Cool Hunting

Kyjen's Puzzle Toys for Dogs
CH mascots Otis and Logan are obesessed with their puzzle toys from Kyjen. They come in several varieties but the concept is the same—multiple pieces that can be removed or disassembled and then put back together again. Leaving the house? Put a treat or some kibble in one of the puzzles and give it to your dog on the way out. It's a great...

Horological Machine No. 3
I was lucky enough to be one of the first people in the world to see the latest from Maximilian Büsser & Friends last week. Max and Stephen Hallock of MB&F met me for breakfast at NYC's Brasserie to unveil the most amazing of their Horological Machines yet. I hate to use one word to describe the HM3 Sidewinder and Starcruiser but here it...

Switchgrass-Derived Bioplastics
Environmental tech company Metabolix recently announced that they have discovered a way to derive large amounts of bioplastic (plastics made from renewable biomass resources) by growing it in switchgrass, a common prairie grass. Their efforts are part of an increasing movement to manufacture alternatives to petroleum-based plastics by making biodegradable plastics out of renewable resources. The company uses the plant to create its own...

Vienna Design Week 2008: Carpetplots
Reinterpreting the carpet as canvas, Carpetplots is a series of six limited editions each by a different Austrian designer. The project is the work of Vienna-based design duo Danklhampel, who curated the group of designers, and the furniture retailer Prodomo, which hosted the show at their gallery space, Prodomo Windows. What's unique about these carpets (compared to other similar collaborations) is a process, that's...

Busy Buddy Bristle Bone
Premier Pet's Busy Buddy Bristle Bone provides a good workout for dogs that like to chew. The durable rubber bone sandwiches nubby rings, replaceable rawhide treats (or you can be creative and make your own), and bristles that clean your dog's teeth as they chew. Because the treats are wedged in the middle it takes a while to make much progress, providing entertainment and...

Helly Hansen Odin PCM Soft Shell: Self-Regulating Temperature Control Jacket
Regulating body heat is always a challenge during cold weather — it's always too hot or too cold, especially when running around town from crowded subway to overheated office. Helly Hansen's Odin PCM soft shell jacket solves the problem with technology that automatically adjusts according to your body heat. Fabric called Phase Change Material uses paraffin to store and release heat when needed most....