Pandora Radio: Neat Solution for Online Entertainment

Sometimes you can learn a thing or two from your kids. For a few years my kids have been talking about and listening to Pandora.com. I just heard loud banging music coming from their computer and think that is the last site I want to visit. This week I decided to check it out for myself. Pandora is internet radio...but better. First of all its FREE. You very quickly register then start designing your own radio station. Yes.. I said design your own radio station. My station is called Laurie Radio. Very original, I know. I enter some of my favorite artists and songs. Based on this information Pandora chooses songs it thinks I will like. As I listen I rate each song with a thumbs up or thumbs down. The more songs I rate, the more Pandora learns about me. Sometimes artists come up that I never heard of...and I love it! That is the best reward. As someone who spends a lot of time on the computer working, communicating and "playing" it is a neat solution that I will use everyday.

Vinturi Wine Aerator: Neat Solution for Wine

A wine connoisseur I am not. I like red better than white. I like dryer better than sweeter. I like to spend less rather than more. That, in a nutshell is my wine knowledge.
The wine aerator is a gadget designed to improve the wine experience. The wine is poured through the funnel-like tube. It makes a delightful bubbly noise and comes out into your glass or decanter ready to drink. I am convinced the wine tastes better. I agree..it could be all in my mind. This neat solution is popping up in all of the best suburban homes so I am guessing there is more to it than that.
Here is the list of features from Amazon.com:

• Vinturi allows wine to display its intended aromas. Vinturi's wine tastes better. It is more flavorful and has better mouthful. It tastes like a richer, more expensive wine. It tastes like it was intended to and is more enjoyable.
• Smoother finish. Vinturi's aeration is very effective at softening tannins which results in a much more pleasant finish. Any bitterness or bad aftertaste is reduced or eliminated
• Mixes just the right amount of air with your wine at the precise moments
• Results in a better bouquet, enhanced flavor, and a smoother finish 

We purchased just the aerator (without the  lovely stand that is shown). The aerator alone retails for $27-$40. If you want the stand expect to pay $30 more. The best deal I found was at Amazon. It includes the aerator, pourer and stopper for $29 and free shipping.