Tom McMahon

Banjo Lapel Pin

Banjo Lapel Pin 

 

A great gift for the banjo lover/player in your life. But do banjo players ever wear clothes that have lapels? (Don't be confused by their confusing web page, you can still order just one lapel pin.)

US Constitution Lapel Pin

US Constitution Lapel Pin

Under $10. Makes a great gift for those friends of yours who are too liberal to wear an American Flag lapel pin. (via Pat Cunningham)

Earth Christmas Tree Ornament

Earth Christmas Tree Ornament

$19.95

Get Your Uranium Ore Direct From Amazon.com

Get Your Uranium Ore Direct From Amazon.com

A couple of customer reviews:

I purchased this uranium ore several week ago, and nowhere on the package did it say anything about not using it as a f flavor enhancer, like salt or paprika, and I'm starting to...

From Visions of Stewie: What the deuce? How did this end up here? Did the fat man or the stupid dog steal my stash and start selling it? Damn you vile people! 

H/T: Renee O'Brien

Clark Howard's No-Gift-Card Certificate

Clark Howard's No-Gift-Card Certificate

Christmas Visit: The 1959 Russian Cartoon Made At The Height Of The Cold War That Features A Young Moscow Boy Named Kolya Whose Father Is Spending His Christmas In Antarctica Without A Tree, So He Gets Santa's Help To Take His Christmas Tree To His Dad

Christmas Visit: The 1959 Russian Cartoon Made At The Height Of The Cold War That Features A Young Moscow Boy Named Kolya Whose Father Is Spending His Christmas In Antarctica Without A Tree, So He Gets Santa's Help To Take His Christmas Tree To His Dad

Nicely restored along with a number of other obscure Christmas cartoons on the DVD above. Some screenshots:

Kolya's Father At The Antarctic Research Station

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Little Kolya Asks Santa For Help

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Kolya Travels Through Africa

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Kolya Arrives At The Shores Of Antarctica On The Back Of A Friendly Whale

Given its origin, the most fascinating cartoon I have ever seen.

Washboard Tie

Washboard Tie

Now you can make a musical statement and a fashion statement all at the same time. Made with 24-guage rippled stainless steel. As fun to play as it is to wear. Comes with two metal thimbles so you can play right out of the package. $18.

Max The Elephant

Max The Elephant

I dream of an America where every kid gets to grow up with one of these . . .

Straight From The Enron Bankruptcy Sale: The Genuine Original Enron Squeezy Stress Ball

Straight From The Enron Bankruptcy Sale: The Genuine Original Enron Squeezy Stress Ball

Here's the entire copy from stupid.com:

Yes... Enron was flying high. Their executives were raking in untold millions. Their stock price was soaring. And to put some icing on their glorious cake, they paid a fortune to slap their name on a new baseball stadium! It was called Enron Field, home of the Houston Astros.  Built for $300 million, it was chump change for the CEO's of Enron

But then the SCANDAL hit... Enron turned out to be one, huge accounting scam. Billons of investor dollars were lost. Thousands of Enron employees lost their jobs (and their retirement funds). And before you could say, "Book 'em, Dano,"  Enron's name was ripped off the ballpark. This pathetic exercise in corporate excess had come to a sad conclusion.

Perhaps all that remained was a cache of Squeezy Enron Stress Balls. We suspect that these were to be given to fans at the stadium, but the bankruptcy put the kibosh on that idea. The bankruptcy courts ordered that Enron's assets be liquidated -- and that included these Enron Stress Balls. They have come direct from Enron's own warehouse, and now they can make their way to you.

The stress balls are springy foam and measure 2-3/8" in diameter. Like the Enron CEOs, you are probably under a lot of stress yourself. Why not use these actual artifacts to squeeze your tension away. 

GENUINE ENRON SQUEEZY BALL: JUST $3.99 (while they last, which may not be any longer than Enron lasted)

Q: What Is A Sugarplum? A: A Great Christmas Gift!

Sugarplums

The sales blurb:

Visions of those darned sugarplums kept us up the whole night before Christmas year after year-wondering what the heck sugarplums were and why on earth they were dancing. Now we know: a blend of sweet plum compote and rich dark chocolate, formed into a truffle-like chocolate-coated candy that will have you dancing all night long.

Lanolin: A Centuries-Old, Natural Remedy for Dry Skin

Lanolin: A Centuries-Old, Natural Remedy for Dry Skin

Refined from oils in sheep's wool, that's what lanolin is (but you knew that, right?). Made on a real working farm in Cambridge, New York. Less than 10 bucks. A great Winter Solstice gift for that New Age sister-in-law of yours who lives out in Oregon.

Christmas Sale On Fine Art Prints By World-Famous Travel Photographer David Sanger

Christmas Sale On Fine Art Prints By World-Famous Travel Photographer David Sanger

Fine art prints of travel, nature and people worldwide. New prices range from $24.95 for unframed 8x10 to $299.95 for a framed 20x30 print. I'm not trying to rush Christmas Season, you understand, but if you want to give a gift that's beyond the ordinary you usually need to plan ahead. I could spend all day browsing through David Sanger's travel photos.

Santa With His Pot of Gold

Santa With His Pot of Gold

This is one decoration you can put up for Christmas and keep up through St. Patrick's Day. Almost as good as the Green Irish Santa Holding The Little Baby Jesus For Mary And Joseph.

ALL-ETT, The World's Thinnest Wallet

ALL-ETT, The World's Thinnest Wallet

Made of parachute material or some such. (via Clark Howard)

Too Poor For An iPod? Get An iFan, And You'll Be Really Cool!

Too Poor For An iPod? Get An iFan, And You'll Be Really Cool!

It's a hand-held fan, designed like an iPod. How clever is that!!!! Available at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and other fine stores that begin with "Wal".

Jesse And The Rippers T-Shirt

Jesse And The Rippers T-Shirt

I've watched more episodes of Full House with the kids than I can possibly remember. Wear this shirt for free admission at the Smash Club. More great T-Shirt designs here.

All-World Monster Map

All-World Monster Map

Wouldn't this be great in a kid's bedroom? You know, to keep 'em in line. $15.

Detail Of The All-World Monster Map

With the world such a dangerous place, your kids will be glad to stay home and support you in your old age . . .

Self-Esteem Cube

Self-Esteem Cube

Currently marketed as the "Idiot's Cube", they could sell millions of these if they just re-named them.

24 Karat Gold Plated Kazoo

24 Karat Gold Plated Kazoo

"Get them while they last! We recently bought the remaining stock of 24 Karat Gold Plated Kazoos from the S.J. Miller Company. These are vintage kazoos still in the original packaging and in mint condition. These kazoos were originally manufactured in 1974 and come packaged in a gold foil box. Also included are instructions on how to play your new gold kazoo. We have a limited quantity available, and once they are gone we will no longer be able to offer this product. Made in the USA. 4.75 inches Long. Threaded cap for easy tuning and resonator replacement."

I bought one of these when I was in the Navy. I used to take it into the Reactor Compartment with me and play "Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean". Since it was a restricted space, there was nobody around to tell me to knock it off. I'm so clever.

Same and Different: A Children's Coloring Book

Same and Different: A Children's Coloring Book

"A dancing hippo, a magical dragon, happy fairies, and other fantastic creatures populate these pages. The characters look alike, but a closer look reveals subtle differences. With these 30 whimsical pictures, kids can sharpen their detective skills by figuring out the similarities and distinctions. The fanciful illustrations are fun to color, too!"

Buy Christmas Music Cheap On Used CD's

Here's what I bought to-day at SecondSpin.com:

1. Burl Ives: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer $1.79
2. Frank Sinatra: Christmas Through the Years $1.79
3. Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir $1.79
4. Pat Boone: Family Christmas $1.79
5. Andy Williams: Christmas Album $1.79
6. Glen Campbell: Christmas with Glen Campbell $1.79
7. Ray Conniff: Here We Come A-Caroling $1.79
8. Dean Martin: Season's Greetings from Dean Martin $1.79
9. Various Artists: Christmas Soul [Rhino] $1.79
10. John Denver: Christmas Like a Lullaby [Laserlight] $1.79
11. Various Artists: Jingle Bell Rock: An Oldies Rock and Roll Christmas $1.79
12. Lawrence Welk: Jingle Bells $1.79
13. Harry Simeone Chorale: Little Drummer Boy [Polygram] $1.79
14. Red Army Chorus: Yuletide Favorites $1.79
15. Various Artists: 1940's Christmas [Laserlight] $1.79
16. Mahalia Jackson & Nat King Cole: O Holy Night $1.79
17. Boston Pops Orchestra: Arthur Fiedler Conductor: Christmas Favorites $2.99
18. Andy Williams: We Need a Little Christmas $2.99

The Grand Total with shipping and tax was $47.32 for all 18 CD's. No, I'm not going to play them now, but since these are used CD's and the selection varies over time, the early bird gets the worm and all that, you know.

Mistletunes: Discover Great Christmas Music

Mistletunes: Discover Great Christmas Music

Their purpose:

Very few people don't love Christmas. It's the most highly anticipated holiday of the year. People gauge the validity of their whole lives against their perceived happiness level at this time of year.

But in this age of "family values," society seems to have decided that only Christmas celebrations worthy of The Waltons are valid. In reality, there are plenty of folks out there who would like Christmas a lot more if it were a little less sappy.

And that's where Mistletunes comes in. Come here and discover the soundtrack to your rockin' Christmas celebrations.

This site exists to allow those who believe in a rock 'n roll Christmas to celebrate the season their way -- from a musical standpoint, at least. I have about 30 years of record collecting under my belt, although I don't bring a collector's viewpoint to my appreciation of music, just a music lover's.

Math Whiz Actress Danica McKellar Now Teaches You Yoga On DVD

Math Whiz Actress Danica McKellar Now Teaches You Yoga On DVD

Is there anything Winnie Cooper can't do? Probably not . . .

Recycled Juice Handbags: Show Off Your Love of Fashion, Your Commitment to Recycling, and Your Desire to Help Impoverished Communities of the Third World in One Incredibly Easy-To-Justify Purchase

Recycled Juice Handbags: Show Off Your Love of Fashion, Your Commitment to Recycling, and Your Desire to Help Impoverished Communities of the Third World in One Incredibly Easy-To-Justify Purchase

Made from recycled juice box cartons by a women's cooperative in the Philippines. $20 for the Shopper, $30 for the woven handbag. (via Advertising Is Good For You )

Video Fireplace DVD

Video Fireplace DVD

About 13 bucks. Always good to have one of these around during the Christmas holidays.

Cut And Assemble A Pre-9/11 New York Harbor Full-Color Diorama

Cut And Assemble A Pre-9/11 New York Harbor Full-Color Diorama

Full-Bloom Tea: Hand-Tied Artisan Teas Bloom Into Drinkable Floral Bouquets

Full-Bloom Tea: Hand-Tied Artisan Teas Bloom Into Drinkable Floral Bouquets

And yes, they also sell glass teapots and teacups.

Life of the Party: A Visual History of S.S. Adams, Makers of Pranks and Magic for 100 Years

Life of the Party: A Visual History of S.S. Adams, Makers of Pranks and Magic for 100 Years

(via the author's blog, Secret Fun Blog)

Tom Terrific

Tom Terrific

Excerpts from Wikipedia:

Tom Terrific was an early animated series on American television, presented as part of the Captain Kangaroo children's television show.

Created by Gene Deitch under the Terrytoons studio (which was a subsidiary of CBS, the network that broadcast Captain Kangaroo), Tom Terrific ran in a series of five-minute cartoons created specifically for the Captain Kangaroo show from 1957-1959, and was rerun on Kangaroo for years thereafter.

Drawn in a simple, even clumsy, style, it featured a gee-whiz boy hero, Tom Terrific, who lived in a treehouse and could transform himself into anything he wanted thanks to his magic "thinking cap" funnel hat, which also enhanced his intelligence. He had a comic lazybones of a sidekick, Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog, and an arch-foe named Crabby Appleton, whose motto was "Rotten to the core!" Other foes included Mr. Instant, the Instant Thing King, Sweet Tooth Sam, the Candy Bandit, and Isotope Feaney. ... Tom Terrific was ranked by TV Guide magazine among its "50 Greatest TV Cartoon Characters".

And from Don Markstein's Toonpedia:

Tom's appeal did not lie in the cartoons' production values, which, like most early TV animation (e.g., Clutch Cargo, Col. Bleep), were nothing short of shoddy. No, it was in the clever writing, the likeable characters, and the fact that the series was just plain fun. The latter quality was considerably enhanced by the talent of voice actor Lionel Wilson, who played all the roles. As chief villain Crabby Appleton ("He's rotten to the core!"), Wilson would sneer and hiss in the best melodramatic tradition; while as Tom, his breathless enthusiasm made every little plot development seem like a Major Event.

Another possible source of the character's appeal was in his basic situation. Besides being a superhero (he could transform his body into whatever he wanted), Tom was a kid on his own. His headquarters was a tree house, where he lived with his ever-faithful companion, Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog (possibly the world's laziest heroic sidekick), and nobody else. The only adults in Tom's life were guys he could have fun adventures with — villains like Captain Kidneybean the Pirate and weirdos like madcap inventor Isotope Feeny. What kid wouldn't want to identify with a guy like that?

Die-hard fans looking for DVD's might want to try here.

Dippity-Do: The Grooming Secret of Sailors in the 1970's

Dippity-Do: The Grooming Secret of Sailors in the 1970's

You simply put a boatload of this stuff in your hair during the day, enough to pass inspection. Off-duty, you'd wash it out so you would look like a civilian.

Devo E-Z Listening Disc

Devo E-Z Listening Disc

Classic Devo reinterpreted by the Spudboys themselves.

The Day Clock: A Great Retirement Gift

The Day Clock: A Great Retirement Gift

Joe Sherlock's Dream Car Note Cards

Joe Sherlock's Dream Car Note Cards

Four concept cars from the 1950s rendered in pen and ink. (Dodge Fire Arrow, Lincoln Futura, Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser and GM's Firebird III) Printed in black ink on heavy ecru (cream colored) linen notecard stock. 20 assorted cards (5 of each car) with matching envelopes. 5.5"w x 4.25"h. Only $10.95 plus shipping.

No More Stolen Tire Valve Caps!

From the fine folks at Avani Revolv Anti-Theft Tire Valve Stem Caps:

Dear Friends,

Have you or someone that you know of, had the unpleasant experience of losing the car's tire valve stem caps? Do you know that the tire pressure is of paramount importance to the safe handling of your car? Let's face it, isn't it frustrating to have your tire pressure valve caps being stolen from your car, be it happening to your Brand New Lexus or your Old Trusted Corvette.

No matter what brand or make of your car, or the type of tire valve caps you are using, you are subject to the possibility of your tire valve stem caps being stolen by some thieving or mischievous individuals. Or picture this - imagine you are dressed in your best outfit and driving long distance to your best friend's wedding, and your tire gave way, all because someone took your tire valve caps and your car now gave up on you in a cold and wet weather and you are stranded in the middle of nowhere...

We can understand your frustrations, and we proudly present to you:

Avani Revolv Anti-Theft Tire Valve Stem Caps

Note: Avani Chrome Tire Valve Caps are triple chrome plated on brass cores which will give you the lasting shines and durability, it is significantly better than the chrome plastic tire valve caps type in the market. So, what exactly is it?

It is a highly innovative patented product that is theft proof and comes with special custom made key that only allow you as the owner to lock and unlock it.

Here's how it works: The chrome tire pressure valve caps are designed and assembled with an outer sleeve; This shields the tire valve cap from gripping force, thereby effectively locking the cap in place. A specially made key is then provided to you to bypass the outer sleeve when installing or removing the chrome tire pressure cap from the valve stem, thus making the tire valve caps theft proof, except for you, as the Avani Revolv Tire Valve Cap owner with the customized key.

Las Vegas Stars Paper Dolls

Las Vegas Stars Paper Dolls

The Tom McMahon French Vocabulary Builder: Today's Word: Décolletage

Décolletage: It sounds French because it is French. The Vermont Country Store (such practical folk, those Vermontniks!) has a special cream for it:

• Clinically proven CoEnzyme Q10 reduces sagging skin
• Hyaluronic acid immediately reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• Herbal ingredients include chamomile, avocado and jojoba oils, and safflower oil
• For the best results, massage into the skin daily

After that last point, you're probably repeating the words of the title of Billy Swan's 1974 hit song. If you remember Billy Swan. And if you know French.

The Tom McMahon French Vocabulary Builder: Today's Word: Décolletage. Use it just 50 times in your conversations at the office today, and the word will be yours forever!

Hand Grenade Oil Lamp

Hand Grenade Oil Lamp

$50. (via Funniest Gadgets)

Cross-Shaped Breath Mints In A Bible Tin

Cross-Shaped Breath Mints In A Bible Tin

The only product on the market today that will make your breath minty fresh and keep the vampires away.

CC Radio Plus: The Best AM Radio You Can Buy

CC Radio Plus: The Best AM Radio You Can Buy

We got one for our Dad, and he really enjoys it. You can read a full review here. $165.

2007 Super Bowl XLI Indianapolis Colts Genuine Waterford Crystal Helmet

2007 Super Bowl XLI Indianapolis Colts Genuine Waterford Crystal Helmet

Just $185, and includes that all-important Certificate of Authenticity. I wonder if Oprah will be buying one of these for Dave . . . 

A Great Gift For Great-Grandma: An Autographed Photo From Mickey Rooney

A Great Gift For Great-Grandma: An Autographed Photo From Mickey Rooney

Provided your Great-Grandma likes Mickey Rooney, you understand. Only $60. And if your Great-Grandpa is still around, a Bob Feller autographed photo will set you back $75.

Swiss Army Knives For The Great Indoors

Swiss Army Knives For The Great Indoors:
The Miss A Knife For Women
The Metroline For Men

Gloves You Blow Into To Stay Warm

Gloves You Blow Into To Stay Warm

Warm Cream: Warm Up Chronically Cold Hands and Feet in Minutes

From The Vermont Country Store:

Do you suffer from cold hands and feet? Rub this Vermont-made cream into your hands or feet and in minutes you'll feel a precious warmth coursing through your fingers and toes that will last for hours. Made with the amino acid L-arginine, which stimulates circulation by naturally relaxing blood vessels.

Anybody out there tried this?

Give The Gift Of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh For Just $69.95

Give The Gift Of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh For Just $69.95

Probably the perfect Christmas present for that super-egotistical boss of yours.

Mah Jongg Menorah

Mah Jongg Menorah

(via NOTCOT)

The Tumbling Vacuum Meat Marinator

The Tumbling Vacuum Meat Marinator

The blurb:

This marinator creates a vacuum inside the barrel that causes the food's fibers to stretch and become porous, while paddles inside of the rotating barrel flip and coat the food with marinade. Unlike conventional techniques that only flavor the surface and require 24 hours of marinating for thick cuts of meat, the automated marinator infuses restaurant-quality flavor and succulence into a 5-lb. brisket in less than 20 minutes, while using half the amount of marinade required for pan or bag soaking. Using the same technology to facilitate tenderization that the food industry has applied for 30 years, the marinator allows meat, fish or vegetables to absorb up to 20% of their weight in marinade without extended preparation.

Only $200. Kind of like one of those rock tumblers you had as a kid, but for food.

Grinning Dog Lips

Grinning Dog Lips

A great gift for Fido for just 10 bucks.

Hidden Picture Books For Kids

Hidden Picture Books For Kids

When I go to the dentist or the doctor, I always scour the waiting room for their copy of Highlights for Children just so I can find the hidden pictures. It puts me in a foul mood when I find someone's beaten me to it. Well now Dover Publications has come out with several books of nothing but hidden pictures. A great stocking stuffer idea in the winter, and a great time-occupier for those long vaction drives in the summer.

The Original Lifebuoy Soap: A Great Stocking Stuffer For The Christmas Story Fan In Your Life

The Original Lifebuoy Soap: A Great Stocking Stuffer For The Christmas Story Fan In Your Life

It's manufactured in Cyprus now, by the way.

The 120 Mile-Per-Hour Electric Car

The 120 Mile-Per-Hour Electric Car

Only $108,000!!!

Dick Tracy Animated Series On DVD

Dick Tracy Animated Series On DVD

A Really Really Big TV Remote Control On Sale At Walgreens For $10

A Really Really Big TV Remote Control On Sale At Walgreens For $10

Anybody with kids has just stopped reading this blog and is now on their way to their nearest Walgreens. Just in time for football season too!

The Pirolette: Your Silhouette In 3-D

The Pirolette: Your Silhouette In 3-D

(via Mental Floss)

Alfred Hitchcock Season 2 Available October 17 For $40

Alfred Hitchcock Season 2 Available October 17 For $40