I know it’s not that big of a deal to go up to someone and ask them to take your picture, but why rely on other people when you can be completely self sufficient? The QuikPod (Latest Buy, $29.95) makes it possible for you to live a somewhat private experience while vacationing, yet still allowing for the documentation of your trip. Compatible with most digital still and video cameras, this pocket-sized tripod uses a self image mirror that allows you to see exactly where your viewfinder is pointed, ensuring that all your photos are perfectly shot sans stranger. It even comes with a multitude of clip-on attachments as well as a wrist strap so this little gadget will always be handy, wherever you may be when you need it.

I’m always paranoid when someone asks me to take their picture that I’m going to screw it up. I mean, with a digital camera the worst thing that can happen is that you have to take a few photos before you get a good one, right? Or you could accidentally break a stranger’s camera, they could start screaming at you, and both your vacations are ruined. See how this tripod could come in handy?

4 out of 5 stars.

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They might be lacking on the sophistication scale, but these corn holders definitely made up for it in the innovation department. Let’s face it, corn holders are somewhat necessary, but usually completely boring. Yes, you could just hold that corn cob directly with your two hands…if you were a BARBARIAN. Us classy folks know that the only way to enjoy a good cluster of kernels is with aid of a corn holder. You could go with plain old corn holders, ones lacking excitement and flair. You could even try using corn holders shaped like corn cobs, one of my personal favorites up until now. All the other options out there pale in comparison when you see these corn holders – just the very thought of using a unicorn horn to spear a corn cob puts a smile on my face.

Unicorns are real. I saw one once, true story. He was wearing a stable horse disguise, but I knew he was really a unicorn. It was totally obvious. I mean, why else would such a majestic horse be hanging around in a field next to a rainbow?

5 out of 5 stars.

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With the Universal Gadget Wrist Charger (ThinkGeek, $34.99), you’ll never again be forced to suffer through a boring car ride or lecture series without your favorite portable electronic. This seemingly innocuous wristband is actually a battery powerhouse, connecting to your device and charging it up while you use it. The wristband uses a mini USB cable and one of nine included connectors to attach itself to your gadget of choice, prolonging its runtime. When you get to your destination (or just near a wall outlet), you can charge the wristband’s rechargeable Lithium ion battery with the cable provided to ensure that your backup power source is always at the ready.

I would be wearing this baby 24/7. Do you know how many times I’ve put off an important phone call, only to make it and then have my iPhone die about five minutes into the call? The answer is pretty much every time. The only time my iPhone is decently charged is when I don’t need to use it. It can go from 100% to 15% as soon as it learns that I have something to do. It’s like it knows that I can’t talk on my iPhone and charge it at the same time (since the cable is about half an inch long). It’s time to show that iPhone who’s the boss.*

5 out of 5 stars.

*and I don’t mean Tony Danza.

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So you can’t look at the Five Finger Fillet Steak Knives (Perpetual Kid, $59.99) as just a set of knives because they’re so much more than that. Sure, this set of six stainless steel knives can be used traditionally for meals and such, but you’ve got to think outside the box. With such a creative presentation, the first thing that comes to my mind is self defense. I mean, they’re super sharp, durable, and apparently fit very nicely either between someone’s fingers or in the middle of their hand. Now that I think about it, these would probably work for some kind of circus act. You know, like a knifethrower and his lovely assistant? Just think of how awesome that would be!

See, the trick here is to look at the bottom line and then divide it by how many “deals” you’re getting. These can range from the blatantly obvious (2 shirts for $25, divide by 2), slightly more creative (one dress equals an entire outfit so divide by 2 or 3), and the generally absurd (spending $250 to get free shipping when all you wanted was one $40 item).

3 out of 5 stars.

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Fluctuations in your core body temperature are known to disrupt your sleep patterns, something the Temperature Regulating Blanket (Hammacher Schlemmer, $99.95 – $149.95) seeks to remedy. No one likes going to bed in a perfect homeostasis only to wake up drenched in sweat, especially when you’re sharing the bed with someone else. Then it gets even more difficult to figure out the perfect sleep temperature so that everyone is comfortable. Inevitably, someone will wake up in the middle of the night completely miserable because of a preventable temperature issue. To that end, this blanket utilizes millions of invisible microcapsules along with the aid of NASA technology to keep you content while you sleep. How it works is that the excess heat from your body is absorbed by the blanket when you’re warm and then that stored heat is released when your body temperature drops. This makes it ideal of two people as the fabric will adjust to each individual’s micro-climate without disturbing the other.

Those NASA guys sure know their stuff. I mean, who else would have thought of using a blanket to cool themselves down? It’s either the dumbest or the smartest idea I’ve ever heard. I’ll get back to you when I decide which.

5 out of 5 stars.

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