Cold weather got you down? Stay in and catch up on your favorite shows with a brand-new television or, if you decide to head out, add a layer with some comfortable long underwear.
Vizio Razor LED LCD televisions -- A few months ago, I finally gave in and replaced the old, 13-inch combination TV/VCR in my bedroom with a nice little 19-inch LCD HDTV. When that proved too small, I swapped out for a 22-inch model and thought I was content. That's when I discovered a 26-inch Vizio Razor LED model on sale just after Thanksgiving. At first, I was drawn mainly to the size and price. For about $8 more than I originally spent, I could get a few more inches of viewing space. A little more research and I feel like I found the perfect television for my tastes. A crisp, clean picture thanks to the LED lighting, terrific sound for a good price make Vizio -- an American company (though the TVs are made in Asia) -- a solid investment. -- Andrew Wagner
Bruce Springsteen -- The Promise: The Darkness On the Edge of Town Story" (Columbia) -- I'm thrilled that my favorite Springsteen record has gotten the most amazing makeover. In addition to a wee facsimile version of the original outer and inner sleeve -- with a great remastering job on the music, too -- there's a double-disc of outtakes chosen from the 70-odd songs that Springsteen wrote and recorded in some form or another for his 1978 third album, recorded over a three-year break caused by litigation with his former manager. (That double disc is also available separately, luckily, since the big set is pricey.) There's also a super interesting DVD of the making of "Darkness" and two more DVDs packed with live footage. It's all wrapped in a slipcased reproduction of Broooce's lyrics notebook/journal that he kept during the long making of what some might argue is his hardest hitting, most bare-bones and emotional record ever. At least, I'd argue that. -- Bobby Tanzilo
Duotherm Protherm series thermalwear -- I grew up in Arizona where dressing for a winter day consists of rolling down your sleeves. So as soon as the mercury dips below freezing like it has this week, I bust out the long underwear. I prefer Protherm series from Duofold. At roughly $40 for a set of tops and bottoms it's more affordable than some of the top-end lines, but has always done the job. It's breathable enough that you can go inside in out without getting too cold or too hot. So instead of complaining about the weather for the next few months layer up and be prepared. -- Bob Purvis
Online gift guides -- There are a ton of great gift guides out there, and I love flipping through them all. Sure they give me cool gift ideas, but they also help me build my personal wish list. Need ideas? Try these: crunchgear.com, cnet.com, zdnet.com or engadget.com. -- Jeff Sherman
