this cooling solution is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor event.
But it will cost you--$449.99 in at least one listing we saw. What do you think? Is saving the ice for putting in your drinks instead of on them worth that tag?
Sony's Party-shot dock does the swivel and twist at our Crave Asia offices. And, surprise, surprise, Sony's new spaceship-looking Party-shot arrives just in time for our evening... party.
Any minute now, tiny aliens are going to beam down to your coffee table.
(Credit: Sony Electronics)
When a Sony rep plunked down the company's new, unfortunately hyphenated Party-shot dock in the middle of a press briefing with one of the two new Cyber-shot models parked in it, the thing automatically began to whir, rotate, tilt, zoom, snap and flash in our faces. And I began to go through what I retrospectively realized were the five stages of grief.
- Denial: They're joking, right? This thing reminds me of the "SNL" commercial parody Big Red (which I really wanted to embed/link, but it doesn't seem to be available anywhere on the Web) with a blinding flash instead of Viking-head-spewing toxic faux blood.
- Anger: Do they think people are that desperate for party photos and that lazy to shoot them? Are the social aspects of photographing friends and family so trivial that a robotic dock, as likely to misdetect and shoot a chair as to shoot a real face, can replace a human photographer?
- Bargaining: I'll say anything you want. Just PLEASE STOP THE FLASH.
- Depression: Maybe I'm just too old, antisocial, and camera shy to appreciate what a major advance in lifestyle photography this is.
- Acceptance: I suppose this could result in better photos of drunk college students, since they won't suffer from blitzed shooter camera shake. And toddlers and cats will think it's a toy and chase it, providing endless minutes of entertainment. (Though spiritual kin to the Sony Rolly, the Party-shot isn't nearly as amusing a cat toy.) Plus, with the simultaneous video out it could conceivably be a hit at small bar mitzvahs and the like.
For what it's worth, the Party-shot runs on AA batteries and can keep up its creepy, evil task for 10 hours, though your camera battery will run out far sooner, thanks to the constant power-draining zooming. You'll be able to control rotation angle, shooting frequency, and flash; available tilt angles will depend on the camera model. It will initially only work with the two new models announced at the same time, the TX1 and WX1, though I'm sure Sony's future ultracompacts will know the joy of Party-shot compatibility. At least at $149.99 it's not grossly overpriced.
Artist and newly crowned TV show host ANDREW WK joins The 404 today in what might be the crowning moment of our careers. We run the gamut in our extra-long show--we chat about his music career, an upcoming album, his new show "Destroy Build Destroy," and Jeff and I actually reveal our two chance encounters with the man. IT'S TIME TO PARTY!
Posi posi posi posi.
(Credit: The404/CNET)After pimping out his appearance on the show for the past two weeks, we're very, very excited to welcome Andrew WK to our humble studio. Unsurprisingly, Andrew's super posi vibe gels well with the group and we get right into the interview, beginning with a story about how Andrew got into the piano as a kid and how it shaped his music today.
AWK and Justin freaking out
(Credit: The404/CNET)If you haven't had a chance to see Andrew play live, do yourself a favor and check it out with The 404's highest recommendation for a guaranteed good time. Also be sure to listen for a very special clip from Andrew's newest sold-out record, "DAMN! The Mixtape Vol. 1", currently only available for download on iTunes or Amazon. We also pick Andrew's brain for his opinions on the current state of music, including the overuse of auto-tune and his newfound appreciation for Dave Matthews Band.
After the break, we launch right into a conversation about Andrew's newest endeavor, a brand new show debuting on the Cartoon Network this Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT called "Destroy Build Destroy." The premise is simple: two teams of teenagers (with plenty of guidance and safety measures) compete to destroy a large structure, build the remnants up into something else. The winner of the competition gets to obliterate the loser's! You had us at "destroy," Andrew, the premise sounds like a mix between Double Dare and Battle Bots.
AWK's all over the place! In addition to Santos Party House, his successful bar in downtown Manhattan, Andrew also talks about his next solo album entitled "55 Cadillac" that's a pretty wide departure from his normal rock and roll. Listen to a few clips on his MySpace, give him a call, and let him know how much you love it!
Click on the slideshow above for candid shots from our interview with Andrew WK, courtesy of Sara the Woah-mantern, and a big thanks goes out to Anna David for introducing us to AWK! Wait, is it time to party yet? Yeah, it's time...LET'S GET A PARTY STARTED!
EPISODE 365
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Wilson breaks some Sprint and Palm Pre information, based on an interview he did with CNET News reporter Maggie Reardon and Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. This makes Jeff infinitely jealous, because Wilson got to hold a Palm Pre before Jeff did.
(Credit:
Jitterbug)
Dan Hesse denied that Verizon and AT&T would be getting the Palm Pre in six months time, saying that the reports had the facts wrong. Wilson thinks that Sprint probably has the option to extend its exclusivity in six months. Wilson also thinks that the Palm Pre is a little too small and a little too thick. Reminds us of something we'd rather not say or write.
In more phone news, Jitterbug has released a new version of its Jitterbug cell phone. Remember the one last week that couldn't even dial 911 in some cases? Well, Jitterbug has added text messaging to this new model. Yeah, we don't really think that grandma is going to be really into T9 text messaging.
Plus, we think Jitterbug is opening up itself to the worst deluge of tech support calls on the planet by having direct tech support access built-in to the cell phone. Our grandparents drive us crazy enough when they ask us to set up their VCRs. Imagine if that was your job!
Grandpa:
Why doesn't my son call me any more?
In more puzzling economic recession news, we find it pretty interesting that the tattoo removal business is booming. Apparently, that face tattoo was a great idea when the economy was booming. Now, you'll be hard pressed to find a job doing much of anything that doesn't require a face mask if you've got one.
Finally, in the big news of the day, we let the world know that musician and inspirational speaker, Andrew W.K., will be coming to guest on The 404 on June 18. Be sure to get your iPods, Zunes, iTunes, and RSS readers all fired up to check out this interview. For those of you who don't know, check out any party scene in a movie released in the last decade for his hit "Party Hard." He'll be on to promote his new show on the Cartoon Network, and Justin will be dedicating his life to the man. We're serious. We think Andrew W.K. should bring bodyguards. Take care and have a great weekend everybody!
EPISODE 357
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Just add margaritas.
(Credit: Bed Bath & Beyond)Along with toasters, blenders are an iconic part of the American kitchen. They look cool, are very useful, and don't take up much room. In the list of appliances to get, blenders are certainly near the top. Blended margaritas certainly wouldn't be the same without them.
The Oster Blender with eLume Touchscreen brings blender style to the 21st century. Featuring a control panel sans traditional knobs or buttons, the blender relies entirely on a touch-screen interface. Without any nooks or crannies to hold spills, the flat screen easily wipes clean. When not in use, the eLume lights turn off, giving this blender a sleek, modern appearance.
Design may be important to kitchen decor, but usefulness has to be paramount when selecting any appliance. The 6-cup dishwasher-safe vessel has been thermal shock-tested to withstand temperature changes. An all-metal drive system is designed for durability.
Features include timed automatic settings for crushing ice. With its ice crusher blade for pulverizing ice and frozen fruits, along with its contemporary look, this blender could bring a new level of fun to your next margarita party.
- DSiWare
- Mixed Messages (Activision, 500 DSi Points): Mixed Messages is a party game all about communication. Play along with up to 21 different users in the game of "telephone" for your DSi.
- Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): The Master of Illusion series continues with Shuffle Games. This mini game will allow you to predict what your audience is thinking!
- WiiWare
- Party Fun Pirate (TOMY Corporation, 500 Wii points): Exchange turns sliding as many swords into a barrel as you can. Based on the Pop-up Pirate Toy, the game allows for up to four players. Pirate Fun Party also lets you use your own Mii character in-game!
- Virtual Console
- Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (1994, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): The follow up to the Atari classic, Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure will have you swinging and jumping your way through the jungle all while attempting to rescue your kidnapped father.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
- WiiWare
- Family & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1,000 Wii points): Up to eight people can play along in this interactive board game. Compete in single challenges or events that require multiple simultaneous players.
- Virtual Console
- Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): Take down the evil Empire in this turn-based strategy game. It's your duty to lead a group of rebels to destroy the Zetegenian using magic weapons and Tarot cards.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
(Credit:
CBS Interactive/Corinne Schulze)
"Taxes" and "fun" clearly don't belong in the same sentence--unless you have a little imagination and a sense of humor as warped as ours (here's a hint: deductible bingo).
From tech tips on how to set up a room for massive tax filing to the perfect stress-relieving games and yummy tax-themed snacks, our party guide will help you make the most out of the necessary evil of preparing your yearly tax return.
See also:
Photos: TaxCut versus TurboTax
TaxCut in-depth review
TurboTax in-depth review
- WiiWare
- Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (Telltale Games, 1,000 Wii points): Is it episode 5 already? The fifth installment of the game based on the lovable flash cartoon characters is ready for download on WiiWare.
- Big Kahuna Party (Reflexive Entertainment Inc., 700 Wii points): Big Kahuna Party is a family-oriented collection of minigames with a kahuna theme. The game offers more than 100 levels to play through, all with varying difficulty.
- Virtual Console
- Enduro Racer (1987, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): The classic arcade racing game from Sega is now available on the Virtual Console. Speed around your opponents by taking jumps--just make sure your bike doesn't overheat!
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
