World of Warcraft is not a simple game, but it’s not that complex either. If you want to learn about something, you will find an answer online, no question about it. But if you’re lazy, get the book.

Hacking World of Warcraft won’t teach you anything forbidden by the game rules; instead it will give you some of the basic (or more advanced) things you need to know to have a nice stay in Azeroth and the Outlands. From add-on suggestions and how to make a macro to creating your own add-ons, you can be sure there’s something you didn’t know before. And author Dan Gilbert should know what he’s talking about, since he’s the guy who wrote one of the most popular add-ons, Atlas.

But, while the book does look interesting, I really don’t see the point of paying almost $30 for it. All the information is available online, you only have to look for it. With the help of google, a couple of add-on websites and your guildies, there’s nothing you can’t find out.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $27.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

The last flotation device I saw was the Waterbuoy – a life jacket for your keys. But really, if you’re stupid enough to take your keys to the beach and then let them fall out of your pocket… you deserve to lose them. Sunglasses, however… I couldn’t go to the seaside without them.

The Sunglass Personal Flotation Device looks like a much better idea: it keeps your sunglasses safely floating. You’re going to take them with you on a boat trip or even swimming, so there’s a big chance they’ll fall off and you’ll want them to float, not sink. And (this is the part I like best), it can also act as a pouch. I can’t count the times I’ve scratched my glasses, and I never leave them on shore while swimming, so this sounds like the perfect combination to me.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.50 on Sahalie.com.

Via bookofjoe

I’m glad there are so many gadgets aimed at inept gardeners. Those of us who would like a plant, but know that getting one means certain death for the poor thing…

It would be easier if plants could yell for water, but unfortunately they can’t speak. However, the Thirsty Light aims to fix that. It measures the amount of water in the soil and, if it isn’t enough, it starts blinking.

It can’t get any easier than that: light blinking means “water me!”. You only need to remember to look at the pot once in a while.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

If you’ve got a Wii-loving friend and you had no idea what to give them for their birthday, look no more! The Nintendo Wii Controller Peppermint Gum is here. (Or, all right, you can look for a real present, but this will make a lovely addition to anything.)

It’s normal gum, but it comes in a case that looks exactly like a Wii controller, only a bit thinner. We can admit it: no one is going to buy this for the gum; you’re paying for the box. But it’s so cool it’s worth it. After you’re done chewing, you can use it to store memory cards or pencils or whatever else fits. Then laugh at whoever thinks it’s real and tries to use it.

One of the coolest things I’ve seen in a while, really. And I don’t even have a Wii!

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $3.95 on GKWorld.com.

Via Gizmodo

I won’t repeat my story about grandpa and his dynamo flashlight, you can read it here. The bottom line is that I have a soft spot for hand cranked flashlights. And when you add a cat…

The Kitty Hand Pressing Torch is nothing special, I have to say. But it has the cute cat design and the big advantage that it doesn’t require baterries. Although you won’t probably use it on a regular basis, it’s one of those objects that come extremely handy in a tough spot. Have you ever noticed how power outages only happen when it’s dark?

How much under $29.99?
Some: $11 on Gadget4All.com.

One of the most important finance-related lesson for a kid is teaching him/her how to save up some money. The first candy you buy with your own money tastes differently than the one mum or dad get you.

Besides, piggy-banks are fun! My dad had one when I was too young to understand what money was and he kept it long after I stopped saving up coins. And he wouldn’t give it up, so he bought me my own. But, nice as they were, the Magical Money Jug still beats them. It’s not just a piggy-bank; it also counts the coins as you insert them. It can identify pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters and can count up to $999.99, so you can easily keep track of your coins and prepare for the day when some unfortunate store clerk will have to count it all.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on Solutions.com.

One of the most frustrating experiences is having to wrestle more bags than I can easily carry. I don’t like to feel trapped, I want to move freely. I can imagine that a baby makes things twice as complicated.

But that’s life… you can just pack lighter. Or you can go for the creepy Tote-a-Tot. This device is basically a system of straps to connect a rolling carry-on to a baby’s car seat and it seems very unsafe to me. I get stressed out when I can’t see my cat, how could a woman leave her baby out of sight? You would be dragging your baby behind you, so someone could kidnap him/her and you might not notice. Or, to go into more mundane aspects, what happens when they drop their pacifier or toys? It’s bound to happen.

I’d like to hear some opinion from mums, I just can’t see this as a good idea.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.95 on ToteaTot.com.

Via OhGizmo!

Bzzt. Bzzzzt. BZZZT! Oh yes. There’s a fly in the room. What do you do? You can try to open the window and shoo it out (run around the room for 5 minutes while the fly ignores you). You can try to swat it if it decides to sit still for a while. Or you can electrocute it!

Oh yes, you can zap flies and mosquitoes and daddy-long-legs and whatever other bugs plague your house with the Electric Fly Swatter. It makes a very satisfying “pop” sound when the pests die, so you will probably feel revenged for all the naps their relatives ruined for you…

1,500 volts is a lot, but don’t worry, it’s just for the flies; you’ll be protected from that. Although it would be a good idea not to touch anything but the handle…

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $8.95 on Amazon.com.

Via Gizmodo

Some people are way too paranoid, really. The germs will not kill you, ok? You have some immunity, unless you had just-as-paranoid parents who sheltered you too much.

But I know there’s little chance for someone like this to change their mind, so for the paranoid among you… the Disposable PlaneSheets. They’re made of polypropylene fabric, have elastic edges so they fit on the seats and stay there to protect you for nasty stains and germs and things. (Really, what kind of stains would they have to be to mess up your clothes?!)

Hypochondriacs, enjoy these. Rest of the world, just skip to the next post.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $12.95 on Solutions.com.

Unless you’re a hardcore camper, you have to agree with me: sometimes you really want a shower. I’m all for living in nature, but I’d rather do it without feeling sticky all over, especially in summer.

You can improvise, of course, but I think the Sea To Summit Pocket Shower offers the best solution. It’s a very smart little recipient with a compact showerhead, made from heat-resistant waterproof fabric. It folds down into a 3” x 6” pouch and only weighs 4.25 oz., but, despite its size, it can hold 10 liters of water (2.6 gallons) which can provide 8 minutes of showering with the showerhead fully open. As you can see, it’s all black to soak up the sun and warm the water, if a hot shower is what you’re after. As for the rest of time, it can serve as a regular dry sack for your clothes or sleeping bag.

Call me ignorant, but I never knew things like this existed. Now I want to get all sorts of fancy camping gear and put my tent up somewhere…

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.95 on Rei.com.

Via Gizmodo