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cool gadgets: holidays

Voice Changing Talking Mask

Voice Changing Talking Mask

A HearthSong Exclusive: "The ultimate makeover! This mask changes every feature on your face-and your voice, too. Start with the mask base that renders you completely unrecognizable as a human being, and use the 18 included funny features and voice morpher to complete the transformation to robot, bug, or alien. Takes one 9-volt battery (included)." For ages 5 and up.

  • Lots of fun for little snowboarders »

  • Love this! I gave this to a friend for Christmas and he loved it as well. I think it's a genius idea and even if you don't drink alcohol, it's still perfect to use to cool down your favorite beverage! »

  • ) Also, the drive comes with an 8MB cache which helps give it such fine performance."" title="$88. Yep, just $88. It makes me feel so old school.... "I remember the day when I walked five miles to Best Buy to pay $200 for a 120GB drive...." Or something like that. In any case, I've learned a few lessons over the years about computers. The main one is one that we can all chant together: "Back Up. Back Up. Back Up." So when a request was issued in each of my daughters' letters to Santa for iPods, my first thought was what to buy to make backing up and updating their iTunes not only easy but independent of my own computer set-up. Ta da. And yes, it's available in SEVERAL colors. Also several hard drive sizes. An I want to add a quick note from one of the reviewer's that you may find helpful: "You've probably read that it's important with Windows XP to format your USB hard drive using the NTFS file system and then set it in device manager's "Policies" tab to "optimize for performance". That's quite true and worth mentioning. You'll get best speed this way and really don't lose anything except compatibility with Windows 95, 98 and ME. What are they, you ask? ;>) Also, the drive comes with an 8MB cache which helps give it such fine performance."">$88. Yep, just $88. It makes me feel so old school.... "I remember the day when I walked five miles to Best Buy to pay $200 for a 120GB drive...." Or something like that. In any case, I've learned a few lessons over the years a... $88. Yep, just $88. It makes me feel so old school.... "I remember the day when I walked five miles to Best Buy to pay $200 for a 120GB drive...." Or something like that. In any case, I've learned a few lessons over the years about computers. The main one is one that we can all chant together: "Back Up. Back Up. Back Up." So when a request was issued in each of my daughters' letters to Santa for iPods, my first thought was what to buy to make backing up and updating their iTunes not only easy but independent of my own computer set-up. Ta da. And yes, it's available in SEVERAL colors. Also several hard drive sizes. An I want to add a quick note from one of the reviewer's that you may find helpful: "You've probably read that it's important with Windows XP to format your USB hard drive using the NTFS file system and then set it in device manager's "Policies" tab to "optimize for performance". That's quite true and worth mentioning. You'll get best speed this way and really don't lose anything except compatibility with Windows 95, 98 and ME. What are they, you ask? ;>) Also, the drive comes with an 8MB cache which helps give it such fine performance." »

  • Ok. One of my new favorite things EVER. Now that temps are silly stupid cold and the roads are often coated with ice and snow, tire pressure has become a pretty big deal to me. Yes, I know I need a life. I believe I've covered tha... Ok. One of my new favorite things EVER. Now that temps are silly stupid cold and the roads are often coated with ice and snow, tire pressure has become a pretty big deal to me. Yes, I know I need a life. I believe I've covered that in other recs. Anyway, the other day as I was at the local station's air machine freezing my fingers off because I'd forgotten my gloves, I realized I'd forgotten to buy a new tire gauge for use in my warm garage. Then I went home and promptly forgot. Again. Today a friend asked me to do a quick online search while he was at the mall for one and I came across THESE BEAUTIES! Who needs a gauge? Just cast a glance at your wheels and you'll see either a red or green ring depending upon whether or not your tires are at the correct pressure. Lovely stuff! Available in different psi's. A few different stores have them for the difference of a few bucks. And since proper tire pressure really does save you money at the pump, this is a great resolution to put on the New Year's list! »

  • You have days and days of great memories tucked away in video storage... why not bring them out to play? For less than $10 you can create a fabulous hostess thank-you gift from a party video or stuff a stocking with a creative twi... You have days and days of great memories tucked away in video storage... why not bring them out to play? For less than $10 you can create a fabulous hostess thank-you gift from a party video or stuff a stocking with a creative twist. Upload your video and this site will turn it into one of those stop-animation flip books you had as a kid. Great idea! »

  • The good folks at Flud Watches just put another classic retro icon back on your wrist with the Boombox Watch. This push button digital watch comes complete with slick details accurate from the speakers to the handlebar. One quick ... The good folks at Flud Watches just put another classic retro icon back on your wrist with the Boombox Watch. This push button digital watch comes complete with slick details accurate from the speakers to the handlebar. One quick push reveals a sharp red LED display. »

  • Also in black. An awesome bag blaster. I'm picturing a guy strutting his stuff down the street, the black tote flung over his shoulder, and "Well you can tell by the way I use my walk, I'm a woman's man, no time to talk...." blari... Also in black. An awesome bag blaster. I'm picturing a guy strutting his stuff down the street, the black tote flung over his shoulder, and "Well you can tell by the way I use my walk, I'm a woman's man, no time to talk...." blaring from the just-north-of-left-ass-cheek speaker. But that's just me. Karmaloop description: Carry around your tunes in style with Loop Design's boombox tote! This tote bag includes working speakers so you can plug in your mp3 player and you're good to go! Cotton twill body with custom keychains and thick straps; radio graphics included from front to back. 16"W x 14"H x 4.5"D »

  • I can't sing. I can't dance. I can't spin. But oh honey, I can shop! This watch? Mine. Mine, mine, MINE! Love it! Karmaloop Description: The TableTurns Watch captures the art of the DJ by slapping the object of your aff... I can't sing. I can't dance. I can't spin. But oh honey, I can shop! This watch? Mine. Mine, mine, MINE! Love it! Karmaloop Description: The TableTurns Watch captures the art of the DJ by slapping the object of your affection right on your wrist. The Tableturns is more than just a simple effigy, it redefines "keeping it real," by being true to form, down to the most minute details, available with both a leather and a steel band, this watch is bound to scratch the surface of more than just a few conversations. By Flud Watches »

  • from KarmaLoop: "INCLUDES 3 INTERCHANGEABLE STRAPS! Flud's Big Ben gives your granddaddy's traditional clock some cool-kid swagger. The oversized 48MM watch boasts a gun metal bezel, 3 fully interchangeable silicone straps, an... from KarmaLoop: "INCLUDES 3 INTERCHANGEABLE STRAPS! Flud's Big Ben gives your granddaddy's traditional clock some cool-kid swagger. The oversized 48MM watch boasts a gun metal bezel, 3 fully interchangeable silicone straps, and is waterproof to 3 ATMs. Perfect for mixing and matching with anything in any scenario, the Big Ben is guaranteed to be a watch classic." • Comes with 3 interchangable straps • Oversized 48MM gun metal case • Luminous Hands • Waterproof to 3 ATM • Colored Sun Ray Dial »

  • Available in Silver or Gold. Site description: Long chunky chain necklace topped with a watch ring complete with Japanese movement. This La Mer Collections watch has a simple face with a crystal top. Lobster clasp with star ch... Available in Silver or Gold. Site description: Long chunky chain necklace topped with a watch ring complete with Japanese movement. This La Mer Collections watch has a simple face with a crystal top. Lobster clasp with star charm. Comes packaged in a glass bottle. Made in the USA. Wipe clean. * 28"l necklace with extender * .625"l charm, .625"w charm * Stainless steel, glass, mixed metal * This item contains nickel. »

  • Love, love, love this! from the site: Here's a nifty idea for the holiday season - tuck those pretty Christmas cards amongst the antlers of this charming wall-mounted reindeer. You'll enjoy those cards all through the seas... Love, love, love this! from the site: Here's a nifty idea for the holiday season - tuck those pretty Christmas cards amongst the antlers of this charming wall-mounted reindeer. You'll enjoy those cards all through the season, and have a chuckle at the same time. Part of the Goody Goody Gumdrops series by Department 56. 19" x 17"; Acrylic. »

  • Re-Use on XMas day by filling it with chocolates for a unique addition to your dessert table! from Amazon: Product Features * Wood Advent Calendar * Includes 25 Doors * Accented with Hand-Painted Design *... Re-Use on XMas day by filling it with chocolates for a unique addition to your dessert table! from Amazon: Product Features * Wood Advent Calendar * Includes 25 Doors * Accented with Hand-Painted Design * Christmas Theme * No Assembly Required * Dust with Dry Cloth * Overall Dimensions: 11.75"L x 3.5"W x 14.5"H »

  • Love the interactive element of it all... from Amazon: Amazon.com Review Children can design their own nativity scene over the course of the month with this handsome advent calendar by Kurt Adler. Crafted of wood and painted ... Love the interactive element of it all... from Amazon: Amazon.com Review Children can design their own nativity scene over the course of the month with this handsome advent calendar by Kurt Adler. Crafted of wood and painted in a nighttime sky color scheme, the handsome piece features 24 doors around an empty manger. The magnetic character behind each door may be placed in the center to help fill out the scene as the days lead up to Christmas. The calendar measures 14-1/4 inches high by 17-1/4 inches wide and can be displayed on a wall or tabletop. --Kara Karll Product Description This adorable Magnetic Nativity Advent calendar has a compartment for each of the 24 days of Advent as well as accompanying magnetic Nativity figures. Each day upon opening one of the hinged compartment doors, you'll find one of the magnetic figures to place in the center of the Advent calendar. Create your own personal Nativity scene! Durable construction ensures that you are able to use this Advent calendar year after year. From the Kurt Adler collection. Each wooden Advent calendar is a decoration, not a child's toy. 17"x14 1/4"x2". »

  • ~Other uses? Trivia Game, Truth or Dare, Lifehacks and NY '09 Resolutions, Chore Chart, Jewelry Organizer..... so much more...~ It's like XMas at Studio 54! "Pass the 'nog, Andy! Powdered sugar for my holiday cookies? No, Bianc... ~Other uses? Trivia Game, Truth or Dare, Lifehacks and NY '09 Resolutions, Chore Chart, Jewelry Organizer..... so much more...~ It's like XMas at Studio 54! "Pass the 'nog, Andy! Powdered sugar for my holiday cookies? No, Bianca, I think I'll pass....." I'll be honest. When it comes to advent calendars... well.... I'm a whore. Yes. I'm an advent calendar whore. I can't help it! It's not so much about the countdown for me as it is about all the little nooks and crannies and boxes and pouches containing treasures. I don't care if they're cheap, tacky, ridiculous treasures. The anticipation is delicious. "Yay, it's a new day! I wonder what piece of crap I get today?" I have been heard to trill as I leap and bound (well, roll and waddle) down the stairs every morning. (The fact that I am the only adult in the house and the one who restocked last season's calendar, and thus am in possession of the Crap 411 ie "What's Inside the Boxes," is something I choose to ignore. That's why I check early in the morning, before caffeine.) I love this one in particular because it has so many non-advent calendar usages. From creative party food display (fill the boxes with truffles or hors d'oeuvres, leaving some doors open so that people can see what's inside, and set it on the buffet), to a jewelry box (if you're very organized you can print up a list of what numbers correspond to which pieces and attach it to the back) or come up with a game (trivia or Memory perhaps?) to play at an event. Fun fashion pictures from the 80's (neon, jelly shoes, Aqua Net) that you print in pairs can go behind doors for a Memory-type game. Or type up baby questions or naughty sex truth-or-dare questions for a baby or bridal shower. How about putting a New Year's resolution or lifehack idea into each compartment and opening one a week in 2009? Or favorite quotes/relationship advice for an amazing wedding present? Whatever. It's all good. Or so says the whore. »

  • Fill it with trivia questions and reuse for baby and bridal showers, for starters.... Or have your kids come up with a new game that utilizes this as a 3-D gameboard... Re-load it with applicable coupons, advice and a gift certifi... Fill it with trivia questions and reuse for baby and bridal showers, for starters.... Or have your kids come up with a new game that utilizes this as a 3-D gameboard... Re-load it with applicable coupons, advice and a gift certificate or two and you have a unique New Baby gift..... Put office co-workers' names in each box for Secret Santa picking.... Or just use it as an advent calendar. from the site: * Wood Advent Calendar * Includes 25 Doors * Accented with Hand-Painted Design * Christmas Theme * No Assembly Required * Dust with Dry Cloth * Overall Dimensions: 11.75"L x 7.25"W x 9"H »

  • Even if you don't choose this set, consider giving a little girl in your life a nice manicure set for Christmas. They LOVE to play beauty shop and I've found that my daughters never complain about boredom when giving each other ma... Even if you don't choose this set, consider giving a little girl in your life a nice manicure set for Christmas. They LOVE to play beauty shop and I've found that my daughters never complain about boredom when giving each other manicures at the airport during flight delays... from the site: A travel necessity. This genuine leather case includes tweezers, scissors, nail clipper, nail file and cuticle tool. 4.5in. x 2.5in. x 1in. »

  • from the site: Keep your eyes refreshed everywhere you go! Features a lens case, solution bottle and mirror. 3in. x 3in. x 1in. »

  • I always bring a tape measure when I travel in case I wander upon an amazing find in a furniture shop.... from the site: Measure for measure, this little accessory is perfect for every purse (and desk and glovebox). A hidden p... I always bring a tape measure when I travel in case I wander upon an amazing find in a furniture shop.... from the site: Measure for measure, this little accessory is perfect for every purse (and desk and glovebox). A hidden push button quickly retracts the tape. 2in. x 0.5in.??â€??60in. long" »

  • Just $10.50! Always great to have on hand for fashion 911 moments.... 12 colors to choose from with contrasting trim. from the site: The name says it all. Includes all the sewing basics for warding off little fashion disaste... Just $10.50! Always great to have on hand for fashion 911 moments.... 12 colors to choose from with contrasting trim. from the site: The name says it all. Includes all the sewing basics for warding off little fashion disasters. 2.75in. x 2.75in. »

  • Now that all liquids must be contained in clear plastic pouches before going through airport security, why not plan ahead so that you don't have to compromise fashion for safety? A great gift for the traveler on your list, too... »

  • As timely as it is colorful, this little travel necessity will keep you on schedule with style (thanks to its built-in alarm). Quartz movement accuracy and glow-in-the-dark hands make it dependable and easy to read. 2.75in. x 1... As timely as it is colorful, this little travel necessity will keep you on schedule with style (thanks to its built-in alarm). Quartz movement accuracy and glow-in-the-dark hands make it dependable and easy to read. 2.75in. x 1in. x 2.5in. »

  • Not only is it colorful but it also gives you, your kids or your teens a little extra protection when out and about.... »

  • Click the "Norad Santa Tracker on YouTube" link at the very bottom of this rec for videos of the tracker in action. If you don't know about this site, GO BOOKMARK IT NOW! Even if you don't have kids. Chances are, you will cross... Click the "Norad Santa Tracker on YouTube" link at the very bottom of this rec for videos of the tracker in action. If you don't know about this site, GO BOOKMARK IT NOW! Even if you don't have kids. Chances are, you will cross paths with your nieces and nephews over the holiday season.... Heck, this is amazing even for grown-ups. The site won't go live for a few weeks so put it somewhere in your Bookmarks now for later. What is it? The most incredible thing to happen to Christmas since Santa himself, courtesy of the very real US/Canada alliance, NORAD. It's run by the military. The main event kicks off on Christmas Eve. Basically, it's a live webcam INSIDE SANTA'S sleigh that is paired up with Google Earth (it refreshes every five minutes) and let's you see EXACTLY where the Big Guy is at, how long until he gets to YOUR house (you can even zoom in on your own house!) and aerial views as he flies through the sky- ie you actually see his sleigh do a loop around the Eiffel Tower, zoom past the Tower of London, etc. It is, frankly, incredible. I discovered this three years ago. Each year's version is more sophisticated than the last but they all have been the major part of my kids' Christmas Eves. The anticipation and interaction it delivers is something I could never replicate any other way. I literally stop people on the street with kids each year and tell them about this (while slipping my hand into their pockets and taking their wallets.... ah, just kidding.) One tip: Download Google Earth (it's free) ahead of time and install it on your computer. Here are some blurbs from other sources and a history of the whole thing: _________________________ NORAD details its tracking system: Detecting Santa all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we use our second mode of detection, the same satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America. These satellites are located in a geo-synchronous orbit (that's a cool phrase meaning that the satellite is always fixed over the same spot on the Earth) at 22,300 miles above the Earth. The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can detect heat. When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced - enough for the satellites to detect. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem. With so many years of experience, NORAD has become good at tracking aircraft entering North America, detecting worldwide missile launches and tracking the progress of Santa, thanks to Rudolph. The third detection system we use is the Santa Cam. We began using it in 1998 - the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the Internet. NORAD Santa Cams are ultra-cool high-tech high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many places around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year - Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images of Santa and the Reindeer as they make their journey around the world. We immediately download the images on to our web site for people around the world to see. Santa Cams produce both video and still images. The fourth detection system we use is the NORAD jet fighter. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots, flying the CF-18, take off out of Newfoundland to intercept and welcome Santa to North America. Then at numerous locations in Canada other CF-18 fighter pilots escort Santa. While in the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or F-16 get the thrill of flying with Santa and the famous Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. About a dozen NORAD fighters in Canada and the United States are equipped with Santa Cams. ____________________________ History: In 1955, a Colorado Springs-based Sears store ran an advertisement encouraging children to call Santa Claus on a special telephone hotline. Due to a printing error, the phone number that was printed was the hotline for the Director of Operations at the Continental Air Defense (CONAD). Colonel Harry Shoup took the first Santa call on Christmas Eve of 1955 from a six-year old boy who began reciting his Christmas list. Shoup didn't find the call funny, but after asking the mother of the second caller what was happening, then realizing the mistake that occurred, he instructed his staff to give Santa's position to any child who called in.[1][dead link] [2][dead link] [3][4] Three years later, the governments of the United States and Canada combined their national domestic air defenses into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), but the tradition continued.[3] Now major media outlets as well as children call in to inquire on Santa's location. NORAD relies on volunteers to help make Santa tracking possible.[2] Many employees at Cheyenne Mountain and Peterson Air Force Base spend part of their Christmas Eve with their families and friends at NORAD's Santa Tracking Operations Center in order to answer phones and provide Santa updates to thousands of callers[5][dead link] [6]. About 800 service members and their families volunteer, and shift run from 2 a.m. MST December 24 to 2 a.m. Christmas morning.[6] In 1997, Canadian Major Jamie Robertson took over the program and expanded it to the Web where corporation-donated services have given the tradition global accessibility.[5] In 2004, NORAD received more than 35,000 e-mails, 55,000 calls and 912 million hits on the Santa-tracking website from 181 countries. In 2005, more than 500 volunteers answered questions.[7][dead link] In 2006 half a million calls and over 12,500 e-mails were handled from 210 territories.[3] The site now gets well over 1 billion hits. The fictional background storyline has changed with the world political situation: during the Cold War when the tracking team provided updates via radio announcements, only North America was mentioned and Santa's approach was described in tense terms with interceptor aircraft scrambled to shoot down the "bogie."[8][9] Only at the last minute would the pilot realize who he was engaging[10]. Now the Web shows that as Santa approaches Newfoundland, a flight of Canadian Air Force fighters (CF-18 Hornets as of 2006) rendezvous with him to provide an honor guard and ensure that he has no difficulty with the various Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) he must enter[11]. In 2005 holiday season marked the fiftieth anniversary of NORAD's annual tracking of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The following year, NORAD Tracks Santa began using Microsoft Virtual Earth-style maps that instantly provide Santa's current location. In 2007, NORAD Tracks Santa used Google Earth to track Santa Claus in 3-D.[2] They displayed Santa's location at 5 minute updates. _______________________________ Every year in December, the United States Northern Command (NORAD) is given a mission-critical assignment: provide aerial escort for and track the movements of Santa Claus. Last year, NORAD provided a Santa Tracker KMZ file that could be loaded into Google Earth and auto-refreshed every few minutes. The Santa Tracker makes use of the KML programming capabilities of Google Earth to mark his whereabouts with gift-wrapped icons and a 3D sleigh pulled by 9 reindeer. _____________________________ The NORAD site goes live with tracking Christmas Eve but you can monitor the activity at the North Pole as Santa and his helpers get ready for the big night. There's an interactive tour you can take, checking out the workshop and all the preparations. Then, Google has some free Internet tools you'll want to download ahead of time, like the Google Earth application, which, combined with its mapping and satellite imaging will let you virtually zoom in on your house with a Santa-eye view that takes you right to the chimney. »

  • Start off your New Year's resolution to be more organized with a great gadget that will keep the whole family 'in the know' with the day's schedule. The camera feature will even enable you to shoot them a specialized "arched-eyebr... Start off your New Year's resolution to be more organized with a great gadget that will keep the whole family 'in the know' with the day's schedule. The camera feature will even enable you to shoot them a specialized "arched-eyebrow, evil eye" look to let them know you REALLY MEAN IT when you say that Fluffy needs to be given a worm pill at 4 pm. from the site: Stay in touch with your on-the-go family with our Kitchen Video Message Center Keep your counters and refrigerator clutter-free with this innovative message solution that enables busy families to communicate via a dry erase whiteboard, included Post-it® notes — even video and audio messages * Built-in camera and microphone record up to 20 minutes of video messages and 30 minutes of audio messages * 7" LCD screen can also be used to display digital pictures, time and date, or a calendar * LCD screen is compatible with most memory cards and USB drives * Calendar allows you to tag upcoming events or mark special celebrations with event icons or recorded messages * Magnetic border is perfect for posting notes and coupons with the included magnets * Refrigerator and wall mounting bracket, plus a stand for countertop use * AC-powered »

  • from the site: Use our 27-mile Two Way Radios to help you get the most out of your next grand outdoor adventure. Long-range, long battery-life radios are perfect for hiking through national parks or shopping in the city. ... from the site: Use our 27-mile Two Way Radios to help you get the most out of your next grand outdoor adventure. Long-range, long battery-life radios are perfect for hiking through national parks or shopping in the city. * Ultra-compact * GMRS/FRS two-way communication * Range of up to 27 miles * Runs on rechargeable ultra-high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, included * Battery Saver circuitry maximizes battery effectiveness * Maximum range can only be achieved in optimum conditions (over water or rural areas with an unobstructed view) * FCC license required if you broadcast beyond a 2 mile range »

  • from the site: iPod ® and iPhone ™ Dual Alarm Clock Radio is the first clock radio designed to work with an iPod and iPhone. Two high-fidelity speakers allow you to listen to your iPod and iPhone even while they charge. ... from the site: iPod ® and iPhone ™ Dual Alarm Clock Radio is the first clock radio designed to work with an iPod and iPhone. Two high-fidelity speakers allow you to listen to your iPod and iPhone even while they charge. * Alarm wakes you with your choice of AM/FM music or a buzzer * Rests compactly on your nightstand * Large LCD readout * 8 FM presets »

  • Quite a luxe gadget. Very cool if you can get past the 10K price tag.... from the site: Porter Music Box An ornate fretwork cabinet with crank handle and multiple copper discs will transport the listener to a hauntingly ... Quite a luxe gadget. Very cool if you can get past the 10K price tag.... from the site: Porter Music Box An ornate fretwork cabinet with crank handle and multiple copper discs will transport the listener to a hauntingly familiar place. Derived from the century-old company’s archives, this cabinet will play melodies as our great-grandmothers knew them. Truly a family heirloom to transcend generations. Select six discs from an archive of 1200! 17x19.5x10” »