Empire State Birdfeeder

We're in New York for New Year's. The city that never sleeps. Nor do it's visitors. When am I coming back so I can get some rest? Oh, yeah, that's what work is for.

I'm thinking about bringing some of the Big Apple back with me. (No, not bags under my eyes from too many late nights, smarty pants.)

If you must know, I'm actually thinking of this birdfeeder in the shape of the Empire State building.

Relax, it's only 24 inches high. No zoning laws to contend with. The Donald doesn't need to get involved. I like it even more now.

Uncommon Goods

Zunafish

OK, let's talk. You got a lot of crap for Christmas that you couldn't care less about.

You could host a regifting party. They are always fun, but then you're stuck with stuff your friends didn't want either.

Instead, open up an account on Zunafish. It's a web site designed for trading things like CDs, DVDs, books and games.

Where's the category for ugly sweaters knitted by your Aunt Vera, you ask? Sorry, no one has a web site for that kind of ugly.

Zunafish

Sock And Awe

Back at work on the day after Christmas? They can't really expect you to work today. So don't.

Instead, train for the Iraqi press corp. No need to learn a foreign language (we're Americans, darn it). No need to take notes or even learn how to use a camera.

Instead, simply practice your throwing skills. A website has recreated the infamous press conference with President Bush in Iraq. You get 30 seconds to play.

My top score is 5. Can you beat that?

Sock and Awe

Build A Beard

Always wanted to know what you'd look like with facial hair? Humor me and pretend.

A group known as atto will donate a dollar into your Kiva account for every picture you send with a mustache or beard. Kiva helps people like us lend money to struggling entrepreneurs in developing countries. (Loan sharks need not apply.)

Can't grow facial hair? Download a stache from their site, print and apply to your face. Or just Photoshop it.

It will be a fun project for the family on Christmas Eve. Beards like ZZ Top to Santa to Abe Lincoln - something for everyone. And it is for a good cause.

Build A Beard
Kiva

Frozen Spoons

Ice cube spoon molds. Who would have thought? They look like they would be great for cocktails. You know, maybe a mojito?

Better hurry though. One tray makes only two spoons. A good set of utensils really should start with at least 12 place settings. That's a lot of freezing that you're going to have to do before your New Years party.

A few words of caution though. Don't use these with hot chocolate. Or soup. And don't set the table the night before with these babies.

Did I really have to tell you that? Probably, huh?

Miles Kimball

Better than Solitaire

Got five minutes to waste? C'mon, it's Friday. What else do you have to do? Work...? Fuhgedaboudit!

Go to Adobecards.com to watch some amazing creativity.

You're in control - choose to advance the story (or not - which is just as fun). Use the slider tool at the bottom of the screen to move forward or stop the action and watch the movement of that moment.

Yes, it is an advertisement for Adobe, but the details and graphics are incredible.

You don't want to mess with that Queen of Hearts though. She'll kill you.

AdobeCards

No More Boring Walls

Yea! You've got sheetrock on your walls. Yawn. Yeah, they are boring.


Add some sculptural interest to your walls with products from re:Modern. Their wall tiles come in a variety of shapes, such as seesaw (shown), acoustic weave and 3-D ripples.

You can create your own design by rotating them, adjusting levels and painting them.

Everyone knows that flat walls are so yesteday. And I've got plaster walls. I know, I know. I'm really behind the times.

re:Modern

Willow Creek Press

Willow Creek Press is a publisher that has created a humorous line of dog picture books, such as Pug Mugs - Good Pugs Gone Bad.

The dogs featured in Pug Mugs have all been charged with a variety of crimes. Each page turner includes photos of the perps and descriptions of their crime, such as soliciting, petty theft, bribery, attempted homicide (calm down, it's just a photo of pug with a plush toy).

The books and photos capture the bad dog spirit. Go to their web site to look for books and calendars of other breeds.

Luckily, I didn't see pictures of my dogs in there. I can't afford the bail.

Willow Creek Press

What do you wish to happen by the end of the day?

Here's an interesting experiment. Stand on a street corner with a video camera and ask 50 people the same question. Record their answers and put it on a web site.

OK, maybe you should leave it to the professionals, and avoid getting arrested.

What do you wish to happen by the end of the day?

Watch the video, which runs approximately five minutes. You'll be glad you did. It's fascinating to see the range of answers delivered.

And then ask yourself the same question.

Fifty People One Question

Road Tested Chair

Yeah it's a chair. But, is it me or does it look a little uncomfortable? I'll take the couch. You sit on it.

I do love the chair though for its style. And the lights. They actually do work and even come with a remote control.

Make your mother-in-law sit there when she visits for the holidays. She won't get how cool the chair is. And she'll want to leave early because she's uncomfortable. Win-win!

Order now for next year. It takes 14-16 weeks to build and deliver. Sorry, this holiday, you're on your own.

Uncommon Goods

Stone Lighting

The right level of lighting in your backyard can be difficult to accomplish. Candles blow out too easily. Landscape lights are too low to the ground (though your shoes sure look great!). Don't even get me started on harsh porch lighting... The right lighting is critical to your outdoor soiree.

I think I've fallen for Oluce's outdoor lights. Made of durable, weather-tested polyethylene, these fixtures mimic the shape of rocks, but light up to cast a soft glow.

Maybe you should think about getting some for your backyard. What's that about glass houses and stone throwing? Well, okay, I guess I could get some for my own yard as well.

Nova68

BiteMe Spears

Who's your pet's favorite celebrity? Forget a star on the sidewalk or handprints in cement. Hollywood actors know the true measure of success when they've been remade into a dog toy. Yeah, that's ruff (get it?).

There's Brad Pittbull, Angelina Grrrowlie, Clint Eastwoof, Sara Jessica Barker and Bruce Woofless.

Although the next time my little dog "Oops, I did it again", I'm taking away her BiteMe Spears. You know, she's got a drinking problem. The dog I mean, not the celebrity. Although . . .

Hollywoof

Cookie Play Dough

So, I was once again searching online for something to send to my nieces for Christmas. And then I found this.

Cookie dough that comes in four colors (red, green, blue and yellow). The packaging is reminiscent of Play-Doh, the kid's toy.

And the makers of this cookie dough encourage the little ones to play with it while they create cookie designs.

I'm not sure if this is making my hungry or sick. I'll let you know once the cookies are finished baking.

1-800-Bakery

Candy Cane Shot Glasses

OK, I'll let you in on something early, that way you have plenty of time to order.

If you're having a holiday party, buy some of these candy cane shot glasses. Yeah, they're made from candy canes! Go figure.

Drink up, then eat up. No dishes to wash and you have a sugar rush with fresh breath. Although you'll probably need to wash your hands, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Please don't use these with peppermint schnapps. Might be a little peppermint-over-kill.
Fred Flare