Okay, okay, so Furby was last Christmas. Then again, it's such a fascinating (and learning) thing, that it certainly does belong at Brainstor(e)ming! You can even pick up the Furby Trainer's Guide for good measure.
Fly your Glider through the many houses of this newer version of
an old favorite. You can even pick up more player-designed houses around the Net. Why would I feature this at the Brain Store? All I can say is that it's fun, and it really does involve a lot of physics/engineering! CD for Mac by Casady & Greene.
Now, I remember playing this back when it was just a board game, but of course, that was the age before personal computers. The Game of LIFE is a classic, and this version has been well-received for it's graphics and other amenities. (CD for Win from Hasbro Interactive)
I did find a Palm III in my mailbox, and I am quickly becoming addicted. Everyone I know who has one loves it. This system is the Palm IIIx portable connected organizer.
An APC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) instantly switches your computer to emergency battery backup power and
allows you to work through brief power outages without data loss or downtime.
This novel from the early 1990s caused quite a stir when it first came out. Indeed, even now the reviews are mixed (just take a look at Amazon.com). However, it is a thought-provoking treatment of the anonymity that things like a party line, and yes, even an Internet chat room, can provide.
A new experience in dictionaries, one that talks back. Now, be sure of the pronounciation (and the definition) before you use the word! CD for Win by The Learning Company.
A collection of quotes by women by Eline Partnow, assembled in a manner similar to Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, although, unfortunately, most of these won't be as familiar to most people. However, it's a good source of quotes and ideas, just the same.
Arlo Guthrie: Alice's Restaurant
This CD is just one of those classics that is a wonderful story, and a lot of fun. The title track tells the story of the "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," which is rather a favorite of folk people all over the world.
The perfect antidote for Dilbertian cynicism is Frank Capra's masterpiece, You Can't Take It With You (1938), starring Jimmy Stewart as a financier's heir in the Depression who gives it all up for Jean Arthur and her kooky family.
Natalie gets to pair up with her father on the title track, for a truly wonderful combination! This special edition package contains the UNFORGETTABLE CD, an additional CD with Cole's version of "The Christmas Song" and a video featuring the "Unforgettable" video and "The Christmas Song."
If you want the 50's version of life in the corporate (and World War II) trenches, try Gregory Peck in The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956) as an executive who faces a choice between family and career while waxing nostalgic for the simplicity of his service in Italy.
The 80's feminist revenge movie
9 to 5 (1980), starring Dolly, Jane, and Lily, starts a trend brought to a climax by Thelma and Louise. Dabney Coleman is terrific as the obnoxious boss giving the good ladies a hard time.
A lot of people will also miss Mel Tormé, who died on June 5th (the day this page was designed). This collection from the Concord Jazz Heritage Series was just released last year.
On a more serious note, one of the best movies of 1997, L.A. Confidential (or get it on DVD) gives us the inside scoop on corruption in L.A., with
dynamite performances by Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and
especially Kim Basinger. Who knew she could act? Try the book by James
Ellroy for an extra layer of conspiracy too hot for Hollywood.
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