Gifts For Guys

Mosquito's Swan Song

2008-08-09T08:14:00.007-05:00

'Was recently sitting out on the dock at the Birdhouse and the Thermacell kept us from being eaten alive...again. Florida's Withlacoochee River can serve up the little biters with the best of 'em. A great first or second line of defense. There's just never enough of these special evenings with family and friends. No need to let them be ruined by the bugs.

Product data on their website says "repels 98% of Mosquitos". It's always that darn 2%! Yeah...we did have a second line of defense with the Cutters, and the pain level of a couple of bites suffered by the group was kept to a manageable level with good 'ole rum & coke.

Thermacell is packaging these "applicances" is several forms. They include the patio lanterns that have a little more aesthetic appeal to the ladies rather than the camo for the turkey hunters. About 12 hours of protection. Refills about $5 at WalMart.

Dynamic Duo

2008-08-09T06:57:00.006-05:00

Pandora.com & the Logitech Squeezebox Duet. Pandora is a free internet music service that will serve up fresh-n-FREE music with artist and genre channels that you define. It was developed by the Music Genome Project. The Squeezebox Duet is a multi-room music controller that that will let you stream music from your hard drive, premium music sources like Pandora and Rhapsody, and internet radio stations.

There is an excellent YouTube video on the Squeezebox Duet that may be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64HwO6bxRro . The MSRP is about $400. Be advised that the setup can be challenging for the non-tech savvy and that the interface menus have been criticized and could be better. 'Suggest keeping a close watch on this product and wait until the next upgrade comes out. It's getting rave reviews now and the next iteration will be "THE ONE".
I set up a Jack Johnson station on Pandora.....'still wowed!

A Day In The Gator's Swamp

2007-11-26T15:47:00.001-05:00

Thank You Steve & Pam Whitmore!

A Day In The Mangroves

2007-11-26T13:59:00.001-05:00

Mullet anyone?

A Pond

2007-11-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

Matt Miyahara
Los Angeles/AquaScaper
.....maybe.....A similar pond by our front door?

Free Shipping

2007-11-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

Attention Christmas Shoppers!!!.....The most hassle free way to buy gifts any time is to order them on the internet. The competition to sell you stuff is unbelievable and the profits are slim. Some of the very best deals offer free shipping. Some of the free shipping affiliate sites featured on GiftsForGuys.com may offer "da bomb" for your guy or girl.

Videography

2007-11-21T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hola Amigas......Quality Video's are driving the Internet now. But we need a tool to get it there. I've been looking for "The" good video camera deal to put on the GFG site. (Mean while....if you can't wait) start your search at Videography.com
There are several key considerations for a good selection. To meet a basic professional production standard, one must have a 3CCD camera. (Let's try to temporarily forget all about HDTV). 3CCD is often required of videographers to produce contract work....(such as video depositions). A 3CCD is a.k.a. a 3-chip camera. (CCD=Charge Coupled Device). The physical size of a 3CCD camera, is preferably... an order of magnitude larger in a palm video camera. This is necessary for the expanded circuitry, battery, audio, and storage media requirements.
Use of a tripod almost always improves video quality. Windows Movie Maker video editing software is for beginners....Camtasia Studio 5 @ $299 provides an excellent expanded creativity suite, and...can we talk?....... Underwater Video Production Is Way Cool Too!

Drop Shipping Sources Wanted

2007-10-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

Gifts For Guys LLC operates like a "picker". We search international networks and markets for the best deals on cool stuff for guys. The cost of finding competitively priced products and shipping them is a considerable obligation and task. We are constantly searching for new drop shipping vendors and associates for distribution within the Americas and Caribbean areas.
We currently are searching for the following items:
Solid brass personal spittoon. (No KKK or other offensive insignia please).
Teak Coat & Hat Rack. (Easy to assemble yet high quality materials).
250GB USB Computer Backup Systems.
If you drop ship these items ...... or have other interesting guy gifts ........ please call Chuck or an associate at GiftsForGuys.com @ 321-783-1898. Thanks and I look forward to doing business with you, Chuck

P.S. Elmer Fudd/(2nd mate on the Exxon Valdez).... says the cost of shipping things has gotten a "little screwy".

A Friend with a Boat

2007-07-07T12:52:00.001-05:00

Jesus & Mary Ann's Boat.

Cats & Dogs & Do-Overs

2007-07-07T07:37:00.000-05:00

'Common admit it.....a lot of you who have a kind heart.......got stuck with sombody else's whacked out animal......and the eventual parting of the ways wasn't ALL that pretty!

'Nice to later get a do-over opportunity and fresh start with a cute puppy or kitten!

Alzheimer's Care

2007-07-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

Thank's Papa Gator.......God Never Forgets

REM: Johnson's Baby Oil... on your face... before the shaving creame!

Civil Justice

2007-07-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

U.S. Soldiers, Men, and Women

2007-07-04T05:27:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE!!!

Hayley's Song

2007-07-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

Thank You.......for this picture Rick!
Teacher-Man!

PMP Certification

2007-07-03T16:08:00.001-05:00

PMP cert . = Nice Gift..... Cindy Dances! @Green Turtle Junkanoo

But beware and prepare for "The Test"....PMBOK Methodology and Formulas Required.
Currently 3500+ PM hours experience needed to sit for the exam.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)............... Thank You Contributors!
The PMBOK Guide/The 44 PM processes by Knowledge Area & Process Group/592 Distinct Inputs, Outputs, & Tools & Techniques....16 Core Components of the Project Management Plan.
Suggestions: Take PMBOK Guide CD distro to print shop and "mark-up" a spiral-bound hard-copy version...........and take Das Boot Camp.
Andy Crowe is Mr. PMP........... Thank You for the book.
pmi.org ........Thank You Contributors!
Velociteach.com = Das Boot Camp........... Thank You Bill Yates. Bill.Yates@velociteach.com
PMI Space Coast Chapter ...................Thank You Jason Breitfeller.
and......Thank You Miss Cindy Friend & Mentor...If a picture is worth a thousand words then two pictures are worth......well you decide.

'Little did I know this would become a virtual commitment to a lifelong education in the quest for Personal Development Units (PDU's)!

Key success indicators / attributes:

Highly developed written and verbal communications skills.
Must be able to shift between audience levels seemlessly and communicate well with all audiences from senior executives to line level professionals.
Ability to facilitate meetings between multiple stakeholders regardless of subject.
Ability to understand the balance between controls and business performance.
Demonstrate detail-orientation without losing sight of the strategic/project goal.

and the list goes on, and on ,and on.
This certification sets the bar very high.

Demonstrate solid organizational skills
Demonstrate strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency to achieve outcomes and exceed expectations, persists despite obstacles, setbacks and competing influences.
Ability to self-motivate and self-direct.
Ability to independently assess and evaluate situations and make independent decisions.
Proficient at handling difficult situations and human relations issues with professionalism and respect.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key business partners by building personal credibility and trust.
Demonstrate leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
Proficient personal computer skills with MS Office and many other advanced applications.
Commitment and adherence to company Core Values.

Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred!

Zenning & Winning

2007-07-02T14:10:00.005-05:00

Zen-Cart rocks. pssssst.....it's free. The code monkeys tell me so. ........mIRC/zencart channel......Joost youst b kearful of de cuss-dis-moo-ti-zation and fur-duh- Deh-vel-ooops-ment cost.

A good Web Code Shop can also be an efficient means to launch the dream....... Microsoft still Kicking Strong .......But Je-sus Still King And Lord Of All.

Maybe your guy is an Entrepreneur at heart and is thinking about giving it a shot. Encourage him to find his passion, figure out and buy a URL, and Go For It. You may end up driving Cindy's Dream Car.......He can commute with the Green Car....Yep, ....Dreaming is still free. Check your nearest Linux Users Group or .NET Users Group for talent. It's there.

This whole open source, free information, wiki exchange of knowledge is a wonderful and marvelous thing. My heart-felt bother-in-law Ray's impression of .......three big Gomer Pyle
Thank-Yous..!!!.... to all the Zenners that write this great stuff.

Two Hot Dates

2007-04-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

Speaking of dating ideas......two opportunities just passed by but are coming around next year. The Miami Boat Show was kinda chilly this year but I did see "The Shallow-Draft Dream" PDQ 41. The Dania Marine Flea Market would be a good place to test true love........say jointly purchase a new custom hatch and then see how the hole in your boat turns out. Burn up those Hilton Diamond Honors points and freqent flyer miles and head to sunny Florida. Check out the action @ Water Front News. By the way.....Miami's Barton G Restaurant /(Reservations) is to die for (or at least have a diabetic coma) and they have a very cool multi-media Barton G Website.

GFG's New Partner & Site Upgrades

2007-04-26T07:08:00.000-05:00

GFG.com just finished a complete overhaul going to a Linux type Server and a new e-commerce interface. Thanks for your patience while we were under construction. Google has got the kinks out of their Blogger beta and now seems to have a stable thing going. This site is now on a new server which brings us to the new partner at GiftsForGuys.com....... May I have a drum roll please......we welcome....Mr. Matt Closson... Linux Guru Extroidinaire....Secure Server Expert...You Da Man!
Matt is a regular presenter at the Melbourne Florida Linux User's Group, a heavy-hitter at his day job, has an awesome family, does custom programming solutions, and is mega-needed as GFG grows.

Check the Camping Kit

2006-10-11T05:34:00.000-05:00

Dad said....."Son......you got to go where the game is at."

The camping kit is a place that can always use a little more organization. There can be a considerable amount of equipment that needs to be consolidated into manageable loads beit for one or more people. The right stove, air mattress, and bug combat gear can make all the difference in enjoyment (yes, I'm aware of you RV'ers, who know all about comfort....and generators). Some equipment may need to be culled or upgraded...... and we will always ask ourselves why we carry stuff we don't use.

The game Dad was talking about, usually refered to fishing, bird hunting, or the Florida Gators football games. The fishing game is on at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Camping there is by reservations usually needed well in advance.

Beware the no-see-ums while waiting for "the bite". Check out the new ThermaCell Bug Repellant. This product is getting rave reviews, is worth the money, and considering risks associated with bug bites, may keep you and yours healthy.

Surf Wear

2006-09-14T18:57:00.000-05:00

There's an interesting fact about coastal anywhere. A lot of guys that don't surf appreciate comfortable surf wear too when it's warm out. Consider a Hawaiian shirt, a nice comfortable pair of baggy shorts, or a high end pair of sandals. The more expensive sandals in the $30 + range really look sharp around town and are easier on the feet...... 'Suggest black or tan but prefer black because the tan inevitable starts to look a little grimy after awhile. Please help keep the guys clean, cool, and comfortable.

Many thanks/kudos to the teams at 2ndlight.com and cflsurf.com for the great pics and letting me know when it's time to go.

Ship's Bell Hand Engraving - A Lost Art?

2006-09-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

No......it's not a lost art, but searching for a certified hand engraver can be a time consuming endeavour. I'm not talking about some bowling trophy plaque created with a machine. I'm talking about a pro like Catherine Fletcher at Hand Engraving.net . If you've found a gift that needs that extra special touch or need something created, call Catherine or Doty at 386-322-3525.

The Gift of Flight

2006-09-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

If you or the guy your buying for has the slightest interest in flying, there may be a small airport or airpark near you that offers introductory flying in experimental aircraft. I checked out a local ultra-light air show which featured an experimental sea plane manufacturer at Rockledge Air Park, FL (call Sandy Boswell 321-635-8005) a couple of weeks ago and found that the demo flight was a superb deal for $65 which included the pilot Bob Boswell in a sporty little 2-seater. Check out the Aventura II amphibian at Sea-Plane.com My 45 minute flight included two landings on Lake Poinsett and instruction that counts towards logging time for certification. The best part was getting coached through the landings on the lake. What a hoot! I even got Cindy to try the demo flight the next week. Calling around may reveal flying opportunities in your area. The memory of an inexpensive flight like this will last a lifetime. Attending a local air show makes a great date too! Catch the next Sun-N-Fun @ www.sun-n-fun.org/content/ .

Russian Flasks

2006-09-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

GFG has a quantity of high quality stainless Russian Flasks that are made in a submarine factory. They're not making a whole lot of submarines right now and the crew wants to stay employed so they make flasks. There are several different styles representing the insignia of Russian government service with the descriptive names being: KGB, Russian Guard, Paratroopers, Red Star, Air Force, Tank Troops, and Submariners. The KGB emblem is the most popular. The cap has a knurled grip with a raised bust of Lenin's head on it. The bottom has an interesting CCCP Hammer & Sickle manufacturing stamp on it.

Just the right size to store the left over hooch in the freezer. Birthday tested with Raspberry Stoli!

GPS Fall Gifts 2006

2006-09-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

Ahoy Mates,
September 11th 2006. The big 5 year anniversary. What a time to start writing a blog. Life comes at you fast don't it?

Cindy and I got married on July 19th, 2003 and gave the guy wedding party garmin gps gifts. Hobbies among the men were varied; such as hunting, fishing, tracking, navigating and going for long drives in the country. One day, my brother in law John (wedding guy) was on a day long excursion into a national forest (with our GPS gift) with his family - complete with in-laws. His father in law wanted to turn around because he was convinced John was lost. John plugged in their destination point, pressed the button (boink as I call it), and they were 15 minutes (not two hours) from a main road. You know... a main road with bathrooms, food, and marital harmony.... One of those main roads.

...........Mapping GPS prices have leveled out with excellent entry level units. The Garmin E-Trex Legend gets the best bang for the buck award. We're talking Survivor Man stuff.

GPS's are always hot. They have gotten specialized for hiking, cars, motorcycles, boats, and aeroplanes.

'Recommend a Garmin mapping/talking unit for the car. Never again have to silently pray that he'll pull over and ask for directions. Instead, let him impress you with his new toy. This is what is known as a win-win!
The same toy (I mean tool) can be used on a motorcycle with some rather cool mounting schemas available. 'Recommend an integrated mapping GPS/color sounder/fish finder for the boat. Check to see what kind of transducer needed for the boat and where the gps antenna will mount. Let the pilot figure out which GPS goes in the airplane!

We used the described boat/GPS on the 1972 34' Morgan sailboat Sea Otter (now Queen Doc) on a trip to the Abacos. 'Combined it with a Simrad wheel-auto-pilot and it made ALL the difference in fun, interest, and safely navigating. Remember: "Adjust your bearing to waypoint" and it does the rest. A joy to use.

New Blog Site

2006-09-09T07:28:00.001-05:00

Howdy,
Welcome! This blog is written by Chuck Townsend and is designed to give the reader gift ideas that a guy will really appreciate. This interest with cool gifts goes all the way back to when I was thirteen and received a "monkey-faced" coin purse from my Aunt Geneva at Christmas. It's obvious some people need help shopping. We will be expanding the Gifts For Guys Blog and features over the next few days. MVP Ken Tucker will be helping me keep the code, security, quality, and ftp'ing straight at the Gifts For Guys.com companion site. Ken is the President of Space Coast Dot Net User' Group scdnug.org and is a welcome addition to team GFG. You can read Ken's blog at OnteoraSoftware.com and see him presenting at the Dot Net Code Camps around Florida. Thanks to Microsoft Evangelist Joe Healy for great information at Devfish.net ><<<<(o>

And Thank You Readers!
Chuck