Wow! How time flies when you are having fun! And sometimes even when you are not. It’s that time of year once again to make our lists and check them twice. So, in the spirit of the Season, a little Naughty is ok, and Nice is really good.

Electronic Gadgets and Other Fun Stuff

Everything iPad

OK, I admit it. I am having a ball with my new iPad 2, and finding accessories that work is part of the fun. I started by ordering the Apple Wireless Keyboard for the iPad, and while it works, it is a bit clunky. I also purchased the Apple docking/stand, which is even more clunky. As with most things Electronic Gadget-wise, there are third party substitutes out there that claim to do it better than the original, and in some cases that is actually true. read more »

While some businesses are seeing a little uptick in pace, the slow economic recovery has hit charitable organizations hard. Some have used up their reserves and are struggling to fill the continuously growing community need.

“We are not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Jennifer Hardison, executive director for South Kitsap Helpline. “The needs are definitely getting bigger. If everyone can do what they can to help, every bit helps — and we’re grateful for the support we have from the community.” read more »

Did you miss “Cyber Monday” this year? Your holidays are not doomed — just grab the car keys and take a scenic drive around Kitsap, where you’ll find much better shopping ideas at the locally owned shops. But if you just can’t help yourself with your online shopping habits, at least make sure it’s something really cool.

Like every man’s dream, the RoboMower. This handy (though pricey) gadget takes care of what the men (or teenagers) grit their teeth over every time. read more »

Local merchants were gearing up in mid-November for this year’s biggest shopping season, and many said they were optimistic. Some are seeing a slight uptick in traffic over last year, which could be a positive sign, considering the economic recovery is lagging.

If you want to feel good about your holiday shopping, supporting the locally based merchants read more »

It’s (officially) the most wonderful time of the year! November 1 marks the beginning of the holiday season, when retailers everywhere strain to get a piece of that $466 billion in U.S. sales. After releasing a holiday sales forecast in early October and distributing the first consumer survey mid-month, the National Retail Federation (NRF) took a look at some of the overarching trends based off survey findings, economic analysis and plenty of conversations with retailers.

While it may not seem like this holiday season is too different than years’ past — shoppers are obviously focused on prices and retailers are expected to be offering strong promotions even earlier — this is bound to be a holiday season like none other. Here are ten trends gleaned from our full data reports. read more »

When a girlfriend gave Marti Green a small, 2-by-4-inch canvas painting of apples as a gift, Green says the gesture meant a lot to her. Of course, she’s an artist herself and as such, appreciates art, but being on the receiving end was refreshing, she says.

“The gift of art is personal and it doesn’t have to be a huge piece,” says Green, who does watercolor paintings at her Watermark Studios and Fine Printing in Port Orchard and was featured in November at Sidney Art Gallery (www.sidneymuseumandarts.com). “It’s a conversation piece, and it’s beautiful, even if it’s something small.” read more »

As 2010 ends, most businesses find themselves still coping with diminished sales and shrinking budgets. We are all growing weary of explaining to our employees that their hours will remain cut, pay raises on hold, benefits cut back, and they have to take on more work to cover for positions which have been eliminated.

The holidays are traditionally a time for some fun, employee recognition, parties, and even bonuses. It’s hard to not feel like Scrooge, as we cut back on what makes our offices merry during this time of year. read more »

It’s that time of year when once again we make our lists and check them twice, and pretty much ignore who is naughty or nice. (After all, naughty can be good, sometimes!)

Electronic Gadgets and Other Fun Stuff

Canon Rebel T2i SLR — For the quality, it is hard to beat the new Canon Rebel T2i SLR, with 18 Megapixels of rock solid high definition stills and an almost point and click simplicity. No tapes or hard drives to juggle, the camera records to SD card media, self cleans the CMOS video sensor, and is just an all around fun package. Expect to shell out about $850 for this camera with included 18-55 mm lens, and consider it money well spent. read more »

With the recent dedication of the newly completed New Mexico spaceway, which will serve to launch the first commercial flights into space, you may be tempted to run out and fork over the $20,000 space-flight deposit as your unique gift for someone very special in your life. (Pop diva Katy Perry did for her now-husband, comedian Russel Brand’s birthday, why not you?)

You don’t even have to go far to book — Tangerine Travel in Woodinville has one of the few accredited space flight agents on hand, ready to sign people up for the two-hour, $200,000 flights that will be offered sooner or later, thanks to the dreams and deep pockets of Sir Richard Branson. read more »