Kahtoola MicroSpikes

Working a job site in the winter can be pretty treacherous for a number of reasons. The most obvious concern is the temperature but an issue that deserves just as much consideration is the footing. Moving tools to and from the site as well as navigating the scene itself can become incredibly difficult and dangerous.

The Kahtoola Microspikes are small and compact, requiring no special tools or straps. Simply stretch them over any style of shoe or boot and you are ready to go. The unique “microspike” chain adjusts itself to grip nearly any surface — from ice and packed snow to wet rocks, concrete, and scree. For less than $60 the microspikes are a great buy and way cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.

Grab It: Kahtoola MicroSpikes

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The Wire: The Complete Series

Despite a final season that did not quite meet my expectations (although I am not sure anything would have…) and criticism the series was not a realistic as it claimed to be, The Wire remains, in my opinion the best tv show to ever air. Set in Baltimore, the series follows the lives of both the police and the citizens caught in the city’s crippling drug and poverty problems. The story lines and characters will engage you mentally and emotionally, leaving you at times wondering which side to root for…With winter fully set in and the NFL season winding down, The Wire is a great way to fill the void.

Grab It: The Wire: The Complete Series

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DealTEK: 50% SwissGear Bags

Amazon is currently running a sale on their line up of SwissGear bags with most of the inventory at least 50% off. Our favorite is the Computer Backpack down to $35 from $100.

Grab It: SwissGear Computer Backpack (Black)

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Coming in January

We have lots of reviews planed for January,  here are just a few…

- Rigid MicroExploxer
- OSX on a Netbook
- Jungle Disk - I swear!
- InfraRecorder
- SumoPaint
- Finding the best restaurants

Plus our usually bevy of crazy useful product recommendations and reviews.

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Werner Duty Rated Fiberglass Step Stool

Have you ever thought how useful it would be to be two feet taller? Suddenly simple tasks like changing a light bulb, cleaning the windows or reaching a high shelf become very easy. While we admit at $100 this step stool is pretty expensive, we have found it to be one of those indispensable tools that is truly missed if it is not available.

We use it all the time on job site because it small, light and easily transportable. Plus the fiberglass body is extremely durable and has nary a scratch despite the beating we have given it. Sure, a $20 or $30 plastic stool is cheaper, but not if you have to replace it every year or so.

Grab It: Werner T6202 2-Foot 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Twin Step Stool

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Duracell PowerSource Mini

Last week my area was hit with a power outage that lasted about 4 days. I was pretty luckily to have a generator available that let me power my whole house aside from the energy pigs like washer, dryer and stove. But if you don’t have access to a generator or just looking for a emergency power source to put in your briefcase or car, the Duracell PowerSource is my choice.

It has two USB ports for charging compatible devices like a Blackberry or iPod and recharges via AC, DC or USB chargers. Whether you are looking for an emergency power source or you are a power user who needs to recharge more than once a day the Duracell PowerSource can be a lifesaver.

Grab It: Duracell 852-0257 PowerSource Mini

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Mag-Safe: Safety Glasses with a bit of Style

Another spot on pick by the Cool Tools team, that I will be adding to my tool kit. If these safety googles are even half of what the review says they are, they will be a winner for sure. Features include auto tinting lenses mounted on a comfortable metal frame plus they meet ANSI Z87.1 standards for safety eyewear.

Grab It: SAFETY GLASSES EXPO V PHOTOCHROMIC UV400 EYEWEAR TRANSI

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Portable Humidifier

One of the many reasons, I avoid traveling for work as often as possible is the ridiculously dry air in hotel rooms. Usually I will run the shower for a while, but it doesn’t seem to do very much. However relief is just a UPS delivery away, in the form the of a portable humidifier. Just attach any standard water bottle and you are in business.

I know it sounds prissy to travel with your own humidifier, but I don’t care. I sleep better and wake up with clear sinuses and no eyes problems from them drying out - which is still an issue for me after lasik surgery last February. So there.

Grab It: Sunpentown® SU - 1051 Mini - Humidifier

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Ice Storm

My area was hammered by an ice storm on Friday morning, and I just got power back a few hours ago. Needless to say it has set me back on a lot of task and with being Christmas week, plus a heavy travel schedule, posting may be a bit more sporadic than usual. Oh yeah, my full review of Jungle Disk is among the casualties, but it is coming soon I promise.

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The Shawshank Redemption Now On Blu-ray

The Shawshank Redemption is easily my favorite movie all time. It also ranks #1 on IMDB’s list of user favorites. In my opinion is it the perfect character drama. The story is riveting and cast headed by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeeman deliver the performances of their careers. If by chance you have not seen it, stop what you are doing right now and go get it, you will not be disappointed.

For fans, like me the Blu-ray release is gold mine of content including all the extras from the Special Edition SD DVD like commentary by Writer/Director Frank Darabont, 2 Documentaries: Hope Springs Eternal: A Look Back at the Shawshank Redemption and Shawshank: The Redeeming Feature, The Charlie Rose Show Segment Featuring Frank Darabont, Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, a comic spoof The Shawshank Redemption, stills and collectible galleries plus a 38-page book including actor and director biographies, film trivia and more.

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