DAN QUIRK -- Whether conducting a raid in an unlit crack house basement or trying to find your tire iron at 2:30am on a dark highway, Surefire has a flashlight to fit your needs. Available models range from long battery life LED lights, to super high intensity (the M6 Millennium model is capable of an overpowering 500 lumens!) weapon lights used by elite police and military agents. Square in the middle of the long battery/high intensity matrix of Surefire's flashlights is Surefire’s most inexpensive model ($34.00), the G2 Nitrolon. Composed of a proprietary polymer compound that is non-conductive as well as corrosion proof, the result is a compact, sturdy, and light weight (3 ounces) flashlight. The G2 runs on two Lithium “123A” batteries, yet is three to four times brighter than a traditional flashlight running on two “D” cells. The standard bulb puts out 60 lumens, and the available P61 replacement lamp produces a blinding 120 lumens, although it reduces usage time from one hour to 20 minutes at that intensity. Perhaps the most compelling reason to pick this light up is that for $15.00 you can purchase a 12 pack of the “123A” batteries, which have a ten year shelf life. With a battery shelf life that long, you can store your G2 and extra batteries in the glove compartment or trunk of your vehicle and never worry that they’ll be dead when you need them. Great gift idea for anyone you always want to have a light when they need it (parents, spouse, significant other, etc.).

Just when I thought Polaroid was done, they come out with something that might just be a hit with teenager girls. Now they can use the Polaroid izone camera system to create beaded photo bracelets. I'm not going any further with this one... so if you want more info, Google it.

I stumbled across a product by DU PONT that everyone should own, especially in these crazy times. It's called EVAC-U8, this device is a personal emergancy escape smoke hood which can provide 15 minutes of breathable air and eye protection. Don't expect these to become a new fashion trend (they look a little scary), but they are small enough to have in your desk at work or at home. They cost about $75 and can only be used once.

If you own Gucci socks, shoes, underwear, pants, shirts, hats, and a custom Ferrari with Gucci interior (as seen on MTV Cribs), then you must complete your Gucci wardrobe with this styling Gucci iPod case. It only costs $195... I'll take two! Riiiiiight... I'd wait for the Swapmeet Gucci.

Personally, I think iSkin Inc. has the best iPod cases around. They are made from durable form-fitting silicone and provide protection against damages and scratches, and we know how badly those pretty little pods get scratched. You'll have a hard time picking one out since they come in many colors and glow-in-the-dark variations. Some of the selling points, incase you need them... Rear pores to promote heat dissipation, Easy access to iPod's Controls and Hold Switch, Side "goose bumps" for increased anti-slip grip, Compatible with iPod accessories that connect to the top of the iPod such as iTrip, Integrated dock connector port cover... need I say more? You'll have to pony up 25 bones for these skins.

I try my best to keep my electronics looking new, but the iPod is the worst at keeping scratch free because of its shiny back and polished plastics. The problem with traditional iPod protective cases is that they take away from the slim look and feel of the iPod (a reason why most purchase one in the first place) so it you want to keep your iPod scratch free, then you'll love Trendy Geek's Pod Shields. They are a made of a thin material that clings to the iPod using high static. The front film covers the iPods' delicate screen and the back film is designed to fully cover the stainless steel back and sides of the unit while still enabling users to place their iPod comfortably in a docking station. When the shields need replacing, there is no sticky glue or residue to remove -- they simply peal off. They come in a 3-pack and cost about $6.99. Way easier and cheaper than buying a polishing kit.