summer

Quiksilver's Deep X watch takes you for a dip

The DeepX watch from Quiksilver might be your best asset in the water this summer. The sporty timepiece also includes an advanced database of 2,000 popular surf spots around the world with tide information calculated by a professional oceanographer to determine the precise latitude and longitude of the coastline.

Developed and tested by some of the hardest surf riders around, the DeepX tide can also beam information on your local coast through radio frequencies built right into the watch. Quiksilver also claims its calculations are more accurate than most tide charts because it calculates information specifically for every spot, … Read more

Apple MacBooks: Summer 2009

Editors' note: As of June 2009, the product discussed here has been replaced by these updated models.

Vampiric nerdlings will cower at your floating Bluetooth speakers

While all those pale suckers are indoors playing around with their videogames, you could be enjoying the summer heat, lounging in a pool and aquadancing to your favorite jams with Elima, a Bluetooth speaker designed to make your summer days even brighter.

This little orb packs in a pair of 2-watt speakers on both sides, providing you with stereo sound while it floats around in your pool. You can connect any Bluetooth device with A2DP/AVRCP and stream music from up to 30 feet away. If a call comes in while you're lounging, the Elima will automatically pause your … Read more

Helping hands to hold your corn cobs

The only time I crave corn on the cob is during the summer. Don't get me wrong, I still love a nice warm corn chowder in the winter: I just wait for the warmer weather to eat cobs of corn. As far as I'm concerned, cooking corn cobs right on the grill is the only way to do it.

Apparently, I'm not the only one who draws this connection between the warmer months and our favorite husked vegetable, as evidenced by these cute little Barbecue Folk cob holders. Each one is shaped like a different character dressed … Read more

Google links students, projects in Summer of Code

For four years, Google has brought together some of the best open-source projects and most promising young programmers in its Summer of Code.

Now in its fifth year, Summer of Code 2009 promises to do the same, with a range of new countries and projects represented.

Of the 70 countries involved, here are the ones with the most students: United States (212), India (101), Germany (55), Canada (44), and Brazil (43). And for the first time, student programmers from the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Nigeria will also participate.

Summer of Code has been an excellent way for Google to … Read more

Pitcher is picture of relaxation

Ah, weekends. Just look at that picture; doesn't it look like a weekend in motion? Very slow motion. It is the picture of relaxation. In fact, it looks so relaxing that a nice, cool drink poured from this pitcher would go great right now--perfect for heading into the weekend.

The Prodyne Fruit Infusion Pitcher is an elegant solution to a simple problem. No longer must real lemon-flavored water come with the unfortunate side effect of having to dodge seeds and pulp. A removable rod holds fruit or berries and infuses the liquid throughout. Water can be refilled without wasting … Read more

Get the grill going with a press of a button

As the weather changes and we all start to get a little warmer, barbecues across the nation are going to be wheeled out of their hibernation spots. Getting the grill together requires perhaps a little cleaning, finding a suitable location, and of course, collecting all the accessories. I am always down for a barbecue, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am always ready for one. I keep my charcoal in one area, lighter fluid in another, and my utensils are scattered all about. While some people may have their grilling act together a bit more, I would certainly benefit … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us a retro-themed rhythm game on WiiWare and an Olympic-style competition simulator from 1985. WiiWare BIT.TRIP BEAT (Aksys Games, 600 Wii points): Retro-themed rhythm gaming at its finest! Use your Wii remote to control the beat alone or with up to four players total. The 8-bit soundtrack is sure to please gamers of all ages. Virtual Console Summer Games II (1985, Commodore 64, 500 Wii points): 1985's Summer Games II puts you up against thousands of athletes from around the world. Compete in various events including cycling, equestrian, fencing, high jump, javelin, kayaking, rowing, and … Read more

Getting veggies ready for the grill

I noticed something yesterday. It happened around 5 o'clock when I was looking out the window: It was still light out. There was plenty of light, in fact. It sure does sneak up on you. Before you know it, the days are going to be long and the air filled with the sweet smell of barbecue. Not long to go now. It's just around the corner. Of course that means one important thing: grilling time.

As I get older and more seasoned with the grill, I realize some things that I may have missed in my younger years. … Read more

Chilled salad on the go

Granted, summer (or spring) picnic season may seem like a long way away, but it will be time to break out the blanket and head to the nearest patch of grass before you know it. Since the local weather here in San Francisco this week has been on the warm side, I think it's never too early to look ahead. Those winter doldrums aren't going to last forever, and when they melt, parks and beaches will be filled with hungry people, and I plan to be one of them.

Having a nice chilled meal outdoors on a clear, … Read more