Joby Gorillapod SLR

Concept: 3 out of 5
Execution: 3 out of 5
Yeah, but: I did, eventually, manage to break it.

The Long Version: The idea of the Gorillapod is very clever, but I have to admit up-front that I wasn't originally filled with confidence in the strength of its all-flexible legs. On the other hand, it does seem to inspire other manufacturers, since there are similar products being marketed by Sunpak and Optex. I decided to try out Joby's Gorillapod SLR model, and I have to say that I've been pleased with everything about it so far.

Joby seems moderately conservative with its ratings, and so am I, which makes the SLR a good match for my SX20 and audio recorder. With a rated weight capacity of 800 grams, I wouldn't dream of hanging one of my bigger SLRs on it, but there are two stronger models available. Check out the Joby website to pick the right one, and try not to be too surprised by the price on the Focus. It is made of shiny metal, after all.

My use for the Gorillapod seems to be pretty typical, with the exception that I rarely use it with a camera. It's a quick and easy way to get my audio recorder into unnatural positions and places, and has helped me gather sounds ranging from lapping waves to a paper shredder. It's quick to adjust to a broad range of different positions, and within the limit of its small size, the camera/recorder can be positioned pretty much anywhere I want it to go. As Joby's website shows, I've had mine propped up on sloping rocks, and I've even had the gorillapod firmly supporting the Canon SX20 while wrapped around a table leg. It does what it says it can do, and it's a lot of fun to play with as well.

The SLR is the largest Gorillapod with a built-in quick-release plate, and it's a slim design that holds well. Everything is plastic, except for the screw, but it does its job. My venerable Yashica GSN rangefinder comes in right at the SLR's weight limit, and it had no problem with some unconventional holds.

The Joby isn't going to replace my full-sized tripods, but if I ever need to, I can wrap the Gorillapod around them.

Iogear USB Hub & Card Reader GUH286

Concept: 4 out of 5
Execution: 3 out of 5
Yeah, but: I have one simple request. And that is to have sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads!

The Long Version: I wouldn't have thought that it would be this hard. Having a reader that can handle all of the various memory card formats and also lets me plug in my iPod and printer's USB cables shouldn't be a big request. After all, multi-card readers are cheap and plentiful, and USB hubs are cheap and plentiful. But no matter how much I looked, I couldn't find a combination one for sale in Canada.

Enter my semi-annual odds-and-ends order from B&H. They sell the Iogear GUH286, which is a useful product with a decidedly unappealing part number. It can read just about anything with electrical contacts, and has five USB ports. Two are on the front, three face the side, and there's also a short cable with a mini-B USB connector on the back that can connect to suitably-equipped devices. It even has an auxiliary AC power adapter to charge any connected devices even when the computer is off. It does absolutely everything I want it to, adds a couple extra ideas on its own, is well built, and costs less than $35USD.

Cool.

Cheeseburger, Gateway Marine & Storage, Killarney, Ontario

Concept: 3 out of 5
Execution: 5 out of 5
Yeah, but: Far, far better than it looks.

The Long Version: It's a small town thing, I'm sure - next to the boat launch in Killarney, Ontario, is Gateway Marine & Storage, which is also a restaurant and a bakery. It's on Channel street, in the heart of the downtown core: not only are there plenty of boat slips nearby, there's also the local LCBO and the best fish & chips truck in town. Gateway certainly has the authentic small-town charm, with cheeky signs on the wall and fairly basic fixtures. It also serves the best cheeseburger that I've ever had.

The hamburger patties are home-made, and it's served with cheese and a slice of peameal bacon. The buns are also fresh - it is a bakery, after all - and make a huge difference. For $7, it doesn't include french fries, but in the interest of a well-rounded diet I spent the little bit extra. They're from a package, but the way they're cooked makes them remarkable as well. Granted, it was after 3pm, and I'd spent the morning tromping through the woods after a moderate breakfast, so I was pretty hungry. It's still the best meal I've had in ages.

The next day I took a gamble - I came back and had another cheeseburger. It was a risky move because if it didn't live up to my memory, it wouldn't just be disappointing, it would retroactively diminish the burger that I'd already had. But I worried for nothing, and the second one that was prepared during the lunch rush with only limited electricity was just as good as the first. The three friends that I was with had caught my enthusiasm and also had the cheeseburger, and none of them were disappointed. Other people that I heard from raved about the strawberry-rhubarb pie, sticky buns, and garlic bread.

The next time I'm in Killarney, if the bakery at Gateway Marine is closed, I just won't eat.