wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] World's Toughest Milkman from the_C_train December 21, 2007 - 11:30AM

  Sorry to jump the gun here but thought this was an interesting critique from amazon's site of the "iRead"-like device; sounds like rev2.0 will be better!

  The Good:

  The screen is actually pretty nice on this device. This is one of those new style of paper screens that make it much easier to read on than an on your PC, iPhone, or PDA. +1 points.

  The Bad:

  - Price. $400 is way too much. -1

  - The books you buy from Amazon are DRMed. This means that 10 years from now, you will probably not be able to read the books you buy. -1

  The Ugly:

  - No PDF support which makes it completely useless for most people who would like a device to review documents while traveling. -1

  - This does not replace the book. What Amazon does not understand, is that I want something that could replace my *laptop* so I can review work related PDF files without printing them out. I do not want something to replace my paperback novel which is cheaper, more durable, has infinite battery life, and I'll be able to read 20 years from now. -1

  Starting with an assumed 5 stars: 5+1-1-1-1-1 = 2

  
  
• [2] Robert from NYC December 21, 2007 - 11:44AM

  It's the thought that counts? What the hell were they thinking!!! STOP THINKING.

  
  
• [3] Zach from Upper West Side December 21, 2007 - 11:46AM

  My mother bought me a beer-making kit. Its the gift that keeps on giving!

  
  
• [4] Al from Queens December 21, 2007 - 11:46AM

  Mix it up. Something soft, something electronic, something to read, to listen to and something fun.

  If you only have one gift to give SOCKS. You can't go wrong.

  Merry Christmas

  
  
• [5] Sue from North Salem, NY December 21, 2007 - 11:46AM

  My advice for gift-giving: ask the other person what they want, either directly or casually work it into conversation. If they're so wishy-washy that they don't know what they want for Christmas, give cash. I give cash shamelessly. I once gave cash to my DAD and he loved it. He went out on a little spree of his own and called me at every stop to tell what he'd bought.

  Ask.

  
  
• [6] CH from NYC December 21, 2007 - 11:49AM

  Making a gift for someone is cool (I knit and crochet), but unless you KNOW they will like it you may be saddling them with an albatross they have to safeguard and drag out whenever they know you will be visiting. A better "crafty" gift would be to give THEM the supplies to make their own (including a magazine or instruction book with beginners instructions). It will give them a few hours (or days) of fun and perhaps give them a little brain exercise as they learn a new craft.

  
  
• [7] James The Giant Peach from Park Slope December 21, 2007 - 11:49AM

  I gave the "bacon of the month club" from grateful palette.

  
  
• [8] Mary Bon from Westbrook, CT December 21, 2007 - 11:50AM

  Boing Boing linked to a Make how-to video on making secret stash books. A trip to the goodwill resulted in some great trashy novels with excellent jackets that are now equipped with a secret compartment. (I love books, so I got a particular thrill out of buying a Creighton book that I knew I would get to slice up!) Easy to make a few at a time.

  For a great book that takes on many issues, including the importance of the printed word, Al Gore's Assault on Reason is really smart.

  
  
• [9] Cathy from Milltown, NJ December 21, 2007 - 11:51AM

  Please give the link for the drive-around-NJ/NY-in-hot-rods gift again!! It would be GREAT for my husband's birthday!

  Thank you!!

  
  
• [10] Lisa Maya Knauer from Brooklyn December 21, 2007 - 11:52AM

  We've scaled back gift giving by agreement among the family. I'm making shortbread and a couple of spice rubs for people, and we are purchasing books for a few people at the Strand and a local bookseller (although they are cheaper on Amazon we are trying to support local businesses). Other gifts are a crocheted shawl (made by me) and a handmade bag made by Guatemalan women who were detained in an immigration raid...

  
  
• [11] Laura from Somers, NY December 21, 2007 - 11:53AM

  Sometimes it's that little thing someone really needs but just doesn't get around to buying...my cousin kept mentioning that her soup ladle was on the verge of breaking. So I got her one for Hanukkah. It sounds so absurd but she loved it!

  I agree with Sue - ask, but also listen and observe. Is someone forever losing their umbrella? Could a friend who's a baker use a second set of measuring spoons? Did your sister just mention her regret at letting her magazine subscription lapse? Pick up on those little things which seem trivial, but really make a difference.

  
  
• [12] Mary Bon from Westbrook, CT December 21, 2007 - 11:55AM

  CH (and any other kniters) A few months ago I started making the ballband dishcloths out of the Mason Dixon book. They're super easy, can be made in wild colors and will get used everyday! For the parents of the kids I made hats for, teachers, et cetera, it will add a wee rainbow to what can sometimes be just a busket 'o dishwater.

  
  
• [13] Rachel from NY December 21, 2007 - 11:58AM

  My daughter and I made little soaps for her teachers. All the materials were at our local craft store, reasonably priced and making them was quite easy. We had a blast and she was so proud wrapping up those little soaps.

  
  
• [14] Shane from NYC December 21, 2007 - 11:58AM

  The realy spirit of Christmas @ Kiva.org

  Fantastic the circle of light is on the run!

  
  
• [15] Jenny from Montclair, NJ December 21, 2007 - 12:02PM

  Yes, please do put up a link or at least the name of that hot rod idea!

  
  
• [16] Robin R from East Brunswick, NJ December 21, 2007 - 12:04PM

  With reference to the digital picture frame. There are some that connect to a telephone line (or I guess and internet line) that allow remote users add/change photos from time to time. This is great for grandmothers who can be surprised by the new material.

  
  
• [17] Rachel from Brooklyn December 21, 2007 - 12:04PM

  Definitely interested in hot rod idea. Please post info!

  
  
• [18] amber ward from ny December 21, 2007 - 12:29PM

  I searched the site but cannot find the info on the drive around ny in cool cars that was given on Brian Lehrer's show today, Friday 21st. Please send. Thanks

  
  
• [19] Jay from Dumont NJ December 21, 2007 - 12:30PM

  dream car gift idea

  thought I heard 299.00 not 600

  http://www.gothamdreamcars.com/dream-car-tour.htm

  
  
• [20] Jay from Dumont NJ December 21, 2007 - 12:32PM

  Regarding hot rod test drive price.. Anyone catch that? maybe they are running a special for WNYC listeners.

  
  
• [21] BL Producer from WNYC December 21, 2007 - 01:19PM

  Here is the Hot Rod driving school that was mentioned on the show:

  http://www.gothamdreamcars.com/

  Buckle Up!

  -BL Show-

  
  
• [22] Nadia from Kensington, Bklyn, NY December 21, 2007 - 06:14PM

  I need to transfer my father's old 45's from the '60s to CD's. Anyone know how I can do that?

  thanks

  Nadia