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You may need to be able to play your video games in the comfort of what else, a "video rocker."

This looks really cool, better than the one I have at home where you have to shake the thing vigorously to get, oh, maybe 30 seconds of light.

I'm talking about these new flashlights that don't need to be charged or require batteries.

Overstock.com has a pretty good deal on an iPod adapter that lets you listen to your favorite podcast through your car stereo and recharge your iPod at the same time.

Circuit City has some deals on games for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game consoles.

That killer shot at the beach, you know, the one you took where the morning sun splashes light over the water and the pool is glistening. You need to do it justice.

A view from our hotel window at
Hilton Head, S.C., last summer.

Here's a good deal on a mini speaker system for the iPod shuffle.

Sometimes you just want to toss something in the oven for a quick-and-easy chow down.

And it better be on sale because payday's still a few days away.

Say no more.

One Triad grocery store has a deal on bottled water that just might hit the spot.

This portable radio is powered by hand, putting less of a drain on your wallet because it never needs batteries.

Target has a Memorex 20-inch flat screen TV for $88.

Office Depot has a deal that could save you some bucks if you're in the hunt for a photo printer.

Lowes Foods has a buy 1, get one 1 free deal on packages of cooked, raw or salad shrimp.

This is by far the best deal I've seen on one of my favorite store-bought coffee brands.

Steve at Deal Rabbit suggested mentioning a pretty good deal on a printer.

The weather outside is frightful, but this deal is so delightful.

At least when it comes to finding the best gas price in the Triad area.

Walgreens has a battery-free flashlight on sale for $14.99 that promises one minute of hand-cranking for one hour of power. And you never have to replace the bulb.

Best Buy has a Samsung digital camcorder for $199.99 (after $70 mail-in rebate). Regular price is $299.99.

It's a mini-DV with 2.5-inch LCD screen.

This is the best deal I've seen on "The Godfather Collection."

Circuit City has the 5-disc set, which includes all three movies and lots of extras for $45.99 (less than Amazon.com's asking price). Regular $59.99.

This is a great stocking stuffer for those in the family who treat you with respect. For those who are dead to you, well, it might be time for a little fishing trip.

Just so happens Target has a rod and reel for $19.99. Don't worry, you'll get it back when he's, ah, done with it.

Circuit City has an RCA 52-inch HDTV for $1,000 (regular $1,200).

Here's a good deal for those able to get their hands on the elusive Xbox 360.

Dealcatcher.com mentions Best Buy will throw in a $10 gift card if you buy two games online.

Details here.

Lisa: Dad, it's obvious you're Pie Man, we've been getting his mail for weeks.
Homer: We shall continue this conversation in the pie cave.

For those who can't enjoy grandma's home-cooked pies over the holidays or don't perform well in the kitchen, you might want to give Mrs. Smith's frozen pies a try.

Of course, it's never as good as the original. But not bad either.

Grab two at Food Lion because they're having a buy 1, get 1 free deal (regular $4.99 each).

Merry Christmas.

Just in time for an affordable holiday toast:

Today's Wall Street Journal has an article (registration required) describing a global search that unearths "these under-$10 gems; our defintion of value."

"We thought we'd look back at our blind tastings over the year and see how many wines under $10 rated Very Good or higher - and here they are," Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher write.

They add a few caveats (prices may vary, some may no longer be available).

Here's a deal that's just right for steak lovers.

Food Lion has boneless New York strip steak for $5.99 a pound (regular $9.99).

This should at least help your wallet get in shape regarding that New Year's resolution about losing weight.

Kohl's has New Balance 470 men's running shoes on sale for $29.99 (regular $59.99).

Make this part of your New Year's to-do list: Verify your computer's anti-virus software is updated.

I use Norton (came with the software package when I got the computer), which seems to work well. Can get the '06 software for $39.

McAfee VirusScan 2006 might also be worth checking out. It's received somewhat better reviews compared to Norton.
Price I've seen is $49.

Pork baby. That's what it's all about.

It's the preferred meat because the new year is a time to look forward, News & Record reporter Allison Perkins writes in today's life section. You see, that's because pigs can't look backward.

Now there's some fascinating trivia you can share at tonight's New Year's Eve party. But be sure to tell them where you found out about it.

Get center cut pork roast or chops for $3.99 a pound at Harris Teeter (regular $4.99 a pound).