The Atlantic City Antiques and Collectors Show coming in March

Event:
The Atlantic City Antiques & Collectors Show

Hosted by:
JMK Shows and Events

When: Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20

Time: 10 AM—6 PM EST on Saturday and 11 AM – 5 PM EST on Sunday.

Location: The Atlantic City Convention Center

Costs: Tickets are as follows-

• 1-day Adult Tickets - $15
  
• Weekend Passes - $25
  
• Early Buying Tickets - $30
  
• Groups of 10 or more eligible for group rates
  
• Early buying for the show will be Saturday, March 19 from 9 AM—10 AM EST
  

Contact: Phone-973-927-2794 to order tickets or go to website below to order online.

Website:
www.jmkshows.com

Special exhibits include the Revisit the Empire through Fashion exhibit that features popular fashions and accessories from the 1920's, as well as appraisals by industry experts. These styles have been seen in such shows as "Boardwalk Empire", which is set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era.

While you are there, be sure to enter to win a $500 shopping spree! A winner will be announced on both Saturday and Sunday. Giveaway events sponsored by MEARS.

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iWave Audio Product Review

Product: iWave Audio 
Category: Teens, Adults
Price: $19.99- $29.99

For those last minute stocking stuffers, consider the iWave Audio line of products. From their cell phone cases to their ear phones and headphones, you are sure to find the perfect item for the teen or young adult in your life!

iWave Audio is dedicated to creating products that consumers want while still adhering to a high standard of quality. Through much research and development, iWave Audio assures quality and affordable products that are up with today's fashion and trends!

Check out the Platinum line of Crystallized cases for the iPhone/iTouch. The silicone cases are embedded with Swarovski crystal charms!! Instant Bling-Bling! Not into bling-bling? No problem. iWave Audio also has a Grass Roots collection that is more nature inspired and perfect for the young gentleman in your life, as well as other lines of great cases for your beloved phones and gadgets.

They also carry matching ear buds found in a variety of colors and styles. The earbuds and headphones are compatible with 3.5 mm stereo plugs and assure high quality sound due to the in-line volume control feature.

Your teen will absolutely love these accessories that feature the Swarovski charms and accents! iWave Audio strives to keep their products environmental friendly by using fully recycled paper for packaging and natural dyes and pigments for the graphics used in the package design. The Grass Roots collection uses bamboo, recycled wood and hemp in its design, keeping you close to nature!! I was sent a black case with a Swarovski key charm. The silicone case is dust proof and provide that extra layer of protection to the iPhone or iTouch. The case has precut holes to fit the features of your phone, so you won't have to remove the case at all while charging. The volume buttons are actually raised, instead of exposing your current buttons, making it easy to find the volume in the dark. The charm is attached securely to the silicone case, with the main attachment made into the case and not simply attached to it, so it isn't going anywhere! I thought the dangling charm might be a bit bothersome, but if carrying your phone in your purse, it is not much of a bother. It can become a little more restrictive in your pocket, especially with the pointed end key design, but for the most part, it adds a stylish element to your phone and makes it easy to identify from other cases in an instant! Since most teens spend the majority of their time either talking on their phone or texting their friends, this is a much needed accessory that protects the phone from accidental drops or tumbles. Good quality and at an affordable price! What's not to love! Plus, it's a perfect size to fit into those stockings!!!


Where to Purchase: iWave Audio products can be found at Neiman Marcus, Fry's Electronics, Lockerz, Woot, Apple, mygearstore.com and Wal-Mart.

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Beamz Player Review - So easy, anyone can play!!

Product: Beamz Player
Category: Children, Teens, Adults
Price: $199.99

I can't play a guitar. I can't play the drums-nor the clarinet or flute, or tuba or anything else you might name off. I can "hen-peck" a bit of piano, but I don't torture many with the act of listening!! I thought my musical talent was going rest in the graces of a tambourine or the Triangle thing that you simply "ding", but I have now discovered a new approach toward my musical independence!! My target: The Beamz Player. 

Never heard of it??? Don't feel bad. I hadn't heard of it either, but once I was introduced to the player, I couldn't wait to try it!! The Beamz Player is the MOST UNIQUE product that I have come across thus far!! I am uber excited to share it with you! In order for you to fully understand exactly what the Beamz Player can do, please view the video below.

The Beamz Player was recently featured on THE TALK, as part of Dr. Gadget's Holiday Gift segment: View the episode now!

The Beamz Player allows ANYONE to be able to play music without ever first learning how to read a note of music!! It is like having a whole band at your fingertips....literally! The player is actually a device that hooks up to your computer via USB and after an easy install, it is ready to play in a matter of minutes. Simply strum your fingers over the laser beams and "play the light".  What's your favorite instrument? You can probably play it and more on the Beamz Player as it offers hundreds of different instrument choices--allowing you to become the WHOLE band. The player comes preloaded with over 50 popular songs and if that isn't enough, other songs from a variety of genres can be downloaded (small fee applies) to your own library, expanding your selections and creating hours and hours of entertainment. A sample of the songs available for download include:

• Jingle Bells
• Viva La Vida
• Boom Boom Pow
• Every Breath You Take
• Play That Funky Music
• Chamber Concerto
• FunkyTown
• Happy Birthday
• It's A Small World
• and many more!!!

You can even record your experience and playback at a later time! If the ability to play your favorite tunes is not enough, the Beamz Player also allows you to play along to popular music videos, allowing you to add your own mix and spin to the song! But, that's not all....it also features GAMES such as ShadowBeamz and more, assuring art, entertainment and music appreciation! 

There is one more feature that the Beamz Player supports: It also doubles as an Instant Smile Maker! My two children are in awe of this product. There is no disappointment as each experience is unique and they cannot make a mistake as each movement simply adds a spin to the mix, allowing your child to completely immerse himself in the creative process. 

The Beamz Player has the original model available, and also offers the DJ/Pro version as well. An optional stand is also available for purchase, which I am thinking of ordering as the player is rather large and having the stand would allow the whole "composer" experience to feel more authentic! It can be connected to a PC or Mac (with Boot Camp), and requires the following:

For best performance, connect laptop or desktop to host computer with 1.3GHz processor or greater (with 2.0GB RAM; 5 GB available HDD space) running Windows 7, Vista or XP; Beamz may be used on MAC computers within Boot Camp, 1 dedicated USB port (cannot connect via USB hub), DVD-ROM drive for software and content installation.

 The Beamz Interactive Music Player has received a number of awards, including becoming the TOY INSIDER Best Tween Toy for 2010!

My Experience: I feel that the Beamz Player is the most innovative product on the current market. It inspires creativity on a level that appeals to children and adults alike, as the user-friendly design is certain to create a sense of accomplishment and an appreciation toward music. There is nothing else like it on the market. It is the first of its kind and will become one of those items that you are delighted to share with others! It is something that must be used with a computer, so fair warning: If you don't have computer that you can dedicate to the use of this product, it might be wise to get one, as everyone is going to want to play it! It is a little steep in price for some, but when I priced a guitar, drum set and violin (all of which my daughter wanted for Christmas), it put it into perspective how reasonable the price actually is--not to mention--NO LESSONS! We found it so easy to use and it became an immediate hit with the entire family! I especially like the fact that it is simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an expert musician to enjoy! I highly recommend it and give it my seal of approval!!

Where to Purchase: Retailers

Quick Links:
Beamz Music on Twitter
Beamz Music on Facebook

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Powermat Review and Giveaway---Holiday Gift Guide GRAND PRIZE!!!!

Holiday Gift Guide: GRAND PRIZE!!!!!!! 

Thanks to everyone who has participated in the Holiday Gift Guide. There has been some great giveaways already and more to come!!! Every entry into any of the giveaways offered on the Holiday Gift Guide will be counted as a BONUS ENTRY to win the Powermat Wireless Charging System (simply do the mandatory entry below)!!!! Don't worry if the giveaway has already ended, you are still eligible to win as long as it is a part of the gift guide!!! PLUS, there are many more ways to win listed below!  Just make sure you complete the mandatory entry and you are in!!! 

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Product: PowerMat
Category: Teens, Adults
Price: Varies by product

I have a huge plastic container in my closet that is filled with nothing but cords that go to "something". I hate to throw them away as I never know when we will need the item they go to and so I am forced to keep up with this mountain of cords. Why can't all cell phones from the same type of charger? This is the same avenue of questioning that lead to the creation of the PowerMat line of products!

PowerMat is the solution toward ending the corded nightmare!! It introduces the technology of wireless charging that allows several devices to be charged at one time and only utilizing one power cord. How is that? Let me share the ways!!!

Powermat works by a process of mats and receivers. Each device can be wirelessly mated with a compatible receiver. This receiver has the ability to communicate with a mat through the use of inductive charging technology based on magnetic link between the electronic device and the mat. This results in a cord-free charge! For more on how this process works, read this: Article on how Powermat works

What is so neat about the Powermat is that when a device is placed on the mat, it lets you know that a connection has been made through the unique RFiD handshake (it actually vibrates), while at the same time giving an audio confirmation (which you will come to love) so that you know you have placed your device on the mat properly. And if this is not enough, a light will indicate that the mat is in charging mode. What is great is that there is no worry about your electronic device being overcharged, as the Powermat will automatically stop charging when it reaches full charge. If you do not remove your device from the mat, it will periodically charge your device while sitting on the mat as well, so you are assured that your device is ready to go when you are!

Powermat can be used on numerous devices. Here is a list of the more common uses:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad
• iPod Touch
• Blackberry Bold 9700
• Blackberry Curve 8500/9300,9000, 8300,8900 and 9650 series
• Blackberry Tour
• Blackberry Pearl
• HTC EVO
• HTC HD2
• Motorola Droid
• Nintendo DSi
• Nitendo DS Lite

All of these devices have a receiver that fits directly on the device, allowing the device to be completely wireless and allows you to simply "sit and go"....put the device on the mat and walk away, and it immediately starts charging. However, the Powermat can charge a multitude of other devices by utilizing the Powercube, which has tips that can be interchanged for devices such as PSP, Apple, Samsung, LG, and much more!!

Actual products received for review

For the purpose of my review, I received the Powermat Home & Office mat that allows for three devices to be charged at one time and the Portable mat that also allows for three devices to be charged. Plus, I received the iPhone 3G mat and receiver. Both of the mats come with the Powercube which allows for additional devices to be plugged into it through the use of interchangeable tips that can be used on hundreds of devices. What this means is that instead of having to lug all of your power cords when going on vacation, you can simply pack the portable Powermat and a few interchangeable tips, and you have the ability to charge your cellphones, the kid's Nintendo games and even some camera brands! 

I personally use the iPhone 3G and the receiver based fits snugly over the phone, creating a slight difference in weight and width but nothing that was too unbearable! I absolutely love coming home and simply dropping my phone on the charger and hearing the little chime! Since owning my iPhone (almost two years now), I have gone through 3 chargers that I had to purchase from the Apple line of products. Each charger costs $20 and without fail, starts breaking a few months into usage. I found myself attempting to duct tape the pieces of the charger back together so that I could squeeze a few more days of use into it, but no matter, it would eventually become useless. Now that I use the Powermat, I don't have to worry about the cheaply made Apple charger anymore and that is something that makes me smile!!!

I read an article that explained that someday, the Powermat technology will be implemented into our homes through special walls, counter tops and so forth that would allow us to use all of our products without cords. This would mean we could use a blender on our counter top and it would charge when not in use, etc. I find this an amazing concept and cannot wait to see the future of Powermat!!!!

Where to Purchase: Powermat website

Coupon Code: All readers are eligible. With the purchase of a Powermat or Bundle, receive a FREE Nintendo receiver! To receive the coupon, simply follow these instructions:

Add the Powermat or Bundle to your cart. 

Add one Nintendo receiver of your choice to the cart

Apply the code: FREEBACK

Only one free receiver per customer or address.

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ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive: Powermat 3X Mat plus up to 3 Receivers!

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Giveaway Rules: Giveaway open to United States residents only, aged18 years of age or older, void where prohibited by law. Entries are not considered valid unless the mandatory entry requirement has been met. Winners will be chosen using a randomizer and will have five business days to respond to winning notification email. If no response within five days, a new winner will be chosen. Entries without a valid email in the first post or within the profile, will be invalid. 

Giveaway ends on January 1, 2011 at Midnight Central Time

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Mandatory Entry: Follow Powermat on Twitter OR "like them on Facebook. Just leave a message letting me know which one you did and your username! Do both for an extra entry!!

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Bonus Entries: For bonus entries, you can do one or all of the following!! Leave a separate comment for each entry.

• Follow Critique of the Unique via Google Friend Connect (2 bonus entries)
• Follow Critique of the Unique on Twitter (2 bonus entries)
• Follow Critique of the Unique via email or RSS reader (2 bonus entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and link back to Critique of the Unique. Leave a link.  (3 bonus entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway. (once daily)
• Add this giveaway to a giveaway linky and make sure it is not a duplicate! Leave a link. (2 bonus entries each)
• Every entry to win any of the other giveaways offered on the Holiday Gift Guide will be counted as a bonus entry to win the Powermat. 

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