gift

Computer security gets a new meaning in this mockup from Yanko Design, a "Web magazine dedicated to introducing the best modern international design." We can't think of too many people who would risk checking their e-mail on your laptop with this laptop finger trap installed.

The designer calls it "an analog extension is used for deterrence of unsolicited use of your own laptop." We call it the new No. 1 item on our stocking stuffer holiday gift list.

We welcome Russ Frushtick back on the show for his third appearance, and to make up for our humiliating fumble on his last appearance, we make this an extra video gamey show. We go over some of the holiday's most anticipated titles, speculate on the livelihood of the industry, and even get to a few kooky stories from the Internet. Don't worry about the threepeating, Russ, a little creme will clear that up in a few weeks.

Although it's true that I don't get the same fuzzy feeling in my loins that Jeff does for video games, I'm glad that Russ is here today to help lay it all out for me. "Little Big Planet," "Dead Space," "Rhythm Heaven," and my personal favorite, "Call of Doodie." Wait, that doesn't sound right. Anyway, to update you on the PS Yu foundation, I'm still working on God of War for the original PlayStation console, and, man, that game is hard! I might have to use UGO's newest site Game Cheats to help me get through the last few levels, and look! They have it! "God Mode?" This game is about to get a lot less frustrating. Next, I'd like to try my hand at some more skateboarding games. So who was it that offered me Tony Hawk a few months ago? Back to the basics!

Ever tried Restaurant.com? Me neither, but I've heard good things. Basically, you search for a participating fooderie in your area, then buy a gift certificate on the cheap: $3 for a $10 certificate, for example, or $10 for $25.

There are requirements, of course, usually in the form of a minimum food and/or drink purchase. But it's not like you have to order a case of wine or anything. And you can print the coupon right on your own printer: It's immediately ready for use.

To make an already good deal even better, Restaurant.com … Read more

One of my favorite sites, GiftGirl, on Monday night introduced some small but important updates that make it an even more useful tool for unimaginative boyfriends and husbands.

The first big change is that users are now able to make "unlimited" profiles, meaning they can set up virtual gift-giving profiles for multiple ladies at once. Aimed mostly at people who have a friend or family member in addition to their sweetheart, it could also conceivably be set up to help polygamists manage gift giving for multiple partners.

The site now also allows group gift giving, with a shared … Read more

Want to annoy the nicotine addiction out of your smoking friend or family member? A battery-operated gadget named the "Screaming Coughing Ashtray" might just do it.

Though it's sold as a "fun" way to help people quit smoking, the gift giver might be the only one laughing. The $11 lung-shaped ashtray not only reminds smokers which body part is most adversely affect by smoking, but whenever a cigarette sits in it, it starts coughing and screaming.

Though the annoying ashtray could simply be thrown out a window, those who are sincerely trying to quit smoking … Read more

On Tuesday, the FBI announced the indictment of a former technology director accused of hacking into the system at a Houston organ bank and deleting patient files.

The indictment alleges that Danielle Duann, 50, illegally accessed and damaged LifeGift Organ Donation Center's database in November 2005, shortly after she was fired as director of information technology for the company. She is alleged to have deleted organ donation database records and accounting invoice files from the network. LifeGift said that all of the records were restored from a backup and that no patients were put into jeopardy.

At the time … Read more

UPDATE: To include Starbucks' response.

Turns out what people want from Starbucks is the caffeine jolt and maybe a morning bun. The country's largest coffee chain is giving up on much of its music offering, including iTunes gift cards.

According to Silicon Alley Insider, Starbucks is planning to carry only four CD titles at a time in it's stores by September.

"We're shifting how music is merchandised in the store," said Bridget Baker, a Starbucks spokeswoman. "There's going to be a concentrated selection as we refocus on our core business."

Seattle-based Starbucks … Read more

WujWuj is a badly named, yet really simple to use group gifting service. The aim is to let you gift a single friend with one or more items from Amazon.com and spread out the payment over a group of friends. It's not a new idea--Fundable and FromEveryone do this. As do HomeSlyce and ChipIn, which manage to tack on general purpose fund raising as well.

What might be WujWuj's greatest asset is that it handles multiple gift giving with some basic intelligence. You can add as many presents to the list as you want, and it'… Read more

Mother's Day is Sunday, people. And while my own dear Mother should be receiving something in the mail tomorrow, I'm not always this on top of things. So, with sympathy for those of you who are still looking for something a little gadget-y to give your mum this holiday, here's a shortlist of suggestions.

iPod Shuffle: This one's a no-brainer: it's inexpensive, and it comes in a lot of fun colors. It's flash-based and workout-friendly. Most importantly, it's widely available at retail stores. For bonus points, preload it with a playlist that you … Read more