Forbidden Fruit

The iPod is probably the best thing to happen to runners since spandex. But now Apple has gone and teamed with Nike to create a system that has runners drooling (including myself). An iPod that gets info from my shoe? I can listen to music AND see how far I've gone and at what pace? And I can program my never-fail, pump-me-up-now song to play at the hardest part of my workout? Where have you been all my life?

Of course, there are drawbacks. The major one is that the kit is specifically, and only, for Nike shoes. I don't run in Nikes. I have one model of shoe that I've run in since high school. Asking me to change shoes is like asking me to change genders. As seductive as this offer is, I don't think I'm ready for that kind of sacrifice.

But now I'm in a quandary (hey, remember that game, "The Secret Island of Dr. Quandary"? No?). Sometime soon, my first-generation iPod will stop functioning. Then I will replace it. But with what? I was considering a shuffle, which is ideally set up (and priced) for running. Then I thought maybe a nano, which is what works with the Nike system. Most recently, I was convinced that Oregon Scientific's sport MP3 player was exactly what I wanted.

And now there is this. Maybe my iPod will last until iPod teams with asics. Until then, I will have to be content to lust mightily for what every runner wants.

Who says fire and liquor don't mix?

Scented candles are good. Cocktails good, too. If only there was a way to combine them...

Ponder no more. On the Rocks Candles, which can be found at Etsy, has done it. Their line of cocktail-scented candles is just what has been missing from bars, bedrooms and bridal showers. Until now.

For the serious pyralcoholic, On the Rocks offers the Ultimate Indulgence Party Pack. At $130, this collection of 14 candles will set you back a bit, but just think of it as buying the house a double. It's like a great party without the hangover.

And with a better smell.

Hot time

It's been mighty warm here the last few days, which is making me think about cool things. Things like pools, shade, sprinklers and banana leaves (which of course four tanned guys would be fanning me with).

One thing that I'm eying right now is Brookestone's 360 fan. Normal oscillating fans, which hit you and then leave like an abusive lover, are irritating. But this one has a nice even, mid-level air flow that (I imagine) is more like a faithful servant.

Posh, Sexy, Sporty

So I already posted about the SUV of sportswatches, and while that's pretty cool, what I really covet is this: Oregon Scientific's MP3 player.

I've always thought they should make an iPod sport edition. Forget the nano; what I want is an iPod that can withstand rain, heat, cold, sharp jolts... basically, my typical outdoor run. Apple apparently decided that instead of investing in that, it would just made expensive accessories. Not good enough.

That's why the Oregon Scientific MP3 player is so great. The entire thing is made to be waterproof. And it has FM radio. And it has a pedometer. And, and... I'm in love.

It only comes in 512k and 1G sizes, but it's relatively cheap at around $170 (especially when you consider that the iPod waterproof case comes in at about $140).

This is one thing I'm actually getting. Someday. Probably about six weeks before they intorduce the Oregon Scientific mini.

Boob Lube

Boob Lube. It sounds a lot kinkier than it is.

Boob Lube is a product meant to help women conduct self breast examinations. For those of you who may not be aware (hello, Y chromosome), women are supposed to check their breasts monthly for suspicious lumps. And some of you (Y carriers, again) may not realize that it isn't as fun as it sounds.

Enter Boob Lube. An all-natural concoction of tanamu, jojoba and sweet almond oils along with macademia nut oil and meadowfoam seed oil, Boob Lube taps into the theory that women will find any task more pleasant if it is accompanied by good smelling bath stuff.

Of course, any similar lotion or oil could be used for the purpose, to the same effect. But somehow, having "Boob Lube" is more fun.

A lot more fun than cancer.