Holiday Entertainment and Culture Gifts over $20 for 2009

Description: Born in 1963 in Michoacán, Mexico, Jorge Marín comes from a distinguished family of artists. He is a graduate of the Escuela Nacional de Conservacion, Restauracion y Museographica “Manuel del Castillo Negrete”, INAH-SEP, México, D.F., and spent several years in museums doing conservation and restoration before dedicating his full attentions to his own artwork. Marin’s work has been exhibited at the Museo de Arte Moderno, México; Museo Universitario del Chopo, México; Museo Monterrey, N.L., México; Museo MARCO, Monterrey, México; Museo Nacional de la Estamapa, México; Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, San Juan, Puerto Rico; Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, CA. His work is included in a number of important public collections including: The Franklin Companies, Los Angeles, CA, Museo de Art Carrillo Gil, México, D.F., México; Museo de Arte Moderno, Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, México, D.F., México; Museo de la Secretaria de Hacienda y Crédito Público, Antiguo Palacio del Arzobispado, Mexico; Museo Universitario del Chopo, UNAM, México, D.F., México; Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, CA; Rockefeller Foundation, New York, NY; Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores, México, D.F., México.
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Price: $3,500.00 to $7,000.00

Description: These works reflect a continuation of the form, medium, and techniques used during Delgado’s imprisonment, a time where his new artistic language and creative expression were born. The limited material sources opened up a new means of expression, while these simple elements became a part of his artistic identity. In the Pañuelos series, a group of 20 painted handkerchiefs, the figures, depicted with fine, thin lines, are contrasted against a background of metal chains, heavy-duty locks, and fetters –strong iconographic imagery of oppressiveness and imprisonment. 15.6" x 15.4 digital printing, color pencil, cold cream and handkerchief
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Price: $1,500.00 to $4,500.00

Description: Introducing a brand new concept in art from Wyland - amazing new wildlife art, earth friendly materials, and ultra small limited editions. Once a series is gone – it’s gone forever. As our grassroots work with communities, schools, and environmental organizations grows, so does the concern of the Wyland company for the health and well-being of our environment – from our ocean to the vast, important ecosystems on land. This new series of artworks features some of the world’s most threatened species. Each iconic in their own way, these animals represent the last frontier for our fragile ecosystems and important species. To honor his subjects, Wyland uses only environmentally friendly “green” inks, with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on a substrate of 100% rapidly renewable bamboo, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
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Price: $1,495.00 to $4,995.00

Description: Bronze sculptures and paintings by Mimi Sammis, host of the PBS-TV series Love to Paint with Mimi. Her works are represented in more than 300 public and private collections world wide. The sculptures range in size from 1-22 feet and incorporate fountains and moveable figures. Sammis supports the global work for peace with her artwork entitled One Thousand Years of Peace, an exhibition of 30 bronze sculptures. This body of work was exhibited at the United Nations this past September 2001. It was previously shown at the United Nations in 1999 and following that at The Hague, Netherlands, in conjunction with The Hague Appeal for Peace Conference. Ms. Sammis has received a commission from the Archbishop of Canterbury for Lambeth Palace, England to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, June 2002.
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Price: $900.00 to $18,000.00

Description: Rock Band 2 The Ultimate Music Game is Back for an Encore Crank it louder and live the ultimate music game experience! Rock Band 2 is the sequel to 2007's multi-million unit selling, genre-defining, cultural phenomenon Rock Band, the highest-rated music/rhythm game ever! Rock Band is the multi-million unit selling, genre-defining game platform that lets you take the stage, rise to fame, and become a Rock legend. Choose guitar, drums, vocals, or bass - hit the road as an aspiring solo artist or get your friends together and experience the thrill of collaborative play as your band tours the world. With over 500 playable songs available by DLC, Rock Band is the most immersive music game in the world.
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Price: $189.99

Description: Poetry Karaoke is an entertainment program that shows beginners how to create a poetry reading at home or in your community. We provide the rules, the words, the behind-the-scenes cheering section (with telephone coaching). Novice poets, poetry lovers, and anyone with a penchant for performance can put together their own show from simple, quick instructions. Our Home Event Guide ($99.00) for home parties and our Venue Event Guide ($199.00) for more advanced community events will appeal to the literary minded and those who value self-expression. Poetry Karaoke is a unique and fun journey that builds self-confidence, public speaking skills, and will generally enhance your experience of life, because everyone's voice counts. Available online at http://aliceshapiro.com/poets-tongue Customers are also eligible to enter our 2010 Poetry Karaoke Video Competition to win $500. Partial proceeds benefit a charity for domestic abuse survivors.
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Price: $99.00 to $199.00

Description: For this year's collection, which includes a mini frame, mirrored compact, bracelet, and locket charm, designer Jay Strongwater salutes the enduring spirit of cancer survivors. The bee symbolizes the fight against impossible odds. According to legend, the bee shouldn't be able to fly because its body is larger than what the wings would seemingly support, yet somehow the bee is able to take flight. The cancer survivor shares this spirit of endurance. All items are 18kt gold plated, hand enameled and set with Swarovski crystals. 5% of the retail sales will also be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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Price: $95.00 to $195.00

Description: This 3D version of Noughts and Crosses (tic tac toe) is an enormously popular game from Jaques. Handmade with a natural wood finish and Jaques logo, it comes complete with a full set 14 noughts and 13 crosses. A great new spin on a classic Noughts and Crosses game. Jaques, the oldest sports and games manufacturer in the world, creators of such traditional family games as ping pong, croquet and Tiddley-Winks, offers a complete catalog of unique and beautiful recreational gifts – perfect for anyone wanting to own a piece of history and re-live a bygone era.
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Price: $89.00

Description: These clever lamps are made of vintage melamine cups and saucers, topped with a hand-made 3 or 4-panel shade. Each piece is titled,signed and dated. Green concious, repurposed and rebuilt baseframes keep things out of the landfill and give old items a new exciting life unlike before. The feel of these pieces are reminiscent of the 50's &60's- when life was simpler with Wally and the Beaver, or Lucy and Ricky- and life's drama seemed less global and revolved around 'General Hospital!' If that was your era, these are for you! Table top lamps($85+), chandeliers ($230+) and even clocks. Special custom work welcome. Each is unique and once of a kind. Designer consideration offered and shipping is available anywhere! Please email JagManPDX@aol.com for more information.
Price: $85.00 to $295.00

Description: Gifts You Can Feel Good About Getting: Recession Mother's Day Gifts For each charm sold, PANDORA donates $20 to support OneWorld Health's work. The charm features a distinctive water drop dangle, which symbolizes the hope OneWorld Health provides with every drop of life-saving medicine it develops for the poorest mothers and children on the planet. It's already raised more than $350,000 for the poorest mothers and children on the planet --- all from the sale of what is fast becoming the collectable that people can feel good about gifting to mom in these hard economic times.
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Price: $80.00

Description: What could be sweeter than honey? The added income that beekeeping means for farming families in the highlands of Honduras. For small coffee farmers who have been adversely affected by wildly fluctuating prices, beekeeping is a new skill that provides more economic stability to poor families. Why Your Help is Needed Most indigenous families in Guatemala and Honduras live in isolated rural areas and subsist mostly on the meager crops they grow. Raising bees is one way Mercy Corps helps indigenous families in these two Central American countries increase their household income so their children can enjoy better healthcare and more educational opportunities. Your Mercy Kits at Work Learning how to raise bees provides greater economic stability to poor families. We're training family members — especially women — how to become beekeepers and supplying them with bees and materials for building hives. We're also connecting them to markets where they can sell their honey and taste financial success.
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Price: $65.00

Description: What better way to show your Mother, Mother of your children, or Mother-in-law, how much you care? Combining the timeless elegance of a real long stem rose, with the luxury of pure 24karat gold is the perfect gift for Mother's Day. Each rose is handpicked, preserved, and dipped in 24karat pure gold. These roses will last forever! Each rose comes enclosed in a beautiful gold foil gift box, and is guaranteed to last you a life time. All this, for only $59 dollars.
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Price: $59.95

Description: A single, exquisite bloom or lavish arrangements fit for a palace - whatever the occasion Wisteria Lane Floral Designers can turn virtual dreams into floral reality using Eco friendly flowers. Our flowers are Organic Eco friendly and extra special because the earth and the farmers are treated with respect. We design floral decor for events such as weddings and bar mitzvas and parties. A majority of the flowers we used are grown locally and sustainably. All the flowers we use are certified organic or verflora.
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Price: $50.00 to $300.00

Description: Among the most famous battles that American forces fought in World War II, the Battle of the Bulge helped define the U.S. soldier in the "Good War." This photographic history recreates the triumph of American arms against the vaunted Nazi war machine's desperate "all in" attack—a victory that significantly shortened World War II in Europe and saved most of Western Europe from the Soviets. In harrowing images, the book revisits the only destruction of an American division in Europe in World War II—the 106th Infantry Division, which suffered almost all of its casualties in the first three days of the battle. It shows the air forces, armored forces, and infantry on both sides thrown into the Bulge—nearly a million men in a meat grinder of terrible ferocity. Battle of the Bulge is a brilliant pictorial account of one of the greatest battles of all time, this book is a lasting tribute and testament to American might in the fight against tyranny.
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Price: $50.00

Description: Unplug’in is a board game that builds children’s performance skills necessary for unplugging from TV and videogames. Players answer questions from the four dimensions of Me. We, Earth and Spirit gaining points, confidence and skills to ‘unplug’ or reduce technology use. Unplug’in brings imagination and creativity back into children’s lives through discovering the art of play! The Unplug’in game is designed for: * groups of 1-5 players * ages 5-12 years * use in home or school settings The Unplug’in game is derived from occupational therapy theory and supports that children need to engage in productive activity in order to be physically and mentally healthy. TV and videogames are not productive activities, and overuse results in physical and mental impairments.
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Price: $49.99

Give The Ultimate Gift Of Experience! Giftybox.com Allows You, The Gift-giver To Choose The “Theme” Of Your Gift, While Your Gift Recipient Get To Choose The “Gift Experience”!

Description: Giftybox.com allows you to give the ultimate “gift of experience”... as the gift-giver, you choose the theme (i.e. “Spa & Well Being, “Adventure”, “Winery Tours”, “Classes” etc), while your gift recipient get to choose the activity (i.e. Swedish massages, European facials, Microdermabrasions, French Cooking classes, Yoga classes, Latin/Ballroom dance lessons, Skiing, Sunset Sailing with Champagne and more!) Better yet, join your gift recipient so the two of you can share the experience together!And considering that some of the individual activities are priced well above the price of the Giftybox (under $100) these packages are also very good value for money!
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Price: $49.00 to $89.00

Description: Beautifully Handcrafted by our Team of In House Artisans, our Custom Swarovski Crystal Belt Buckles make the perfect one of a kind gift! Our buckles have adorned Professional Athletes, Models, Champion Cheer Teams, Stylists and fashionistas all over the US. Our Collections include Team Spirit, Breast Cancer Awareness, Personalized, Mens Golf, and more. We also specialize in Custom Company, Team or Organization Logos.
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Price: $49.00 to $149.00

Description: Wyland: 100 Whaling Walls Journey through 27 years of Wyland’s quest to paint 100 Whaling Wall murals in this new giant coffee table book, "Wyland: One Hundred Whaling Walls.” This new giant coffee table book features all the walls, newest paintings, sculptures, and much more. For more information, visit www.wylandstudiostore.com. Special Collection Edition available at www.wylandgalleries.com. Limited Editions: 2008 signed and numbered Hand signed by Wyland Includes one of Wyland's personal paint brushes used to paint his last whaling wall in Beijing for the "Green" Olympics
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Price: $49.00 to $395.00

Description: Who is Wyland? Artist? Adventurer? Writer? Hall of Fame Diver? Conservationist? Children’s advocate? It would be difficult to sum up the many facets of an individual who is, considered by many to be the most influential artist of the 21st century. Wyland is first and foremost an artist—a marine-life painter, sculptor, and photographer. But those descriptions barely scratch the surface. With 100 monumental Whaling Wall murals in more than a dozen countries completed, children’s-art and science-education tours in all 50 states, programming on PBS and Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet Network, and one of the most unique nonprofit foundations in America, Wyland spreads a message about art, conservation, and community wherever he goes.
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Price: $45.00

Description: Cortney and Robert Novogratz are a hip, young, artsy couple with seven children, and a global reputation for their ability to develop and design many unique properties in Manhattan and beyond. Rebuilding entire city blocks from the ground up, they have perfected the art of turning funky into fabulous. Using a creative mix of high and low for their signature look, every detail is considered and executed with taste, luxury, confidence, always with the unexpected twist! Their first book, DOWNTOWN CHIC, from Rizzoli delves into the decade-long history of SIXX DESIGN, from their original projects in Chelsea, two homes on the outer-edges of Soho, and their most recent masterpiece at 5 Centre Market Place ,changing the entire block from a gun shop and condemned properties to a showplace of modern, urban elegance. Finally, the book goes outside of Manhattan to the SIXX DESIGN country house in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, which proves that Robert and Cortney’s special talents work in every kind of setting!
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Price: $45.00

The Power Of The Invisible Sun By Philanthropist Bobby Sager: Buy A Book/Give A Ball

Description: The Power of the Invisible Sun is a project that inspired philanthropist Bobby Sager’s series of photographs of children from war-torn, devastated and desperate regions. Traveling with his family (his wife and two children), the photographs -- taken in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Pakistan, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, from September 11, 2001 until early 2009 -- depict refugees, orphans, child soldiers, and kids living with conflict, disaster, and displacement. Sager's touching photographs are assembled in his new book The Power of the Invisible Sun (available on Amazon). Purchasing a copy of The Power of the Invisible Sun is in itself a fantastic gift for friends and family, but also has a greater impact in that all proceeds from the book go toward the HOPE IS A GAME-CHANGER PROJECT. After meeting a child soldier whose sole possession was a soccer ball fashioned out of trash, Sager decided to work with Sting and inventor Tim Jahnigen to create an indestructible soccer ball. The HOPE IS A GAME CHANGER PROJECT uses all of the proceeds from the book to create and ship indestructible soccer balls to children from the same places featured in Sager’s photographs, so when you buy a book, you give a ball.
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Price: $45.00

Description: They were renowned for stunning live performances, envied for rumors of their rock ‘n’ roll excess, and beloved for their music. Nearly 20 years after the death of their supremely talented front man, Queen remains the archetypal larger-than-life rock band, enthroned among rock royalty. Now, here’s the ultimate visual tribute to Queen. Glorious concert and off-stage photography from throughout the band’s career, tour memorabilia, collectibles, LPs, and singles from throughout the world–more than 500 photos and artifacts in all–are accompanied by a band history, album reviews, complete tour dates, a discography, and reflections from some of rock’s top performers past and present, including Slash, Tommy Lee, and Billy Squier. Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon combined a dizzying array of influences and genres in creating what would become one of the most lasting legacies in rock. Here is the book that dares to tackle that achievement.
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Price: $40.00

Description: Jan Wheeler is a landscape artist who has had her work exhibited at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York 2006, 2007 and Dangenart Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee, 2005. This print is titled Sinuous Summer Breeze and captures a scene in a pristine wilderness area on a warm summer's day. This beautiful, protected area brings a sense of peace and tranquillity to anyone who stumbles upon it. The print image area is 7.25"x11" and the edition is limited to 100 prints.
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Price: $39.95

Description: ROCKER CHIC? As seen on Eva Mendez, Jessica Simpson & Jake Gyllenhaal, you can’t go wrong with rockin’ tees and vintage apparel that range in prices from $36 and up, depending on whether it was the official Mick Jagger zip up jacket. New parent? It’s never too early to start glamin’ up your infant or toddler with rocker tees that range in price from $22 and up. Vintage photographs, concert tickets or concert posters are excellent gifts that’ll also appreciate in value over time. Now it’s super easy to find a plethora of rock & roll memorabilia from the treasure trove of goodies that are all available at Wolfgang’s Vault. While certain vintage items in Wolfgang’s Vault can cost thousands of dollars based on their rarity and demand, there’s still an abundance of one of a kind and rare items that fall into the $50 and under category. •For The Groupie: Go “backstage” and discover the official laminates, tickets and original playbills, to name a few, that’ll be the perfect gift for the diehard fans. •For under $20: Search the abundance of vintage music memorabilia swag items like key chains, pins, magnets and stickers.
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Price: $36.00

Description: The RAANDESK GALLERY OF ART takes the idea of giving art as a gift to a new level with ART2Gift - a collection of small and "portable" limited edition, original works of art. ART2Gift offers the perfect way to introduce a friend or family member to collecting contemporary works of art. Each piece is an original, framed work that's signed by the artist ranging in size from small (4" x 6") to medium-sized (10" x 14"). If the gift recipient is not 100% satisfied with their piece, we provide a 7 day "live with the art" trial period, and will refund the cost to the buyer with the return of the work, no questions asked. Raandesk Gallery Gift Cards are also a great way to give a great gift and are available on the website.
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Price: $35.00 to $500.00

Description: Your table is not only the place where you gather for meals–it is also a canvas for your creativity and for the treasures you’ve gathered over the years. Each day offers you a chance to surround yourself with what you love, whether you’re enjoying cereal from a punchy yellow gnome bowl, inviting friends over to test your latest recipe served on cherry red retro plates, or holding a formal dinner using delicate family china. By loosely mixing modern accents you’ve bought on a whim with vintage elements earned by combing flea markets, you can create tabletops and arrangements that look timeless and classic even as they speak to your mood. Much of the fun comes from knowing you’re using pieces that have personal meaning, and The Vintage Table offers all the guidance you need to discover gems among family heirlooms, textiles, and antiques store offerings. Whether you’re making napkins by repurposing old aprons or collecting stylish pastry boxes from your favorite bakery to be used as a signature centerpiece for your dining room, the pieces themselves become your décor, and they will bring you the same pleasure as a beloved painting that still surprises you every time you look at it.
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Price: $35.00

Description: From a near death experience in the 1980’s comes an amazing new product from psychic, intuitive, and color expert Tori Hartman. In the five year period following her near death experience, Tori was visited by more than 45 spirits sharing their stories. These were not dramatic tales of their lives, but instead fables with color themes, and they also offered the Inspiration behind each story, which turned out to be powerful divinations. As each fable was complete she was sent on a small meditation. It took more than 20 years for Tori to piece together the clues of the strange fables that were told in color, with color titles. These visitations occurred during the time of her popular 1995 Berkley book Fabulous You! which established her as a color expert. Over time, fable groups were formed. These early groups used index cards with the names of fables on them. The meetings supported intention setting and a way to manifest peoples’ dreams. Group activities and solo journaling activities were developed in groups and are still part of this project today.
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Price: $32.95

Description: Founded by Lou Reed and John Cale and managed by Andy Warhol, the Velvet Underground is often cited as the most influential band of the late 60s. This illustrated book is the first to offer a behind-the-scenes look at this icon of the late ‘60s from its earliest days through its later incarnation–and a rare inside view of how the Velvet Underground “opened wounds worth opening with brutal imagery, without apology,” as Patti Smith said upon the band’s 1996 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Includes excerpts from Andy Warhol’s memoirs and rare interviews with band members.
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Price: $30.00

Description: UStar Novels have developed a series of specially crafted personalized adventure romance novels that will see you and your lover entwined into a steamy love story of exotic romance and spine tingling adventure. By simply filling in our online order form, you'll provide us with the details such as; character names (real or imagined... your favorite celebrity works really well), eye colour, hair colour, favourite food, favourite music and more to co-author a 160 – 180 page authentic paperback novel where your details will feature on every page! The novels are set in an array of glamorous destinations throughout the world, and depending upon the story you choose, you might find yourself undercover on a secret mission in Barcelona, being chased by diamond smugglers in the exotic French Rivera or discovering a hidden tomb in Naples. And, remember … you can enjoy our novels with your favourite celebrity as the star too. So if you’re into licking chocolate ice cream off Brad Pitt's chest or rescuing Paris Hilton from a flaming inferno, their names can be substituted when ordering. Order your personalized novel today at ustarnovels.com
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Price: $30.00 to $40.00

Description: 400 pages of expert advice and over 1000 of the best green products and services under the sun. This catalog is a browser book. The reviews in this catalog can foster a fresh way of thinking about where we are in time and in our world. We probably cannot buy our way to sustainability, but we can, with our consumer choices, take steps in the direction of solutions rather than continue—again, with our choices—to move along in familiar ways that only contribute to the larger problems.
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Price: $29.99

Description: The Gathering Storm, the long awaited next novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Wheel of Time series, marks a bittersweet moment for fans, who mourned the passing of beloved author, Robert Jordan, in 2007. Now, Brandon Sanderson, the New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn novels, who was chosen by Jordan’s editor—his wife, Harriet McDougal—to complete the series based on the notes and materials left behind, continues Jordan’s remarkable legacy. The New York Times says of The Wheel of Time series: "The sense of the unavoidable onslaught of unpredictable events bear the marks of American national experience during the last three decades.” Join the 30 million people around the world already in love with this phenomenal series.
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Price: $29.99

Description: The book that will teach you how the process works, what each exercise and technique offers, what to ask, what to look out for, and what you must know to become a screenwriter. The Four Magic Questions of Screenwriting gives you the facts, the proof, and a specific step-by-step program through an easy-to-use, definitive guide to becoming a prolific and produced screenwriter.
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Price: $29.97

Description: Defining the world’s “wonders” has challenged historians, philosophers and pundits for 26 centuries. Now, LIFE puts its spin on the age-old debate with their newest title, LIFE Wonders of the World, a compilation of the Top 50 Wonders in the universe, including Seven Wonders hand-picked by LIFE’s editors. From cover to cover, the book leads armchair travelers on an adventure beyond compare. This must-have photographic collection makes LIFE Wonders of the World this year’s top holiday gift for photography aficionados, history buffs and travel enthusiasts alike. LIFE’s Seven Wonders are presented as collectible, stand-alone 8” x 10” prints – each completely detachable and suitable for framing. Once the photo is removed from its page, a duplicate photo remains underneath, leaving the book’s pages aesthetically intact. Culled from LIFE’s archives, these vintage prints are ready to be displayed in home, office or given as gifts, a measurable bonus value to the images and text. This unique format of removable prints, which won a 2009 Bookbinders Guild Award, debuted in last year’s popular holiday gift title, LIFE The Classic Collection.
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Price: $29.95

Description: In view of the circumstances of the Holocaust–even now, who would believe what was happening?–some still ask: Why didn’t the Jews fight back? In fact, over 10,000 German Jews–34 percent of the refugee population between the ages of eighteen and forty–fought in the allied armies of World War II. This book contains twenty-seven interviews with those brave souls, European-born Jewish combat veterans of World War II who faced their persecutors by joining the American and British armies in the fight against the country of their birth. Offering a unique view of the harrowing experience of German and Austrian Jews fighting the Axis in North Africa and Europe, the book is testament to heroism, resilience, and courage.
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Price: $28.00

Description: London-based ABIGAIL AHERN, with a quirky, whimsical and eclectic interior design sensibility, has earned her the label, STYLE SPOTTER EXTRAORDINAIRE by the Times of London. And a legion of fans like fashion super-star Alexander McQueen. With a hip interior decor shop in North London, ATELIER Abigail Ahern (Elle Decoration’s top pick for the coolest store in town ), residential and commercial projects all over the globe, including a fabulous spa in Florida and a chain of hotels in the Middle East, and a new book, A GIRL’S GUIDE TO DECORATING, AHERN is poised for a new project, joining forces with iconic design destination, BLUEBIRD. A GIRL'S GUIDE TO DECORATING is chock filled with inspiring and helpful design tips, not to mention gorgeous photos!
Price: $27.00

Description: Alex Daoud is author of Sins of South Beach which is part autobiography, part South Beach history, and all scandal, this book tells the story of Daoud’s rise to—and fall from—power in what is now one of the world’s greatest playgrounds. A tale involving drugs, violence, sexual escapades and greed, Sins of South Beach follows Daoud through bribery, criminal beatings, infidelity and finally, federal indictment and prison. The true story of one of the most spectacular renovations that any city has ever undergone, and of the seedy underside that fueled it’s fire, Sins of South Beach serves as a reminder that power is indeed intoxicating.
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Price: $26.99

Description: Midcentury Los Angeles. A city sold to the world as "the white spot of America," a land of sunshine and orange groves, wholesome Midwestern values and Hollywood stars, protected by the world’s most famous police force, the Dragnet-era LAPD. Behind this public image lies a hidden world of "pleasure girls" and crooked cops, ruthless newspaper tycoons, corrupt politicians, and East Coast gangsters on the make. Into this underworld came two men–one L.A.’s most notorious gangster, the other its most famous police chief–each prepared to battle the other for the soul of the city. A fascinating examination of Los Angeles’s underbelly, the Mob, and America’s most admired–and reviled–police department, L.A. Noir is an enlightening, entertaining, and richly detailed narrative about the city originally known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Se–ora la Reina de los Angeles, "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."
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Price: $26.00

Description: Everyone is familiar with getting magazine subscriptions for the holidays. But wouldn’t it be even more interesting to give a subscription that could make the recipient at least $12 million richer? Illinois Lottery now offers Mega Millions subscriptions with prices starting as low as $26.00. Plus, not only can the recipient gain by hitting the jackpot, but he or she can also win cash with eight other prizes available ranging from $2 to $250,000 for each drawing. Subscriptions are available for Lotto and Little Lotto as well.
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Price: $26.00 to $500.00

Description: In American Rebel, bestselling author and acclaimed film historian Marc Eliot examines the ever-exciting, often-tumultuous arc of Clint Eastwood's life and career. Filled with remarkable insights into Eastwood's personal life and public work, American Rebel is highly entertaining and the most complete biography of one of Hollywood's truly respected and beloved stars–an actor who, despite being the Man with No Name, has left his indelible mark on the world of motion pictures.
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Price: $25.99

Description: The latest mystery by award-winning novelist Don Bruns, Stuff to Spy For is a wild, witty, and hilarious new tale featuring would-be entrepreneurs turned amateur sleuths, James Lessor and Skip Moore. If you ever wondered what the Hardy Boys would be like as grown ups (okay…mostly grown-ups!) Stuff to Spy For is the book for you! In this laugh-out-loud-funny mystery, James Lessor and Skip Moore resurrect their entrepreneurial dreams and go into the business of being spies. There‘s no business like spy business, but in this spy game, James and Skip may be the ones who get played . . . or worse.
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Price: $25.95

Description: In the world of pop music, no one compares with Neil Diamond, the most enduringly popular solo artist alive. This photo-filled book captures the glamour and grit of this singular performer from his early success to his latest chart-topping albums and tours. Illustrated with all manner of mementos and collectibles--concert programs and posters, 45 singles, and ticket stubs dating back to Diamond's 1966 hits "Solitary Man" and "Cherry Cherry"--the book features a full discography, as well as commentary from admiring musicians and those whove had hits with Diamond's songs (the Monkees, UB40, Lulu, Urge Overkill, and more). At the books heart is the story of Diamond's life, a narrative drawn from exclusive interviews the author conducted with the brooding, introspective, and somewhat mysterious singer-songwriter beginning in 1976. The result is the most complete and captivating portrait of this incomparable artist ever to emerge, one that captures and celebrates as never before Neil Diamond the solitary man and the superstar.
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Price: $25.00

Description: Return to Beauty offers regimens made from fresh ingredients that can be found right in your kitchen. With recipes for winter, spring, summer, and fall, you can look beautiful throughout the year. Narine Nikogosian's natural and inexpensive products can be whipped up in less than ten minutes. Have a jar of honey in your pantry? Mix it with a few crushed walnuts to create a sensual, aromatic scrub for oily skin. Use dabs of cottage cheese to lighten undereye circles, or almond oil to rehydrate cracked lips. Narine also provides recipes based on astrological signs, such as for Scorpio, a Gracious Grapefruit Mask made of grapefruit, egg yolk, and soothing honey to rejuvenate your skin even after a late night.
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Price: $25.00

Description: King of Retro Charles Phoenix returns to spread holiday cheer with a slyly entertaining, live comedy performance that celebrates mid-century holiday life and style. With his unstoppable enthusiasm and wry, eagle eye for the very best and most bizarre of his massive collection of found-Kodachrome slides, Phoenix supercharges the classic living room slide show into a hysterical/historical celebration of American holiday culture. It's a 1950s and 60s New Years, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Jubilee that's sure to get you in the mood for the all the holidays like you never have before! IN COLOR! Dec. 5, 12, 20.
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Price: $25.00

Description: Time For Research™ is a unique online opportunity for you to sponsor an hour or more of research time and make a difference in curing breast cancer. Each hour you sponsor helps The Breast Cancer Research Foundation fund the best and the most innovative breast cancer research projects in the world. You can create a page and invite family, friends, or colleagues to join you. You can even dedicate your page in honor of a survivor or in memory of a loved one. Sponsor a half-hour for $25, an hour for $50, two hours for $100, and half a day for $600. Overall, there is no set limit and you can choose the number of hours to sponsor, with each hour being $50.
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Price: $25.00 to $600.00

Description: The TD Bank Visa Gift Card is the perfect gift for your recipient to treat themselves. Whether for a Broadway show or that new DVD they’ve been hankering for, this gift card is accepted everywhere Visa debit cards are! Give a gift of $25 to $500 with no purchase fee for TD Bank customers, already elegantly wrapped with a greeting card for the perfect stocking stuffer.
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Price: $25.00 to $500.00

Description: Passionate musician and Berklee graduate Mark Sly created an interactive DVD that teaches you how to play the guitar. Mark Sly's Secrets is an instructional tool with a unique “Play to Learn” style, allowing the student to begin playing the guitar immediately and learn as they go along. From Chords to Soloing, he reveals the secrets that professionals use everyday. This tool is perfect for aspiring musicians at any level.
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Price: $24.99

Description: Nine years after the death of her 15-year-old son from an undetected heart ailment, Pam Cope has transformed her grief into a passion to change children’s lives worldwide. Her new book, Jantsens’s Gift, is the story of her amazing journey from the depths of depression to the creation of the Touch A Life Foundation. The Touch A Life Foundation is devoted to rescuing, providing for, and advocating for exploited children. It has initially focused its work in three countries – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Ghana. Since its creation, Pam has been working at the Foundation full-time, and without a salary, to carry on Jantsen's legacy and create a better life for children around the world.
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Price: $24.99

Description: My Holy Bible for African-American Children (www.zondervan.com/africanamerican), a large print, New International Version (NIV) Bible featuring culturally significant artwork and inspiring book introductions. Edited by Cheryl and Wade Hudson, the nationally acclaimed authors and publishers of Just Us Books, My Holy Bible for African-American Children connects the spiritual challenges and triumphs of today’s youth with the journeys of well-known Biblical heroes.
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Price: $24.99 to $25.00

Description: Get empowered now with the Pinwheel Girls in this beautifully illustrated, soft cover gift book, The Pinwheel Girl Takes Flight ~ Every Woman's Journey Through Transformation! The mission of the Pinwheel Girls is to empower women to be true to themselves and to live the life they love and want. Through fluid poses, the Pinwheel Girls tell the story of going inside, unfolding, surfacing, expanding, ascending, coming back down and sharing visions as they chronicle profound personal change with poetic "messages from the wind" - a metaphor for the Inner Voice. The Pinwheel Girls encourage women to explore their depths and heights, embrace authenticity, and get off the sticks they are stuck to. Encouraging liberation, the Pinwheel Girls help women reconnect with what has been lost, cultivate courage, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. They tell the story of Every Woman! This charming book makes a great gift for ANY WOMAN regardless of age or life experience. Come meet the Pinwheel Girls!
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Price: $24.95

Description: As seen on Oprah & Larry King's show Vision Boards are visual maps that you design to reflect the life you desire to live. The Vision Board Book by Joyce Schwarz is the #1 Spiritual Bestseller on Amazon.com. THE VISION BOARD is a great book for Mother's Day because it includes more than 100 real life examples of vision boards including Mommy & Me Boards & vision boards for wives & mothers to inspire the reader.
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Price: $24.95

Description: The cleverly written How to Be a Geek Goddess by Christina Tynan-Wood makes a great gift for moms who need a little help navigating the ever fast-paced world of technology. Full of humor and attitude, How to Be a Geek Goddess will have moms feeling like they have their most tech-savvy friend on speed-dial, as they get advice on how to master everything from keeping the family safe online to staying organized with the kids’ schedules; managing finances; finding the best technology for the family while staying on budget and even finding that cute pair of shoes online.
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Price: $24.95

Description: Author Margery Krevsky has loads of photos and stories about auto show and models, both male and female, that will amuse and entrain. From the dresses to the cars, Margery helped transform the models from eye candy to spokespersons for global auto manufactures and their products. Readers will appreciate and take notice of the page after page of rare photographs, programs and posters culled from private collections, corporate files and auto enthusiast portfolios. Each captures decades of unique fashion, hot vehicles and torrid models.
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Price: $24.95

Description: From the shores of the Black Sea to the sands of the Pacific, the foods enjoyed along the Silk Road whisper tales of connections between the cultures, histories, economies, and regions of Asia. In The Silk Road Gourmet, author Laura Kelley brings the breadth of Asian cooking to your door. Spanning more than thirty countries and including 1,000 recipes, the three volumes of The Silk Road Gourmet explore the cuisines of the countries that traded goods and shared culture along that great lifeline of the ancient world. This first volume surveys the cuisines of Western and Southern Asia from the Republic of Georgia to Sri Lanka and examines the cultural links between the countries that have led them to share ingredients, methods of preparation, and even entire dishes. This cookbook includes recipes for delicious and authentic main-course meat and vegetable dishes as well as appetizers, desserts, sauces, and condiments to grace contemporary, globalized tables.
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Price: $24.95

Yoga In America - Groundbreaking Behind The Scences Insights From Some Of America's Most Ardent Teachers

Description: This is the story of Yoga in America, as told by 46 ardent teachers and devotees from every part of the Yoga spectrum. 46 unique and compelling essays on what Yoga is in America representing the major yoga traditions, Bikram, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Kripalu, Iyengar and some that are much less widely known. The 46 writers assembled in this book show both the great diversity of Yoga and its unifying principles.
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Price: $23.99

Description: The summer before entering sixth grade, Sammy, a bright and charming boy who lived on the coast of Maine, suddenly began to exhibit disturbing behavior. He walked and ate with his eyes shut, refused to bathe, burst into fits of rage, slithered against walls, and used his limbs instead of his hands to touch light switches, doorknobs, and faucets. Sammy’s mother, Beth, already coping with the overwhelming responsibility of raising three sons alone, watched helplessly as her middle child descended into madness. Sammy was soon diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and later with Tourette syndrome. Unwilling to accept the doctors’ prognoses for lifelong mental illness and repeated hospitalizations, Beth fought to uncover what was causing this decline. Racing against time as Sammy slipped further from reality, Beth’s quest took her to the center of the medical community’s raging debate about whether mental illness can be caused by infection. With the battle lines firmly drawn, Beth searched until she found two cutting-edge doctors who answered that question with a definitive yes. Together, they cured Sammy. Five years later, he remains symptom free. Driven by her desire to help others, Beth Maloney has infused every page of this triumphant journey with heart and passion. An important story, Saving Sammy is part manifesto, part medical mystery, but is at its heart the empowering and inspiring story of a mother’s determination to save her son, take on the medical establishment–and win.
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Price: $23.99

Description: Jerry Orbach was widely known for his brilliant portrayal of Detective Lenny Briscoe for 12-years on the hit TV show Law & Order, as well as for being an award-winning theater legend (having starred in the Fantastiks, Promises Promises, 42nd Street, Chicago and so much more). But what most of his fans did not know was that Jerry Orbach was a true romantic. Every day in the predawn hours prior to going to the set of Law & Order, Jerry Orbach would scribble his wife, Elaine, a short love poem while she was asleep. REMEMBER HOW I LOVE YOU: Love Letters from an Extraordinary Marriage with a foreword by Sam Waterston is a collection of these poems documenting their relationship from the mundane to the extravagant. These missives and the accompanying photographs chronicle their 25-year love story and provide Jerry’s fans with an inside look at this remarkable man and his spectacular marriage.
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Price: $23.00

Description: She does it all! Decorate your house at top speed, using Jill’s practical, stylish tips that will transform any abode instantly. For every room in the house, hot design ideas from the definitive insider. How to make a home (large or small) absolutely beautiful. Fast and easy with a checklist of suggestions –from making the entryway welcoming, to the ultimate cook’s kitchen (without spending a bundle) and asking the all-important question, is it a bath or a spa? Even the excellent concept of speed cleaning. And the best part, anybody (even the design-challenged) can do SPEED DECORATING. And turn your house from frumpy to fantastic, IN A WEEK OR LESS! An award-winning, professional “stager” and sought-after interior decorator, Jill Vegas has worked with stars, socials, heads-of-state. She has created gorgeous homes and used her quick-thinking flair and seven principles of decorating to sell houses for more than asking price, even ones that have been languishing on the market. The book is all about embracing your inner-decorator, using real estate “trade secrets”, fundamentals for defining your personal style, and going for it. From the “magic wand makeover” to the boot-camp approach, JILL guides the reader through easy solutions to create the house you’ve always wanted without taking forever.
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Price: $21.95

Description: The Relevant Stage at Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th Street - San Pedro, CA 90731) presents I LOVE YOU YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE - the hilarious, and longest running musical revue in Off-Broadway history for a limited 2 week engagement beginning February 13. Come celebrate love and relationships - a great night out! The show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm. A special FREE performance for Senior Citizens, 55+ is offered on February, Friday the 13th, at 1PM on a first come, first serve basis. For tickets ($5-$20) and information, please visit www.therelevantstage.com. Tickets may also be purchased at Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop, Williams' Book Store, Off The Vine, and the Corner Store. Student/senior discounts available. More info: (310) 929-8129 Wine Lovers reception available prior to the performance across the street from the theatre at Off the Vine for a slight additional charge. Call (310) 831-1551 Dinner Theatre Package with a fine two course meal, wine and beer available at a special discount through Whale & Ale British Restaurant. Call (310) 832-0363
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Price: $20.00

Description: Are you looking for the perfect gift? At jexbo, www.jexbo.com, you'll find unique, self-published books in numerous categories. You can buy directly from the author and give a one-of-a-kind gift! Started by a mother and author, jexbo™ enables self-published authors to easily sell their books online. And for readers looking for unique books in numerous categories, jexbo provides a valuable new resource to easily connect with self-published authors.
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Price: $20.00 to $30.00

Description: Each Entertainment book is loaded with thousands of dollars worth of valuable "2-for-1" and up-to-50 percent-off discounts at local and national restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, car washes, retail shopping, professional and college sporting events, attractions and more. The book also includes a comprehensive and unique travel section that offers guaranteed best rates at more than 35,000 worldwide hotels and resorts, as well as significant savings at car rental agencies and airlines.
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Price: $20.00 to $40.00

Description: My Parent Rewards is an online national discount card program that's high-tech, environmentally friendly, saves money and raises funds for charities and schools across North America. This is a very thoughtful gift because the recipient gets savings at their favorite local and national restaurants and businesses and a local charity or school receives a donation. MyParentRewards.com replaces the old, big, heavy coupon books that were sold as school fundraisers with a card and a website. The web coupons are updated daily so there are always new discounts and it's better for the environment because parents only print coupons they use. Users simply enter their zip code to find hundreds of local of restaurant and local business coupons. Schools and charities love My Parent Rewards because they receive much needed funds (up to 40% of sales) while parents save on everything from restaurants to clothing to travel, locally, and across the country.
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Price: $20.00 to $30.00

Description: It's holiday time, and life sucks for Mark Vanowen. He's just lost his temper, and with it his job, at the office Christmas party. Nothing ever seems to go right for him - not since that glorious day, 35 years ago, when his band triumphed in front of a crowd of adoring fans at the Venice Pavilion. Now, with the chance of a comeback looming in the air, he's assembled his former band-buddies for a seasonal party. Will the four aging boomers be able to recapture "that perfect moment," half a lifetime ago, when they were cool and their band was hot? "A sweet, charming play...4 stars!" - BroadwayWorld. Dec. 5-Jan 17; Fri & Sat @t 8 pm, Sun @ 3 pm; The Little Victory Theatre, 3324 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505; $25; Age 65+ use promo code SENIOR for $5 off; 323-960-7745; www.plays411.com/perfect.
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Price: $20.00 to $25.00

From time to time Splash Magazines receives complementary products and services from companies. The receipt of these gifts in no way affects our reviews or opinions in our editorial coverage. Our loyalty is to you, our readers, and we will give you our honest, unbiased opinions.


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