Monday, November 24, 2008

10 Most Unique Gift Ideas

Last year for the holidays, I bought a bunch of gifts my family. I don't think they were too fond of them. Videos games were sold, dvds were scratched up,earrings were lost, mp3 players that broke, etc. This holiday season I decided I want to get everyone different, unique gifts that people will never forget and cherish forever. The following list is compiled of the 10 most unique gifts I found and will purchase this year.

10. Buy a Star - Who wouldn't want a star? You can see it most nights, you can't break it or loose it and seems to be popular among girlfriends everywhere.

9. Design Your Own Lego Model - This is perfect for the kids, Lego lovers, and...me.... The LEGO Factory lets you design, share and buy your very own custom LEGO models. Design your own, town, car, animal, robot, plane, etc, get the parts in the mail, and build it.

8. 1-877-Spirits.com's Best - A little on the pricey side, but if you have the money, this is a great gift (especially for a boss, colleague, close friend, etc.). This gift basket is a mixture of Masi Masianco Wine, Masi Costasera Wine, assorted gourmet spreads, crackers, chocolate, Moet & Chandon champagne, and coffee.

7. Houdini's Tooth - AnswersTV sells awesome magic tricks. This is an example of a really cool magic trick that you can purchase for really cheap. May not be for everyone, but it's great for children and magic enthusiasts (seriously..you'll be surprised by how much kids will like this).

6. Custom Puppets - The thinking behind this is from the Muppet Show from when the Muppets would give the guest celebrity a "Muppet Likeness" of the themselves. Children and adults should get a kick out of a puppet version of themselves.

5. Fake Fire Places - I actually purchased this as an inside joke for one of my friends who always complained about not having a fireplace. It is a random gift, but a good one (if you give it to the right person).

4. Angel Chocolate Ornaments - Practical and scrumptious. They look really nice and after you use them you can eat them. This is the kind of gift you obviously might not get for a significant other or family member, but it is a perfect gift for a secret santa.

3. The Gustbuster - Its a walking stick, an umbrella and a chair. Might be one of the most unique and interesting combinations I've seen in recent memory. Probably the epitome of the word "pimp".

2. Custom Bobbleheads -Have you ever wanted a custom bobblehead of yourself? If you said no then you are . This is such a unique and great gift idea for a friend or family member. Imagine their reaction when they receive a bobblehead doll of themself.

1. Digital Photobook- This is a great gift for a significant other or family member as it is one of those "come from the heart" presents. Photobooks are better then photo albums because they look professional and are fully customizable. SmileBooks.com is a great place to purchase a digital photo book (I believe they have a sale for this on Black Friday). This is perfect for a grandparent (you really can't get a grandmother or grandfather a better gift), parent, or a significant other.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Top 10 Thanksgiving Websites

If you're like me, you like to wait until the last minute to do everything. Thanksgiving is no exception to the rule. I'm hosting my first Thanksgiving this year and have yet to buy anything or even think about what I'm going to make. What to do? Thank God for the power of the Internet. Ten years ago I would have been screwed, but now by typing things like "Thanksgiving resources" into Google I might have saved myself. I figured I'd share the top 10 Thanksgiving websites I've found.

10. Delish - Thanksgiving Dinner - A very useful Thanksgiving resource website that has a variety of tips ranging from recipes, saving money, party planning, and more.

9. Keeping the Kids Occupied on Thanksgiving - Nothing can be more of a buzzkill for enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal then hearing children bitch and moan about "being bored", "hating the food", or "wanting to go home". If you have children attending your house this Thanksgiving, give this website a look. It offers advice on how to keep them entertained during the holiday.

8. Preparing a Turkey - Turkey Preparation Advice - Turkey is typically the most important part of any Thanksgiving meal, unless you're a vegetarian, which in that case you should click here. This useful website includes advice on preparing your turkey (no matter what size bird you purchase) ranging from thawing, preparation, washing, and more.

7. Thanksgiving Games - Some families endure hours of awkward silence after the big meal. If this is the case with your family, instead of just kicking them out why don't you try some of these Thanksgiving-based games. Even if this is too corny for your taste, it will help pass the time and avoid any lulls in the night.

6. Thanksgiving Recipes @ iChef - Literally hundreds and hundreds of Thanksgiving-related recipes ranging from the normal to the very unique. With this amount of information you might think that this should be ranked higher. Although this is a very useful and informative website, there are so many recipes (that are only organized alphabetically by recipe name, not category) that it might be confusing to find exactly what you're looking for. Nevertheless, this website offers a lot of cool ideas to make for an unforgettable Thanksgiving.

5. Thanksgiving Football Schedule - If you're a guy, like me, you should already know this information, but incase you don't here's a list of this Thanksgiving's NFL and college football schedule. Yes I understand that ladies like football too which makes it even more important to have this piece of information handy. You don't want to be "that guy".

4. AllRecipes - Thanksgiving - Might be the best website for finding recipes relating to Thanksgiving. Pretty much every type of Thanksgiving-related food possible is represented on this informative website.

3. Good Housekeeping - Best of the Best Thanksgiving Advice - This useful website has a list of Thanksgiving-related advice to help you prepare for the holiday. These range from finding Thanksgiving recipes, to cleaning, table setting ideas, music, and even carving a turkey. Pretty much all the essentials are represented on this website.

2. AnswersTV - Thanksgiving Channel - Wow. That's all I can say about the Thanksgiving Channel on AnswersTV. It is comparable to if the Food Network had a day long marathon dedicated to Thanksgiving (which they might..what do I know I don't watch the Food Network). There are numerous free videos on entrees, sides, desserts, and even cocktails. These videos range from carving a turkey properly, to creating cranberry sauce, to making a spiced cider.

1. findingDulcinea - 6 Essential Thanksgiving Sites - The reason that this ranks at number 1 is because it includes the essential information that I need. This website includes information on how to cook a holiday meal the whole family can enjoy, creating the appropriate atmosphere, and even how to put an end to bickering (which always happens every holiday due to a certain cousin feeling the need to talk about her eccentric views on life). There is also some cool information on the history of Thanksgiving and advice on viewing the Macy's Day Parade.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Top 10 Thanksgiving Eve Hot Spots

Thanksgiving Eve..arguably the most popular party night of the year (only 2nd to New Years Eve) in the United States. Not picking the right spot to enjoy your Thanksgiving eve can result in you paying too much for a "decent at best" type of night. Here is a list of the top 10 places to party this Thanksgiving Eve (these spots are spread out across the United States in order to cater to as many people as possible):

10. The Ritz - Detroit - For those not interested in the "club vibe" that most Thanksgiving Eve places bring, check out the Ritz. 90s rock band "Sponge" will be headlining. Local rock acts such as Frequency 54, Fall From Grace, and more will be opening for the rock act. $12-$15 to get in.

9. Atkins Park - Atlanta - Budweiser is sponsoring one of Atlanta's best bars this Thanksgiving Eve, guaranteeing a good time. There will be a DJ and giveaways as well. Good music, good crowd, great price.

8. Mad River Bar - Baltimore - One of the best values you can get for this Thanksgiving Eve. $5 cover with $1 Coors Light along with a good crowd and a great time from one of Baltimore's best bars.

7. The Kennedy - Tampa Bay - For $10 or $15 (depending on your gender) you can "get roasted" this year at the Kennedy in Tampa Bay. The ticket includes a complimentary drink (if you're getting a table it won't mean much considering they cost $500). There will be Ketel One Specials all night and music will be provided by DJ Gemini.

6. Pipeline Cafe - Honolulu - Let's not forget about our friends over in Hawaii. If you live there or are vacationing there be sure to check out Pipeline Cafe this Thanksgiving eve. The event, called "The Beach 5 - Beach Party Bash" will feature performances from Hawaii's top live acts. Cost is $15.

5. Plan B - Chicago - If you are in the Chicago area, Plan B is likely the best choice for your Thanksgiving Eve. Plan B guarantees to provide a GREAT time without you having to spend a lot of money. This popular bar is offering half price appetizers, drink specials that include: Jameson shots, SoCo and Lime shots, and martinis all for $3. Domestic canned beer is also available for $2. One of the best parts of the night will most likely be the music. Local DJ Daddy will be spinning 80s classics, old school hip hop, and vintage rock.

4. Rumor - Boston - Although a little pricey ($40 in advance, $50 at the door), Rumor promises to be a good time with house greats Deep Dish and DJ Sharam sharing the stage. The drinks are strong, but good and the crowd is a LOT of fun. See for yourself why Rumor is one of the best clubs in Boston.

3. Social Hollywood - Los Angeles - For $30, you can experience one of Los Angeles' hottest night clubs. "Deal or No Deal" case girl Leyla Milani will be hosting the event while DJ Splyce will be manning the decks for the VIP room. There will also be an open tequila and vodka bar between 9:00PM and 10:00PM

2. Nest - New York City - This Thanksgiving Eve, Nest allows you to party with 3 reality stars (from "Flava of Love" and "Rock of Love"). Nest, one of the top clubs in New York city, offers four floors with 15 DJs spinning all night. Cover is $15.

1. Palms - Las Vegas (Ghostbar) - For only $20, you can experience one of the best bars Las Vegas has to offer this Thanksgiving Eve. Located on the 55th floor of the Palms Casino Resort, Ghostbar not only offers the best view of Las Vegas, but possibly offers the best view out of any bar in the country. People don't just go for the view though. Ghostbar has moderately priced drinks, a good crowd (which is becoming increasingly hard to find at a bar these days), and a great atmosphere. This year the night will feature Soundbar along with Alix Alvarez and Mr. V. If you are in the area, you won't regret picking Ghostbar to spend your Thanksgiving Eve.

Monday, November 10, 2008

10 Dumbest Bush Quotes

With Obama being elected as the new President of the United States, we can only "enjoy" a couple more months of Bushisms (dumb Bush quotes). Whether you are a Bush fan or not, it is hard to argue that some of things he has said during his 8 years of being President aren't the smartest things ever. Listed below are the 10 dumbest Bush quotes of all time (links to video footage for top 4 included).

10. "You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test."

9. "I couldn't imagine somebody like Osama bin Laden understanding the joy of Hanukkah."

8. "I'm the master of low expectations."

7. "I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe - I believe what I believe is right."

6. "People say, how can I help on this war against terror? How can I fight evil? You can do so by mentoring a child; by going into a shut-in's house and say I love you."

5. "I try to go for long runs, but it's tough around here at the White House on the outdoor track. It's sad that I can't run longer. It's one of the saddest things about the presidency."

4. "Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across the country." Link to Video

3. "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator." Link to Video

2. "Our enemies are innovative and resource, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." Link to Video

1. "There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again." Link to Video