The first thing I look for when scoping out a place to live in the number and placement of outlets. For some reason, contractors don’t think these aspects are important and do things like put one outlet in the living room, but seven in a tiny kitchen (all right above the counter top). Since I can’t make outlets appear out of thin air right where I want them (if only!), I have to make do with what I have which pretty much means a lot of messy extension cords all over the place. Or…
…you could use one totally awesome extension cord instead, like the Pivot Power Surge Protector (Vat19, $29.99). Not just an extension cord but also a surge protector, this gadget protects your favorite electronics from getting fried during a storm or other electrical interruption with 672 joules of surge protection. Six outlets independently rotate along the power strip to easily fit around furniture and other objects and the plug itself sits nearly flush with the wall to make it compatible with just about every living/work space. And if your outlet is as far away from its desired electronic device as mine is, don’t fret because the cord on this thing is six feet long!
Just as it’s never a good idea to plug extension cords into one another, it’s also inadvisable to plug one surge protector into another. In this case two is not better than one, it’s a fire hazard.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 17.25″ x 2.25″ x 1.75″ (straightened)
-6′ cord
-Pivots around furniture
-6 outlets independently rotate
-672 joules of surge protection
-Plug sits nearly flush with wall
-Available in white or black
-ETL listed
It seems like I always need to look up just one more thing on my computer and most of the time, I think it’ll be a lot quicker if I don’t bother to turn on the light. That would be fine if I could actually type in the dark with any degree of accuracy, but I can’t. This doesn’t deter me though, as I will continue to misspell each word that I’m trying to type at least twice.
Wouldn’t it be so much easier to just turn on a light? Yup. Am I going to do it? Nope. That’s what the Mantis Multi-Purpose LED Light (Latest Buy, $35.95) is for. Yes, I know that it’s technically a light but it’s not an overhead light so it doesn’t count in my book. This clip-on light features 11 LED lights that can provide up to 30 hours of majestic glow for your keyboard. Also boasting two flip-out legs with rubberized end pieces to prevent slipping, the light can stand up to be used on just about any flat surface. Did you want to read a book whilst traveling without disturbing your neighbor’s sleep cycle? It’s not a problem because this portable light is battery operated for your convenience.
Yet another magical product for the lazy generation. Amen.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Clip on task lamp brightens workspace
-11 LEDs provide illumination
-Approximately 30 hours of light
-2 levels of brightness
-Clip allows light to rotate
-Rubberized end pieces prevent slipping
-Battery operated
-Portable
-2 flip out legs
Guys, why is it so hard to remember to put the seat down? Ladies, why is it so important? Both of these questions seem like they should have logical answers, but they don’t. I’m sure it’s not hard to put the seat down, so I don’t know why guys don’t do it. Likewise, why can’t girls stop complaining about the state of the seat and just look before they sit? The point here is that no one is ever going to stop arguing about this until someone designs a gadget to put an end to this feud.
Oh look at that, the Toilet Seat Lifter (Amazon, $24.99) has arrived! Yes, it still seems as though it is the man’s job to lift and replace the toilet seat, but at least this device makes it almost effortless. Men, step right up – literally, step on the lever to activate the toilet seat lifter. After you’ve done your business, lift your foot off the lever and the seat returns to normal position. There’s no need to make any contact with the toilet seat and you pretty much can’t screw this up (unless you forget to lift the lid in the first place). The apparatus fits any standard toilet and installation is a snap, so there’s really no excuse for future lid mishaps.
Ladies, you’ll have to find something else to complain about. Oh, you’ve already got something? Great.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 17″ x 8″ x 4″
-Weight: 6.5lbs
-Foot activated automatic toilet seat lifter
-Easily mounted to any standard toilet
Do you have a landline at home? I don’t. In fact, most people I know have gotten rid of their landlines because it doesn’t make sense to pay for a house phone and a cell phone. The issue with this is that we forget how nice it is to have a house phone. You don’t have to worry about your phone dying (well, unless you’re on a cordless) or your cheek accidentally making contact with the “end call” button your super sensitive touchscreen. Ah, those were the days…
The iPhone Desktop Handset (Hammacher Schlemmer, $59.95) bridges the telecommunications divide by allowing you to use your newfangled technology with the comfort of the dinosaur gadget. The handset works with any cell phone (as long as it has a standard headphone jack) to basically turn your phone into a landline. The handset itself is powered by your cell phone battery and you can charge your cell phone via USB or wall plug while the handset is in use. Simply place your phone in the center of the handset and connect the jack to be able to revert back to the age of corded telephones. Now you can surf the net and talk on your iPhone without having to switch to speaker!
All your cubicle friends will be sooooo jealous!
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7.25″ x 8″ x 3.25″
-Weight: 1lb
-Transforms iPhone into desktop handset
-Works with any cell phone via standard earbud jack
-Headset powered by iPhone battery
-Handset secured by nonslip silicone pads
-Made of anodized aluminum
One time I was driving from my place to a friend’s house after work, which was about a three hour drive, and I really had to pee. I mean, really had to go. I was probably about 10 miles or so from his house, but I didn’t think I could even make it that long so I pulled over at the next exit and hoped there would be a bathroom nearby. Well, I was in luck because I found a bathroom, it just happened to be in a sketch city gas station. The minute I got in there, I knew I would have preferred to pee my pants. Not only was it disgusting, but I almost got trapped in there and I had left my phone in the car. All signs immediately began to point to panic.
Obviously I (barely) survived, but it made me think twice about randomly selecting public facilities. Since you can’t always choose the cleanest restroom, it pays to be prepared for the worst with the Public Toilet Survival Kit (Perpetual Kid, $4.99). Although this kit won’t make the bathroom any less creepy, it will prepare you to deal with its grossness. Inside the metal tin you get a toilet seat cover (a luxury that gas station bathrooms do not have), two antiseptic wipes (in case you touch anything), and a pair of latex gloves. Better safe than sorry!
The only thing missing from this kit is a mini roll of toilet paper. Chances are, if you’re in a nasty ass bathroom, there isn’t anything but a tiny scrap of toilet paper mocking you from the naked cardboard roll. Do yourself a favor and stash some in this kit.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.75″ x 2″ x 1″ (metal tin)
-Always be prepared for public restrooms
-Includes 1 toilet seat cover, 2 antiseptic wipes, and 1 pair of latex gloves
-Great for travel
