Keeping with our hammock theme covered here recently with the vastly over priced tropical model, I just had to explain why I have a love-hate relationship with the hammock. They are incredibly comfortable to relax in on a summer day – if you can set them up, that is.

And that’s the very thing I’ve always disliked about hammocks - the need to use either two trees or, a huge steel exoskeleton which one must have to substitute in order to enjoy them. This has always made it difficult to enjoy a lazy nap at the park, beach, or especially a camp ground where you just can’t find a clearing that has two trees the proper distance apart.

Not anymore though. Over at the Discovery Store, they have a Portable Hammock for sale for under a hundred dollars.

Gadget thumbnails part 60

Eating or cooking with cherries is no longer the pits. (sorry, but it had to be said). OXO has re-designed the Cherry Pitter and this time around, it makes sense. At $11.99, this kitchen utility gadget might just be the most interesting tool in your drawer that you will rarely use.

The ultimate in ridiculous relaxation. A hammock slung between two realistic palm trees with palm fronds, coconuts, and a cooling mechanism. The Tropical Island from Bim Bam Banana comes as close to being there as… well… being there. This getup would look great by any pool, or on any city roof-deck. Place one of these babies in the middle of your patio, grab a reflector screen, and your neighbors will scramble as you’ve certainly one-upped them.

I just came back from vacation in Puerto Rico, so I’m still on a frozen drink binge, namely strawberry daiquiris. After finding out the machine they use at resorts costs about $2,500, I was forced to look for a more economic solution. It’s not quite as good, but I believe the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker can get the job done.