Top Ten Gift Lists!

With the passing of John Hughes on August 6, 2009, it seemed appropriate to create this list of movies directed, produced, or written by a man whose vision defined a generation. RIP, John Hughes.

	1	The Breakfast Club "I am the eyes and ears of this institution." Who didn't come away from The Breakfast Club without a new-found respect for the humble janitor? I swear my friends and I could quote this movie by heart. What's your favorite quote? "If he gets up, we'll all get up - it'll be anarchy!" "Don't mess with the bull, young man - you'll get the horns!" If you grew up in the 80s, this movie should already be on your DVD shelf. If it isn't, now's the time to get it. Written, produced, and directed by John Hughes.
	2	Ferris Bueller's Day Off "Anyone? Anyone? Voo-something economics? Voo-doo economics?" After The Breakfast Club, perhaps one of the most iconic movies of the 80s. As a kid, who didn't dream of pulling off the perfect day of hooky? Leave it to Ferris to create the playbook. John Hughes wrote, directed, and produced.
	3	Home Alone: The Complete Collection Hughes was the writer and producer of the first three Home Alone movies, and his touch is surely part of the reason this institution continues to charm years after it was filmed. My kids love these movies; they've become a part of the standard Christmas oeuvre at our house. At this price for the entire collection, you can easily add them to your Christmas tradition, as well!
	4	Planes, Trains and Automobiles John Candy. Steve Martin. Need I say more? Two of my favorite comedians share the stage in this classic story of two men from opposite ends of the social spectrum thrown together through circumstance. You know a movie has had an impact when its title becomes part of the cultural lexicon. "My last trip was like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!" Written, directed, and produced by John Hughes.
	5	The Great Outdoors John Candy. Dan Akroyd. Need I say more? An awesome combination of comedic talent makes this one of my favorite movies ever. I saw The Great Outdoors in Jackson Hole, WY on a long summer weekend with an ex-girlfriend and her family. Maybe it was the fact that I was in a touristy spot that made me appreciate this movie all the more. Like all Hughes films, this one is full of cultural elements that inform my outlook to this day. Who hasn't called a huge steak, "the ol' 96er?" Or patted a churning stomach and mumbled, "processing nicely..." Or stepped away from the bar to use the bathroom and said, "Time to introduce Mr..." - well, you get the idea! Written and produced by John Hughes.
	6	Uncle Buck John Candy. Need I say more? One of my favorite comedies of all time. There's just something about Candy's laugh that's infectious - when he starts laughing, I start laughing. Favorite scene? UB pulling the rusty axe out of the trunk of his back-firing piece of crap car when rescuing his niece at the party. No - actually, it's UB introducing himself as 'Buck Melanoma' to the principal at school. Yeah - that's it. John Hughes, writer, director, and producer.
	7	Pretty in Pink OK, OK. I'll admit that I actually found Molly Ringwald attractive when I was a kid. Not hot, but attractive. (Hot was reserved for Elle McPherson - but I digress.) When you're in high school, you pretty much see every movie that comes out, and Pretty in Pink was one of those must-see movies. Jon Cryer does a good job as Duckie, one of the more memorable characters in Hughes' movies. Maybe not Hughes' best work, but solid nonetheless. Written and produced by John Hughes.
	8	Sixteen Candles "Awwww sexy girlfriend!" Another defining movie of a generation. Molly Ringwald makes yet another appearance in a Hughes film as the teenage daughter whose family forgets her 16th birthday. Great characters abound, from Long Duk Dong (the hilarious foreign exchange student) to Ted, the horny geek who figures out how to get Ginny's panties and charge admission for a public viewing of the prize. Classic stuff that reflected a reality none of us ever encountered but still seemed oh-so familiar. Written and directed by John Hughes.
	9	Weird Science Back before Kelly LeBrock lost her hotness by slumming around with Steven Seagal, she lit up this classic of teenage cinema as the bombshell genned up by a computer nerd and his buddy. Is it a stretch to suggest that the first .com wave found its beginning in the hormone-fueled work of teenage boys convinced that a few supermodel pics and a computer were all that was needed to have a hot brunette come strolling out of your bathroom? Well, maybe... Written and directed by John Hughes.
	10	National Lampoon's Ultimate Vacation Collection You either love Chevy Chase or you hate him. But if you're a fan, you can't get enough of the Vacation movies. John Hughes wrote the screenplay for Vacation, European Vacation, and Christmas Vacation. Get them all (plus the not-as-good Vegas Vacation) in this box set.

Wow - what a talent. When we heard of John Hughes' passing, we knew we needed to create this Top Ten List of his best movies. But I had no idea that he not only directed but also wrote and produced so many of these classic films. More than just movies, these flicks are like old friends that instantly take me back to my youth. Thank you, John Hughes, for the work you accomplished while you were with us. You have left a legacy.

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From practical to extravagant, here are some options out there for back-to-school ideas.

	1	JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds (Black) $9.95 Show me a high school or college kid that doesn't have an MP3 player or a phone that plays MP3's. These ear buds help keep the noise out and the music in!
	2	Middle/High School Age School Kit with Essential Supplies $55.64 This Back to School Kit for Middle/High School Aged students brings together a variety of essential school supplies from top brands in one package. A one stop shop!
	3	Mead Composition Book, 100 sheets, Wide Ruled, 1 Notebook, Black Marble (09910) Keep your notes organized using a couple of these Mead Composition Books.
	4	Grade School Age Back to School Kit with Essential Supplies $47.82 This Back to School Kit for Grade School Aged students brings together a variety of essential school supplies from top brands in one convenient package.
	5	Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation) NEWEST MODEL The iPod touch has always been an amazing iPod. And with its groundbreaking technologies--including a Multi-Touch screen, access to hundreds of games, and wi-fi enabled, the iPod touch service above and beyond regular MP3 players.
	6	Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light (Black, Kindle Version) $19.99 Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 offers pure, smooth light guaranteed. Features no bulbs to replace-ever! Coils to super compact size, can be clipped on or freestanding, can be positioned in any direction, and a long battery life.
	7	ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Netbook $365.00 This lightweight and sleek netbook sports a 10.5 hour battery life. These litte, and relatively cheap, devices work great for school notetaking.
	8	Samsung 2233SW 21.5-Inch Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor $174.00 This LCD would work great in a dorm room or bedroom. Hook up your netbook/laptop and do homework, watch movies, or (if you have a TV tuner) watch television in HD.
	9	Kindle: Amazon's 6" Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation) $299.00 Weighing in at 10.2 ounces, Kindle is lighter than a typical paperback and as thin as most magazines. Kindle can go with you anywhere, and some text books are starting to appear as a download for Kindle. Not to mention, any PDF can be stored and viewed with your new Kindle.
	10	JanSport Big Student Backpack (Grey/Vegas Nights) $29.97 The JanSport Big Student Pack is the classic JanSport school backpack for students of all ages who carry large loads across campus. This backpack is available in several color combinations.

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Small point-and-shoot cameras typically offer incredible depth of field, which makes them surprisingly adept for landscape work. Consequently, I tend to prefer compact cameras that offer a wider lens. In this list of top ten point-and-shoot cameras, I try to offer a nice mix: some are great for wide angle shooting, others offer zoom capabilities that make them a great choice for telephoto shots. Make sure you know what type of shooting you plan to do before you pick one of these great cameras. Better yet - buy two!

	1	Canon Powershot G10 At a photography workshop I recently attended, an instructor was asked what point-and-shoot camera he carried when he didn't want to carry his DSLR. The Canon Powershot G10 was his camera of choice, and no wonder - at 14.7 megapixels, this camera sports a 28-140mm lens, 3" LCD, and a hot shoe for external flash. It also includes face detection and image stabilization. If you're a sophisticated shooter, you'll love this camera - but be prepared to have it set you back almost as much as an entry-level DSLR.
	2	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 Don't like having to choose between wide-angle or zoom? Why not have it all? The Lumix DMC-ZS1 has a 25mm wide angle lens to capture those sweeping vistas. But why stop there? The 12x optical zoom takes you all the way to 300mm! With a 10 megapixel sensor and image stabilization thrown in for good measure, the Pani Lumix DMC-ZS1 may just be the perfect do-everything camera.
	3	Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR We decided to include a Fujifilm camera on this list because of their reputation for high quality images at higher ISO. If you read the reviews on this camera, you'll see that achieving spectacular images may take a bit of coaxing on your part to override the camera's default settings (for example, you'll find several folks recommend shooting at 6 megapixel instead of the full 12). But once you start making the decisions, you'll be impressed with this camera's output. Nothing fantastic in terms of lens here (28-140mm), but for low-light shooting in a compact body, you should definitely take a look at the FinePix F200EXR.
	4	Nikon Coolpix S630 If you're looking for something a bit more compact, check out the Coolpix S630. With 12 megapixels and a 7x optical zoom (37-260mm), you won't get much on the wide end but this camera more than makes up for it in reach. The S630 also features a crazy 11fps burst rate. At less than $250 and with those gorgeous Nikon colors, you can't go wrong!
	5	Olympus SP-590UZ I'm a real fan of Olympus cameras. They're not afraid to go there own way, creating technology today that the other manufacturers roll in to their cameras tomorrow. If you're willing to go with a slightly larger point-and-shoot, the SP-590UZ definitely deserves a look. Like the Lumix DMC-ZS1, this Oly combines great wide angle shooting (26mm) with breathtaking telephoto capabilities (676mm). That's right - this camera covers 26-676mm. The SP-590UZ includes image stabilization (you'll need it at 676mm!) and an electronic viewfinder. Definitely worth a look if you're not ready to step up to a DSLR but need the extra reach.
	6	Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 True, the image quality from the Stylus Tough-8000 may not be what you'll get from some of the other cameras on our list. But if you're shooting in difficult situations - skiing, boating, fishing - you should take a look at this camera. It's not just water resistant - you can actually take shots under the water! With a 12 megapixel sensor and a fairly ho-hum lens (28-102mm), don't buy this camera if you're just planning to take a few shots of your kid's birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. No - you'll buy this camera if you need something you can beat up, drop, use in freezing weather, or take submerged shots of your buddy landing that 24" Brown trout.
	7	Canon PowerShot SX1IS At $600, the PowerShot SX1lS costs almost as much as an entry-level DSLR. So why would you pay this much for a 10 megapixel point-and-shoot? Perhaps its the f2.8-5.7 aperture? Or the 28-560mm reach of the lens? How 'bout 4 frame per second burst mode? Hold on - are you sure this isn't a DSLR? Nope - it's got image stabilization that works in video mode, 1080p HD video at 30fps, and an articulating 2.8" LCD! Now you're talking! This camera may not be the best in low-light, but for outdoor work, give it a look!
	8	Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 Like the PowerShot SX1LS, the Cybershot DSC-HX1 sports a 10 megapixel sensor and 28-560mm lens. Where this Sony outshines the Canon is in its burst mode - a whopping 10fps! It also sports a unique panoramic mode, high-def video (1080p at 30fps). Oh - and there's an HDMI port for direct connection to your high-def flat panel to view your handiwork straight out of the camera. A 3" tilting LCD completes the package. Unfortunately, if you need to capture in RAW you need to look at the SX1LS. But at less than $500 street, you should definitely give this camera a look.
	9	Leica M8 Digital Rangefinder OK - let's be frank. You're not going to buy this 10.8 megapixel Leica because it's got all the bells and whistles. You're going to buy it because it's a Leica Rangefinder - and you want everyone who sees you shooting it to know that you found a spare $4Gs in your seat cushions to pick this baby up. Don't kid yourself - you need to know what you're doing to shoot one of these (which means we technically shouldn't have included it on this list of point-and-shoots). But hey - shooting a rangefinder is just flat out cool - how could we leave it out?
	10	Panasonic DMC-LX3 So let's say you don't have a spare $4000 to spend on the Leica Rangefinder you really wanted. What's the next best thing for the rest of us? Wide and bright, the DMC-LX3K sports a 24mm Leica lens that opens up to a whopping f2. Plus, you get that sexy rangefinder look for only $600! You'll also find the DMC-LX3 provides more hand-holding, so if you like the rangefinder look but not the roll-your-own nature of a classic rangefinder, this just may be the camera for you.

We hope this list of point-and-shoot cameras proves that all the action is not in DSLR's these days - there's still plenty of good reasons to give the point-and-shoot a serious look. Packing portability and power into smaller bodies, these cameras definitely have their place. Happy shopping!

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As everyone knows, the best gift for mom is time. However, if you are short on time, or want to give a gift and time, here are some options to think about.

	1	Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker If your mother is a coffee drinker, let her sit and enjoy a latte or cappuccino, soak in the sun, and have an overall relaxing day.
	2	Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Starter Kit -- (Medium) Get the new and improved kit with everything you need for a flawless, 100 percent pure bareMinerals complexion in one complete customized kit designed especially for specific skin tones. Unless you know these types of things, make sure you get help ordering the right skin tone kit.
	3	3/16" Harmony Professional Natural Rubber Yoga Mat in 68 and 74" Lengths Chocolate Brown Be a little careful getting your mother exercise stuff. But, if your mom is into Yoga, this would be an excellent gift.
	4	Apple iPod nano 8 GB Pink (4th Generation) Almost everyone loves music. Bring mom into the digital age (if she isn't already there). She'll like it.
	5	Metrokane Rabbit Wine Opener Gift Set, Silver For moms that often have company and like to drink wine, this handy (and good looking) tool will get the job done.
	6	Metrokane V1 World's First Vacuum Decanter Wine need never be wasted. A lovely decanter in lead free crystal, the Vacuum Wine Decanter is a modern marvel of style and convenience.
	7	Magic Bullet Deluxe-22-pc Blender Set,1set I recently received one as a gift and I love it. Cleanup is simple and it makes a smoothy in 30 seconds.
	8	Kindle 2: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device If your mother loves to read, the Amazon Kindle is a well made tool that makes getting and reading books very enjoyable.
	9	TexereSilk White Robe for Women, 100% Silk, Hand Painted -- The Chrysanthemum On Sunday, when mom wakes up and is ready for a cup of coffee, she can enjoy a special silk robe for comfort.
	10	Go spend time with your mom.

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Maintaining a collection of TV shows on DVD is a television staple these days. It gives relaxing, unwinding entertainment from a stressful day, and is something for people to enjoy together. Check out these great series that'll provide many hours of enjoyment.

	1	Firefly - The Complete Series Sci-fi, drama, comedy, and action... it's packed with a wonderful blend of genres. This engaging series will have you hooked from the first episode.
	2	Arrested Development - The Complete Series Its first year, Arrested Development won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series - because it's hilarious! This smart comedy will keep you reaching for the next episode.
	3	The Sopranos - The Complete Series Ever wonder what it's like in the working man's mafia? Look no further than the amazing Sopranos series - a detailed show of the daily life of mafia man Tony Soprano.
	4	The Wire: The Complete Series "Imagine a show that every critic on the planet loves. Imagine a show so deeply layered that it makes every other drama seem simple. Imagine a show where each character is equally important. Imagine a show that reinvented itself every season..." This review really captures The Wire, without ruining the surprises you have waiting when you see the show.
	5	Deadwood: The Complete Series The "Old Timey" drama that is Deadwood is one of the most acclaimed series HBO has hosted. Engaging and well-scripted, this series will provide many hours of entertainment.
	6	Seinfeld - The Complete Series There are two kinds of people - those who like Seinfeld, and those who love it. The Seinfeld Complete Series is perfect for both! Tons of deleted scenes and even some alternate endings, you can't miss these.
	7	Friends - The Complete Series Collection Trendy and funny, Friends never gets old! The lovable group of characters are sure to entertain.
	8	Gilmore Girls - The Complete Series Collection Gilmore Girls has a quick wit and never a dry moment. The series was an instant hit!
	9	Frasier - Complete Series Sometimes called the "smartest show on television," Frasier has the well-spoken Kelsey Grammar in a perfect role. With an all-star cast, Frasier is a great show to have on hand.
	10	Spaced: The Complete Series This top-rated British series stars the hilarious Simon Pegg (from Shaun of the Dead). It's an excellent choice for something new to watch that you won't be catching on TV anytime soon.

Any one of these would make a very kind, entertaining gift. Make sure to choose one that matches the taste of your intended recipient (or just pick Arrested Development if you're not sure!)

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Going to the movies is great. However, as we all know, they stick it to you with the concession costs. Buying nachos, popcorn, candy and soft pretzels can make a trip to the movies an expensive event. Save some serious cash by purchasing your snacks ahead of time in bulk packages that will last you through the next couple Batman flicks.

	1	Nestles Raisinets On The Go (Pack of 18) A tasty classic for around $16.
	2	LesserEvil Classic Kettle Corn (Pack of 24) Pre-packaged and more convenient than theater popcorn, for around $20.
	3	Popchips Variety Potato Chips (Pack of 36) 36 bags of popchips will last a long time for around $30.
	4	Sour Patch Peach (Pack of 48) Satisfy your "sour tooth" with Sour Patch peach flavor - for around $24.
	5	Haribo Gummi Candy (Pack of 12) It's tough to beat gummy candy :) Available for around $12.
	6	100 Calorie Packs, Chips Ahoy! Cookies (Pack of 6) A fraction of the calories you'd get with any option at the theater, grab a box of cookies for around $18.
	7	LesserEvil Krinkle Sticks Classic SeaSalt (Pack of 24) Try this tasty alternative to popcorn - krinkle sticks (in classic sea salt flavor). A 24 pack is around $27.
	8	YummyEarth Organic Lollipops 150-Count Container This treat will last you a while, and the container is packed with 150 pops! Available for around $16.
	9	Toblerone Chocolate with Honey and Almond Nougat (Pack of 12) Nothing says smooth, tasty chocolate than a Toblerone. Bring this elegant treat to the theater with you for around $15 (for a dozen).
	10	Nestles Snocaps On The Go (Pack of 18) A classic movie-theater treat, but at a fraction of the cost. Get 18 packs of Snocaps for around $16.

Purchasing your snacks ahead of time is sure to save when it comes to theater costs. Don't forget to bring your own water or other beverage and try to hit the matinee to save even more!

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Since valentines day is coming up, what better gift to get your man then a new Xbox game. Oh wait...the gift is for yourself? Perfect. Well, the games below can be summed up in a few words: sports, mature, violence, and downright intensity.

	1	Xbox 360 Rock Band 2 Special Edition If you think you're a rock star and got your rock moves, prove it. Rock Band 2 is a great party game and even works for families (if the kids aren't too young). Enjoy rockin out on the drums, jammin on the guitars, and belting it out on the mic!
	2	Fallout 3 So it finally happened. The world is down to a few survivors who brave radiation and mutants after nuclear fallout. With amazing graphics, this game sucks you in. Again, not a kid game as there are several adult situations.
	3	FIFA Soccer 09 FIFA 09 by EA Sports is a great sports game. Many bells and whistles have been added such as live updates to keep your player's stats modeling real life, online collaboration with friends, and custom tactics to develop yourself. Get it now for $56.99.
	4	Gears of War 2 Chainsaw gun...enough said. Well, perhaps not enough said. Excellent graphics, gripping story, a great co-op mode, great gameplay.
	5	Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution Civilization has always been a game with a core following. The latest iteration brought the game to consoles everywhere and the addiction continues. Check out the demo, get hooked, then buy the game. Or, just jump to step three and get the game for $36.99.
	6	Fable II Fable 2 is the much anticipated sequel which has sold like wildfire. An epic story that picks up 500 years after the first game, explore and play as you please with an ample amount of freedom. Each choice you make changes the outcome of the game.
	7	Left 4 Dead Always wanted to be a zombie? Well now you can. Battle your way through humans, or be human and fight your way past zombies in four massive campaigns. Multiplayer supports up to 8 also.
	8	NHL 09 Feeling rough and tumble? It must be time to check people into the boards. So grab your hockey stick, some skates, and an xbox controller and get in the game for $56.99.
	9	Dead Space Aliens, blood, and telekinesis. What's not to like? Get locked into this action game and story. $56.99.
	10	Grand Theft Auto IV What list would be complete without GTA? As with many other games out now, this one isn't appropriate for children. But how many games can you car jack someone, hit a gentleman's club, go bowling, and participate in several other activities? $49.79 for hours of "things you shouldn't do."

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You really can't go wrong with a fitness gift. Even if your buddy isn't a muscle head, fact is we could all do with a bit more exercise. So pick up a gift off this list as a not-so-subtle hint!

	1	Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor There's more to be said for a heart rate monitor than just tracking your optimal heart rate so you're working out 'in the zone.' Quite frankly, I'm a little sick of hitting spin class only to be the odd man out without a heart rate monitor. Do your friend (and her fellow classmates) a favor and hook her up with the great Polar F11 rate monitor!
	2	How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy! Paul Chek has it going on when you talk about the complete picture of health. From workouts to stretching, eating to sleeping, Chek has recommendations that will keep you looking and feeling your best. Highly recommended.
	3	CamelBak BPA-Free Better Water Bottle with Bite Valve,Green,1 Liter If you're working out, you gotta hydrate. This sippy CamelBak bottle has the advantage of not requiring you to remove a lid to take a swig. Not a bad thing during the middle of an intensive circuit workout. And it's BPA-free!
	4	Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Single Dumbbell If your gift buddy works out at home, this is the gift for him. We can't all afford a huge home gym - the Boxflex SelectTech dumbbell is space efficient but scales all the way from 10 to 90 lbs. Great idea!
	5	Bosu Balance Trainer Home Version These things are awesome. Add a whole new dimension to your workout by throwing a Bosu into the mix. Regular workouts get amped up when you're balancing on a Bosu during your regular lift movements.
	6	Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (65cm) If you've read Paul Chek's book (see #2), you know how critical stretching is to your overall health. A balance ball is an inexpensive add-on to your regular routine that will help you stretch in ways you never realized were possible.
	7	Sherpani Meta - 08 Cornsilk Gym Bags My good friend (who's also a personal trainer) recommended this bag as one of her favs. Gals have all kinds of stuff to carry to the gym; this bag has room for all of it.
	8	C9 by Champion Champion's C9 series of workout clothing is reasonable but high quality. Look sharp and be thrifty. I like it.
	9	Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain When I added Paul Chek's book to this list, my friend insisted on including Egoscue's Pain Free, as well. She swears by it. She's in much better shape than I am (she just finished the Twin Cities Marathon a few months ago), so I'll defer to her expertise!
	10	Medi-Dyne ProStretch Unilateral Stretching System If you do a lot of biking or elliptical work, you need to make sure you keep your calves stretched and loose. This simple looking device does a great job of doing just that. My gym has a few of these lying around - I love giving my calves a good stretch before and after an intense workout. Nice!

There you go - ten top gifts for the fitness buff. Whether your friend is just getting started on her journey to fitness or she's an old hand who knows the drill, you can't go wrong picking up one of the items listed here.

Happy shopping!

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Yoga has become hugely popular; there's probably someone in your social sphere who is really into it. The next time you need to buy a gift for your favorite Yoga-lover, check out this list of great gifts!

	1	Harmony Professional Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Made in the USA of open cell, natural dry rubber, this mat is 3/16" thick. Go for a natural alternative to PVC! Available in 68" or 74" lengths.
	2	Yogitoes Skidless Premium Yoga Towel Add a super-absorbent Yoga towel to your practice to absorb perspiration and prevent slipping. This lightweight towel includes silicone nubs on one side to grip your Yoga mat to prevent movement.
	3	Barefoot Yoga Mysore Practice Yoga Rug If you prefer something a little more 'authentic' than a hi-tech Yoga towel (see #2), check out this Yoga rug. Decorative and made of tightly woven cotton, this rug rests nicely over any Yoga mat and most floor surfaces. Use it to add extra cushion for sitting postures and better traction and stability for standing postures. It absorbs perspiration to keep you from slipping. Nice!
	4	Manduka Mat Sak I work with a gal who carries one of these bags. Super-hip and highly functional, this bag is made of a durable cotton canvas material with recycled PET mesh detailing. Two zippered compartments provide protective carrying space for a Yoga mat, towel, strap, and personal items. Did I mention that it looks fantastic? Very cool.
	5	Gaiam Cork Block/Hemp Strap Combo No foam block for you! Increase your eco-cred with this Yoga block/strap combo. The all-natural cork block will help you refine your alignment in certain standing and sitting poses. Use the hemp strap to improve your stretches. Good stuff.
	6	Toezies - The Sock for Pilates, Yoga and Lounging Around What really puts these socks over the top is the non-skid surface on the bottom. Hygienic, free toes, and no-slipping - what could be better?
	7	Chemical Free Yoga Mat Wash Ban the funk without the harsh chemicals. This organic mat wash from Vermont Soap will keep your Yoga-lover's mat fresh and clean. She can use it on her Yoga blocks, balance balls, cushions and straps, as well!
	8	Yoga Zone: Music for Meditation If your Yoga-lover prefers her music a little more upbeat while she's practicing, hook her up with this CD from Yoga Zone.
	9	Ultimate Stretch Yoga Workout Does your Yoga-lover sometimes practice at home instead of a Yoga studio? If so, gift this DVD from celebrated yoga teachers Ravi Singh & Ana Brett. This Kundalini Yoga DVD offers a complete workout in just 60 minutes.
	10	Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga... When asked to pick one book she'd add to a list of Top 10 Gifts for the Yoga Lover, one of our favorite Yoga instructors here in town selected this book - Light on Yoga. It is the definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga.

So there you have it. Even if you're not into Yoga personally, your favorite Yoga-lover will be impressed when you give one of the items off this list. There's nothing better than giving a thoughtful gift.

Happy shopping!

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Well, I must admit that I'm biased to LCD TVs over Plasma. The reasoning could go well beyond a gift recommendation, so I won't dive into it. Perhaps the best bit of news is that nearly all these TVs are on sale with decent size discounts. The newest deal seems to be the 120Hz LCDs. 120Hz promises a clearer picture with less pixelation. I have listed some that are not 120Hz since they are well priced and still solid. Oh, whatever you get, make sure it's 1080p.

	1	LG 42LG70 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Normally $1,699, this clean-looking, highly-reviewed set is marked down to $1,277.
	2	Sharp Aquos LC42D85U 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV The AQUOS models for Sharp are doing extremely well in the market. Several reviews suggest their customer service is better than most and people enjoy the quality of the AQUOS line. Normally $1,499, on sale for an incredible $1,086.
	3	Toshiba REGZA Cinema Series 42XV545U 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Once again, a quality 120Hz set that is normally $1,499 is on sale for $1,208.
	4	Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Normally $1,499, the KDL is on sale for $1,049 making this TV one of the better deals out there.
	5	Philips 42PFL7403D/27 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Philips makes the top five with this TV. Normally $1,299, get this TV for $1,077 now.
	6	LG 42LBX - 42" LCD TV - 120Hz - widescreen - 1080p (FullHD) - HDTV 1080p - glossy black For some crazy reason, this TV is marked at 50%! Normally $2,099, you can snag up this set right now for $999!
	7	Toshiba REGZA 42RV530U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Another nice Toshiba, this one is normally $1,199 but available now for $982. Keep in mind, this is not a 120Hz set.
	8	Sharp Aquos LC42D64U 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Although not a 120Hz TV, the AQUOS line has had great reviews. Last week, this set was significantly cheaper. Now, however, it is listed at $1,844.
	9	LG 42LG60 42-Inch 1080p 120hz LCD HDTV, Gloss Piano Black with Scarlet Red For some reason, this set has two pricing breaks. Normally listed for $1,999, the first price break is to $1,699. But right now, this set is listed $1,299!
	10	Toshiba REGZA 42XV540U 42-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Normally $1,399 but now listed at $1,199

Well, that's the list. There are others, but I tried to keep in and around the $1000 mark for TVs. If you are into further research, you can check on the Contrast and try to get that number up as much as possible. For example, 25,000 : 1.

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