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Description

I love Hero jams and preserves. Besides their classic, good old fashioned Swiss glass jar, Hero produces a wide variety of flavors. They have all the classic, simple ones like Strawberry, Raspberry, Apricot, and Mixed berry. But they also have harder to find items such as Rosehip, Bitter Orange, Black Cherry, and Quince, to name a few.

Obviously the best part is the taste. This probably comes from the fact that, unlike other preserves, Hero only uses the fruit itself and some sugar. No corn syrup or artificial colorings.

Delicious on some whole-grain bread in the morning :)

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Kangaroo Pocket

Updated May 10, 2008

Description

Perfect for putting the essentials right where you need them. The Kangaroo Pocket is a soft, squishy silicone 'cup' with lots of little suction-cup feet on the backside. Attach it to your shower wall, refrigerator, glass, or any other smooth surface. It even has little drainage ports for wet items.

From Kaiko of Japan.

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Nat King Cole - The Greatest Hits

Updated May 10, 2008

Description

Music from another era. Nat King Cole had his own way of singing - a smooth, relaxed yet very refined tone. A great voice and some great songs are on this CD.

I like 'Mona Lisa' 'Route 66' and 'Straighten up and Fly Right'.

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Japanese Maple/Lavender gift pot

Updated May 9, 2008

Description

This would make a great gift...

It's a beautiful Japanese Maple (or Lavender, you get a choice) in a sealed, ribboned and tastefully packaged pot. The pot itself is made out of biodegradable materials, so if you manage not to kill it, you can move it outside when it gets big enough and let the pot go back to its origins. It's made to fit perfectly on your desk. (via bltd)

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Birzi Table Lamp

Updated May 10, 2008

Description

This cool table lamp conforms to your needs - literally. Made of silicone, it can be bended, kneaded and twisted into all sorts of shapes. Great for when you just need to change 'something' in a room.

It comes in opaque green, white and an orangey-amber.

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Visual Guide to Lock Picking

Updated May 9, 2008

Description

Be you a super-spy or a cat thief (who only steals from the obnoxiously rich, of course) you'll need to know how to pick a few locks, and make it look good too. This book will show you how.

It has great, 3D illustrations, from multiple angles of different lock types. It explains quite well how locks are picked and what you need to do (and have) to pick one. It's short, to the point, and very well laid out. You have to think, but it helps you along.

2 things though: First, this may scare you at how easy it seems to pick locks. Don't fear, my message below will take care of that.

To the cat thief above, just don't, ok? C'mon - you know it's wrong. I don't care if their rich. It's better I tell you now than having it wonderfully read to you while the cuffs come on. But if you want to teach me how you climb up those buildings that would be awesome.

For super-spys still in the making, wait till Langely calls you. Don't call them man, SO not professional.

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Korg MA-30 Metronome

Updated May 9, 2008

Description

Regardless of the instrument you play, unless you have a perfect sense of rhythm, you will encounter songs with complex time signatures. If you'd like to improve and practice, a metronome is the way to go.

Korg makes the highly dependable and feature loaded MA-30. It's got a large, LCD screen where you can watch the pendulum swing back and forth. It has multiple choices of 'beat' sounds, and will play a slightly different one for each measure (for example, after 4 beats.) You can set a time signature, beats per measure, or a simple tempo. It even has common musical terms that describe time engraved on the back with corresponding tempo suggestions.

You can get it for less than $20. It's a great little tool.

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Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Drafting Pencil - 0.5 mm

Updated May 9, 2008

Description

When you're a student, you have to write. A lot. I've also found that for certain courses, you need to re-write, on the fly, during lecture. A lot. That's where a pencil with an eraser becomes handy.

This is the first mechanical pencil that just works. My handwriting is beyond the pale, and I exert too much pressure when I scribble. But the Graphgear has multiple points where it hold the lead, making it much harder to break. A very good eraser is hidden under the cap. Nice grip too, with a solid, well balanced weight.

If you need to write with pencils I would highly recommend this one.

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Garden State Soundtrack

Updated May 9, 2008

Description

Whatever you think of the movie, you have to admit the soundtrack was a breakthrough. Great, current artists and some great songs. Though you've probably heard of The Shins by now, you can still get this great compilation CD for a rock-bottom price. A great deal.

Highlights:

The Shins
Coldplay
Zero 7
Bob Dylan (yup!)
Frou Frou

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10 people recommended this item

Charles & Marie: Tengu

Updated May 8, 2008

Description

Cute little guy! He's a small white plastic rectangle with red LED's for a face. You connect him to your computer and he turns on, but is sleeping - you have to blow on his face to wake him up!

Once up and ready, Mr. Tengu will lip-synch to any music or sounds you play. A cute feature is the variety of 'faces' you can choose from, selected by blowing once again on his face.

Cute, not too expensive little gadget. It actually works pretty well. My only complaint is it needs a USB connection, but you can buy a wall adpater and let him sit next to your stero.

It is widely available at other store besides Charles and Marie.

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Songs from a Secret Garden

Updated May 8, 2008

Description

Irish violinist Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian pianist Rolf Lovland first hit it big by winning the EuroVision contest with songs on this CD. Their music is a little bit new-age, but not quite; there are some beautiful classical sounds and themes as well, with instruments like cellos, horns and flute all seeing use.

It is very difficult not to like this CD. It's extremely relaxing at times, and at others, sublimely beautiful.

Every song is well done and interesting, but here are some of my favorites:

-Nocturne - beautiful vocals, beautiful violin
-Song from a Secret Garden - Extraordinarily touching. Sheer beauty. Some of the most heartfelt violin and piano playing I have heard.
-Papillion
-Heartstrings
-Adagio - Classical excellence boiled down to a short, touching song.
-Ode to Simplicity - SImple piano that brings this song to heigts otherwise unreachable.

They've gone on to produce even more genre-defying titles, incorporating Celtic and Irish folk-music themes into their compositions, as well as more modern, heartfelt voice solos. I urge you to check out at least 'Song from a Secret Garden'. It's truly a work of art.

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Suunto SK7 Wrist Compass

Updated May 7, 2008

Description

If you want to dive with more confidence and increase your skills and ability, it's a good idea to learn some basic navigational skills. Compasses work underwater as well as they do above them, and are extremely useful for planning a dive where you know where you are, where you're going, and where to enter and exit.

Sunnto makes some of the best compasses around. The SK7 is a phenomenal model available in either a wristwatch style mount or a separate, retractable console you can attach to your BCD.

The compass face is white, extremely clear and easy to read. The 'Lubber LIne' in the middle is a bright orange. The bezel ratchets 5 degrees each way and stays there, and is designed to resist sand or salt corrosion. The face is also phosphorescent so you can see it quite clearly in dark or murky waters.

The best thing about this compass is its ease of use. It has an exceptional tilt-ability of +/- 30 degrees. This means you don't have to hold it perfectly level for the compass to work - great for those new to navigation. It also has a side window to see what heading you are on, even if you hold the compass a bit above you. It picks up North extremely fast and fluidly and can withstand great depths.

If you need a dive compass (or even for land), this is the one to get.

My list that features this:

Explore the Seas

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Yosef Karduner - Road Marks / The Whole World

Updated May 7, 2008

Description

Music is everywhere if you just know where to look. Yosef Karduner is a popular religious Israeli singer-songwriter. This album is probably his best, with moving melodies applied to well known Psalms. There is also an inspiring, self-made song of happiness and resilience called 'Tismach' (rejoice). It's mainly him and his guitar.

Get a translations of the lyrics if you can, as they really add much to the songs.

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Eternelle: The Best Of Edith Piaf CD

Updated May 7, 2008

Description

A truly timeless classic, regardless of the film just produced. Edith Piaf had a very interesting way of rolling her R's that is not done in standard French. The songs take you to another era, yet the things that last are her trilling voice and moving lyrics.

éternelle is a compilation CD of some her most famous and best work. It includes the universally known 'La vie an rose' as well as some more obscure, but equally solid work.

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2 Light Flashlight

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

Very smart. A durable, weatherproof, rubber bodied flashlight. The top opens to release the lighting apparatus (LED bulb) along with its attached head strap. If you need to use it for extended periods of time or are fond of coal miners, simply put it on.

Powered by 3 AAA batteries.

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Coralie Clément - Bye Bye Beauté

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

Coralie Clément (stage name) is a sister of the amazing Benjamin Biolay (French singer/songwriter/arranger/producer extraordinaire ), which is a good thing. This album is lots of fun. It's all in French (except for a word or 2) but even if you don't understand a thing, the songs are still great.

She sings in a throaty, almost whispering tune, which is very, well, French. For some of the tracks it's a bit overkill, but for most of them, it's kinda cool.

All the tracks are really good, but here are my favorites:

Indécise - Almost waltz like, you really get a feel for her voice here. Catchy in a slow, wait for the beat way.

L'Enfer - Slightly off time pick up and background guitar - very cool. Distortion guitar and leads, which contrasts interestingly with her whisperings.

Avec Ou Sans Moi & Beau Jour un Pour Mourir - Though different songs, they lead into each other on the CD. 'Avec' goes on much in the style of the songs above. 'Beau Jour' picks it up a bit - Catchy beat that alternates between an Arabic and 60's style. Benjamin Biolay also sings great, base duet. Faster and fun!

Kids (Jeu du Foulard) - This was a top hit in France. Though in much the same time as her other songs, it has a more recognizable, modern pop feel. Catchy lyrics with a good hook.

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KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

I told you she's talented. The 'Acoustic Extravaganza' from Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall is in some ways eve better than her previous hit albums. It's an up close, acoustic and live type of album. Just KT, her guitar, some backup, and her very solid voice. Perfect.

I recommend:

Girl and the Ghost
One Day
Boo Hoo
Universe & U

This woman can make a song out of anything. Highly recommend.

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K t T u n s t a l l - Eye to the Telescope

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

KT Tunstall is an amazingly talented woman. You've heard her hits, and quite a few are on here. Don't discard the rest though, it's all good.

Other side of the World
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
Suddenly I See

Those are the hits, but don;t ignore ones like: Another place to fall. Solid album!

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3 people recommended this item

Anna Nalick - Wreck of the Day

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

Call me a girl, but I really like this album. You've likely heard Breathe (2AM) somewhere, and with good reason - It's an amazing song, with beautiful lyrics and a spine tingling starkness.

I recommend checking out the rest of the album as well. Anna Nalick has an incredibly gifted voice, and her lyrics are solid.

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Godiva - Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Updated May 6, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

This used to be called Dark Chocolate Truffle Hot Cocoa, but maybe the name was too complicated. Either way, it's REALLY good.

Ingredients are fairly simple: pure, dark Godiva chocolate, a little milk powder and that's basically it. The package recommends 4 'heaping' tablespoons for 1 cup, but I've found 2 to be sufficient. It even begs you to PLEASE use hot milk, never water.

The perfect 'cheer me up' drink. Enjoy!

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Korg GA-30 Guitar Tuner

Updated May 6, 2008

Description

When you get good enough, you'll learn to tune your guitar by ear. Until then, I recommend this device.

It's cheap, pocketable, and extremely accurate. Most importantly it's easy to use - just turn it on and start turning the knobs. A big needle will show you if your tone is too low, too high, and will be straight as an arrow and light up green when you're just right.

I Highly recommend this to all guitarists.

One of these days I'll actually learn to play :)

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The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul

Updated May 4, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I was browsing the bookshelf awhile back and came across this. It wasn't the cover, or the author, or the summary on the back that caught my eye - it was the name. I mean, how can you NOT read a book with a name like this?

It's hilarious, in a fantastical meets ordinary life kind of way. It's difficult to describe. However, I highly recommend checking it out. There are some great constructs of language here and some symbolism that, once you get them, will make you laugh out loud. It's not a hard read - just a few British versions of words.

I have read most of Adam's magnum opus, "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy", and while that was ok, if you didn't like it, I would still say to give this novel a whirl. It's much less science fiction, way less nihilistic and just plain funny.

And the name...CMON.

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Eton Men's Shirts

Updated May 3, 2008

Description

Eton Shirts are made of the highest quality fabrics and cuts, and are offered in various lines for for differing occasions. All are smart, sophisticated, and made for comfort. There are a wide variety of patterns available.

Eton uses a unique wrinkle-free material that ensures a smooth, crisp look throughout the day. The collars come with built in stays that do not wear out.

Originally founded in Gånghester, Sweden, the company moved to the UK, where it adopted the Eton name - synonymous with elegance and class. Pricey, but very well made clothing.

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Inuksuk Kit

Updated May 2, 2008

Description

In the featureless, shapeless tundras of the Canadian North, ancient Intuit peoples built the Inuksuk, or stone men. These reassuring figures were signs to other travelers that people had indeed been there, and were used as way posts, direction signs and guides.

This medium sized kit has 7 hand shaped sandstones so you can build your own Inuksuk. It comes in a canvas drawstring bag and includes a booklet with instructions, as well as a guide to the history and symbolism of these figures.

The Inuksuk has been chosen as the official symbol for the 2010 Winter Olympics, to be held in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

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