This American Life: Stories of Hope & Fear

by Ami Kealoha

This American Life (TAL), the weekly public radio show of funny/poignant real-life stores (soon to be a Showtime series), has a new two-disc collection of episodes out called Stories of Hope & Fear and CH has a copy to give away. The third CD produced by the cultish program includes stories from TAL veteran and writer David Sedaris, "The Daily Show" correspondent John Hodgeman and music from the likes of Thurston Moore, Blonde Redhead and RZA. For fans of the series or those looking for an introduction, the release makes a great soundtrack for a long drive—like to the relatives for Thanksgiving.

Get a copy from Amazon or answer the following question correctly to win. We'll chose a winner at random from all correct entries submitted before Midnight EST on 22 Novemer 2006.

What title does TAL producer Jonathan Goldstein give his made-up bio in the piece where he and fellow producer Starlee Kine do stand up karaoke?

To enter, follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "TAL giveaway" from the pull down menu and send us your answers.

Jorg & Olif Citybikes USA Launch

by Ami Kealoha

Long before Droog, Koolhaas and Boontje, the Dutch had a much more classic design icon in their city-friendly bicycles. Now the Canadian company Jorg & Olif has brought a version of the bike stateside with the introduction of their Citybike to the U.S. market earlier this month. Featuring extended handlebars and a step-through model for skirt-wearers, the basic upright design makes riding a bike a much more civilized-feeling experience. The wide saddle increases comfort, while fender and chain guards, as well as coat/skirt guards, protect clothing from snags and splashes and pre-installed lights add safety at night. Updated for areas with hills, Jorg & Olif adds Shimano internal hub gear systems in one, three and eight speeds. Other perks include an in-wheel locking system, a built-in kickstand, wheels engineered for a smoother, faster ride, a sturdy rear rack with a strap and a traditional Dutch bell.

In addition to quality contruction and smart design, Jorg & Olif also round out their commitment to aesthetics with a line of acessories that add panache to a bike ride. From a simple black helmet ($195) to the "Citybag" (it's $115 and clips to the rack and can also be worn as a shoulder bag), Jorg & Olif are making bike riding more accessible to urbanites who believe in all the ethics of bike culture but who'd rather not have to roll up a pant leg.

Vitamin Ph: New Perspectives in Photography

by Letizia Rossi

Vitamin Ph: New Perspectives in Photography is a collection of contemporary photography from 121 living artists who have contributed to the international art photography scene in the last five years. The latest installment in Phaidon's lauded Vitamin series (which also includes titles Vitamin P: New Perspectives in Painting and Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing, Vitamin Ph) features photographers chosen by a distinguished panel of 78 critics, curators and fellow artists. The artists selected represent over 30 countries and run the gamut from established artists like Tacita Dean, to emerging talent and newcomers to the art world. Vitamin Ph features an introduction by art historian TJ Demos who explains that "photography, through its growing diversity, illustrates the many ways that we are different, helps us to understand those differences and connects us to the global world." CH favorite Anthony Goicolea (whose film The Septemberists we covered recently) is included, as well as Nikki S. Lee's amazing "Projects" in which she performs and embodies various identities from an exotic dancer to a yuppie. See more images here.

Vitamin Ph is available from Phaidon or Amazon.

Carlos Nite Lite

by Josh Rubin

Designed by Kathleen Walsh for Walteria Living, this charming Nite Lite is pre-cast in bisque porcelain and comes with a detachable linen 'lampshade'. Our little chihuahua stands 7.5" tall and is approximately 4" wide at the base. 7.5 w bulb.

$149, Buy it at BASE

Skull Stationery by D.L. & Company

by Josh Rubin

Blank note cards with a black tissue lined envelope featuring an engraved skull design. Perfect gift giving for the Absinthe-inclined. Each card is 5.5 x 7.5 in a black boxed, exquisitely packaged, set of 12.

$58, Buy it at BASE

MP3 Midwest

by Josh Rubin

A Midwest photographic publication project featuring the work of three progressive photographers, each featured in their own separate volume: Kelli Connell (Double Life), Justin Newhall (Historical Marker) and Brian Ulrich(Copia). Striking and original images of Midwestern life as seen throught the lense of this exceptionally talented trio. Beautifully packaged.

$30, Buy it at BASE

Peter Greenaway, The Early Films

by Josh Rubin

"Peter Greenaway has the most inscrutable, brilliant and possibly deranged mind in modern cinema. Once you develop an interest in Greenaway it cannot stop." The Washington Post. We couldn't agree more! A perfect gift for the movie buff in your life, a 2 DVD set featuring Greenaway's early films inlcuding the full-length The Falls. "A true original with an eccentric and bizzare sense of humor." The Guardian (UK)

$34.98, Buy it at BASE

Camouflage Pattern Book

by Josh Rubin

This collection of camouflage patterns features a royalty-free DVD that can be used for web pages, graphic design, 3D mapping, desktop wallpapers etc. The data is provided in both EPS and JPEG file format. 8.5in square.

$49.95, Buy it at BASE

Skull Pendant

by Josh Rubin

From Southern California designer and motorcycle enthusiast Mitchell Binder. A sterling silver skull on a plain sterling chain, much like we imagine a biker might wear. Chain is 19" long.

$215, Buy it at BASE

Thunderpants

by Leonora Oppenheim

"They won’t go up your bum!" claims the New Zealand comfy-yet-cute underwear company Thunderpants. Started in 1995 by a couple of girls who were—in their own words—"frustrated by an undie market which either had us squirming all day in wee lace numbers or flopping about in sexless granny bloomers," they designed what they term their "ideal undie." These colorful, well-cut knickers, made from a blend of 92% cotton and 8% lycra, are printed with original wood block graphics. We love the whimsical patterns featuring rodeo cowboys, workman's tools and artichokes, to name a few. (See more here.) Available in children's and men's sizes as well, all styles pictured are hipsters (click for detail), which start at NZ$25 from Thunderpants.

Popular Science's Best of What's New 2006: GearWrench X-Beam

by Letizia Rossi

This week CH highlights our favorite innovations from Popular Science's Best of What's New 2006. Today's pick is the X-Beam Combination Ratcheting Wrench from Gear Wrench. With little more than a twist in the handle, this wrench significantly reduces hand fatigue and increases productivity—the X-Beam's clever design even earned it an Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. Starting at about $12 the X-Beam Gear Wrench is available from Amazon.