Smokeless Ashtrays: Do They Work And Which Is Best - Product Review

John P. Barker — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:59:21 -0800

The concept of the smokeless ashtray has been around for at least 30 years. Have the past three decades shown any design improvements? And more importantly--do they work?

Spy Glasses Allow You To Read Invisible Messages

John P. Barker — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:49:00 -0800

Want to look really good while reading a speech off of a blank sheet of paper? These glasses will allow you to do just that...

I Can See Your Boobs; X-Ray Glasses Become a Reality

John P. Barker — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:34:00 -0700

There they are, positioned in a little square right next to the Charles Atlas ad with the kid getting sand kicked in his face: X-ray glasses. What kid didn't want to see though walls, clothes, and... I dunno, whatever else? Well, at considerable expense, you can now do this--sort'a.

Belt Clip Watch Offers 7 Useful Gadgets For Campers

John P. Barker — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:55:00 -0700

Tools that offer multiple products in one small package are becoming increasingly popular. Take the Outdoorsman's 7 in 1 Belt Clip Watch, for example. This thing is like the Swiss Army Knife of belt clips...

Batman's Utility Belt: A Replica of the Ultimate Gadget Container

John P. Barker — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:41:00 -0800

Need something to carry your gadgets in while out on a night of fighting crime? Well, this might not be the answer... but it sure looks cool.

Necktie Camera Ensures That Board Meetings Will Never Be The Same

John P. Barker — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:41:00 -0700

Even James Bond would look stylish wearing this suave tie. But he wouldn't say, "Smile! You're on camera!" the way that I would. I'd make a horrible spy...

DVR Sunglasses - A New Way To Record Porn?

John P. Barker — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:15:00 -0800

Are you being recorded right now? You may want to pay close attention to those glasses worn by the guy at the end of the bar. There may just be a camera in his shades.

Volcano & Earthquake Kit Brings Back Memories Of Science Fairs and Rabbit's Feet

John P. Barker — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:29:23 -0800

Remember the days of your youth when you had to compete in the annual science fair? I do. And this kit sparked a few recollections from my past--and why I never really liked science fairs...

Hallucinate, Meditate, and Zone Out With Trip Glasses

John P. Barker — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Having a hard time decompressing from work? Try zoning out with the Trip Glasses!

Alarm May Keep Children From Drowning

John P. Barker — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:52:24 -0800

The number of child deaths related to drowning in home swimming pools is disturbing to say the least. Sometimes even a child-proof gate isn't enough to keep unsupervised kids away from the water. In recent years steps have been taken to augment pool security--and this is one of them.

Is That Music Coming Out of Your Butt?

John P. Barker — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:34:00 -0700

I never thought the word "subwoofer" would be associated with something like this...

Spy Toys For Kids

John P. Barker — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:39:57 -0700

Let's face it: spies are cool. And what kid (or adult, for that matter) hasn't fantasized about fast cars, exotic locations, and nifty gadgets that are the trademarks of the spy-trade?

EyeClops Toys Change the Way Children See the World

John P. Barker — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:59:00 -0700

Every now and then I stumble across a toy line that is just plain impressive. A line that not only appeals to kids, but to adults as well. And, if you've read any of my other stuff, you know that I'm a huge fan of any toy that tricks a kid into learning. The EyeClops line of toys from Jakks Pacific does just that. And these things are definitely worth looking into.

My Week With the Clinch Wallet - Product Review

John P. Barker — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:02:00 -0800

Guys? Do you use your wallet as your personal filing system? Is it now stuffed so full that it won't fit in your pocket? If so, the Clinch Wallet may be just what you're looking for!

6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit Offers Educational Fun

John P. Barker — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:31:00 -0800

Looking for a great stocking stuffer? Look no further! This 6 in 1 Solar Robot Kit packs loads of fun (and education) in a small box - at an affordable price!

Zero-G Remote Controlled Car Tracks Laser Beam

John P. Barker — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:45:00 -0700

Want a laser-guided wall-climbing R/C car? If so, here ya go:

What is Swedish FireSteel?

John P. Barker — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0700

What is Swedish FireSteel? Sounds like a hardcore death metal band to me. But I've been wrong before...

The Mind Relaxer: A Mini-Vacation For Your Brain

John P. Barker — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:44:00 -0700

Stressed out? Over worked? Send your noggin on vacation with the Mind Relaxer!

A Home Theater For Your Wrist

John P. Barker — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:05:00 -0700

A watch used to be a little timepiece that sat strapped by a band to your wrist. Now watch means... "watch." The Innovative Gadget TA457 Home Theater Watch 2GB ups the ante in television watches, offering a wide range of features and a nice amount of storage space. But does it tell time?

Sony Bloggie HD Video Camera Captures 360-Degrees

John P. Barker — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:08:00 -0700

The Bloggie MHS-PM5K from Sony offers a unique lens that swivels and is capable of capturing a full 360-degree image - so it's now possible to record not only an alien invasion, but also your terrified facial expression all in one shot.

Soak Your Dad (or Friends) With The Remote Controlled Water Cannon!

John P. Barker — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:52:00 -0700

Ever been hit with a water balloon? Yeah, me too. Ever want to get revenge on the kid (or family member) that nailed ya? Well, The Remote Controlled Water Cannon will give you that satisfying taste of revenge.

Erector Spykee Robot--Fun with Practical Applications

John P. Barker — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:31:26 -0800

Toy robots have come a long way since the wind-up tin-toy that would clunk along the floor with sparks erupting from the "guns" in it's chest. The Erector Spykee The Spy Robot is a great example of a toy that can also be used for practical applications around the house--or for taunting certain pets...

Bring the Water Park Home With the Motorized Bumper Boat

John P. Barker — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:47:00 -0700

Ah, the dog days of summer. Sweaty, muggy, 8 million degrees outside summer. My underwear is at one with my backside. I need some relief. And if I had a pool, a little time plowing into friends in a Motorized Bumper Boat would do the trick...

Duck & Cover! The USB Doomsday Device Hub Will Blow You Away!

John P. Barker — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:47:00 -0800

I'm a novice when it comes to doomsday devices. My experience is limited to James Bond movies and various literary thrillers. But I must admit to being intrigued by this little gadget. Wow! Mass destruction AND a USB hub--all in one neat little package!

As Seen On TV: The AeroGarden

John P. Barker — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:04:00 -0800

The AeroGarden is an indoor gardening system that claims to grow herbs, tomatoes, and flowers at an increased rate and size with a minimum amount of time or effort on the part of the gardener. But does it work?

Star Trek Toys Boldly Go Where We've Been Before - But Look Really Cool

John P. Barker — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:25:00 -0700

Star Trek has a worldwide fan base that borders on fanatical. I should know. I'm a huge fan (yep--even been to several conventions... but I don't wear any costumes). When a sort of re-tooling of the Star Trek film franchise was announced, it was greeted by fans with some trepidation. Who could ever play James T. Kirk other than William Shatner? With this in mind, the marketing machine went into overdrive. And part of the marketing of such a big film includes toys. Read on to get a glimpse at what some of us fans are sure to be buying this summer.

Ewww. Barfing Toothpaste Caps...

John P. Barker — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:44:00 -0700

Spread Heads inject a little humor into the routine of everyday dental care - and may help coax your kids into having a little fun while brushing their teeth.

Draganflyer X6: A Camera Platform That 007 Would Love

John P. Barker — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Sometimes a gadget comes along that just blows my socks off. This is one of them: the Draganflyer X6, a miniature helicopter that can be used for security, film-making, surveying, and more. Plus it's cool looking...

Fujifilm Introduces 3D Digital Camera - No Glasses Required!!!

John P. Barker — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:45:00 -0700

I'm getting tired of plain ol' flat pictures. I'm ready for a visual upgrade. And it looks like Fujifilm has the answer.

Teddy Scares: A Not So Cuddly Bear Alternative

John P. Barker — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:29:00 -0700

Take a look at that picture. A good look. Yep. That's a dead teddy bear. And apparently these little guys are coming to "snuggle" with us in a sinister way. They're cute. But, according to their biographies, they each have a personal agenda...