DS2 - 3 - The Omena Hotel, Helsinki

In November of 2007, after travelling half way around the world in one direction then coming a quarter of the way back again, Jade checked in to a new kind of hotel in Helsinki, Finland.

The Omena Hotel; no-frills, great price. Highly recommended.

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DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to impromptu travel to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

(click for QT version)

(click for iPod version)

But at least he's doing it for the right reasons...

On May 14th Yves Rossy, someone who takes this everyday adventure concept about as far as it is possible to take it, decided to take it just a little bit farther. Strapping four small(ish) jets and integral wing to his back, he did what any sane person would do; he left the perfectly good conventional aircraft he was in and became his own. Jet, that is.

He hit a cool 186 mph, did a couple loops and even pulled a jaunty 360º roll.

When asked why, Yves did not bore us with the stoic (and somewhat expected) "because I can." Nope, Yves has his head on straight. His reply, "to impress the girls".

This video is from a test flight earlier this year.



Right on, Yves.

[via Gadget Lab]

Shaken, not stung

The next time you are frolicking in the surf (or scout-swimming toward some isolated beach) and find that you have been attached by nature's very own biological automata, don't reach for ointments or unguents, just grab your flask.

Today we learn from The Daily Green that the blessed juice of the potato is a good option not only when stung by pesky goo-pods, but is also swell at soothing poison ivy, easing the pain of a toothache, and repelling insects. What the heck else does one need to take on any expedition?

Not to mention that it pulls its weight as a hair conditioner and can be used as hard currency in almost every country on Earth.

More than enough reasons for a teetotaler like myself to keep a bottle in my jump bag.

Hydrojump, by Travis Pastrana

It's the weekend, and that means it's time to seek out people we don't know who do things that we would like to be try (or that we would like to be doing more of, if it's something we already do. O.o [Bear with us, it's been a long weekend])

Today we feature a video of wild man Travis Pastrana as he skims his Suzuki across about 100 feet or so of five-foot-deep water before hitting a jump and doing the obvious. An excellent demonstration of just what you can accomplish with lots of energy drinks, a good bike, and a little free time.

[via Gizmodo]

Zulu Watch Band

Heck! I've been scooped by Cool Tools. (But if you're going to be scooped, there's no better gear review guide than Cool Tools to be scooped by.) I had this one all queued by to review here on DS2, straight from the source over at County Comm, but CT beat me to it.

Oh well.

CT is right on the money with their review; these bands are durable, elegant in their simplicity, comfortable, and a great value. Can't do much better than that.

[via Cool Tools]

DS2 - 2 - Gorillapod Review

On this episode of DS2, Jade overcomes his fear of autonomous, arboreal, face-hugging, articulated tripods and reviews the Gorillapod, by Joby. Despite is initial misgivings, Jade ends up being thoroughly impressed by the little primate.

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DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to impromptu travel to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

(click for QT version)

(click for iPod version)

New Memory Card Case from Pelican

Those of you who have followed some of the pre-DS2 projects may know that we are big fans of products from Pelican. From cameras to laptops to weapons, their cases define quality and durability at an appropriate price. Pelican designs are distinctive and sensible, so it came as no surprise when our first thought upon seeing this image ("Hmmm, that looks like something Pelican would do") was proven correct.

Simple and to the point, these cases hold and protect 4 to 16 memory cards depending on type and size. Water-resistant (at least) and able to withstand just about anything that can happen to it outside of a particle collider, this is a great investment at US $19 or so. Available in black.

[via Cool Tools]

Two for the Road

For those of you who fuel (at least partially) your Everyday Adventures with a stout cup of Joe, here are a couple sites to supplement your habit.

Coffeeresearch.org is a clean, informative site devoted to one thing and one thing only. Go ahead, take a guess. From brewing to roasting to tamping to (if you're lucky enough to live where you can grow your own) harvesting, this site gives a good overview of all the good stuff.

For those who like to think, and to think about your coffee, and to think about how your coffee helps you think (you get the idea), check out this article from Wired magazine. The tall and short of it; small shots throughout the day are better than slamming back a 20 ouncer in one fell gulp. I can tell you from several years of personal experimentation, I'm a firm believer in this philosophy.

May Day

It's May Day (for a few more minutes, anyway) and I hope we all had the opportunity to put in a full day's work that was just as fun and fulfilling as the rest of what you chose to spend your time on today.

Although I am about as far from being a communist as one can get and still be on this planet, I consider you all my true Comrades (see below), and wish for you an occupation that brings you joy and happiness.

Of the 1440, must of us will spend at least 500 of them doing "work". Make sure you get the most out of those, as well.

Comrade

(n) Comrade is a term meaning "friend," "colleague," or "ally." The term originally carried a strong military connotation, and referred to a roommate.

The Finnish word is Toveri which literally translates as "buddy".

The Shells of Hotels

I cannot begin to tell you how I long to go visit some of these sites.

This image, and many more like it, are being hosted by Vienna's Architekturzentrum in an exhibit titled, Sinai Hotels.

The exhibit opened on 24 April and features the photographs of Sabine Haubitz and Stefanie Zoche of Haubitz+Zoche.

I think it goes without saying; if you are in this part of the Sinai, go to the sites. If you are in Vienna, go to the exhibit. Otherwise, go to BLDN|BLOG and view some more of these extraordinary images.

[via BLDN|BLOG via Woot!]