Be Smart

If you don't know the Instructables site, you should. Here you can find directions for making a near-unbelievable array of stuff. And if you aren't up for actually making something, Instructables is perfect for your fantasy life: you can dream dream dream about how organized you'd be, how productive, how domestically thrifty, if you only had the time.....

And, speaking of time, just in time for holiday overindulgence Instructables brings you DIY imitation Alka-Seltzer. I gotta say I'd probably be willing to pay the 50 cents per dose for the Real Thing--or look for a sale--rather than launch a domestic chem lab. But perhaps you didn't have an, um, explosively messy experience in high-school chemistry. I did, and it cured me of any impulse toward amateur alchemy.

If you decide to tackle making this literal home remedy, it's probably not a good idea to wait until you're actually hungover.

Uncrate has kindly alerted its readers to the Super Spy lens, which uses the magic of mirrors to allow photographers to point their camera one way but shoot a picture the other. It's ideal for candid shots - or for stalking, I guess - but I only hope people use it ethically. (Translation: no posting pictures of me on the Internet without my permission, people!)

Buy it here, I'm assuming for any SLR.

For well over a year, the rumors of a Google phone have been running rampant. After the iPhone made its debut a year and a half ago, hopeful Google-lovers have been fantasizing that the Google phone would address all the shortcomings of the beautiful, but in some ways, limited, Apple smartphone.

I've been using the iPhone since it arrived in June 2007. Then I happily upgraded to the 3G model this past July. I love it and couldn't live without it, but I too was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the first Google phone. After side by side usage for a while, I've decided that the iPhone and the Google G1 are very different, and made for very different users. The iPhone is beautiful, simple, and a great media player, but the Google phone is a super-fast, highly customizable extra-smart smartphone.

I'm not the kind of girl who often has the need for 15 to 20 feet of 550-pound test paracord (I'd rather walk over hot coals than camp again, and don't get me started on extreme sports) but if you're a more rugged type than me, you might be interested in this survival bracelet from Survival Straps.

Not only does it look good as a piece of rugged, rustic jewelry, it can be unwound if you're ever in a sticky situation, and once you've made it back to safety (crossed a river, made it down a mountain, whatever) just send it back for re-winding. Prices start at $20. I'd like to see Tiffany try to match that.

Via Boing Boing Gadgets.

Oeuf Squeeze Me mittens are no ordinary gloves - not only are they cosy, they have an attached glove area for your child to slip their hand into, allowing them to stay warm whilst holding onto you.

They're made of 100% alpaca wool, which (I know, having attending an alpaca fair earlier this year - don't ask) is super warm and luxurious and you can buy them here in black, brown or pink.

At $58, they're not the cheapest but you can bask in the knowledge that you're helping an indigenous woman in Bolivia to clothe and care for her own kids.

Via Crafty Crafty.

Now here's something you don't see every day: 950,000 volts of stun power at your fingertips, in the shape of brass knuckles.

With this gadget, you can protect yourself without having to lug around pepper spray or a taser - with the added benefit of looking like a total badass.

Blast Knuckles would be great for your glove box, to wear as you walk through the parking lot or garage at night, or while you're running on the trail. And they're not messing around; the 950,000 volts they're packing will incapacitate anyone for five to ten minutes, and because you wear them on your hand, an assailant can't take them from you.

They're available from several retailers, including this one, for about $50, but you'll need to check to see if they're legal where you live. That's right: they're so tough, they're not even legal in all fifty states.

I predict that anyone who's willing to wear these as they stride through the wide world probably isn't in danger of being attacked anyway, but it's nice to have almost a million volts of insurance, just in case.

Peek



Have you been considering getting a laptop or Blackberry for your tech-challenged relative because they're out of the loop since the rest of the family communicates via email? You probably have hesitated thinking of the endless tech support that you'll doubtlessly be providing over the years. No need for that with the Peek- an email only device which is as slim and stylish as a new smartphone but is super-simple as it's used for email only. And no need for setting up wireless networks or anything else- the Peek comes with its own nationwide cellular network. It's not a phone or a music player or a camera- it's for email, which is made easy with a full qwerty keyboard. And the Peek now supports text messages too. And you can stop dodging phone calls from your Dad, fearing it's another call for computer setup. The Peek is $99.95 and the monthly service is $19.95. (Mia)

Orbit Speaker



At $39.99, the Orbit MP3 speaker system from Altec Lansing is a perfect gift for any music lover on your shopping list.
It easily connects to portable CD players, MP3 players, music-enabled phones, laptops and other audio devices, including iPod and iPhone. Plays for up to 24 hours on 3 AAA batteries. The design does more than provide a cuteness factor since it provides a 360-degree sound field. Good sound in a small package. And did we mention that it's only $39.99? (Amazon.) (Evan)

Discovery Sound Lab



For the budding engineer in your child, this device promises an exciting time in carrying out sound experiments by wiring up the provided circuits. The digital sound and electricity lab is safe and does not require any additional tools or soldering. All you need is to be prepared to hear a range of modulated sounds through the day as your kids explore the lab. Available from Amazon for $27.97 (Kanchana)

Tanita Pedometer



If there's a fitness buff on your Christmas list, they'll be delighted with the new Tanita Pedometer 724 for one reason -- it utilizes unique technology that allows you to carry the pedometer in your pocket or around your neck instead of the traditional method of clipping it to your belt. Apparently, 10,000 steps a day is the recommended amount of walking for long term health and reducing chronic risk of disease. For successful, sustained weight loss, 12,000-15,000 steps a day is recommended. And for those of you that want to burn as many calories as possible during the day, make 3,000 or more of your daily steps fast. We like it because it's easy to use and features a panic alarm in case you're threatened while out walking. $34.99 at The Competitive Edge. Also, because we're going to need to use it after we consume all that Christmas candy. Dark chocolate anyone? (Evan)

Funkeyboards



If you think that black and white keyboards are so boring and could do with some colors and designs, look no further than funkeyboards. These are jazzy stickers shaped to fit your keyboard transforming them into cool looking accessories.The fluorescent print reflects any light source such as the monitor, making the keyboard letters glow. Get one at $9.99 (Kanchana)

Spell it Chanukah, Hanukah, or even Hanukkah. It's the 8-day Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights. It usually falls in December and often overlaps with Christmas. This is one of those years. Chanukah begins at sundown December 21.

Among Chanukah traditions is a children's toy: the four-sided top called the dreidel, which is used in a game and is the subject of a bouncy nonsense song.

The song says dreidels are made of clay, although they are usually made of wood. But detailed instructions for making a dreidel out of--wait for it--a cereal box can be found here. Here is the Star Wars site, which promotes everything connected with guess what movies, video games, and even--it was probably inevitable--a touring musical.

What does a dreidel have to do with Star Wars? The Star Wars dreidel is actually a droidel, so named because it melds R2D2 with the top. Marketing genius.

Some of our editors' favorite tech toys - to give or receive:

DIANE'S FAVORITES

Chumby - clock radio plus widgets

Chumby, which sells for about $180, may be one of the best inventions we've seen all year. Deceptively simple (and sweet!) to look at, its furry exterior contains a screen which can showcase pictures, play TV shows and podcasts and stream eBay, Facebook, Twitter and more from your computer (download widgets to expand these already impressive specs). And it's an alarm clock, too!

Vuxis iWear - video eyewear

The downside to watching TV and movies on your laptop is that you can sometimes be overcome with the urge to check your email or Tweet about what you're doing. Next thing you know, your relaxing evening's been abandoned as you discuss the finer points of John Waters' oeuvre... With some Vuxiz iWear, however, you can switch off your mind, wrap your movie around your head and settle back for an intense viewing experience. And gamers LOVE them! Priced from $145. (OLED and wide screen versions are also available).

Rolleiflex digital camera

The original Rolleiflex camera with its waist-level viewfinder was a design classic that went out of style as cameras became more sophisticated (and we started holding them up to our eyes and stuff). Now it's back, in a new digital version, and it's better looking than ever, in a choice of classic black or this vibrant seasonal red. It has 5 megapixels and a 1.1 inch square TFT LCD screen. The price of nostalgia? From around $339.

Touchsmart desktop

Finally, if you've had enough of hearing about netbooks, don't want to buy a laptop, and money is no object when purchasing a computer for the love of your life, look no further than HP's posh and pretty Touchsmart desktop for $1,299. Who needs Apple?!

Bladestar indoor flyer

The Bladestar is a cool radio-controlled flying toy for kids ages 8 and up. The Bladestar is an indoor flying star with motion sensors that allow it to avoid people, walls, and other options while gliding around the house. You can buy the Bladestar for about $19 at Amazon.
Youtube demo: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=XEuw86on0f4

There's still time to pick up a few environmentally responsible gifts for the holidays. Even gadget lovers can go eco-green.

Polaroid PoGo Portable Printer

This is the Polaroid for the digital age. Create high quality photos on the go with this very compact printer. Prints directly from cell phones, cameras, and other devices via Bluetooth. Uses Polaroid's special ZINK paper technology instead of ink, so you can be environmentally conscious and free of worry about running out of ink. Available for around $100 at Best Buy. Also available at Amazon.(Brian)

Nomad Modular Screen

If you know someone whose home or apartment could use a quick makeover, the Nomad Modular Screen system would be a wise gift. Each Nomad set consists of 24 recycled, double-colored cardboard creations (or modules) with slotted corners that fit into each other for quickly setting up personalized indoor spaces. Without the need to use any tools or cause damage to existing structures, Nomad can help create partitions, display backdrops, or just attractive screens in any desired order of arrangement. Available in a choice of three colors at $56 per set of 24 modules. (Kanchana)

Solar laptop bag

A laptop bag might not be the most exciting gift, but if you know someone trying to green up their life it could be a very useful one - for them and the environment. The new Generator bag by Voltaic Systems is powerful enough to charge an entire laptop (an hour in the sun will get you 20 to 45 minutes of typing time). It costs $499, including special adapters for all your gadget needs. Not cheap, but oh-so worth it. (Diane)

Pangea Organics Holiday Gift Set

It is time to take serious note of the fact that the packaging of a product is as important as the contents within. Pangea Organics, makers of organic skincare products, has some amazing holiday gift packs that do this in style. And now, the gift box that each pack comes in is plantable! All you need to do is plant the gift box (first take out the contents, of course) into the soil after soaking it in water for a day, and be the proud parent of a spruce tree that will germinate within 2 weeks. Go ahead and spring a spruce tree surprise on the ladies with the "Joy" ($30), "Harmony" ($35) and "Peace" ($40) gift packs. (Kanchana)

Cuisinart CleanWater Countertop Water Cooler

Don't have room for a full-sized water cooler and tight on fridge space, too? Want to save the planet from plastic bottle overload? This may be your answer. This mini cooler microfilters tap water and then dispenses it in either hot or cold incarnations with the press of a button. Also available in a smaller, cold-only version. Available from Cuisinart. $130/$170. (Brian)

Joy : Recycled Cotton Tote

80% recycled cotton, 20% recycled soda bottles and lovely artwork make for a "Joy" tote from Mel Lim. These limited totes are available in a theme labeled "Sweet Dreams" and have pleasant colors in screenprint on a recycled canvas-like material. Definitely worth the $29 that fawn&forest quotes on it. (Kanchana)

Knu Sustainable Kids' Furniture

Going in for eco-friendly furniture from Knu will ensure that perfect icing-on-the cake touch for a child's playroom. Spread the cheer around by gifting a Knu Kids' furniture set (one table, two chairs) made from toughened birch ply and coated with attractive lead-free dyes. You can even customize the colors to match the playroom, or order extra chairs ($79 per chair) depending on the requirement. This heady combination of style, utility and eco-consciousness is available at $499 for the basic set. (Kanchana)

Ocean-inspired jewelry

Betty Belts has a wide range of great ethically sourced wooden, silver and mother of pearl accessories at prices that won't crunch your credit card (the earrings above cost $24) and which just happen to be beautiful. (Diane)

And now a last minute look at a few luxury gifts for the holidays and beyond:

Personal Planetarium

This new, hi-def desktop planetarium puts the planets on your desktop. The Stella TearStar looks like an unassuming mirror when turned off. When turned on, the backlight shines through with crystal clear stars and planets. This unit uses the same technology as many high-end full-scale planetariums. Perfect for you favorite Star Trek or Star Wars fan. From Audiocubes. $500. (Brian)

Sonic Chair with mounted iMac

If the credit crunch hasn't affected your finances this year (or you're intent on wearing your credit card out before the bank comes calling), perhaps the multiple design award-winning sonic chair complete with mounted iMac will take the top spot on your Christmas list? (If anyone wants to splash out on one for me, I certainly won't be complaining.) Price, you ask? Uh-oh: you probably can't afford it... (Diane)

Luxury stationery

For the seriously stylish lady in your life who still loves to write letters, what could be better than some seriously stylish personalised stationery from Redstamp, which, like Popgadget itself, carries the Oprah seal of approval. These correspondence cards, from $45 for 12 (plus a one-time illustration fee of $55) guarantee a thoughtful and exclusive (in fact, you could say luxury) gift. (Diane)

Fitness Cube

Want to work out in the new year, but looking for an exercise machine that doesn't spoil your carefully planned interior aesthetic? How about buying the Fitness Cube, which lets you exercise in style (and is priced at around 99GBP)? The Cube works all your muscles, similar to an at-home Pilates system, but when not in use can be folded away and used as a sleek and minimalist-looking stool. Just remember that this is only suitable for self-gifting: no-one wants to be told how unfit they are until at least December 27th. (Diane)

Fashion tech accessories

For the girl who loves fashion and gadgets, the Philips-Swarovski range of memory sticks, headphones and bluetooth headsets are beautiful and useful - and will empty your pocketbook quicker than you can say "blinging." (Diane)

Tube-based iPod speaker system

Think speakers, and you may not automatically think "luxury," but if you want some of the best money can buy, the first tube-based iPod speaker system is now on sale, for the bargain price of $4000. They are apparently the next best thing to being at a live gig - the audiophile in your life will love you for them. (Let's face it, they'd better!) (Diane)

Ikepod Horizon Watch



If you are looking for the ultimate chic in watches this year and can afford to spend $39,000 for one, the 2008-designed Horizon watch from Ikepod beckons you. This collection has been designed by Marc Newson for Ikepod and manufactured exclusively in - where else but - Switzerland. The watch has precious metals such as gold, platinum and titanium with a simple sapphire crystal front that almost camouflages its extraordinary origins. There is no need for any winding either as the watch catches on the wearer's movement to power itself. Each watch is stamped with a certificate of authenticity containing the serial number and date of production. Go on to Moss for this indulgence. (Kanchana)

Yes, yes, it's just two days before Christmas, but there's still 6 days left of Hanukkah, and we'd have been remiss (and gotten lots of dirty looks from the dozens of PopG pets) if we'd forgotten to post a guide for the furry members of your family. And we've always subscribed to the "let's be real" idea of holiday shopping- is anyone really doing it back in October when the magazines come out with their gift guides? Nope- we're here for you- the busy (and the lazy too). Happy Holidays!!! Woof!

Pet Cam



The Pet's Eye View camera can be attached to a feline or canine collar and will take snapshots every few minutes of what its wearer has been up to. Purrfect (sorry, couldn't resist) for the pet lover who has everything. (Diane)

Designer Pet Steps


If you have an older dog, or one prone to injury, you've probably considered getting pet steps to make the jumps on and off beds and couches easier on their joints, but may have reconsidered when you saw how unsightly most of those steps are. With Carmen Steps, you're actually adding style to your decor, because they're beautifully designed as well as lightweight, foldable, and of course, made especially for little dog legs. Custom designs are available as well, if you need something just right for the discerning little diva dog. Carmen Steps come in all sorts of heights and styles and start at about $200. (Mia)

Decorative Adjustable Hemp Collars



Well, dog collars do not always have to be boring. And they can be eco-friendly too. Just switch to Earthdog Decorative Hemp Collars and you will know what we mean. These hypoallergenic collars have unique decorative designs and are adjustable, machine washable. They are available in 3 sizes and 19 different styles, what more can your doggie want! Price range is from $20 - $25. (Kanchana)

Feline Drinking Fountain



Inspire your pet to drink water at regular intervals and avoid the risk of urinary tract infection and kidney disease - is the mantra behind the Feline Drinking Fountain. The fountain circulates a soft, continuous flow of water into a reservoir that can hold upto a gallon of water. The fountain also filters the water of impurities before circulation, so you can be sure that your cat has continuous access to clean water. No more worries of having forgotten to feed water to your feline. Available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $70. The replacement filter costs an additional $11.95. (Kanchana)

Canine Caviar


We all spoil our dogs but we give ours caviar. Of course, it's the holistic pet food called "Canine Caviar," which is based on nutrional needs of cats and dogs. Using easily digested formulas, owners can quickly solve many ailments including stomach upsets, reduce itching, scratching, shedding, and hotspots. In addition,there's recommendations for health concerns like kidney, liver and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cholesterol. Unlike most companies, CC use all parts of different animals for their products. Bad breath? Try the "Great White Chews" which are, yes, from the shark. Achy joints? Then "Fish Bites" , made from wild skate tail are a low calorie remedy. On a diet? "Buffalo Jerky" does the trick, because buffalo have 70 to 90% less fat compared to beef, and on average, 50% less cholesterol.There's also kibble and canned food, based on the same principals. My pups were very excited when the box of samples arrived, but one warning for owners: there's is a strong fish smell to some of the bones and chews so encourage your doggies to eat them outside. For more info, check out their website at Canine Caviar. (Evan)

Fish Training at the R2 Fish School



Now what on earth can you possibly train your fish at ? How about a game of soccer ? If that sounds crazy, imagine how crazier it would be to actually watch your favorite goldfish shooting a hoop! The R2 Fish School provides you with all the tools necessary to train your fish to learn tricks like the limbo, slalom, or fetch. The proof lies in Comet, the world’s smartest goldfish which has been trained to entertain based on the R2 Fish School "curriculum". Send your fish to school for $40. (Kanchana)

Here's a gadget that no-one wants to unwrap for Christmas this year - but that people would love to give to their partners, I'm sure.

It's a device which your favorite snorer attaches to their wrist like a watch. But instead of telling the time, the Snorepro zaps them with a mild electric shock (if there is such a thing as a mild electric shock) when it detects that their snoring has reached unacceptable levels.

If this doesn't work, it full-on electrocutes the bugger. Oh, wait - maybe that's not right... it just records the noise so the two of you can relive the happy memories together the next morning.

Via Boing Boing Gadgets.

I've written before about the recent resurgence in crafts. I'm also somewhat addicted to blogging. But I'm not entirely convinced that the two can mesh. After all, the point of blogging and Tweeting is the immediacy. Take that away, by embroidering your thoughts and you're just... sewing, aren't you?

Not according to "embloggers" like Nicole Wolfersberger, who think that if something's worth saying, it's worth stitching. She certainly does a great job but those of us who write for a living find it hard enough to find time to blog: if I had to sew what I wanted to say I'd certainly be more succint but I'd probably only update about twice a year! (Hmm, some might say that's not such a bad thing...)

What phrase or memorable blog post would you most like to immortalize in this way?

Via Crafty Crafty

An inexpensive new piece of software exploits the iPhone and iPod Touch's new ability to download over-the-air podcasts. It's now a way to watch TV on Apple's lovely mobile screen. The program is called--wait for it--Television.

Joel Evans of Geek.com took Television for a test drive and liked it a lot; check out his first look here. The $2.99 program, available at the App Store, is said to make it possible to see 50 shows from 30 different channels in the United States, the UK, France and Germany. Find the list here. At least some of what you can download looks like snippets and highlights rather than complete programs.

Want to buy your friends and family some fabulous gifts this year but simply don't have the moolah, the Benjamins, the readies - are you cash-poor, in other words?

Why not splash out what little money you do have on some of these gift boxes from The Onion's store which make it look like you've got them something expensive and electrical, when you haven't got them anything at all?

You'll just have to make sure you're standing near a doorway when the realisation that it's all a big joke dawns on the recipients. (Your excuse? It's the thought that counts, of course).

Alternatively, get them something great, and wrap it to make it look terrible. Or pay Firebox to do it for you (I don't know why, but it's apparently been very popular this year).

You can walk and chew gum at the same time, but can you walk and work at the same time? I don't think I could except maybe for mostly mindless tasks like going through email.

But Steelcase, the long-time US office furniture manufacturer, is betting that we sluggards can walk and work simultaneously. The company wants us to switch from workstation to its Walkstation, which combines a desk with a treadmill that operates at low speed and more quietly than your average treadmill. Steelcase charges $5000 or more for the Walkstation. In this economy? Well, maybe. Given the list price of most office furniture, perhaps that's not out of line.

Sal Cangeloso has posted his hands-on (feet-on?) review of the Walkstation at Geek.com. He reports that companies are saving money by buying Walkstations for a workgroup. Members of the group then sign up to use it at specific times.

We've long been big, big fans of the online shop Dynamism, home of the newest and greatest technology products from Japan so it's with huge excitement that we're helping to announce the opening of a new store by the founder, Douglas Krone: Gizmine. Gizmine is also full of the latest products from Japan, but instead of focusing on bigger ticket items like notebook computers and amazing phones, Gizmine has everything from cool cell phone straps to unique clothing (knife-proof shirts!) as well as the usual tech suspects like cameras, watches, and speakers. Even cameras, though, aren't the same ones you'll find anywhere else.



This Tomy Xaio Digicam is a cute, compact 5 megapixel digital camera, but it has a built-in printer, like an updated polaroid.

A couple of years ago, I reported on a great organization called the Adaptive Design Association, which uses inexpensive materials to make custom furniture for children with disabilities. The best thing about ADA is that they help children through smart design. They also offer classes on topics like basic cardboard carpentry.

Like many non-profits in the current economic climate, the ADA is feeling the squeeze, as grant funding is drying up. This great organization is at risk of closing without the help of concerned people who believe in its mission. If you're curious to learn more about ADA, check their gallery of projects, and there is also a page for donations.