My desk is always a mess. It doesn’t matter how many times a day I clear it off, piles of papers and plates of food somehow completely take over my workspace. I’ve pretty much come to terms with this perpetual state of clutter, but I draw the line when there’s nowhere to put my cup of coffee. Seriously, how am I supposed to work if I have to hold my coffee the whole time? And don’t even try suggesting that I skip it…
If you’ve got a knee or a lap, then you’re in luck because the Knee/Lap Mug (ThinkGeek, $15.99) can solve all your lack-of-space-for-a-coffee-cup problems! Available in two designs, this mug will either balance perfectly on your knee or fit in the space between your knees (otherwise known as your lap). Of course, each mug is also equipped with a special flattened base that allows it to be rested on flat surfaces – it wouldn’t really be practical to have a mug you could only set down in your lap, now would it?
While I’m psyched that I don’t have to clean up my desk to enjoy my morning cup of joe, I’m still worried about spilling piping hot java all over my legs. I mean, I’m not exactly the most graceful person. Fellow klutzes: proceed with caution.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ tall
-Capacity: 12oz
-Mug with specialized base
-Available in knee or lap design
-Special flattened base rests on flat surfaces too
-Made of glazed Earthenware
Are you cheese fanatic? Of course you are, I don’t know why I would even ask such a silly question. Cheese enthusiasts know that the best cheese is a fresh cheese, it doesn’t matter if you’re simply snacking or creating a tasty dish. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone uses pre-shredded cheese in their cooking. I mean, you couldn’t put forth the effort and a little bit of elbow grease to personally shred that block of cheddar for the bean dip? That’s the definition of laziness.
There should be no excuse for this level of sloth-like behavior when a device like the Powered Cheese Grater (Hammacher Schlemmer, $59.95) exists. Struggling to shred that block of Parmigiano-Reggiano? No problem! All you have to do is toss your cheese of choice into the pepper mill-sized cheese grater and it’ll do all the hard work for you. Using interchangeable blades, this cordless battery powered grater can shred up to two kinds of cheese at one time. You know what that means? Blended cheeses, my friend.
That’s right, my biggest pet peeve has to do with cheese. What, like it’s weird?
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7.5″ x 3″
-Can shred two kinds of cheese at once
-Interchangeable blades
-Includes lid for storage
-Cordless battery powered (includes AC adapter)
-Operates for 25 min on 4 hour charge
-Hand wash
Have you been outside lately? If you haven’t let me let you in on a little secret: it’s cold out there! Seriously though, it’s more than a bit chilly outside as we coast into the tail end of winter. One of the worst things about cold weather (besides freezing your butt off) is how hard it is to breathe in that frosty air. And if the wind picks up, forget about it. Remember the last time you had the misfortune of breathing at the same time as the wind whipped by your face? It’s like choking on air – wonderful, right?
You could probably get away with wearing a ski mask or a scarf that covers your face, but even then you can’t fully escape the clutches of winter air. The Subzero Warm Breath Mask (Hammacher Schlemmer, $59.95) not only protects your lungs from cold, dry air but it also heats it. Using a microbe-resistant ventilation chamber, the mask keeps moisture off your face while at the same time warming it up to temperatures 40 to 60 degrees warmer than outside air. The mask allows you to take full breaths, which then traps small pockets of warm exhalation and allows you to breathe normally.
Sure, you’ll look a little strange (ok, a lot strange) wearing this contraption, but at least you’ll be able to breathe easy, right? Anyway, it’s got to be better than wearing a ski mask and having people stare at you like you’re gonna rob them.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Humidifies and warms winter air
-Up to 80% humidity
-Temperatures 40° F to 60° F warmer than outside air
-Mask is wind resistant Polartec fleece
-Hook and loop flaps fit over goggles and helmets
-Made of medical grade microbe resistant polyurethane
-One size fits all
Is the government watching your every move? Are you convinced there’s a tap on your phone? Is that an unmarked cop car sitting outside your apartment? Seriously, you’re probably just imagining it. Your life can’t be so interesting that you think someone else really wants to tail your every movement. Although, stranger things have happened so you can’t completely rule it out.
For the easily paranoid, the Hidden Camera Detector (ThinkGeek, $21.99) can help ease your mind. If you think you’re secretly being recorded, this device will detect it. About the size of a lighter, you can carry it everywhere and you’ll always know if someone is recording you because the device will alert you with both a blinking LED light and an audible alarm. With a multi-scanning auto sensitivity tuner and background noise elimination, you can easily detect frequencies between 50 MHz and 3 GHz.
You know how paranoid people like to think that everyone is out to get them? Isn’t that kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy? I mean, if you’re acting all sketch city, sooner or later you’re gonna do something mega crazy and get locked up for it.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Easily detects hidden cameras
-Size similar to lighter
-Auto sensitivity tuner
-Audio and LED alarm
-Background noise elimination
-Multi channel scanning
-Detects frequencies from 50 MHz to 3 GHz
-Uses 2 CR2032 lithium batteries (included)
Can you believe that Halloween is on a Sunday this year? I mean, what a drag! How are you supposed to have any fun on a Sunday night when you have to go to work the next day? The simple answer is you can’t, so you’re much better off having a party the night before. And hey, you’re in luck because not only is that a Saturday, but it’s also Mischief Night!
To make sure your Mischief Night is all that it can be, you’ve got to be prepared. Everyone knows that the most important element is a good toilet papered tree, and the Toilet Paper Prank Pack (Kegworks, $42.50) is perfect for that. The pack includes 12 jumbo rolls of two-ply white toilet tissue, best used for tree decoration but will certainly work for toilet paper mummies. And hey, if you have some left over, this toilet paper can also double as…toilet paper. Shocking, I know.
To be clear, I’m not advocating vandalism of any kind. If you want to decorate your neighbor’s yard, that’s your business. I just wanted to make sure that if you were gonna do it, you were gonna do it right.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.5″ wide; 9″ diameter
-Case of 12
-Two ply jumbo white toilet tissue rolls
-Made in the USA
