Guys need their space 

Finding the perfect gift for the man in your life can range from mind-boggling to absolutely painful. Thus, men are often bestowed presents that remain unloved still in the box on a closet shelf for years.

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• PHOTO BY JESSE ACOSTA
• BLADE SLINGER : Jesse Norton sells "mens lifestyle accessories" a category that includes, among other things, knives of all sizes and shapes at Mr. Absolute.

# Don't worry shoppers, Mr. Absolute a man's store has opened in downtown San Luis Obispo in time for the Christmas shopping season.

"There is a huge demand for men's lifestyle accessories," said owner Jesse Norton. "We get a lot of women buying for their sons, boyfriends, and husbands."

Mr. Absolute has all the suave, sophisticated, modern toys a man of distinction could want, including a shower mirror that doubles as a television screen, slippers with flashlights in the toes that light up with each step, and a solar-powered backpack that charges a cell phone while its owner hikes through the backwoods.

Mr. Absolute explores all types of men's environmental needs, from swank cultured bars to custom-made poker tables. There's the expected knives, pipes, humidors, and engraved lighters alongside the violin case that opens to transform into a roulette wheel.

The store, which celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 7, also provides a refuge for men while their wives and girlfriends stroll the shops of downtown SLO.

Mr. Absolute is currently featuring paintings and contemporary forms in acid on copper and steel by San Luis Obispo artist Michael Ackerman.

The shop stands just around the corner from Osos Street at 958 Higuera Street. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. For more info, call 541-2997.

New Times staff writer Karen Velie compiled this week's Strokes and Plugs. Want to be included?

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