Things I Like: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Chi Running Shoes

I'm promising myself that this summer, when school is out and all of my students are home with their parents, that I would learn to run. The problem with that is I have a damaged knee from a fall. I've been afraid to hurt it more. Then I read about ChiRunning.

Chi Running is based on the idea of using your chi when running. It trains you to use all of your body as one and be one with the energy around you. I'm reading the book by Danny Dreyer to understand how it works. It's more complex than it sounds, but also simpler than I expected. I'll let you know how I do. Until then I'll be looking for a comfortable pair of shoes for my Chi Running.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Caravan Canopy Oversize Zero Gravity Chair

It's Spring and it's time for me to relax outside. Enjoy the sun and cool breezes. I like taking it easy on weekends (okay, every day) and a zero gravity chair does the trick. It reclines fully and makes me doze in no time at all.

The Caravan Zero Gravity chair supports a big guy like me. I use it inside, too. It really does feel like what I imagine zero gravity to be.

For more information, click here.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Home Fireproof Safe

I'm not one to take chances. I'm the kind of person who sets three alarm clocks just in case one doesn't work! The same security goes into saving my valuable information. That's why I invested in a fireproof safe for my home.
I found more variations of safes than I ever imagined. I had to consider how long I wanted the safe to be resistant to fire (half an hour, an hour, and two hours seem to be the norm). I also had to think about how waterproof it should be. After all, longer burning fires require more water to put it out. Then I had to think about what was going into the safe. Some safes can keep papers secure, but allow media (computer information, cd's, etc.) to burn easily.
I've compiled a list of the best of the best. Click here to see it.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Space Saving Sound Bar Systems

I'm all set with my new tv. My wife, however, doesn't want me to set up my old speaker system. She told me to find something new and small. I searched high and low and discovered sound bar systems that are small enough to save space in the living room, but powerful enough to blow the roof off of the house. Best of both worlds!
I found several great sound bar systems, but one of my favorites has to be the Boston Acoustics TVee Model 25 Sound System, It has full sound and great depth. It fits wonderfully under my tv and lets me save enough space to hold all of my Blu Rays.
For more great choices I looked at, click here.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Lord of the Rings Figures

The Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series of books. I liked the movies a lot, but the books struck a chord. Something about the Hero's Journey played out in a well written series. I'm also a collector of action of all kinds. Marvel, DC, and Star Trek action figures take up almost an entire room, much to the annoyance of my wife.
What I like about most of the Lord of the Rings figures is the detail. They are so lifelike. The Smeagol figure on the bottom is a bit freakishly real. You can almost hear him whisper "My precious," as his eyes follow you around the room.
For more on the Lord of the Rings figures, click here.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Large Button Phones for Seniors

As we get older, we realize that our loved ones are getting older, too. Whether it's a loving parent, grandparent, or neighbor who raised you, there comes a time when we need to know that they can see their phones well enough to call for help in an emergency.
Several house phones and cell phones are available to help with this. They are worth the investment to help our loved ones, and to also put our minds at ease.

For a list of large button phones I find useful, click here.

Monday, April 15, 2013

How To Buy Conflict Free Diamond Jewelry

It's always a good time to buy diamond jewelry for someone you love. Mother's Day, anniversaries, and birthdays, so many occassions!

However, you want to make sure that the diamond you give doesn't come stained with blood and the suffering of others. Many countries mine diamonds to finance revolutions and set up corrupt governments. These diamonds are mined on the blood and broken backs of the citizens.

To make sure you are giving conflict-free diamonds, click here for information and tips.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Best Sports Binoculars

I've come to like going out to stadiums. There's something about being outside for a game, as oppossed to being cooped up inside. Maybe it's the air or the crowds. The energy is much more intense, too. However, I can't afford good seats. I invested in a pair of good sports binoculars.

It was a long and arduous task, but I came up with a list of the best sports binoculars that I had to choose from. You can find that list here.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Star Trek Bobble Heads

Being the geek that I am, I love most things Star Trek. I have figurines, blueprints for the Enterprise, and even a tribble. But I never saw these before. I came across this about Star Trek Bobbleheads. They rock.

I have to get some as soon as I can. How can I not have found these before? Take a look here.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Learning Tablets for Kids

As a teacher, I'm always open to new technology to help my students. Lately, I've noticed a lot of my kids are bringing tablets to school. They use them mostly to record their notes and write down homework. I was curious if this was happening in the elementary classes (I teach high school) so I asked a few of my friends. They all said that at least 50% of their students bring some sort of learning tablet to school. Many of their students look upon these devices as toys, but the teachers and parents are starting to work together to come up with the best strategies to increase the kids' skills while using learning tablets.
It's a new age in education. Gone are the days of filmstrips, movie projectors, and, heck, even the old fashioned library. There's even a course taught for students on how to use devices to get the most out of their research for projects.
Maybe my students can teach an old guy like me a few new tricks.

For a list of devices I really like, click here

Monday, April 8, 2013

Formal Dressing Rules for Men

A lot of people who know me, know that I love clothes. I think all men should look good when they go out. I don't mean that they should wear a suit and tie to go to the store or the gym, but some effort needs to be put forth.
One simple thing to do that can make all of the difference in a look is to wear shoes with a pair of jeans. Sneakers are good for the gym and work boots are good for hard work.
For those of you out there who really want to look better when dressing up, click here for some great guidelines. Thanks.

Landisun 69G Bright Pink Fuchsia Paisleys Mens Silk Tie Set: Tie+Hanky+Cufflinks