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Winter is arriving all across the country so brrrrr is the word of the day. Instead of being bummed by the chilly weather be inspired to have a little fun. Polar bears in the front yard might just do the trick. While shopping on Amazon.com I came across these cute lighted polar bears.

Each bear has its own UL approved 60 foot electrical cord so they can be arranged close together or if you prefer – further apart. The bare bone metal conctruction shows just a little underneath the polar bear fur. The weather proof tinsel fabric has tiny glass like beads that sparkle like snow flakes. Clear mini lights light up the bears and accentuate their red caps and scarfs.
These friendly polar bears do require some assembly. Once assembled the mother bear measures approximetlely 26 inches tall by 14 inch wide and 32 inches long. The baby bear is smaller and measures approximately 19 inches tall by 9.5 inches wide and 19 inches long.

I like the polar bears since they can visit all winter long. During holiday seasons they add to the décor and between holidays they look great by just reminding us that the winter season is upon us.

Passing through a security check point may be an issue with the 2GB 50 Caliber Flash Drive. Once the image of this flash drive appears on the screen it will undoubtedly be noticed. Not surprising since the outer case of the 50 Caliber Flash Drive is a real brass 50 Caliber Shell.

Water is no issue for the 50 Caliber Flash Drive since it is 100 percent water proof. The upper portion of the bullet fits over the flash drive that is built into the bottom part of the bullet. When capped dirt, dust and most anything else is kept at bay.

Although unique in looks the 50 Caliber Flash Drive operates like any other flash drive. It is plug-n-play while being USB 2.0 compliant. It can be used with Vista, XP, 2000, ME, Linux 2.4 and MAC OS X or above. No drivers are required unless you are using Win 98 – drivers are available by special request.
The 50 Caliber Flash Drive is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

All computer mice are not the same. Some are large, some are small, some are wireless while others tether you to the computer. Who is to say which one is the best one? It is no wonder that hours and hours are spent trying to make a decision.

Small notebook computers appeal to most everyone. They are cute, small enough to carry in purse and provide the means to communicate with people around the world from a table at a favorite coffee shop.

However, many complain of small keyboards, slow processors and as with the Vaio Lifestyle PC – that awful little tracking pointer mouse. There are specialty travel mice but the selection is not overwhelming.

My previous post introduced you to the Z-Nano Optical Mouse. It is a very small computer mouse and may not be right for many users. Today I want to introduce you to the MoGo Wireless (Bluetooth) Mouse. It is larger but it is every bit as odd looking.

The MoGo Wireless Mouse resembles a PCMICA card. In fact the MoGo can be stored and charged inside of a PC Slot of a laptop computer. Although the Mogo is flat there is a small “kick stand” that folds out from the underside. There are two buttons and a scroll function that operate like any other computer mouse. In fact, the MoGo Wireless Mouse offers 800 DPI.

For laptops without a PC slot there is the MoGo Media X54 Wireless Mouse or MoGo Presenter X54 Wireless Mouse which slips easily into an Express/54 slot.

The MoGo Wireless Mice are specifically designed to charge inside either a PC slot or an Express/54 slot. There are no external chargers available. I charge my personal MoGo Wireless Mouse inside the Express/54 slot of my Vaio SR Series laptop and I use it with my Vaio Lifestyle PC while on the go. As long as the laptop has Bluetooth capability the MoGo Mouse will work.

How tiny can a computer mouse get? How about one approximately the size of your thumb? The Z-Nano Optical Laser Mouse has been dubbed the “World’s Smallest Computer Optical Mouse” and is operated by a single finger.

Students are returning to class all over the country. Each one is searching to find a perfectly unique bookbag that will turn heads while serving the purpose of carring thier stuff. Sure most any bag will do in a pinch but why settle if you do not have too.

OGIO Bags offer a good looking and functional way to carry books, laptops, cell phones, gadgets, files and water bottles. The OGIO Hip Hop Messenger Bag is fashionable as well. Multiple colors and fashion designer looks puts these bags in a group of thier own. The roomy outside pockets do not add bulk. Water bottle pockets are easily reached since there is one on each side. Laptops up to 15 inches fits easily inside a padded sleeve.

Bags are often as heavy as their contents. OGIO bags by design are lighter weight. There is a handle on the top as well as shoulder straps that attach on each corner of the bag. The flat design makes for a comfortable ride on the back.

If you are tired of the same lame bags the OGIO Hip Hop Messenger Bag may be a good replacement.

When would you let a rooster into your house? When it is a cool decorative rooster that doubles as a fan. Standing at just 20-inches tall this designer rooster can sit on a side table or desk providing both design interest and a cooling breeze. In the hands of an artist a piece of quality cast metal can become a thing of beauty as well as a useful household item.

This country rooster houses a 3 bladed fan inside of its body that is powered by a 20-watt copper-spun motor. The open beak and the high curved tail feathers shows a bit of attitude. The feet set wide apart so that stability is not an issue.

Cooling a warm spot in your house is often more utilitarian than decorative. It is nice to know that function can be achieved without putting a black eye on interior design. Those that are impossible to buy for would have to smile if you gave them a rooster like this one.

Shopping lists may be the most forgotten item as we head out of the house. Items have been accumulating on that list for the past week but once at the store hardly one of them will come to mind. The SmartShopper is an electronic gadget that will, at the least, make planning a shopping trip more fun. Enter any item or errand destination by voice and then print out a hard copy. Errands will be listed alphabetically and grocery items will be listed according to the category.

There are two versions if the SmartShopper. One sells for approximately $40-$50 and the Deluxe model sells for just under $100. Both are silver in color and look pretty cool. Personally the SmartShopper Deluxe (as pictured) is my favorite.

The morning of June 19th I stood in line for my second time in order to get my hands on the latest iPhone. This time the iPhone 3G S was the shiny new object of my desire. Apple and AT&T had me at the first promise of increased speed, video and of course copy-cut-past. The 3 megapixel camera is an improvement over the iPhone 3G’s 2 megapixel but I would have liked to have more. Between the two I cannot see any difference in size, materials or placement of buttons.

I have not tried all of the new features yet but I am excited over those that I have. Snapping pictures is fun due to the little blue square. Up-close photos are some of my favorites and the little blue square focuses in pretty tight. I was surprised however that I was unable to send a photo attached MMS. The iPhone 3G S is capable but apparently AT&T is not ready to provide the service. Hopefully the “later this summer” promise will come true sooner rather than later. A workaround is available and it works well. In order to send a photo to my daughter over MMS I have to email it from my iPhone. First I snap the picture, and then I bring up the email icon. I enter her cell phone number followed by a “@” and then type vzwpix.com (she is with Verizon). She receives the picture through MMS even though I emailed it from my end.

The battery life is difficult to test but I believe that is improved as well. Taking videos, snapping pictures, emailing, making calls and surfing the web multiple times throughout yesterday I was unable to completely run the battery down. I really like the setting that tells me the percentage of battery life left in addition to the battery life icon.

If you had read my earlier posts about my iPhone 3G you may remember that I have not been a fan of updates to my iPhone that was rumored to slow it down and interfere with the good connection rate that I enjoyed. I am glad that now I can enjoy updates and new apps without the stress. My goal is to enjoy the best features of an iPhone 3G S combined with every available feature that I can gain towards my Windows Mobile wish list all in one.

Sometimes I feel like the only person on earth that cannot find a comfortable pair of headphones. Dramatics aside, does anyone enjoy wearing ear buds that feel as though they are trying to permanently stretch the inside of your ears? At first they feel good and you say to yourself “maybe I have finally gotten past the painful stage”. Then fifteen minutes later – about the time they need to be adjusted – the painful burning begins. So, do you leave them in not? Personally I cringe and then quickly remove them.

Years ago I purchased a Sony Walkman Sports Radio. It is one of the gadgets that I have kept and continued to use although technology has passed it by. Actually, the radio is not my favorite, the headphones that came with it are. They are very thin, easily adjusted and they sit just inside of my ears – pain free.

Now there may be another set of headphones that I could love. The Audio Bone headphones are quite expensive but the price may be worth it. Bone Conduction Technology works by transmitting vibrations to the inner ear via the bone in front of the ears instead of through the eardrum – inside of the ear. Not only do you have a better chance of protecting your hearing but they are more comfortable as well. Big ears or small ears the fit is the same.

The Audio Bone headphones may not please everyone. Those that are looking for the highest quality sound like they would get through a set of noise canceling Bose ear buds may want to pass. After all, the design of the Audio Bone headphones are meant to allow for the surrounding sounds to be heard. This is another reason that I like them. Real life sounds are important to runners, walkers and even cyclists.

The naked iPhone 3G is gorgeous and very tough when it comes to scratches. Still there are those that prefer to cover it up. Secure grip and extra protection – not to mention the added personalization that comes with products like DomeSkin for iPhone 3G are more than enough reasons to make their point. No matter what side of the argument you find yourself on I hope open minds will prevail.

The DomeSkin iPhone 3G skin is reusable. If one is placed onto an iPhone it can easily be removed. No residue is left behind and it will adhere as well the second time as the first. Designs vary and include Fleur De Lys, Garden of Earthly Delights, Skull and Jackpot.

• The Fleur De Lys – As the name reveals the colors are black and white and the design is a repeat of the Fleur De Lys on the front and back skins.
• Garden of Earthly Delights – The most noticeable colors is white, pink and black. There are flowers and leaves lining the edges of both the front and back skins.
• Skull – The predominant colors are black, red and white. The Skulls are almost abstract so do not be afraid of this one. The back skin is a repeat of the front skin.
• Jackpot – Front is mostly black and red with “Ace” cards and Poker chips along one side. The back is a repeat of the front except with more detail with an added set of dice.

At approximately $15 each the DomeSkin skins are reasonably priced and would be a great change of pace. From day to day we all wake up in moods that are different than the day before. Celebrating those moods is fun and may open up new conversations and networking possibilities. To return to your real self just take the DomeSkin off and no one will be the wiser.