The guys at Uncrate have the scoop on an amazing and unusual piece of furniture. The Drift Bench looks like it should be some Karim Rashid plastic bench, but it’s actually made from dark stained beech wood. It’s a shame about the $13,000 price tag– the design by Amanda Levete, principal architect with Future Systems is hand carved and made in a very limited quantities. Absolutely gorgeous!

A few weeks ago, I told you about the Microbit walnut shell tires from Toyo, and how they provide stud-less traction via millions of sharp walnut shell pieces embedded in the tread of the tire. Having studs is great during the winter, when you’re driving on snow or ice (or nuzzled up next to a fireplace), but lets face it– how often is that for most of you? QTires has come up with another technology to solve this problem: on-demand retractible snow studs on their Celsius line. Other (theoretical) benefits of these tires: less road damage, fewer insurance claims, no need to buy 2 sets of tires, and less harmful chemical de-icers being used; in all, fewer societal costs associated with driving. Great idea– I wonder how well these puppies work?

Via Oh Gizmo

I have to admit, I’m a little skeptical of the Endo Clip at first glance, but intrigued at the same time. It’s purported to mimic the clipping action of an ordinary magnetic clip via a strong one-piece silicone magnet– a “solid mass of neodymium, silicone, and steel” (what the hell is neodymium?). I may be missing the boat here, but is the main difference between this clip and ordinary clips the strength of the magnet itself, or does the design of the clip lend to the strength as well? This one’s supposed to hold up to 1 lb., 20 pages of electric bills, is gentle on photos and surfaces, and lacks internal parts and springs that wear out and lose functionality over time. I guess I’ll just have to try it for myself– the product will speak for itself. You can order them directly from their site for $10 for a 3 pack. Any of you out there try these yet and want to share your experience?