As summertime draws to a close, I’m reminded of all the fun times I’ve had these past few months. Naturally, none of these memories involve spending time outdoors because I hate going outside. I mean, if I don’t get out of this house soon, people might start thinking I’m agoraphobic. Seriously though, while enjoying everything nature has to offer isn’t really my thing, I like to think I have a good time just the same. Not spending a zillion hours outdoors really frees up my time to work on my various creative projects (also no sunburn, so that’s a plus). You’re gonna think I’m pretty lame (even more so than you already do), but I like to put together puzzles. That’s right, puzzles.
The problem with puzzles today is that even if the puzzle itself is challenging, the pictures are so lame. I mean, how many times can I put together a picture of snow covered trees or a cat hanging on a branch? Zip Code Puzzles (Firebox, $34.95) are a completely different story. Instead of regurgitating the same old photo options, these puzzles are made to order according to your personal choice of geographic location. Using an extract from the U.S. Geological Survey, a 400 piece puzzle is produced according to the zip code you provide. In the center of the puzzle is a house-shaped piece that represents the address location and the puzzle itself spans six miles east/west and four miles north/south of the center point. The map displays buildings, main roads, water features, and even some local establishments so that each puzzle is unique.
I don’t know who wouldn’t want to put together this puzzle. I would totally commit to putting every last piece of this puzzle together, glue it in place, and then frame it for display. That’s not weird, right?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12.25″ x 18.5″ (assembled)
-400 piece jigsaw puzzle
-Features an extract from the U.S. Geological Survey
-Map covers 6 miles East/West and 4 miles North/South
-Center piece is shaped like a house
-Puzzle box includes personal message area
-Each puzzle made to order
-Non returnable except due to faulty manufacturing
Calling all beer pong enthusiasts: are you ready to win that next tournament? Sure, you might think you’ve got what it takes to play in the big leagues, but chances are you’ve still got a lot of training to do. For one thing, I bet the table down at your local watering hole isn’t even regulation sized. How are you going to compete amongst champions when you haven’t even practiced on a full-length table? And I hope you haven’t been bragging too much about your triumphs in six cup pong because there’s a lot more beer on a regulation table. Maybe you should work on your game a little bit.
If you’re looking to be the best pong player out there, then you need to be ready to play at a moment’s notice. With the Portable Beer Pong Table (KegWorks, $89.95) and a bit of practice, you’ll be an unstoppable beer pong force! Official tournament size (8 feet long), you might think you have no room for such a monstrosity, but you’d be oh so wrong. See, this terrifically awesome table folds into the size of a briefcase when not in use so you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your living room. Not only does its size make for ease of portability, but when folded up, the case also features ergonomic carrying handles. With an aluminum frame and waterproof surface, this table is built to endure many a beer pong game without showing signs of wear. And in case you’re a bit new to the game (or are prone to technical disagreements), there are outlines on each side of the table indicating proper cup placement.
Now, I like beer pong as much as the next college-nostalgic adult, but this table is not for inexperienced. Take a look at those cups – you’re not seeing things, there are 15 on each side of that table. You’d better be really on your game or you’ll be drunkity drunk drunk drunk.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 96″ x 27.5″ x 24″ unfolded
24″ x 24″ x 5.5″ folded
-Weight: 21 lbs
-Official tournament size
-Folds easily into a briefcase
-Ergonomic carrying handles
-High strength aluminum frame
-Waterproof
-Cups not included
Ah, summer. The time of year when you can cast aside all your concerns and just waste away the day. Well, unless of course you have a day job that prohibits you from doing so, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t soak up the sun on your coveted weekends. While I do enjoy spending some QT in the sun, I’m not one for extreme outdoor sports. I’m not really one for the outdoors in general, but I tend to make an exception in terms of glorious weather. You won’t find me playing a game of touch football or soccer, and you’ll just barely find me setting up a net for a game of badminton or volleyball. No, my interests lie in lawn sports such as cornhole, ladderball, croquet, and perhaps even the occasional game of bocce ball.
What’s better than a traditional bocce ball set? The Lighted Bocce Ball Set (Hammacher Schlemmer, $99.95), naturally! There’s nothing worse than starting a game of bocce ball, having it run late, and then be forced to call it off because you lack the sufficient outdoor lighting power to continue. I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me. Fortunately, this set makes it easy to play in the dark because each ball includes an LED that allows it to be seen from up to 100 feet away. Not only that, each of these eight bocce balls can be switched from lighted to flashing LEDs, or used interchangeably. The on/off switch is located inside each ball so it’s not like rough play will cause the light to extinguish unexpectedly. This balls in this bocce set are the official size for International Bocce Federation play and weigh only two-thirds of a competition ball, making the game accessible for just about anyone.
I would love to cut out of the office early and start a pick-up bocce ball game. Then again, it is about 90 degrees outside right now. Hmm, perhaps I’ll stay here and get some work done instead. Bummer.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4 1/4″ (official size for International Bocce Federation play)
-Set of 8 balls (2 each of red, blue, yellow, and green)
-Each ball includes LED light and 3 sets of batteries
-Light can be seen from up to 100′ away
-Choose from lighted or flashing LEDs
-LEDs turned on/off using switch located inside ball
-Stores in convenient nylon case
-Measuring string for scoring
-Hard plastic construction
“You don’t have to drink to have fun.” That’s what boring people say. No, seriously, I know this is true, but it seems like having an adult beverage or two lightens the mood and amps up the party just a bit. It’s not like I’m advocating drinking just to get drunk – I prefer to keep the mood festive by playing a game or two with my brewski of choice. There are plenty out there to choose from, so you can decide whether you want to get completely schnockered or if you’d prefer a slow descent into the beer goggle phenomenon.
Depending on your level of skill, the Shot Pong Game Set (KegWorks, $15.95) will be a fast or slow ticket to Drunktown. On the plus side, since you’re using two ounce shot glasses instead of regular sized cups, you’ll be able to practice your throwing skills all night long. And while one of those most common problems with setting up a game of beer pong is the space needed, it’s not an issue with this set because you’ll only need about half as much space as a regular game. The included triangle racks also help minimize the mess because they’ll keep your shot glasses in perfect alignment on the table (no more hardcore throws knocking full cups onto the floor). Both myself and the manufacturer do not recommend or condone the use of liquor with this set (and if you have to ask why, then you’re just stupid).
This would actually be a great way to determine the ultimate beer pong champion. Sure, anyone can make a couple of lucky shots into a big plastic red cup, but what about tiny shot glasses? This is where we separate the men from the boys!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Capacity: 2oz shot cups
-Includes 12 reusable plastic shot cups, 2 triangle racks, 2 shot pong balls, rules sheet, and suggested playing tips
-Similar concept as beer pong
-Requires smaller playing surface than beer pong
-Liquor not encouraged or recommended for use with this product
I’ve been experiencing a little bit of a heat wave lately (it’s been in the high 40s!) so it’s kinda got me thinking about summer. I mean, it’s not that much of a stretch for me to daydream about sunny skies, warm weather, and most importantly, vacation time. I remember when I was younger, summer was all about the pool. Whoever had a pool or access to one was the coolest kid around; a sprinkler was not a comparable substitute. And I don’t think my views have changed too much since then, even though I’m not much for swimming. There’s just something about hanging out around the pool on a hot day that’s so enticing.
For those of us who enjoy summer lounging and the like but are still completely immature, the Spit Wad Launcher (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $14.95) is perfect. Yes, the idea of shooting another person with a spitball is completely juvenile, but it’s also completely awesome. What’s the real problem with spitball shooting, besides the obvious unsanitary aspect of it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This shooter uses reusable spitballs that are soaked in water instead of spit, so it’s not so much a spitball but a waterball (although, spitball sounds so much cooler, so I’m just gonna go with it). The launcher comes with 12 reusable spitballs that fit into the launcher’s two holding chambers. You can hit a friend from up to 60 feet away, getting twice the splat without the spit. I don’t know about you, but it seems like someone improved on perfection.
By purchasing this spitball launcher, not only are you creating hours of enjoyment for yourself and/or a friend, but you’ll also be saving the environment. Don’t believe me? Just ask all those trees that aren’t being ripped up, chewed on, and spit out. You didn’t know you were such a humanitarian, did you?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Includes 12 reusable spitballs
-2 holding chambers
-Twice the splat without the spit
-Soak reusable spitballs in water before launching
-Soak friends from 60 feet away
