Saturday, December 9, 2006 - Let's start with the bookworm on your list.  "We the Media" by Dan Gillmor and "iPod: The Missing Manual" by J.D. Biersdorfer are from O'Reilly Press.  "We the Media" looks at the growing trend of grassroots journalism.  Everyday people are using blogs, podcasting and chat groups to provide news coverage.  Author Dan Gillmor shows you how to do it.  In the fifth edition of "iPod: The Missing Manual", J.D. Biersdorfer shows you how to get the most out of your iPod, whether it's a Nano, Shuffle or a video iPod.  Both books are available through the O'Reilly Press website at www.oreilly.com/store.  Each book is under 20 dollars.

Here's a really cool device...literally.  The CoolIT Chiller from CoolIT Systems plugs into a USB port on your computer, laptop, or gaming system.  Think of it as a high-tech cold plate.  It uses patented technology and chills to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  Just plug it in, put your favorite beverage on the plate (can or bottle) and it stays nice and cold.  Learn more about it at www.coolitsystems.com.  The Chiller retails for 30 dollars.

Charge up your iPod or cell phone with iTurbo and Turbo Charge from Voxred.  Both products run off a single AA battery and can be used anywhere in the world.  They are the only portable power source I've found that have an on/off switch to preserve battery life.  Every other battery-run charger is constantly "on", so you have to take the battery out once you're done charging.  Both use patented technology to insure that your cell phone or iPod is not overcharged.  With Turbo Charge, you'll have enough juice for two hours of talk time or 40 hours of standby time.  iTurbo will give you enough power for several extra hours of playtime on your iPod.  The length of time depends on the iPod model and year.  It does not work with the iPod Shuffle.  Turbo Charge is 20 dollars and iTurbo is 30 dollars.   Learn more at www.turbocellcharge.com.

Finally, Animusic combines computer animation with electronic music to bring you a unique visual and musical experience.  You may have seen Animusic on PBS.  Animusic's creator Wayne Lytle explained the process.  "We've taken pieces where I've actually produced all the music first," said Lytle, "and figure out what instruments to design for each part.  In other cases we've built this entire fantasy instrument and when we were done with the whole thing, tried tofigure out what music it should play."  Two DVD's are available, each of them are 20 dollars.  Learn more at www.animusic.com.