tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90868804582417791612024-03-05T08:58:10.837-05:00Things We Don't Need for Problems We Don't HaveOccasional Rantings and Bemusement....
This is not about useless items not meant to be useful or tacky items masquerading as "decor" or silly things that purport to be fun.
This site catalogs and mocks those peculiar items that are intended to be useful, have only one purpose, and can be easily replaced with a simpler, cheaper, or more versatile item....and which save you from a problem you really don't have.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-86595410053935842732010-04-22T22:28:00.005-04:002010-04-22T22:38:59.663-04:00Incompetents on InfomercialsHT to <a href="http://jezebel.com/5522169/life-ur-doing-it-wrong">Jezebel </a>and <a href="http://www.boingboing.com/">BoingBoing</a> for this amazing post<br /><br />"Ever noticed how incredibly incompetent the people in infomercials are? Blankets are difficult to use, hairspray is a nightmare, and cracking eggs is <em>hard</em>. The best (read: worst) moments in domestic Fail"<br /><br />Right...most people don't need the products advertised because most people are not this stupid.<br />Problems you don't have...things you don't need.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/08xQLGWTSag&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/08xQLGWTSag&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-8359016394010965802009-10-10T11:55:00.000-04:002009-10-10T11:55:00.707-04:00Travel Overload - With This Many Problems to Solve, Just Stay Home!Travel gadgets are frequently very cool. Small cute things. Neat fixes for travel difficulties. Ways to make the road or the plane more comfortable. But there are lots of items for sale that solve problems we don't have. Then there are the ones that if you think you need them, you're too squeamish or delicate to travel. Anyway, by the time you buy them all you could have just stayed at the Ritz Carlton and not needed them! Finally, if you really tried to pack all the things you might need from the travel catalogs...where would you put your clothes?!<br /><br />No kidding, all of these items are marketed for travel.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Getting There<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=96981577&c=10650">Sleeping on plane </a>is hard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFZftHRJGV62jshYyJml9ieFjNxkRzemJCMz5D9Ir1ESD_hF9vhhc1CU4YlRqx6CG9W5y0ROsw_xhUFLw2X9_vRZYjHzsZAnl35yxQ_Q95vgQVgpPSIRPv3gacRLeck32egclDRcHKA/s1600-h/96981577d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzFZftHRJGV62jshYyJml9ieFjNxkRzemJCMz5D9Ir1ESD_hF9vhhc1CU4YlRqx6CG9W5y0ROsw_xhUFLw2X9_vRZYjHzsZAnl35yxQ_Q95vgQVgpPSIRPv3gacRLeck32egclDRcHKA/s400/96981577d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573062469928930" border="0" /></a><br />So is <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Auto_Travel___Comfort_ItemsIF710?Args=&refchan=Search">keeping warm</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL54HutJFSblITVn5Pw_OmTMPZz1WjTZlxB_7j4-SR7UoFDbmxoeIRmbrgnkBzIPmRCVS46yrquS_OPE06wx8RnvPwWh7-qlLsjhJH_QqgcMJLZ4_j3mdSAlzq23l0aJP1NnHQbIEUUUc/s1600-h/IF710_ft.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL54HutJFSblITVn5Pw_OmTMPZz1WjTZlxB_7j4-SR7UoFDbmxoeIRmbrgnkBzIPmRCVS46yrquS_OPE06wx8RnvPwWh7-qlLsjhJH_QqgcMJLZ4_j3mdSAlzq23l0aJP1NnHQbIEUUUc/s400/IF710_ft.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574019940029794" border="0" /></a><br />You'll need help <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Gift_Ideas___Gifts_over__100EP225?Args=">breathing</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yn72EkfYOIqQBR3j2lRNY3pPZg5-0mcxmpBSmDvFnHfAHm89JEssCAQ0Zd2vVp-iy8OskfGNUtH4pD4j8_SNU74JwLFnKl1YbLEsd5f1PDIv79FHXXRtGkSnoBu8lzF6e2V1qcgIOrI/s1600-h/EP225_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yn72EkfYOIqQBR3j2lRNY3pPZg5-0mcxmpBSmDvFnHfAHm89JEssCAQ0Zd2vVp-iy8OskfGNUtH4pD4j8_SNU74JwLFnKl1YbLEsd5f1PDIv79FHXXRtGkSnoBu8lzF6e2V1qcgIOrI/s400/EP225_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573440099596546" border="0" /></a><br />You might need <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___In_Flight_HealthKR897?Args=">backup</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb77R6UEU66x_kV0z8MriJSjxpfJR4C2VXLjhBp6RgEk3zkjAiauXLGTYyL60sctHOj2xcqdMMW-bK2iyKj9zVIJXhXHi7QnmuGUN6RmvBnbUd8F8DCrTt4yJEsXG2hD0oznAK3WSNDuo/s1600-h/KR897_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb77R6UEU66x_kV0z8MriJSjxpfJR4C2VXLjhBp6RgEk3zkjAiauXLGTYyL60sctHOj2xcqdMMW-bK2iyKj9zVIJXhXHi7QnmuGUN6RmvBnbUd8F8DCrTt4yJEsXG2hD0oznAK3WSNDuo/s400/KR897_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574019643271378" border="0" /></a><br />But would that interfere with <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___WellnessKR530?Args=">this product</a>?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q4fLudJmQ3r_3iAD4KZgtVLTgYXCiHyqAbwU3YDMea-slvFGGxMjDGRqg_wP3BDrXdEXg1HUaWH-bWlvbQqg-RzerCXnbSoNG_5Fd_WR92aXKg1cORSQMFffE2ExHBdAqbDEHBnCmBg/s1600-h/kr530_dt2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q4fLudJmQ3r_3iAD4KZgtVLTgYXCiHyqAbwU3YDMea-slvFGGxMjDGRqg_wP3BDrXdEXg1HUaWH-bWlvbQqg-RzerCXnbSoNG_5Fd_WR92aXKg1cORSQMFffE2ExHBdAqbDEHBnCmBg/s400/kr530_dt2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574018393179618" border="0" /></a><br />Don't forget this<a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Pillows_and_BlanketsIF123?Args="> for your back</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOupssV_KcTb0xVPUIZzc3qzTwqd0bwLuzqzwQU3iQ9ylVsssdwBykR-Feyj3m_07SobIpyBGqQtm9szhE9cBcvpG42CI84hTelIrIvSMctOsVkcnnO8gHlcQaaUV6Y2Gy-m_M38XOu9o/s1600-h/IF123_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOupssV_KcTb0xVPUIZzc3qzTwqd0bwLuzqzwQU3iQ9ylVsssdwBykR-Feyj3m_07SobIpyBGqQtm9szhE9cBcvpG42CI84hTelIrIvSMctOsVkcnnO8gHlcQaaUV6Y2Gy-m_M38XOu9o/s400/IF123_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573804228823986" border="0" /></a><br />Or maybe you prefer <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Pillows_and_BlanketsIF430?Args=">this</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLovcgVgCV4otMZmsgL0-4VM86JH4fsrx9fKQn_g6grtNwPn77k401lleUXuexVI53i4Wvqc9XUJVJ_RexAa7a-5IqcEwr6c37FrrBNzdS4j4sBRw0lpibmsJoJV5y31dh6ntdFbHv3Y/s1600-h/IF430_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLovcgVgCV4otMZmsgL0-4VM86JH4fsrx9fKQn_g6grtNwPn77k401lleUXuexVI53i4Wvqc9XUJVJ_RexAa7a-5IqcEwr6c37FrrBNzdS4j4sBRw0lpibmsJoJV5y31dh6ntdFbHv3Y/s400/IF430_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573807663956050" border="0" /></a><br />And<a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Foot_RestsIF103?Args="> your feet</a> too of course need a few <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___DVT_PreventionSK456?Args=">things to prevent </a>DVT, <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___DVT_PreventionIF122?Args=">which </a>will you choose?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSni7IF7q-h7pEKQ_ozRhkHpNIj9akl0rniK64W8LpKAu_CX7qlwZOb_cfLSL9WNBsK70A0l4fuU3BJuiHF8tXrIwqUWWcce3Y6T5MQkJQvNep8ftHZyqIOrO094NT_HdKDx7Y5Hen4g/s1600-h/SK456_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSni7IF7q-h7pEKQ_ozRhkHpNIj9akl0rniK64W8LpKAu_CX7qlwZOb_cfLSL9WNBsK70A0l4fuU3BJuiHF8tXrIwqUWWcce3Y6T5MQkJQvNep8ftHZyqIOrO094NT_HdKDx7Y5Hen4g/s400/SK456_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574250387455554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ai7fekjS22OnCmGODmd7rIjaCUfKgcU5IMxU2jMO4sD_lOUdgEFPymPbrPgKcKA97ilIkU8-88PFF6_4YGFejm6CPTudXWeXpfwUAS3eYieciL3XnHY0vfq_hFgB2aC25Jlhss1YxUk/s1600-h/IF122_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ai7fekjS22OnCmGODmd7rIjaCUfKgcU5IMxU2jMO4sD_lOUdgEFPymPbrPgKcKA97ilIkU8-88PFF6_4YGFejm6CPTudXWeXpfwUAS3eYieciL3XnHY0vfq_hFgB2aC25Jlhss1YxUk/s400/IF122_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573806433662274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmvxpcshINHZsFFM1iTf3upPNhr7dSfYwdARokklcS8cHakkg1Q7K4UoqKrzayAANVcRHtn30hNOlet4OUmKGe3qkZ4Ckva6hSmOSvGXHQpTa-HpVGf65LQqqU0c_SNJj7Ee6Dpu4Iqs/s1600-h/IF103_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmvxpcshINHZsFFM1iTf3upPNhr7dSfYwdARokklcS8cHakkg1Q7K4UoqKrzayAANVcRHtn30hNOlet4OUmKGe3qkZ4Ckva6hSmOSvGXHQpTa-HpVGf65LQqqU0c_SNJj7Ee6Dpu4Iqs/s400/IF103_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573597129812226" border="0" /></a>Or maybe you also need the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___DVT_PreventionIF677?Args=">seat thing</a> to massage your circulation<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5KlXMbLAXlweV_aeRcS9QY1rvJ7nqhXKK41KsrH_5wyWgH1lgvb1UKjyVmUaxLN9-PVxVGF_yHrJ-bnSeLTAv56en00qw-mND-Ew0srO6ZemvH6wm4N3cOq_sULvWeC0vtVL0l7ExKI/s1600-h/if677_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5KlXMbLAXlweV_aeRcS9QY1rvJ7nqhXKK41KsrH_5wyWgH1lgvb1UKjyVmUaxLN9-PVxVGF_yHrJ-bnSeLTAv56en00qw-mND-Ew0srO6ZemvH6wm4N3cOq_sULvWeC0vtVL0l7ExKI/s400/if677_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573808810367714" border="0" /></a><br />Don't forget to <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___Earplugs___EyeshadesIF707?Args=">close your eyes</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixku_YwdCqv2d8WsK6CgHhGSLEgRbiA_HQDNkoEzX47vW7LnY8vIm_t08tJnG7WqBwOls28wrAL9cjryzzYv2MV7abw79l-X5tucxm3GVpE10ouLhMOBnJb4fxPgABn1S_zH2Cy-U8rKs/s1600-h/IF707_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixku_YwdCqv2d8WsK6CgHhGSLEgRbiA_HQDNkoEzX47vW7LnY8vIm_t08tJnG7WqBwOls28wrAL9cjryzzYv2MV7abw79l-X5tucxm3GVpE10ouLhMOBnJb4fxPgABn1S_zH2Cy-U8rKs/s400/IF707_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574016273790674" border="0" /></a><br />So, I'm picturing you there in coach in the middle seat with all this gear you have to wrestle out of your bag stowed beneath your feet, inflate, position, etc. You finally get yourself all decked out and look like a total idiot. But hey you're comfortable and if you sleep you won't realize you didn't pack anything to READ because your bag was full of these comfort items. Then the guy in the window seat needs to go to the bathroom.<br /><br />****<br />If you survive your trip, then you'll be somewhere terrifying.<br /><br />You probably want <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___Air_PurifiersEP698?Args=">this</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpeNn0ITjDK4mplolWGJUiFIr0d4tejm1WK1eGYKqICyMEsvKl_Q8gakM7Rqyv9KO7pxJJPvMVjCYmopdkbycUkpXzpf2hpHkePToAe61wQjv6lXIO9T2OJd8mWx7xMZoMmNoYahIb5g/s1600-h/EP698_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpeNn0ITjDK4mplolWGJUiFIr0d4tejm1WK1eGYKqICyMEsvKl_Q8gakM7Rqyv9KO7pxJJPvMVjCYmopdkbycUkpXzpf2hpHkePToAe61wQjv6lXIO9T2OJd8mWx7xMZoMmNoYahIb5g/s400/EP698_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573439324568658" border="0" /></a><br />and this <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102528622&c=10650">scary germ killer</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ8x-0qwld5BPsP495KoxDAylKwi7czcorRyC0S7knWr5fK6QNSOnRf0SpuRvK_GmB4B1nartEP5jGdBjo8DiE3vpQgsf_pEjsHpbjZBA5biXL3yh7Ee-ik9SwUxQz-6T2kZ6k4QjulI/s1600-h/102528622d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ8x-0qwld5BPsP495KoxDAylKwi7czcorRyC0S7knWr5fK6QNSOnRf0SpuRvK_GmB4B1nartEP5jGdBjo8DiE3vpQgsf_pEjsHpbjZBA5biXL3yh7Ee-ik9SwUxQz-6T2kZ6k4QjulI/s400/102528622d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573066654536498" border="0" /></a><br />Better not to touch ANYTHING especially the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Gift_Ideas___Gifts_under__100SC546?Args=">bed</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMUsb3m5ZdzhCg6Ip0mvDBAsZlk66FGVB0iWUnLmDQiXPsk6DHCzvDmp2FKfDy6wM6GXExS0SwodxL-elDnjqXSY3bzcRMgYPmAgSl7DMTgwVogE-CpA6YbddHiCvy8SRx4DfQISk5yo/s1600-h/sc546_lilac_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMUsb3m5ZdzhCg6Ip0mvDBAsZlk66FGVB0iWUnLmDQiXPsk6DHCzvDmp2FKfDy6wM6GXExS0SwodxL-elDnjqXSY3bzcRMgYPmAgSl7DMTgwVogE-CpA6YbddHiCvy8SRx4DfQISk5yo/s400/sc546_lilac_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574248805741874" border="0" /></a><br />And be sure not to mush your face by wearing a <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102636080&c=10650">weird headband</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCPlHstw_fRGoV54VsKX8ZuI-EZMSo27Q8Tku2GEAXAWgS4XaA2Ro0DEExAaLFf5MvSbVh5waD9zi0IqcrvYdZ_iO9d5JjdaSA9STOwIFcSTETPpwtWvH6i8F2xAl5LY03eWX0zwI7Jo/s1600-h/102691163d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCPlHstw_fRGoV54VsKX8ZuI-EZMSo27Q8Tku2GEAXAWgS4XaA2Ro0DEExAaLFf5MvSbVh5waD9zi0IqcrvYdZ_iO9d5JjdaSA9STOwIFcSTETPpwtWvH6i8F2xAl5LY03eWX0zwI7Jo/s400/102691163d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573429654898946" border="0" /></a><br />Of course you'll want to drown out the noise of the air purifier with <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Audio___Photo___Sound_MachinesEP271?Args=">soothing sounds</a> too.<br /><br />You'll need to be awakened - here's the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___FlashlightsAC747?Args=">heaviest version</a> you can bring.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Ir_6opr1bkRMAUYR46JW8K1vO-D2m3yMT4N2XpFl2qXJu5MzInOTRttkoQKXVZ93I7kj8KV-BYiwRWs6VDS0SjaGdRv2bbIMcKd_L31lC6uVSXex-OMEWTa-H3gmz8dqN76yUdM2Z4/s1600-h/ac747_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4Ir_6opr1bkRMAUYR46JW8K1vO-D2m3yMT4N2XpFl2qXJu5MzInOTRttkoQKXVZ93I7kj8KV-BYiwRWs6VDS0SjaGdRv2bbIMcKd_L31lC6uVSXex-OMEWTa-H3gmz8dqN76yUdM2Z4/s400/ac747_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573435957450946" border="0" /></a><br />Don't touch the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Clothing_for_Men___ShoesTS491?Args=">shower</a> either. Why not just pack a pair of street-usable flops or water shoes?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlemz1D7QxkHEJPmA2suH48IoMQz48Z3djozL45y7y1aogyX5LJOrzh9zrkj9kxSHmT9CknasTIdHECHOsRKge5sX4_WFDmZnvq8k2RIAIVI05_O9pr-3FPCalQvThCNYnEuV6YTMAEI/s1600-h/ts491_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlemz1D7QxkHEJPmA2suH48IoMQz48Z3djozL45y7y1aogyX5LJOrzh9zrkj9kxSHmT9CknasTIdHECHOsRKge5sX4_WFDmZnvq8k2RIAIVI05_O9pr-3FPCalQvThCNYnEuV6YTMAEI/s400/ts491_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574622051845730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But if you can't touch the shower, how do you stay safe in the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___WellnessTA126?Args=">shower</a>? Aha...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XwX5La-AdEhwBSdiMEtfBuRhXYLFKxdf7HfKYLuIZ_RDUMBWQsl3KErEE1Eg0KmPMkIJxiEcGf64z0JPqSnLF2n0nilih-MgwtNQkVmW21uizbeGmKFvUsdmG5qX-3OVPEA8jRjkKsM/s1600-h/TA126_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XwX5La-AdEhwBSdiMEtfBuRhXYLFKxdf7HfKYLuIZ_RDUMBWQsl3KErEE1Eg0KmPMkIJxiEcGf64z0JPqSnLF2n0nilih-MgwtNQkVmW21uizbeGmKFvUsdmG5qX-3OVPEA8jRjkKsM/s400/TA126_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574615762168290" border="0" /></a><br />If you make it out of the shower, you'll need a <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102092953&c=10650">portable robe.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yJ0V-i2EVrBKYlzYoW6mFwDWCu_Y7D-dT7Uj9clP6p3oY2LNQJopC7cNua5cV-eLb-BDEFB8ER3V7heXqwbbp31XDOqUp-S9gq_vPztDMTpPfgY5cPM2P82vb4IuJn-M5HDwgBrHazQ/s1600-h/102092953d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yJ0V-i2EVrBKYlzYoW6mFwDWCu_Y7D-dT7Uj9clP6p3oY2LNQJopC7cNua5cV-eLb-BDEFB8ER3V7heXqwbbp31XDOqUp-S9gq_vPztDMTpPfgY5cPM2P82vb4IuJn-M5HDwgBrHazQ/s400/102092953d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573063463810706" border="0" /></a><br />You'll want to check on the impact of croissant or tortes with a <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102636080&c=10650">travel scale</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR7c1PfhWL0A2QJ8wSeUJFp3CrCqFMeKMIj5Z454bw6ScGd_QoE3Grj9C-KhbtMxkdKRszIvaXkeXxXtR5Sq91JSToOPe1Sjiy8YDEMR2KfhEzdJOXfcj8hvU14mn_MGplQX85TdlXbM/s1600-h/102636080d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuR7c1PfhWL0A2QJ8wSeUJFp3CrCqFMeKMIj5Z454bw6ScGd_QoE3Grj9C-KhbtMxkdKRszIvaXkeXxXtR5Sq91JSToOPe1Sjiy8YDEMR2KfhEzdJOXfcj8hvU14mn_MGplQX85TdlXbM/s400/102636080d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573065157824178" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Safety___Security___Intruder_AlarmsSP643?Args=">safety </a>in your room<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOX1WaEmapu1thmn1c68S3dRanlRmxN1Ip0dHNpx8VOSMfmqqETPQcmb0dM-H4dh-SNIgk_inXPxGK4lXTbdAwcy6I4YpJChAiU5jKHDBkNk1tc2E5TkmY0CAcUEJqo7I8c0OtGlL6VU/s1600-h/sp643_dt2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOX1WaEmapu1thmn1c68S3dRanlRmxN1Ip0dHNpx8VOSMfmqqETPQcmb0dM-H4dh-SNIgk_inXPxGK4lXTbdAwcy6I4YpJChAiU5jKHDBkNk1tc2E5TkmY0CAcUEJqo7I8c0OtGlL6VU/s400/sp643_dt2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219576882344839570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Because you don't want to have to wear the earphones all the time, you'll need <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Audio___Photo___iPod_AccessoriesAR344?Args=">speakers</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLpEjupOIEHZZcvTVJ8y1Z7U99bIVYe382WclDyRTAW6kK2U7wUxVs8z1GkPHojLy0MjJRwwrw75FwX30fB3SVvTHPbEluuJU4VjnJpSVFhxm1Nzl-vJFjTDgDoNkv8e7l-7SX48bwnc/s1600-h/AR344_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLpEjupOIEHZZcvTVJ8y1Z7U99bIVYe382WclDyRTAW6kK2U7wUxVs8z1GkPHojLy0MjJRwwrw75FwX30fB3SVvTHPbEluuJU4VjnJpSVFhxm1Nzl-vJFjTDgDoNkv8e7l-7SX48bwnc/s400/AR344_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573436934827474" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102092953&c=10650"></a>Can't find furniture to lift in your hotel room? try these <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=69740966&c=10650">weights</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz86BzGn1mqtUuPc0BcIcS9rjIjNYfwrLGzar1H3trLsm0wg9miRCZXQOWYaU3PQnb1I9b-dUNBN1bASYIuFOtlDsTf1I_SB3nXWDtQM32uXPokLfImUHapJ8-ZjLxafdZxfIqaejOTs/s1600-h/69740966d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz86BzGn1mqtUuPc0BcIcS9rjIjNYfwrLGzar1H3trLsm0wg9miRCZXQOWYaU3PQnb1I9b-dUNBN1bASYIuFOtlDsTf1I_SB3nXWDtQM32uXPokLfImUHapJ8-ZjLxafdZxfIqaejOTs/s400/69740966d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573055474319090" border="0" /></a><br />And in case you're worried about finding Maxwell House level coffee in Vienna, Paris, or Rome....<br />try this <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___Food___DrinkEP721?Args=">portable coffee maker</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSckeSZD9YAsAMf4ZnkNYiaD9joniMqHr-GXiJWxVXCTDcaxDB9LXPou5-adsN_fBLAbSIPDpMej_uIe-wsXrh7Z2rBn22TiWZY5C3Sh2XoOTFuANxVjsLguVwyc6pn0kgdoTgPvkSw0I/s1600-h/EP721_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSckeSZD9YAsAMf4ZnkNYiaD9joniMqHr-GXiJWxVXCTDcaxDB9LXPou5-adsN_fBLAbSIPDpMej_uIe-wsXrh7Z2rBn22TiWZY5C3Sh2XoOTFuANxVjsLguVwyc6pn0kgdoTgPvkSw0I/s400/EP721_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573595672548322" border="0" /></a><br />I don't know how to reconcile the person who thinks they need all this stuff with them to travel who would buy all this, pack it, and lug it...but not just check into a hotel that provides this for you? If you're the kind of person who is not staying at a place with a car service and a porter, you're carrying it all with you which you can't really do because your bags will now weigh a ton. Plus you're too much of a wimp for the hostel. Which is all you can afford after you buy this stuff, buy the extra luggage, and pay the extra bag charges!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Out</span><br />If you ever get up the nerve to leave the hotel you'll need a <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___HygieneTW356?Args=">way to use the scary toilets</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDhBImdaJH9HPuzNKQZO0vd2ZOx6wzGPbWp6lsK68xZIgwo6bDXbPnrZcH7z6UINW5DbxTwd_YB6vMsrZQKFkxqAb9URqFnuDW5PMvKAioHHuvnvQJI0u6-emCHRCVA_bgpQegit7nEA/s1600-h/tw356_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDhBImdaJH9HPuzNKQZO0vd2ZOx6wzGPbWp6lsK68xZIgwo6bDXbPnrZcH7z6UINW5DbxTwd_YB6vMsrZQKFkxqAb9URqFnuDW5PMvKAioHHuvnvQJI0u6-emCHRCVA_bgpQegit7nEA/s400/tw356_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574621777844194" border="0" /></a><br />and you'll want your <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___HygieneTW570?Args=">own toiletpape</a>r supply. I fail to see why you would spend $6.85 on this instead of a handi-pac of tissues or a wad of paper from the hotel?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqukPRc1Juk5cfRnw-VAr7wWNmr4wrFEns0b5Pp2uOX6iJ_6G_TWrTAcvkeangPex78NHcp8wiKfdX-kasiFDDNC31FR4Q6r5vrSGf_lc7dnwxCAzBYXPpoFfIAM385PDweH7iDDz6k0/s1600-h/tw570_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqukPRc1Juk5cfRnw-VAr7wWNmr4wrFEns0b5Pp2uOX6iJ_6G_TWrTAcvkeangPex78NHcp8wiKfdX-kasiFDDNC31FR4Q6r5vrSGf_lc7dnwxCAzBYXPpoFfIAM385PDweH7iDDz6k0/s400/tw570_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574707521324850" border="0" /></a><br />Better yet, bring <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___HygieneTW568?Args=">this </a>with you and you don't need a toilet at all! I'm telling you, if you're in a place with no toilet, I'm guessing you wouldn't be the first person to piss in the alley.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d7Ev5sWZa5EBYCkFmcOwp7ziuhfUGnMkFWJazCEUAhK-9M-zfJGdu-g3Q9l4OCMlkoJBWdnQt9caVbIMN-HobJVp9t4nkpmAqCTb7thuD2Lz129sfqBbCO64h4yzahAA4OAx9zq1Tic/s1600-h/tw568_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9d7Ev5sWZa5EBYCkFmcOwp7ziuhfUGnMkFWJazCEUAhK-9M-zfJGdu-g3Q9l4OCMlkoJBWdnQt9caVbIMN-HobJVp9t4nkpmAqCTb7thuD2Lz129sfqBbCO64h4yzahAA4OAx9zq1Tic/s400/tw568_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574625717600658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And you need <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/In_Flight_Comfort___In_Flight_HealthIF295?Args=">this mask</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxGhsxIRd43k6uQBcisdmxGPwukCPLmebzoOJWnFSKgXWNFNCl9-2pDhf2JviMrEXDt54NSuneR9jl64uOTKGH8NuPF5XKuphbW__tkCAceTFASntjWYQFWnqP1gaZMUuUT6q3lvrhYE/s1600-h/if295_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxGhsxIRd43k6uQBcisdmxGPwukCPLmebzoOJWnFSKgXWNFNCl9-2pDhf2JviMrEXDt54NSuneR9jl64uOTKGH8NuPF5XKuphbW__tkCAceTFASntjWYQFWnqP1gaZMUuUT6q3lvrhYE/s400/if295_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573809822177026" border="0" /></a><br />Just to be safe you also need this <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___HygieneSC789?Args=">spray</a>. Assuming you can fit in your ziploc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj6Dk67wc1BXmo2elDmU9e0f7Ek3SmpzJsUea0U_eNWK9028k6Y4sRBKknocRthCkDLKmvEJdC5Ourm74HggNvKq3BgR4zTDJGbKRWmlYfDsldMuLo3pcgtSuO7r82s5FqiI06lUWlng/s1600-h/sc789_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj6Dk67wc1BXmo2elDmU9e0f7Ek3SmpzJsUea0U_eNWK9028k6Y4sRBKknocRthCkDLKmvEJdC5Ourm74HggNvKq3BgR4zTDJGbKRWmlYfDsldMuLo3pcgtSuO7r82s5FqiI06lUWlng/s400/sc789_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574252372660898" border="0" /></a><br />Now, here's a great name for an item: the "<a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Luggage___BackpacksLB900?Args=">Packable Backpack</a>." As opposed to some other kind of "non-packable" backpack? Why wouldn't you just USE a backpack, thus "packing it" but not needing to pack it IN another piece of luggage? OK, maybe you need another sac to carry stuff in when you get to your destination? How about....a sac! Smaller, lighter, and - I'm going out on a limb here - available in the place you're traveling!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">High Maintenance!</span><br />Travel is tough on the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___ToiletriesTA104?Args=">manicure</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoQ5YXQ8vm4gz2tPQ_0pooZf4ChU2eA4XIpoVfjCh8NrNszfyYov0GzgavqpkmG6hzy3p7TVuQofxQ9a9myTXx915wFCkQBLo8_wsnW0Z1j0EQIA2podP9XqOYmQNl5JV4P54YglJQtI/s1600-h/TA104_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoQ5YXQ8vm4gz2tPQ_0pooZf4ChU2eA4XIpoVfjCh8NrNszfyYov0GzgavqpkmG6hzy3p7TVuQofxQ9a9myTXx915wFCkQBLo8_wsnW0Z1j0EQIA2podP9XqOYmQNl5JV4P54YglJQtI/s400/TA104_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574253843065586" border="0" /></a><br />And on the <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___ToiletriesTA102?Args=">teeth</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAV9U62tFL4jSomC3KhUSX34Eoao2wo5iumUpRklza8sk0Ianx9XYa7sKqntbLjqesuQ54bc72a0hBYhupt177Q3LemFGd6XVCBlwqhRgK2ydK4WX3PjbK2xSQ75W16j3t8JBexQu-zs/s1600-h/TA102_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAV9U62tFL4jSomC3KhUSX34Eoao2wo5iumUpRklza8sk0Ianx9XYa7sKqntbLjqesuQ54bc72a0hBYhupt177Q3LemFGd6XVCBlwqhRgK2ydK4WX3PjbK2xSQ75W16j3t8JBexQu-zs/s400/TA102_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574254753761186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Health___Personal_Care___ToiletriesTA345?Args=">other </a>parts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmJtuIEst-iuyFzyHQ7XhVhFB3963tJlKFhAIFAzeT8a5tvBP9WSKA_hYFKTVTjLUm2h5-pxU_GsCnhaQ5I0xLHA8VK9ViHE4AcZ6kk9DqxTh6boUJmTaY3ap0NA-49XDlR-_uK63SSQ/s1600-h/TA345_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmJtuIEst-iuyFzyHQ7XhVhFB3963tJlKFhAIFAzeT8a5tvBP9WSKA_hYFKTVTjLUm2h5-pxU_GsCnhaQ5I0xLHA8VK9ViHE4AcZ6kk9DqxTh6boUJmTaY3ap0NA-49XDlR-_uK63SSQ/s400/TA345_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574621863462114" border="0" /></a><br />Who needs a travel <a href="http://www.magellans.com/store/Gift_Ideas___Gifts_just_for_HimLP457?Args=">box </a>for the dresser - how is this worth the extra space/weight?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6SBpx8QLVrqh-XOzcGMEIp8VH3Gk3MmSLcKDwXjzy4F8QUfLMcqk3HVmQwRp8NZehC5xgUJNT-ci4OvRoyrie9Jpbk0Kn9LB9dLncjjbKKQ7qTg0TN7jJLKUGgNmDZQBo1rCWLFPvhc/s1600-h/LP457_dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6SBpx8QLVrqh-XOzcGMEIp8VH3Gk3MmSLcKDwXjzy4F8QUfLMcqk3HVmQwRp8NZehC5xgUJNT-ci4OvRoyrie9Jpbk0Kn9LB9dLncjjbKKQ7qTg0TN7jJLKUGgNmDZQBo1rCWLFPvhc/s400/LP457_dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219574021891028642" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-81508336064714581412009-09-10T11:10:00.000-04:002009-09-10T11:10:00.554-04:00Overblown Power ToolsMen must be responsible for this collection of items. They will only do housework if it has an electric motor or involves fire.<br /><br />Here's a great item. An <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=69666057&c=10450">ice cube maker</a>. I fail to see how this is superior to a $1 bag of ice from the grocery store thrown into a multi-use cooler that does not require the use of polluting batteries or carbon-based energy. Especially for $300. Yup. $300. This is for the man who is tired of being told his only job for the party is to "make ice" and who hates checking the ice cube trays for two days.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoI4eYoCC68LFBNlXsVal0kPwV5H5zf7e1vgtItmzfmfKGnVSUBh-gXDbCY4TdB-yEaNgQIFYt5ZLBHU53PTyAIDRG7DpcvtUnZMaM5u4ogIt7HGgZUS0cgO5iVediuhKSwXYi9MTkVhk/s1600-h/69666057d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoI4eYoCC68LFBNlXsVal0kPwV5H5zf7e1vgtItmzfmfKGnVSUBh-gXDbCY4TdB-yEaNgQIFYt5ZLBHU53PTyAIDRG7DpcvtUnZMaM5u4ogIt7HGgZUS0cgO5iVediuhKSwXYi9MTkVhk/s400/69666057d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219548186132077490" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75351.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">Another item </a>in the category of "things you can do without if you have one of those new-fangled combo freezer/refrigerator deals"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmoPGg6evAMC73JVVwe5mqibW_ZsBm-cwpX1fJU8ydMiIeTSeIAed5_zh-Grzn0dYk-vrYseo2UzX3EOn7IBwIGQnXy9_bwO7wsef1NLul5-aBYYP76leNh3bmQwMtGxGhaNMMOrveRw/s1600-h/75351.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmoPGg6evAMC73JVVwe5mqibW_ZsBm-cwpX1fJU8ydMiIeTSeIAed5_zh-Grzn0dYk-vrYseo2UzX3EOn7IBwIGQnXy9_bwO7wsef1NLul5-aBYYP76leNh3bmQwMtGxGhaNMMOrveRw/s400/75351.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219612219172443090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally the overpriced <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/store/product.asp?product_code=506667&wid=16&cid=1604&sid=160402&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t1">substitute </a>for sticking the wine in the freezer for 20 minutes. Can't wait 20 minutes? Contact AA.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOun99Z6kzGheXAFPxq0o_ze_AZjp6cBxZb7_e5XQ4kGZP9vyGLHBewv3-az9LnfkRXtHBHmIGKiXUXRAsYdraShjyiC91X0933yMvfQlyPa9f-3lAaf-MxKqhM4tzlPw7DA5_gvgpR0/s1600-h/506667C_p2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOun99Z6kzGheXAFPxq0o_ze_AZjp6cBxZb7_e5XQ4kGZP9vyGLHBewv3-az9LnfkRXtHBHmIGKiXUXRAsYdraShjyiC91X0933yMvfQlyPa9f-3lAaf-MxKqhM4tzlPw7DA5_gvgpR0/s400/506667C_p2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219988181613751858" border="0" /></a><br />If you are really a snob, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KIKKERLAND-Perfect-Temperature-Thermometer-Bottle/dp/B000KFSNFO">$10</a> will help you take the wine out the fridge at the right time.<br /><br />Even more trouble with alcohol. Somehow waiters the world over can open a bottle of wine while standing up over your table with a very <a href="http://www.winestuff.com/acatalog/Pampered_Grape_Stainless_Steel_Chateau_Corkscrew.html">simple tool</a>. But you have to go and get <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=9086880458241779161&postID=8150833606471458141">this one</a> for $80. Wow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoAqyhBPRWp7lRxZzbnPAAI7yjRnsJkVZ35dYs51wBahXqSDkZcxXHMMJ3kjmM5rcvc6XJeE_KIjnBRL9C76FjXCv8YabP6vdPlH-z4kjNghn4iXg3Zjzj1TkIdEyv83jjPwwzzw-sxM/s1600-h/455048B_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoAqyhBPRWp7lRxZzbnPAAI7yjRnsJkVZ35dYs51wBahXqSDkZcxXHMMJ3kjmM5rcvc6XJeE_KIjnBRL9C76FjXCv8YabP6vdPlH-z4kjNghn4iXg3Zjzj1TkIdEyv83jjPwwzzw-sxM/s400/455048B_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219990532538701314" border="0" /></a><br />I guess I should be glad it doesn't have a power motor like <a href="http://www.nulime.com/Electric-Wine-Opener/p142546">this one</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY3JIBk538c1KxTECBKJuUZKWyQJCqRJ7zkpcIobyPDYQBoxaLunRwDl3i3tXWVWVg8GcyPxXsHH9nWxSOTqIk3IVx1ufpLwmc_cFhMUclWVWgO5G8e_EV_xYa0mUqiQP-9STx1YgxSs/s1600-h/Electric-Wine-Opener.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY3JIBk538c1KxTECBKJuUZKWyQJCqRJ7zkpcIobyPDYQBoxaLunRwDl3i3tXWVWVg8GcyPxXsHH9nWxSOTqIk3IVx1ufpLwmc_cFhMUclWVWgO5G8e_EV_xYa0mUqiQP-9STx1YgxSs/s400/Electric-Wine-Opener.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219990529900253746" border="0" /></a><br />Apparently some people have wrist problems.....who has trouble <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102640752&c=10450">shaking a martini</a>? <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/74688.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">Lots </a>of people!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz5DDTEWHfg8KbTG1xWSABe_SAC2S3yNrlfM0eJ8XyDWKoBXk5YiWUvoRHwkwrdevflz0Tl4wHEiawni__dCrI-1TVf7kjlh7HB0CwaTU1yyBj-RmJ_iuVUnIeag5I6L_33i85HOiXLY/s1600-h/74688.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz5DDTEWHfg8KbTG1xWSABe_SAC2S3yNrlfM0eJ8XyDWKoBXk5YiWUvoRHwkwrdevflz0Tl4wHEiawni__dCrI-1TVf7kjlh7HB0CwaTU1yyBj-RmJ_iuVUnIeag5I6L_33i85HOiXLY/s400/74688.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219614553034469714" border="0" /> <!-- start RICH back to catalog code --><br /><!-- end RICH back to catalog code --> </a><span class="name">"</span>This is the device that shakes or stirs a martini until it reaches the optimal drinking temperature of 34° F, ensuring perfect homemade martinis at the touch of a button. The stainless steel shaker moves up and down vigorously during the "shake" cycle and gently rotates in "stir" mode, melding the ingredients during either cycle for 60 seconds."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHxLBbuGk-76dqrji9oClodE_7YnvHLFmYs5JICOox6BdMD5gZHZI-DlSk8VhVKh7mLBLZa3XNT7_sKVdGebkR7vPSMFGqiCZpu0c9yJadkwg4hfkILbBAXmJpDCjfOiMLocKJzZaxF0/s1600-h/102640752d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHxLBbuGk-76dqrji9oClodE_7YnvHLFmYs5JICOox6BdMD5gZHZI-DlSk8VhVKh7mLBLZa3XNT7_sKVdGebkR7vPSMFGqiCZpu0c9yJadkwg4hfkILbBAXmJpDCjfOiMLocKJzZaxF0/s400/102640752d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219554969773299858" border="0" /></a><br /><p>"Here's the simple and stylish way to create perfect cocktails. This professional drink mixer blends ice and your own ingredients with the touch of a button. The retro design brings flair to home bars or club houses. With removable cap and easy-pour spout." Because apparently those old fashioned martini shakers have real problems with...um....caps and um...pouring.</p>Also for people who can't find a whisk or a spoon. Or if you're really lazy, a blender. The specialized one-purpose <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75290.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">milkshake shaker</a>!<br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-ghnzShMFpvYsE4BGKdNIcLkvTyYkcr3y-sXsePH7LdTy-qXyaLjdQOiEga_XRhjHqax4ZHErp_zw7jlsSmiXzahsfVhAw68y46atF-x80bcE9nEu972lf6M3Rhpibb3WPHXuI2l_-U/s1600-h/75290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-ghnzShMFpvYsE4BGKdNIcLkvTyYkcr3y-sXsePH7LdTy-qXyaLjdQOiEga_XRhjHqax4ZHErp_zw7jlsSmiXzahsfVhAw68y46atF-x80bcE9nEu972lf6M3Rhpibb3WPHXuI2l_-U/s400/75290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219612617468757298" border="0" /></a></p><p>At least a blender has other purposes, like mixing frozen drinks. But wait! You need this special <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/74023.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">gizmo </a>just for drinks!<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0jm4aFsZNf4yLp5EPjPHlNZ7Iq1Lkw9t9EGnMkuQMMB7MJMKZI8N8SyLytIKqkVNcTvqahdaozsiX__tQ-3Fr3iuz2TBLl3DyNVZmsw1nXULYLFAud54Ep7oN1mpSrrX_uStBauPhYA/s1600-h/74023.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0jm4aFsZNf4yLp5EPjPHlNZ7Iq1Lkw9t9EGnMkuQMMB7MJMKZI8N8SyLytIKqkVNcTvqahdaozsiX__tQ-3Fr3iuz2TBLl3DyNVZmsw1nXULYLFAud54Ep7oN1mpSrrX_uStBauPhYA/s400/74023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219615614140075714" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p><br /><p>I am unclear as to why <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75231.asp?promo=hl_entertaining">this </a>has to be a power tool. The <a href="http://www.plaidponyvintage.com/housewares/586kitchen/kitchen-indivpages/586juicerchrome.html">old fashioned one</a><a href="http://www.plaidponyvintage.com/housewares/586kitchen/kitchen-indivpages/586juicerchrome.html"> </a>works great and is $100 cheaper.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYHjw5zJs4M5krZj2vJbqjCYeIimz4dXiSsLEPdvxpvLDYLmUrE5_b6JmC1szECr3Udy22dayKC3Cd0Kpl3kxv-t8_oQA89mTjoZVjG_yUi-32SUXJTXmvdJwO4Wcxu2Ib2AQlhxULdk/s1600-h/75231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYHjw5zJs4M5krZj2vJbqjCYeIimz4dXiSsLEPdvxpvLDYLmUrE5_b6JmC1szECr3Udy22dayKC3Cd0Kpl3kxv-t8_oQA89mTjoZVjG_yUi-32SUXJTXmvdJwO4Wcxu2Ib2AQlhxULdk/s400/75231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219618998708084370" border="0" /></a><br />I guess it's similar to the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=70185&PRODID=10017511">coffee dispenser</a> for those with trouble using a spoon.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQeZaXBMn73FrsY1-ZaPHFfsicUC3C3H2FeWtxJjk4F2ZWKV7PZkx3Lw2g81yAXfdU_0A67R-oa7aeMXh3K_PF92I19mDe_To2c30tuQk6Gn7K65rYW6jHJIyRLkqbWAEDCYHHCU1SHY/s1600-h/ChromeCoffeeDspnsr_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQeZaXBMn73FrsY1-ZaPHFfsicUC3C3H2FeWtxJjk4F2ZWKV7PZkx3Lw2g81yAXfdU_0A67R-oa7aeMXh3K_PF92I19mDe_To2c30tuQk6Gn7K65rYW6jHJIyRLkqbWAEDCYHHCU1SHY/s400/ChromeCoffeeDspnsr_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219650534916117234" border="0" /></a></p><p>I don't know what to say about an automatic<a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73472.asp?promo=hl_entertaining"> soft serve ice cream </a>maker/dispenser with integrated sprinkles except: how many parts are there to wash?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PngfSD2vRnnhNNDSIQpxL2uePOGKzC1UtdL8GllZfbSmenGoB1CGZjgn5TtWyddMFX9cZUxl5FNOuYfPgNOZnMsF9qRhmoAccvjF8jMx1wPVyDAL5kkCahmEVCDaFwsC8EwyEYoS_2k/s1600-h/73472.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PngfSD2vRnnhNNDSIQpxL2uePOGKzC1UtdL8GllZfbSmenGoB1CGZjgn5TtWyddMFX9cZUxl5FNOuYfPgNOZnMsF9qRhmoAccvjF8jMx1wPVyDAL5kkCahmEVCDaFwsC8EwyEYoS_2k/s400/73472.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219620967975373634" border="0" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>It's not just cold that's difficult to manage, but apparently heat too. Is there any room even left on your counter for this <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75085.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">contraption</a>? Maybe you can stash it in your oven, since apparently that isn't being used for its intended purpose of heating food. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbduUv6tyUoIocrNk7Xym2q9HtyyuvYqxRYj3iapQ_XUQmZHic7e_uRb9DdbqKGWz6Su0Sp1axFxIvDndZmd4a8N0GH1rH-clH1TsA0n4Xoy5qRhejeofnqR_5KCjBau-SOvxJ2cOL1o/s1600-h/75085.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbduUv6tyUoIocrNk7Xym2q9HtyyuvYqxRYj3iapQ_XUQmZHic7e_uRb9DdbqKGWz6Su0Sp1axFxIvDndZmd4a8N0GH1rH-clH1TsA0n4Xoy5qRhejeofnqR_5KCjBau-SOvxJ2cOL1o/s400/75085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219617714134138802" border="0" /></a></p><p>"This is the double deck pizza oven that cooks two 12" fresh pizzas in 90 seconds (or frozen pizzas in three minutes), allowing you to cook pizzeria-worthy pies 15 times faster than a traditional oven."<br /></p><p>OK, so you have 21 minutes to wait for that pizza out of your oven, you complain. What shall you do with that time? How about some situps and jumping jacks to work off the two pizzas you're about to eat by yourself!</p>Another problem some people appear to have is with finding a pot and looking at a watch. Hence you have the <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/74771.asp?promo=hl_entertaining">electric rice cooker</a>. Yup. That's all it does. OK, a Southern woman has to have a <a href="http://www.target.com/Metro-Anodized-Aluminum-Rice-Steamer/dp/B000ILE25U">Charleston rice steamer</a>, but that you can also use base as a regular pot and it costs maybe $30. That's $130 less than this monstrosity you also have to find a place for in your cabinet.<p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRthWzQujj0zWM8lqWGvb10JIf1GUIAUWgwtTlpipzxtAV-iIZ16lLqFbmqD4a65ntfMKCwHHVYhTXbfu_7waYEKsdqyO2Z6n3x8xK0OwQU9A5A-P34eHiLNdRQxYTNMsNzaJQgSWDTY/s1600-h/74771.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRthWzQujj0zWM8lqWGvb10JIf1GUIAUWgwtTlpipzxtAV-iIZ16lLqFbmqD4a65ntfMKCwHHVYhTXbfu_7waYEKsdqyO2Z6n3x8xK0OwQU9A5A-P34eHiLNdRQxYTNMsNzaJQgSWDTY/s400/74771.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219621486749925698" border="0" /></a></p><p>Now, a bigger problem is apparently "walking to the grill and looking at it". Won't have to with <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/73006.asp?promo=xsells">this gadget</a>. The <span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="btAsinTitle" style="">Remote BBQ Voice Alert Thermometer!<br /></span></span></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloN4D8T3kLLE40xaLhlYJSpRNfmyScsXXtbyONmfzAwhhctNi2JqizuwFyxzL25vwnrwAT0BSp_-RXmgxEikgn1ftuMkL8y04coEOXsjSi3v7bRbajkrb9mMIB5qYaapapyhyphenhyphenpTgGUpQ/s1600-h/73006A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloN4D8T3kLLE40xaLhlYJSpRNfmyScsXXtbyONmfzAwhhctNi2JqizuwFyxzL25vwnrwAT0BSp_-RXmgxEikgn1ftuMkL8y04coEOXsjSi3v7bRbajkrb9mMIB5qYaapapyhyphenhyphenpTgGUpQ/s400/73006A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219612992515867618" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="btAsinTitle" style="">"</span></span>This thermometer is great for indoor and outdoor use. The wireless remote can monitor food from up to 100 feet away. You can either program it your self or use one of the many presets. Select from doneness presets for beef, chicken, pork, veal, and more. The amber backlit LCD displays the built in count down timer. An audible voice alert tells you when food is done. "</p><p>I guess this is useful if you're in the other room dressing your wounds from using <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/75081.asp?promo=ou_barbecue">this</a>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1KZ794KSfrvKkB2KbiDLUSI1KXUB6OGNcTmwOdxrbLh8zAan_dz-RLQFL8724_ZXydLp0BNySUqEXMslW31ODdfpsrR13e9Hk3WGqYBkUXpcRCeYLah0Z0QXOlFWWQvFsppRLGXn4Z8/s1600-h/75081.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1KZ794KSfrvKkB2KbiDLUSI1KXUB6OGNcTmwOdxrbLh8zAan_dz-RLQFL8724_ZXydLp0BNySUqEXMslW31ODdfpsrR13e9Hk3WGqYBkUXpcRCeYLah0Z0QXOlFWWQvFsppRLGXn4Z8/s400/75081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219622192223581634" border="0" /></a></p><p>And a great combo of motorized playing with fire. A <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72742.asp?promo=ou_barbecue">hotdog roller</a> for the grill<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv5RZcaUz8tHJVrerdKAWwojkfK75qUhyfKDuVHRj6nDubkjjEh-kksP2ClQiDUNb6QNUIoNigc_7oTuNY8yB0_b4cdAyiuhkRPYlhxrjZANSzQZWWSXstWLuKYCJcm5NwUhzv-sI6Ss/s1600-h/72742.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTv5RZcaUz8tHJVrerdKAWwojkfK75qUhyfKDuVHRj6nDubkjjEh-kksP2ClQiDUNb6QNUIoNigc_7oTuNY8yB0_b4cdAyiuhkRPYlhxrjZANSzQZWWSXstWLuKYCJcm5NwUhzv-sI6Ss/s400/72742.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219622586620794290" border="0" /></a></p><p>Apparently there are other people who have trouble with a pen and paper. This <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/74153.asp?promo=hl_kitchen">gadget </a>will record your grocery list!<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio08jeIKlN8ZgVyVNLjqPffZ6Y_Sy_dTWtdHOPQKhpXgFn-4WuzFK7OFPQt0E2DAdLk_WWD_aYI_99lp4Jk_rvU4QGypOBIEf8njOLD-1d_DyXcD0J-KGR2lejxf-BfYvwnoca8qgUIDc/s1600-h/74153.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio08jeIKlN8ZgVyVNLjqPffZ6Y_Sy_dTWtdHOPQKhpXgFn-4WuzFK7OFPQt0E2DAdLk_WWD_aYI_99lp4Jk_rvU4QGypOBIEf8njOLD-1d_DyXcD0J-KGR2lejxf-BfYvwnoca8qgUIDc/s400/74153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219613925959014818" border="0" /></a></p><p>"T<!-- start RICH back to catalog code --><!-- end RICH back to catalog code -->his is the voice activated grocery list organizer that comes pre-loaded with over 2,500 food, beverage, household, beauty, and office items, and recognizes words as specific as swordfish, emory boards, and lawn bags, allowing you to store and print shopping lists simply by speaking the name of the item. The organizer uses a speaker-independent voice recognition system to match a spoken item with one in its database. It has an easy-to-read LCD screen that puts your list in alphabetical order, and it also recognizes errands, such as going to the bank, library, or veterinarian. Simply press the print button for a categorized list generated by the devices built-in thermal printer."</p>And now in the clothing category - <a href="http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72681.asp?promo=homecare">something </a>that only does pants as opposed to the low-tech iron which does any clothing, any fabric, any size! And an iron costs approximately $450 less than this pants press.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMj9lBZhD90gDWi634d-Lyt5krovnKD2VYyvIR2xyqrOxqpMGh3col1oi0WsLipbz9B5RNqBbTlXmr10S_B5mbUUqDOjIJf0v1yY8J_teDjPenjhgVcdMVExGDAqmnIk_z3vb-Xo26J0/s1600-h/72681.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMj9lBZhD90gDWi634d-Lyt5krovnKD2VYyvIR2xyqrOxqpMGh3col1oi0WsLipbz9B5RNqBbTlXmr10S_B5mbUUqDOjIJf0v1yY8J_teDjPenjhgVcdMVExGDAqmnIk_z3vb-Xo26J0/s400/72681.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219627151184406658" border="0" /></a><br />And my favorite overblown power tool..... the escalator.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKEbaegCaPiqGjeE0ZozAQ7YddiNoQ-sXqk0jCTDkvf-u2C_9EnoVAAESvwgw2fzbuw3OOl2QePd2IMsQA3rrTy4a5E5lklx_7NOKkPjCVP9zxtzREBT39xU0Jd2TETKgV71_-dUy880/s1600-h/200px-Escalators_Canary_Wharf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKEbaegCaPiqGjeE0ZozAQ7YddiNoQ-sXqk0jCTDkvf-u2C_9EnoVAAESvwgw2fzbuw3OOl2QePd2IMsQA3rrTy4a5E5lklx_7NOKkPjCVP9zxtzREBT39xU0Jd2TETKgV71_-dUy880/s400/200px-Escalators_Canary_Wharf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219628779080253186" border="0" /></a>The escalator can go up or down, true. But stairs have the advantage of being infinitely scalable in speed, simultaneously going up and down, adjusting automatically to the needs of users going either direction, and never breaking down. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSIkjNaICsg">Some people would be lost without escalators</a>. Others would just <a href="http://www.adcouncil.org/files/obesity_lostlovehandles_mag.jpg">lose weight</a>. An elevator for people with rolling luggage or strollers would do the trick and be only one thing to have to keep running.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER! I don't fault someone with disabilities who finds one of these items useful.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-1276762832541233592009-09-07T11:03:00.000-04:002009-09-07T11:03:41.022-04:00Can't You Get Free Boxes from the Liquor Store?Herewith only supposedly helpful useful things that just cost more money than simple alternative of a box and are not dual-purpose with anything else.<br /><br />Item One: the <a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?item=23626&maincatcode=null&subcatcode=null&itemID=5521&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C137%2C1316&iProductID=5521">Wreath Storage bag</a>....It's unclear to me how this is superior to a BOX! A box can be stacked at least.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5O7tkb3fQjMRGly-LnsIFw_77mR31sIImXPoIPjBLR0rC-UM844QL8dcXfiTEHOVYJCCgN-t9DNNo40STPwRgkwoMDjwBA0FfAbsiu0b8iWZcCloIKS9HouDzi2B0NNyQt_Jmuf464U/s1600-h/detail_zoom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5O7tkb3fQjMRGly-LnsIFw_77mR31sIImXPoIPjBLR0rC-UM844QL8dcXfiTEHOVYJCCgN-t9DNNo40STPwRgkwoMDjwBA0FfAbsiu0b8iWZcCloIKS9HouDzi2B0NNyQt_Jmuf464U/s400/detail_zoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219275389309588514" border="0" /></a>Item 2: another item easily replaced by a box. A <a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?sort=-1&itemID=11827&itemType=PRODUCT&AS=1&keyword=holiday&page=1">gift wrap storage device</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQgZmiZzvBMGQNbMq-3Mlf8tnujVvC7_nvhm7zJcBSs86jWyA_JmH-xvHITmE58b7KRR0JpRN8SBsi0D1n6jl-fPIu0RV3mTOUAQ7gkEWrv-1ndC3bk-8Xo60zAeT31dKSX7yyBYuXdc/s1600-h/gift+wrap+box.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQgZmiZzvBMGQNbMq-3Mlf8tnujVvC7_nvhm7zJcBSs86jWyA_JmH-xvHITmE58b7KRR0JpRN8SBsi0D1n6jl-fPIu0RV3mTOUAQ7gkEWrv-1ndC3bk-8Xo60zAeT31dKSX7yyBYuXdc/s400/gift+wrap+box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219277345477087954" border="0" /></a>Ok why do you need this? From the product page: "Fit all your wrapping supplies in one, easy-to-carry bag. This Christmas gift wrap keeper has easy-to-access pockets, wrapping paper, and ribbon dispensers to help you wrap faster. Plus, it boasts these convenient features: <ul><li>End zipper fits a regular sized bag of bows</li><li>Three expandable filing pockets keep your greeting cards organized and ready for the next big event</li><li>A side pocket has plenty of room for pens, tape, and scissors</li><li>Includes pockets specifically designed for pens, tape, and scissors, so they stay where they belong</li><li>Ribbon dispenser safely keeps 10-15 rolls of ribbon ready to unroll and cut at any time</li><li>There's no need to put the ribbon away after you get what you need; just dispense what you want, cut, and go</li><li>A special pocket holds hang tags, gift tags, tissue paper, and more</li><li>Store 15-20 rolls of 40" wrapping paper</li><li>Exclusive front load paper dispenser keeps one 40" wrap ready to roll and cut at all times</li><li>Simply put the wrapping paper in the specially re-enforced pocket and you're ready to pull, cut, and wrap at a moments notice."</li></ul><br /><br />Item 3: An all-purpose<a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?sort=-1&itemID=5523&itemType=PRODUCT&AS=1&keyword=storage%20bag&page=1"> "holiday" storage bag</a>. Another candidate for replacement by a box.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ty9HEGmbrA0qZf8HRwkBOjkE1YRXotp-ZOWruFKVWrAsLFruWLLnzzHRqpF2cEPvx3ocUuw_HDxoWH-nc45jrhBJNpmOY1EN48Gu_U9M2HRXz0IWMuvO0EPfXYG4MrRxNFMjkAoX0Xc/s1600-h/bag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ty9HEGmbrA0qZf8HRwkBOjkE1YRXotp-ZOWruFKVWrAsLFruWLLnzzHRqpF2cEPvx3ocUuw_HDxoWH-nc45jrhBJNpmOY1EN48Gu_U9M2HRXz0IWMuvO0EPfXYG4MrRxNFMjkAoX0Xc/s400/bag.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219279147872466530" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not irrational, though! I am willing to tolerate <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=11838">Christmas ornament storage boxes</a> that have insert dividers to keep ornaments from bumping each other and breaking.<br /><br />Item 4: Ribbons apparently need <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102125530&c=">their own box</a>. Who except the gift wrapper at the department store before Christmas needs such a thing? I'll allow you to have lots of ribbons. You can even be neat and put a rubber band around each roll to keep them from getting tangled up. But this? This is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102945/">Sleeping-With-the-Enemy</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.marthastewart.com">Martha Stewart</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive-compulsive_disorder">OCD </a>level neat!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YTHj_lPHZT6AaWlXpo-jff4d9MqiKfg6mVx7ifWuEA8hLhx6NRpAbwQIS79AaTzwbzhAlImTP7En8fjEJmLI7VF0e9P-i6pZs1TesCVMXoJcuvB5503CU9U6o_H7S-FXRpY9hyphenhyphenilFzg/s1600-h/102125530d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YTHj_lPHZT6AaWlXpo-jff4d9MqiKfg6mVx7ifWuEA8hLhx6NRpAbwQIS79AaTzwbzhAlImTP7En8fjEJmLI7VF0e9P-i6pZs1TesCVMXoJcuvB5503CU9U6o_H7S-FXRpY9hyphenhyphenilFzg/s400/102125530d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219285889285044386" border="0" /></a><br />Item 5:<br />I thought shoes came in <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=154&PRODID=61479">boxes</a>?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV-izPI37pUu236r0LUHRjz83GVw6QSbDz1SkH9h4CQSFmGbUQiSWymKNRpfsv2FT3YsuIftoDLmbUA_IvoYuyRytqSUd9dAOgWMg4VJb5lWQcjmCqVSlG02du9GPzJDj3nc1acZAfOI/s1600-h/OurShoeBox_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV-izPI37pUu236r0LUHRjz83GVw6QSbDz1SkH9h4CQSFmGbUQiSWymKNRpfsv2FT3YsuIftoDLmbUA_IvoYuyRytqSUd9dAOgWMg4VJb5lWQcjmCqVSlG02du9GPzJDj3nc1acZAfOI/s400/OurShoeBox_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219649319084116066" border="0" /></a>Item 6: Apparently women aren't the only ones who want cute little boxes for things. Men now want to be able to <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=69657073&c=">load a charcoal grill</a> without getting their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nantucket_Reds">nantucket reds</a> or Tommy Hilfiger shirts dirty. Puh-lease. Put it in a plastic bag for moisture protection.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzevDH6ek5H6q9BAURzp-xHFHZuzXmpHdyhW3UWzoJM-qq-7b2VGnpfbIfDYiEyImBh0raTnrjrOKu7Gern3fSKYjyHkEENEGeCmTg7Tib2ik2jbHOAa5L7mFkWTnKOnvwsr9w_pnl0s/s1600-h/69657073d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzevDH6ek5H6q9BAURzp-xHFHZuzXmpHdyhW3UWzoJM-qq-7b2VGnpfbIfDYiEyImBh0raTnrjrOKu7Gern3fSKYjyHkEENEGeCmTg7Tib2ik2jbHOAa5L7mFkWTnKOnvwsr9w_pnl0s/s400/69657073d.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219286892448870978" border="0" /></a>I am sure there's enough silliness in the outdoor grilling accessories market for another post. But I should go ahead and point out as a public service announcement that this is not the way to start a charcoal grill. <a href="http://www.acehardware.com/sm-grill-life-chimney-charcoal-starter-grill-life-chimney-charcoal-starter--pi-1290264.html">This is</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0s18RGKB_4T86auRbo0vZc6GDoj_gZL1usNu2tdbMKU66s30eajR0gTPVmRpdmlD5MkJj1OrKs2yMZri1rmkjH3sjhVNB_9cHn9q9K_un7mycHHaPm9kSOd6Vms9L5oYvQOq2BRhprk/s1600-h/pACE-988535reg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0s18RGKB_4T86auRbo0vZc6GDoj_gZL1usNu2tdbMKU66s30eajR0gTPVmRpdmlD5MkJj1OrKs2yMZri1rmkjH3sjhVNB_9cHn9q9K_un7mycHHaPm9kSOd6Vms9L5oYvQOq2BRhprk/s400/pACE-988535reg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219287610949426706" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-53609893500123885062009-03-29T12:19:00.001-04:002009-03-29T12:20:59.428-04:00Unnecessary Electricity Usage Edition:My favorite overblown power tool..... the <a href="http://www.movingmomentarily.com/2009/03/escalator-wont-be-moving-momentarily-or.html">escalator</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKEbaegCaPiqGjeE0ZozAQ7YddiNoQ-sXqk0jCTDkvf-u2C_9EnoVAAESvwgw2fzbuw3OOl2QePd2IMsQA3rrTy4a5E5lklx_7NOKkPjCVP9zxtzREBT39xU0Jd2TETKgV71_-dUy880/s1600-h/200px-Escalators_Canary_Wharf.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKEbaegCaPiqGjeE0ZozAQ7YddiNoQ-sXqk0jCTDkvf-u2C_9EnoVAAESvwgw2fzbuw3OOl2QePd2IMsQA3rrTy4a5E5lklx_7NOKkPjCVP9zxtzREBT39xU0Jd2TETKgV71_-dUy880/s400/200px-Escalators_Canary_Wharf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219628779080253186" border="0" /></a>The escalator can go up or down, true.<br /><br />But stairs have the advantage of being infinitely scalable in speed, simultaneously going up and down, adjusting automatically to the needs of users going either direction, and never breaking down.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSIkjNaICsg">Some people would be lost without escalators</a>. Others would just <a href="http://www.adcouncil.org/files/obesity_lostlovehandles_mag.jpg">lose weight</a>. An elevator for people with rolling luggage or strollers would do the trick and be only one thing to have to keep running.<br /><br />According to specifications and OSHA and such, escalators are not stairs and cannot be considered stairs and walking on them cannot be encouraged as the rise/run are too long and out of code.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-81220805975318312892009-03-14T10:58:00.007-04:002009-03-16T08:51:13.903-04:00Stimulus Package Edition: Things We NEED for Problems We HAVEApparently SC Governor <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=218391&title=Clusterf#@k-to-the-Poor-House---GOP-Govs-at-Odds">Mark Sanford</a> <a href="http://wonkette.com/406908/mark-sanford-is-queen-of-welfare-queens">thinks</a> his state <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/13/AR2009031302163.html">does not need</a> a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/14/AR2009031400143.html">stimulus package</a>. This is in spite of the state's <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031104388.html">unemployment </a>numbers (second worst in country) and consistent bottom-3 rankings in education, health, environment, wealth....<br /><br />Here's the letter I sent Sanford:<br /><br />Governor,<br /><br />I am appalled that you are willing to sacrifice the economic future of our state to preen in front of Grover Norquist and Rush Limbaugh. Who do you think you are? This reactionary, narrow-minded, purist conservative philosophy of total reliance on the market and blaming the poor has been thoroughly trashed by the current near-depression.<br /><br />You had an opportunity to show leadership, to build up SC, and maybe even to salvage the bankrupt Republican party by having new ideas for new realities. Instead, you fell back into the narrow politics of the provincial, racist, holier-than-thou Republican office holders who control the state legislature. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, since a person can only act at the level they can think.<br /><br />You should be ashamed of yourself. I am ashamed of seeing my State looking so ridiculous while education, economic production, environment, and health continue to remain at the bottom of all measures in the country.<br /><br />I will be sending a very large check to anyone who challenges you in the next election - or to a fistfight.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Anne LaurenceAnne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-74729012020518615712009-02-21T15:34:00.002-05:002009-02-21T15:35:53.323-05:00Don't You Still Get These Free?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV4O1YaUZGabbY2hZMWjGiY5ALKO2UQ3DgEE8nm-ng39BNQuWs2BRU6kxjmCvdjaVV9wHBNpiom2gTWmpFNwxWBTpOFLbPN4xorOQd_Iw67DH5-7GmwpD2dUhzzcGGnS9DUdpncLiONA/s1600-h/yellowpages.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV4O1YaUZGabbY2hZMWjGiY5ALKO2UQ3DgEE8nm-ng39BNQuWs2BRU6kxjmCvdjaVV9wHBNpiom2gTWmpFNwxWBTpOFLbPN4xorOQd_Iw67DH5-7GmwpD2dUhzzcGGnS9DUdpncLiONA/s400/yellowpages.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305352117734470658" border="0" /></a><br />I could swear I get three new yellowpages a year! Why buy one for a <a href="http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=42820&Category_Code=1007102&Product_Count=59">booster seat </a>made from petroleum based product?!Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-59815207413503677802009-02-18T15:45:00.002-05:002009-02-18T15:45:00.451-05:00Rock, Paper, Scissors, Launcher!Give me a break! A <a href="http://www.physlink.com/estore/cart/ElectricPlaneLauncherKit.cfm?SID=61">gizmo </a>to toss paper airplanes? How many future engineers will play with this and decide "aerodynamics? who needs to learn THAT!? just power through it!" The point of the airplane making is teaching patience, symmetry, care, aim, wind-awareness, lift, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6uiJZRJEzelnhSWcytypWhcZ4yMu9LiRbkOsQxqv9CLQOkxfsUNpX5KvI2T6PeVWTwsCVVEMp-7yvIcBiirA5caqJO71Bjo_X0rpAurvLn_GqoC2szGpnoxfspODRcZ1B2OUYeIBKI/s1600-h/plane.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c6uiJZRJEzelnhSWcytypWhcZ4yMu9LiRbkOsQxqv9CLQOkxfsUNpX5KvI2T6PeVWTwsCVVEMp-7yvIcBiirA5caqJO71Bjo_X0rpAurvLn_GqoC2szGpnoxfspODRcZ1B2OUYeIBKI/s400/plane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303500024732745026" border="0" /></a><br />I just have to say it....if you buy this for your kid....you're a bad father. really.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-11104692108538110242009-02-16T15:40:00.002-05:002009-02-16T15:44:29.281-05:00Not Man Enough for a Nail Gun.......try the self hammering <a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911818000P">hammer</a>...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0eQtX6k3ZvP5h4CLexo_DOXvZYyOn_Oy8d5CoqHXD2RXs3pGieIKcF4Rj27OWPv6GVegUQFFw486NaUVVxwPdkxsYw-MphyduyIlZyCuqIZ_ROlYJ_qY9NlqIZ5_JI2QV8jVGq06Ye0/s1600-h/hammer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0eQtX6k3ZvP5h4CLexo_DOXvZYyOn_Oy8d5CoqHXD2RXs3pGieIKcF4Rj27OWPv6GVegUQFFw486NaUVVxwPdkxsYw-MphyduyIlZyCuqIZ_ROlYJ_qY9NlqIZ5_JI2QV8jVGq06Ye0/s400/hammer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303498214937199602" border="0" /></a><br />Seriously! - this thing is $100! And it does not have a claw to remove nails, so good luck with that if you put it in the wrong spot! Plus, you can't use for all the other things you do with a hammer.....you know what I mean! <br /><br />So you pay a lot, get fewer functions........and solve a problem that a quick bit of practice would fix (hold the hammer at the end not choking it, and keep your eye on the nail....sheez)Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-41181381088707789422009-02-14T21:20:00.002-05:002009-02-14T21:20:09.327-05:00Smaller is More ExpensiveSo this <a href="http://www.gearlog.com/2008/03/iwave_cube_worlds_smallest_mic.php">itty bitty microwave</a> costs $149. I found regular sized ones for that much. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4YPhWQUSRhEtSh6WG7_DjDp2G8u5H4xDgsCQc7ovC2o7E1PiczhyujzaqtsV2vDJ4F7ymgtg1JqRESOuI6U0mjKXq5I7uPbkXjfB3VsUcYASf3QILc6ajMI16oltVJ3JhXsZs3TTwx0/s1600-h/icube.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4YPhWQUSRhEtSh6WG7_DjDp2G8u5H4xDgsCQc7ovC2o7E1PiczhyujzaqtsV2vDJ4F7ymgtg1JqRESOuI6U0mjKXq5I7uPbkXjfB3VsUcYASf3QILc6ajMI16oltVJ3JhXsZs3TTwx0/s400/icube.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300246894959772146" border="0" /></a>So explain to me where you have an office setting, with sufficient reliable power, room to put a microwave safely on a desk.....and yet do not have room for a more versatile and useful larger model?!Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-67964219788974094492009-02-13T21:16:00.002-05:002009-02-13T21:16:01.193-05:00Because Cans Come in 12 PacksOne day I'll total up all the cooler-type gizmos and see what the cost is and compare to the cost of a fridge and the cubic footage.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1NAPU8WEVYn4xNeMiWkCAWwMfHNTzjlVzC-lUYfVyG01bVEVWxahKCCUgwYAMBaEJxC7SLlMpYhqeJtIe0GNqH43aYO7s1SDJ6RhtnQjaJ5oNk-zoSDlmKKjpl56wNSKn7oDIsEsXhc/s1600-h/drink-o-matic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1NAPU8WEVYn4xNeMiWkCAWwMfHNTzjlVzC-lUYfVyG01bVEVWxahKCCUgwYAMBaEJxC7SLlMpYhqeJtIe0GNqH43aYO7s1SDJ6RhtnQjaJ5oNk-zoSDlmKKjpl56wNSKn7oDIsEsXhc/s400/drink-o-matic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300245649746259938" border="0" /></a><br />This <a href="http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20060822/drink-o-matic/">Drink-O-Matic</a> has room for only 10 cans.....so what do you do with the other two?Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-75206904769545696302009-02-12T21:13:00.003-05:002009-02-12T21:13:00.713-05:00Yet Another Refrigerator SubstituteI am stunned....we have cracked the $1000 ceiling at Don't Need, Don't Have. A wine bottle chiller for only three bottles - <a href="http://www.frontgate.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&itemID=17926">Sky Bar</a> - avoids the hassle of tilting bottles to pour them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8j4_DvjFo5HnQFG_qNpVgCOMeKJ2_mQWNBC8APCpegMtSpv3X4hyphenhyphen6xngWYGCZA9skXFYe4Ed6NPJ0OZUxOW_V1J6Xi-GdpKFl79dN0knRBMAC6w681iYKFKRqg1tYtGVrgBXk1rPg4g/s1600-h/skybar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8j4_DvjFo5HnQFG_qNpVgCOMeKJ2_mQWNBC8APCpegMtSpv3X4hyphenhyphen6xngWYGCZA9skXFYe4Ed6NPJ0OZUxOW_V1J6Xi-GdpKFl79dN0knRBMAC6w681iYKFKRqg1tYtGVrgBXk1rPg4g/s400/skybar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300244627044986274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I think my last fridge cost half that....and held a lot more than three bottles of wine.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-53543330757637730482009-02-11T21:10:00.002-05:002009-02-11T21:10:01.049-05:00Laptops without LapsIt is amazing to think there are people who still don't know that if you sit down, you make a lap! For them, there's a way to use a laptop finally! This <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102727191&pnr=M53">desk </a>will eliminate the need to figure out how to form a lap.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzfIXOgB_AfCeMnOG7stXXK4EhYlExARNZ9KteaBXBon6O7GHdjNhwDjkM1_L9IgbVQUeD-hjUjjNUkeyvRmCRusp6Nd-vo561iGprNTO_CLsoXW-xX2ZqXQpZXYbGWzgIsWbalc9Zkg/s1600-h/lap+desk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzfIXOgB_AfCeMnOG7stXXK4EhYlExARNZ9KteaBXBon6O7GHdjNhwDjkM1_L9IgbVQUeD-hjUjjNUkeyvRmCRusp6Nd-vo561iGprNTO_CLsoXW-xX2ZqXQpZXYbGWzgIsWbalc9Zkg/s400/lap+desk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300243772219614802" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-18492272427559906032009-02-10T21:06:00.003-05:002009-02-10T21:06:00.736-05:00More Abuse of the FrenchAs if having "<a href="http://www.frenchsmustard.com/">highway paint</a>" mustard labeled "French's" isn't insulting enough, here's <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102726752&c=&cm_sp=Search-_-Suggested-_-102726752">another wine gizmo</a> requiring power.....and it is blamed on the French. Sacre bleu! A good French waiter can open wine with the simplest of corkscrews. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmMvayV8oiFTkPQth1wpTUTxAWWsZLAOYkUzfuhKhz8v60Yb4LS9TguTWDe_6EnK3JrllqG16VW60cOVBTeGvmm4DZoAHE0gy6VoIDoJ2Sg1nxY5LvOGpNsNehZ0G0lCfBcEALGRMUTc/s1600-h/corkscrew.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmMvayV8oiFTkPQth1wpTUTxAWWsZLAOYkUzfuhKhz8v60Yb4LS9TguTWDe_6EnK3JrllqG16VW60cOVBTeGvmm4DZoAHE0gy6VoIDoJ2Sg1nxY5LvOGpNsNehZ0G0lCfBcEALGRMUTc/s400/corkscrew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300242667294708914" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-26542204176891335182009-02-09T21:04:00.002-05:002009-02-09T21:04:00.968-05:00Keep Your Bathroom Counter Space Pinned DownThe best part of this ad for a<a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/search.htm"> mascara warmer</a> is that it contains the info you need to avoid buying it! "<span class="gry10">For many years, Hollywood makeup artists used hot blow dryers to get the smoothest consistency."<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9AQ_fWW5zQowzRHMjR_ECXWLvPpQZtLm113khB6itS9NrjQFJsNMUOzlawVSgA6PIEDDBSykFAgVXz7M6t7OzMXMxE-LTMZGGF7K0nN6z-2JLHZkDfQDa8OwTbbmgzlBnIBRinckfEc/s1600-h/mascara.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9AQ_fWW5zQowzRHMjR_ECXWLvPpQZtLm113khB6itS9NrjQFJsNMUOzlawVSgA6PIEDDBSykFAgVXz7M6t7OzMXMxE-LTMZGGF7K0nN6z-2JLHZkDfQDa8OwTbbmgzlBnIBRinckfEc/s400/mascara.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300242034162129250" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-71878041450959844922009-02-08T21:01:00.002-05:002009-02-08T21:01:00.796-05:00Safe Place to Store $400Just in case you're worried about your bank, this is a good way to store $400. A <a href="http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102727481&pnr=M53">feng shui compass</a> to help you organize your house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQYdt76Af6Jc4aOWYorFw4x7_njDqkuQGoIEeETSLkbhvbuVxKRY7ejfCUN2b7zGgL5Narc42CIdlgNa5PNJW3aPKLXKfvNoHqlOXK-6FVRGt_puCUHk-E1wyvF5zIWHf8yG0DPvNiP4/s1600-h/fung+shui.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQYdt76Af6Jc4aOWYorFw4x7_njDqkuQGoIEeETSLkbhvbuVxKRY7ejfCUN2b7zGgL5Narc42CIdlgNa5PNJW3aPKLXKfvNoHqlOXK-6FVRGt_puCUHk-E1wyvF5zIWHf8yG0DPvNiP4/s400/fung+shui.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300241324298286978" border="0" /></a><br />Who knew how hard it was to avoid blocking doorways and windows and make sure you can see TV from the couch?!Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-54967552724844852582009-02-07T10:44:00.002-05:002009-02-07T21:36:42.697-05:00Post-Christmas Recession BluesSo many useless items were left on shelves this season. Is there something in the stimulus package for SkyMall?<br /><br />Every year my family gets consumable goodies, a donation to a charity they (and I!) support, and a page out of SkyMall labeled "what you are not getting this year."<br /><br />I've never had someone say they wish I'd gotten them the cooler scooter instead of a donation to the animal shelter.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-66956162933943235832008-12-15T09:48:00.002-05:002009-02-10T09:56:13.639-05:00When 7-11 Is Out of Beef Jerky.....Wow.... wow...Make your own <a href="http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K123583.desc.Jumbo-Jerky-Works-Kit">jerky gizmo</a> .....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhmA_XyDImoVoRTlkQNQqBKfg0lkDzIAU7eymvG4_0u91Zg20MXr2qiBkIHdWUXxPU7WfCaokNd9iHgi2PWWsDHGgjTiRZ9TXBM822YEVVbrT7NR3dvFvS9m4WFCihu-j9GcsFRYOq_0/s1600-h/jerky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhmA_XyDImoVoRTlkQNQqBKfg0lkDzIAU7eymvG4_0u91Zg20MXr2qiBkIHdWUXxPU7WfCaokNd9iHgi2PWWsDHGgjTiRZ9TXBM822YEVVbrT7NR3dvFvS9m4WFCihu-j9GcsFRYOq_0/s400/jerky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300251107777859138" border="0" /></a><br />"Spice up your snacking selection. This versatile kit lets you quickly and easily create your own jerky strips, sticks, or double strips. Add the included spices to your choice of ground meat for flavor that suits your tastes. Includes jerky gun, three attachments, and five spices."<br /><br />$25 buys a lot of jerky at the truck stop.Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-67763446131673821442008-12-07T09:39:00.000-05:002009-02-07T21:43:06.872-05:00Spoons Too Complicated?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EKIBtgq7RTV4-EAO5BeKaTqDnb4nGLDpF7-Jt-Dgf0XBBUSw9gZBgCLKehEZdg3oD7YtBKYQ5_pQ0Wo4kh0L50-0sLd81-PWkTKTgvULKDkolHrRY_2ZnjjutUOdgsT9PemVnCk-68s/s1600-h/84042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EKIBtgq7RTV4-EAO5BeKaTqDnb4nGLDpF7-Jt-Dgf0XBBUSw9gZBgCLKehEZdg3oD7YtBKYQ5_pQ0Wo4kh0L50-0sLd81-PWkTKTgvULKDkolHrRY_2ZnjjutUOdgsT9PemVnCk-68s/s400/84042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277058355929588946" border="0" /></a><br />Who really has so much trouble with pancakes that you need a $30 <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=13196&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C3%2C474%2C10570&iProductID=13196">gizmo </a>to replace a spoon or measuring cup? The spoon and cup you ALREADY HAVE! So when you use for pancakes...it's FREE! Where are you going to find space for this - and look at all the parts to wash! I can hear my Mom now.....Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-33585918097838788972008-12-07T09:35:00.000-05:002008-12-07T09:54:32.026-05:00OK, so Fire inside is OK if it's some Eastern tradition?Good way to set something on fire...<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=13339&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C3%2C474%2C10570&iProductID=13339">Flying Wish Paper</a>! Start a new holiday tradition with family and friends! Write it, light it, let it fly!"<br /><br />Yes, it FLIES!! Be sure to watch the video of it being used INSIDE! The flaming paper flies all over.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOzmauNbOb6EtDBXaDfwi-2stkKyVG3yX0TewIT-dGIGKdtYrG0rwGMrQrBD-S1OwZwzBoN-YUSuidr5H3jehtQT9QVrrYbBljh7uTdtx79nndxXjS-gwVqfuTfoxSG-LpA_BMLSWCgI/s1600-h/84239.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOzmauNbOb6EtDBXaDfwi-2stkKyVG3yX0TewIT-dGIGKdtYrG0rwGMrQrBD-S1OwZwzBoN-YUSuidr5H3jehtQT9QVrrYbBljh7uTdtx79nndxXjS-gwVqfuTfoxSG-LpA_BMLSWCgI/s400/84239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277057384279999138" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-24318370472762961472008-12-07T09:27:00.001-05:002009-02-07T21:42:35.808-05:00Oh, THAT'S How to Pass Germs More Efficiently!In case your guests didn't get a cold from your sneezing in the dip, or greeting all the other guests, or from your molding the cheese ball.....this will ensure that every germ from your kids' germy hands gets on every gumdrop and that any airborne pathogens are caught in the branches and stuck on the gummy gumdrops in this <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=4372&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C10710%2C10713&iProductID=4372">gumdrop tree</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGFSZsK1caDbt092M8wWPpGyWo-VKQjFlgrd60mhUAVvZrhDnz7H82ihEcjVHDO-aX-8kz2irFXKHlNWRnEpsGH_gv9SLt5eDPD__kgTzEA36qL-LZtjOmKiM7DT6XYoI6EtOv4qX7Qw/s1600-h/67248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGFSZsK1caDbt092M8wWPpGyWo-VKQjFlgrd60mhUAVvZrhDnz7H82ihEcjVHDO-aX-8kz2irFXKHlNWRnEpsGH_gv9SLt5eDPD__kgTzEA36qL-LZtjOmKiM7DT6XYoI6EtOv4qX7Qw/s400/67248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277055740698340674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kookaburra not included! ("<span style="font-family:Arial;">Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree, Merry merry king of the bush is he, Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra, Gay your life must be. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree, Eating all the gumdrops he can see; Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra, Leave some gums for me </span>")Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-27418163735673022022008-12-07T09:21:00.000-05:002008-12-07T09:55:24.173-05:00Don't You Have Socks?Remember, posts must be for things that even if useful may be done without a new separate gizmo. Here's a good example. I'm all for multitasking, but if I want to dust my floors, that's what the old atheletic socks are for. When they look grungy I toss in hamper. Same as these <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=11026&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C10087%2C10126%2C10373&iProductID=11026">dusting slippers </a>but cheaper! For $10 I can buy a pack of 10 cheap socks! And - BONUS! - the socks can be worn as socks! These slippers cannot be worn for any other purpose and once they are dirty you have to wash, you can't keep walking around in them like slippers with rubber or leather soles.<br />Plus, they look stupid.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBP-Seh8ww0tIQ_GcYSk3uUyec7SyVmMprV6jnBQdlsUhJZ0MBjdCcom05rGSrrMd9WvuMPlgZYCm7SjOy6FGaCphM8tmotPSnf3Bvxe_9MI87FTeM_vJqdGvIZLEV1njM5uYqGeEuXo/s1600-h/81962.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBP-Seh8ww0tIQ_GcYSk3uUyec7SyVmMprV6jnBQdlsUhJZ0MBjdCcom05rGSrrMd9WvuMPlgZYCm7SjOy6FGaCphM8tmotPSnf3Bvxe_9MI87FTeM_vJqdGvIZLEV1njM5uYqGeEuXo/s400/81962.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277054286634069842" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-15288266596698903082008-12-07T09:13:00.001-05:002009-02-07T21:43:06.873-05:00If there's no fire danger, where's the fun?!The point of S'mores isn't that they are good - they are not - but that you get to learn to build a fire ("no that's a bush not a weed you can't cut it down!"), find a stick ("don't point that at your sister!"), wave flaming (oops) marshmallows around, eat some of the chocolate bars ("you won't have any left!" "Mom, she ate mine!"), and drop the whole ashen thing on the ground.<br /><br />Doing it in the <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=12943&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C10088%2C10113&iProductID=12943">microwave </a>is sooooo beside the point!!!! I despair for kids in a house where this is considered a good idea. I bet the kids get shellacked or laminated every day and wrapped in bubble wrap and are only allowed a snack when they set out matching plates and brush their hair in case there's a cute photo for the scrapbook.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcHssF3wkZe4cZktyRvQB9L7ii-cIdOvlpD_0-a0aJ2x4cLoaBevKq_QeLgf-CMt2oO9RXaQ_hVs8H0EnjiVreN2zIygCiEIHWrOgEb2c4lBsRbG0E0YOKCHuLz-Vcoti-Ua6MFwiGmU/s1600-h/83667.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcHssF3wkZe4cZktyRvQB9L7ii-cIdOvlpD_0-a0aJ2x4cLoaBevKq_QeLgf-CMt2oO9RXaQ_hVs8H0EnjiVreN2zIygCiEIHWrOgEb2c4lBsRbG0E0YOKCHuLz-Vcoti-Ua6MFwiGmU/s400/83667.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277052131301647426" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-38834994143622415722008-12-07T09:01:00.000-05:002009-02-07T21:43:06.873-05:00"Why Don't You Just Walk In There?!"I can hear my mom - with a raised ironic voice - telling me not to yell to my brother and sister. It went like this:<br />(Mom) "Call your brother and sister to dinner."<br />(Me) "PETER!!!!! SALLY!!!!! DIIIIIINNNNEEEERRRRR!"<br />(Mom) "I could have have done that!"<br />(Me) "Then why didn't you?"<br />(Mom) "AAANNNNEEE!!!!"<br />(Me) "Now, who's yelling!?"<br /><br />With <a href="http://www.solutions.com/jump.jsp?itemID=337&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C10087%2C10090%2C10127&iProductID=337">this intercom gadget</a>, we would not have been able have this running gag every day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2Jq8CRBPrSzHqzzKEYfuZIOz-UX5-zk_wqXGTbP5pqNkn72FYYapI0Pp3cZG0aiByOvi1haWgxpOlOP1E2Z0SisgCi7LYnyY2S3SccMRgpWT54JpUpTBOi34LXIIskuo2sHimhtTCpo/s1600-h/6713.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2Jq8CRBPrSzHqzzKEYfuZIOz-UX5-zk_wqXGTbP5pqNkn72FYYapI0Pp3cZG0aiByOvi1haWgxpOlOP1E2Z0SisgCi7LYnyY2S3SccMRgpWT54JpUpTBOi34LXIIskuo2sHimhtTCpo/s400/6713.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277048911892796866" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9086880458241779161.post-23283817746109290362008-12-07T08:55:00.001-05:002009-02-07T21:43:06.874-05:00When You're Too Weak to Lift a Feather"Does the work for you!" it says.....do you have problems getting tired waving a .5 ounce duster around? Then get <a href="http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/godust402.html?gid=HOUSEHOLD">one </a>with batteries that spins!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_01-ygwU3l5ZJOmzTIODMfBKaN7ch8aXl3f8AeOCydFrarlWseHt97E8p-4iYFrUiIIG7TXr6K8T_Em4m9MYXPZ6QKOQZhihDvzLCb2dKHBCgZiWb1QV5m4JFtYKBC_1V4nGahpmhyphenhyphenQ/s1600-h/go_duster_thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_01-ygwU3l5ZJOmzTIODMfBKaN7ch8aXl3f8AeOCydFrarlWseHt97E8p-4iYFrUiIIG7TXr6K8T_Em4m9MYXPZ6QKOQZhihDvzLCb2dKHBCgZiWb1QV5m4JFtYKBC_1V4nGahpmhyphenhyphenQ/s400/go_duster_thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277047074556841138" border="0" /></a>Anne Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17837251449507484236noreply@blogger.com0