THE GIFT OF GADGETS FOR TODAY'S MAN, IT'S THE USEFUL AND THE FOOSBALL.Byline: Evan Henerson Staff Writer Men are supposed to be simple creatures with basic primitive needs. Give us tools, electronics and the occasional automotive enhancement and we're happier than a caveman around a campfire. Don't even bother with the wrapping paper Noun 1. wrapping paper - a tough paper used for wrapping kraft, kraft paper - strong wrapping paper made from pulp processed with a sulfur solution butcher paper - a strong wrapping paper that resists penetration by blood or meat fluids , right? Well, usually. But we like surprises and conveniences as much as the next fella - especially when that pesky wrapping paper discloses something we didn't even know existed, but now discover we can't live without. Here is a selection of devices in varying price ranges that any self- respecting male should be delighted to help enhance his cave ... er ... home. In no particular order: 1. VCR VCR: see videocassette recorder. VCR in full videocassette recorder Electromechanical device that records, stores on a videotape cassette, and plays back on a TV set recorded images and sound. and DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. : Video or DVD ... DVD or video. Can't decide? With the Samsung DVD-v1000, you don't have to. This handy combination VCR and DVD player A stand-alone device that plays DVDs. It contains a DVD drive and the electronics to decode the digital video. The device may play only manufactured DVDs, or it may be able to play DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs. DVD players are cabled to a TV or home theater system for display. is the sophisticated couch potato's fantasy made real. About the only thing that would top it is the single all-purpose remote control. $299.99 at Best Buy. 2. Talking beer opener: OK, so it's more like a stocking stuffer and certainly a conversation piece, but here's a little item that falls squarely into the category of pointless but essential. Pop a brew, and the opener greets you with ``Oh, yeah! Time for a beer!'' Subsequent customized versions are tailored to Corona, Miller and the Three Stooges Three Stooges U.S. comedy team. It was originally formed as a vaudeville team in 1923 by brothers Moe and Shemp Howard (1897–1975, 1900–55), who performed with “Ted Healy and His Stooges. . No word whether they'll self destruct de·struct n. The intentional, usually remote-controlled destruction of a space vehicle, rocket, or missile after launching, as for defective performance or reasons of safety. v. if used to open a Coke bottle. $7.95. Call (800) 535-0131 or go online at www.talkingbeeropener.com. 3. Desktop fridge: Convenient, portable and ideal for your work space, nightstand night·stand n. See night table. , car or RV, the desktop refrigerator by Coldmate comfortably houses a six pack. Sandwiches or a small plate of leftovers might also be held in a pinch. $100 at Brookstone. 4. Parking assistant: Say goodbye to bumper dings and dents caused by your own garage. Stashed, fittingly, in the ``cool stuff'' aisle at Radio Shack See RadioShack. , the Ultrasonic Parking Alert will let you know if you're getting too close to a wall. Green light and buzzer means you're getting close. Red light, stop, you're there! $29.99. 5. Portable grill: Two words we just love especially when put together. When not on the go, this little number by Char-Broil will fit an apartment, condo or patio. It comes with a 14-pound LP tank, but can also take a 20-pound cylinder. The push-button (electronics) push-button - A roughly fingertip-sized plastic cover attached to a spring-loaded, normally-open switch, which, when pressed, closes the switch. Typical examples are the keys on a computer or calculator keyboard and mouse buttons. ignition system ignition system In a gasoline engine, the means used for producing an electric spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders to produce the motive force. The ignition system consists of a storage battery recharged by a generator, an induction coil, a device to makes lighting easy every time, although most barbecuing men enjoy more of a challenge than that. $136 at Home Depot. 6. Point and shoot camera: A stocking stuffer (it's certainly small enough) that also happens to be a special gift. The Canon Elph LT260 is about the size of a cassette tape and looks like something that James Bond might pull out of his bag of tricks. It is also, the salespeople at Ritz assure me, practically idiot proof. $129.95 at Ritz. 7. Portable lapdesk: They can't make these things convenient enough. Just ask anybody who ever tried to compose a masterpiece on the road or at a crowded Starbucks. Dubbed the ``world's smallest desk,'' the Intrigo Lapstation Pro comes with accessory expansion ports and - you gotta love this - shock absorbers Shock absorbers See: Circuit breakers . $79 at Jay's Luggage and Gifts. 8. Foosball table: Granted, the man in your life needs both the space for this and a willing opponent, but what male who ever spent time in a dorm or bar didn't have a passing dream about owning a table of his very own. At Sears, where the item is on sale for $99.99, they call it a Harvard Match Soccer Table. 9. Folding work bench: Another multipurpose mul·ti·pur·pose adj. Designed or used for several purposes: a multipurpose room; multipurpose software. multipurpose Adjective item essential for any tool shed. Made by ZAG, it's a bench, a vise or a sawhorse with storage space for vice clamps, drills and fasteners. $40 at most hardware stores and home centers. 10. Electric screwdriver: Easily, the world's most all-purpose tool without which no home is complete. Shown on the cover is the Igo Grip & Drive that's sleek, lightweight, powerful and, at $9.99, hardly a budget breaker. Available at most home-improvement stores. CAPTION(S): 10 photos Photo: (1 -- cover -- color) Electric screwdriver (2 -- color) VCR and DVD (3 -- color) Talking beer opener (4 -- color) Desktop fridge (5 -- color) Parking assistant (6 -- color) Portable grill (7 -- color) Point and shoot camera (8 -- color) Portable lapdesk (9 -- color) Foosball table (10 -- color) Folding work bench |
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