You Can Now Buy Lab-Grown Foie Gras

At an upscale sushi bar in New York last week, a smattering of media and policy types chowed down on a menu of sushi rolls, Peking duck tapas, and mushroom salad. But what made this menu unusual was the one ingredient that ran through the dishes—foie gras made from quail cells brewed in a bioreactor.… Continue reading You Can Now Buy Lab-Grown Foie Gras

19 Gifts for Travelers Who Are Always One Flight Ahead (2024)

Even the most seasoned globe-trotter can find traveling to be stressful. Gifts for travelers should be all about ease. Between the packing, weaving through overcrowded terminals, and living out of a suitcase, it’s a lot. Most jet-setters have their travel routine down to a science, but the perfect gift can upgrade any journey, whether it’s… Continue reading 19 Gifts for Travelers Who Are Always One Flight Ahead (2024)

HyperX QuadCast 2 S Review: Your Favorite Streamer’s Next USB Mic

Back in 2020, the HyperX QuadCast S was the USB microphone every Twitch streamer seemingly had on their streams. Now, the QuadCast 2 S is here to try to one-up its predecessor. And what does it bring to the table? A lot more LEDs, for starters. The original QuadCast only lit up in red, while… Continue reading HyperX QuadCast 2 S Review: Your Favorite Streamer’s Next USB Mic

Neural DSP Nano Cortex Review: The Perfect Portable Amp Modeler

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex is undeniably one of the finest guitar amp modelers in the world. For a certain kind of gigging musician who wants to minimize bulk and doesn’t require much in the way of effects, it can pretty convincingly re-create any number of amps, and has plenty of options for bread and… Continue reading Neural DSP Nano Cortex Review: The Perfect Portable Amp Modeler

HMD Fusion Review: A Cheap Modular Android Phone

I have probably tested close to 100 cheap phones over the last 9 years, and I’ve never really had to worry about bringing a backup in case things go awry. Budget phones are usually sluggish but work well enough. But I almost immediately regretted not bringing a spare smartphone when I took the HMD Fusion… Continue reading HMD Fusion Review: A Cheap Modular Android Phone

Best Early REI Black Friday Deals on Outdoor Gear (2024)

REI famously shuns Black Friday, asking potential customers to instead get outside and enjoy the world around you. That’s great advice, but of course Black Friday is also one of the biggest retail spending days of the year, and REI is a for-profit co-op—what to do? Have your sale early, of course. The REI Co-op… Continue reading Best Early REI Black Friday Deals on Outdoor Gear (2024)

Standing Desks Are Better for Your Health—but Still Not Enough

Without question, inactivity is bad for us. Prolonged sitting is consistently linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death. The obvious response to this frightful fate is to not sit—move. Even a few moments of exercise can have benefits, studies suggest. But in our modern times, sitting is hard to avoid, especially at the… Continue reading Standing Desks Are Better for Your Health—but Still Not Enough

What Lee Zeldin’s Nomination Means for the EPA

Zeldin, a 44-year-old attorney and former Army lieutenant, does not have a background in environmental policy. He made his foray into politics through the New York State Senate in 2011, serving until 2014. That year, he was elected to be the US representative for the state’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses much of Long Island.… Continue reading What Lee Zeldin’s Nomination Means for the EPA

11 Best MIDI Controllers for Synths and More (2024)

Whether you’re a modular synth nerd or the bassist of a troglodyte doom metal band, the chances that you’ve encountered a device that utilizes MIDI are nearly 100 percent at this point. The communication protocol is more than 40 years old, yet it’s hardly changed since head honchos from Roland, Oberheim, and Sequential Circuits collaborated… Continue reading 11 Best MIDI Controllers for Synths and More (2024)

11 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men (2024)

Some companies try to be subtle when marketing products aimed at grooming your junk, with euphemisms like “Look your best, all over.” Others will be cheeky, like the aforementioned Crop Soother. Then there’s BALLS. Cofounded by Matt Edge and Tyler Ball (what are the odds?), this company makes electric razors like the Archibald trimmer specifically… Continue reading 11 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men (2024)