The Original Mannish BoyI was 16 when I first heard Muddy Waters sing “Mannish Boy.” It was the live version on the album Muddy “Mississippi” Waters Live, featuring Johnny Winter, Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Since then I’ve told anyone who will listen that I want that song played at my funeral. When I was a teenager I thought it was just a tough song. Still is. Little did I know the simplest interpretation of the title “Mannish Boy” would forever define me. I am best described as a boy trapped in a grown man’s body

As such, I am not immune to gadgets and toys no matter how old I get. I know I’m not alone. Consider the following unique gadgets when shopping for the Mannish Boy in your life. Father’s Day isn’t until June 16, but the earlier you plan for the Old Man the more likely you’ll be to buy him something more thoughtful than a fifth of cheap scotch. Dad doesn’t want that – well, he might – but he probably wants one of these.

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It's one modern convenience most of us can't live without: our mobile phone.

In fact, they're not just for making calls and texting anymore, as they've evolved into a pocket-sized computer capable of email, web surfing, video calling, gaming, photography, GPS navigation, social networking, cloud computing and handling work documents, too.

As such, you need to ensure you're signing up for the right voice and data plan with your preferred carrier.

Here are a handful of tips to help keep your monthly bill in check.

1. What’s your usage pattern?

Choose a plan that best suits your habits. Many of us are either paying too much for what little we're using or we're not paying enough for usage -- and thus risking overage fees. If you're unsure, review your invoice as it will shed light on your voice and data usage. Then call or visit your carrier to match your usage with the best plan. You'll often get a "bundle" deal if you use the same company for your home-based services, such as Internet,

Those who own one of Apple’s iconic iPads probably have a handy accessory or two that adds some extra functionality to the tablet.

You know, like a Bluetooth keyboard that makes long-form typing on the iPad more comfortable. Or a fitted folio case to protect your investment. Or perhaps you’ve picked up a bedside clock dock for your tablet that not only charges it up while you sleep but it doubles as a powered speaker for your music, podcasts and audiobooks.

All of these sound like practical add-ons – and they are -- but don’t expect all tablet accessories to be this sensible. In fact, you won’t believe what’s out there for the almighty iPad.

The following are a few eye-rolling examples.

iPad Commode Caddy

OK, so a few iPad owners might’ve been known to bring their gadget to the bathroom in lieu of a magazine. But how about spending $100 on a vertical stand that props up the tablet for easy reading -- with a built-in toilet paper roll right underneath it? Eww.

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Not sure which computer to buy for the summer or back-to-school?

You’re not alone.

Not only are there so many companies to choose from, but there are multiple form factors these days, such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, all-in-one desktop (with the computer built behind the screen), Ultrabook convertibles (half laptop, half tablet), and so on.

In other words, choosing a new Windows 8 PC can be an overwhelming endeavor -- so to help you decide on something that best suits your needs and budget, below we look at eight stellar considerations (not listed in any particular order).

01. Asus Taichi 21

Talk about innovation: In case you haven’t yet seen the Asus Taichi 21 ($1,399.99), it’s an Ultrabook with a two-sided 11.6-inch screen. That is, in regular mode, it looks like a regular laptop – though it’s super thin – but at any time you can enable the back of the screen to turn on (or mirror what you’re seeing on the main screen), plus the rear-facing screen is touch-enabled so you can close the

Video gamers who boast about their "mad skills" can put their money where their mouse is with Virgin Gaming, a service that lets you place a wager to compete in online matches and tournaments against other willing participants.

Sure, you might’ve already heard about Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Gaming – which turns 3 next month and has racked up more than 2.3 million members – but the company has just unveiled an app for Xbox 360 owners, dubbed Xbox Tournaments, which makes it even easier to win cash by playing against others.

To start, players age 18 years of age or older can compete in three-round, free-entry tournaments designed for gamers of all skill levels – but they’ll also have the opportunity to participate in free head-to-head challenges to sharpen their skills for cash-play games in the near future. To celebrate the launch of the app, Virgin Gaming is currently hosting a $100,000 tournament and leaderboard challenge, with “many more to follow,” assures Billy Levy, co-founder

Whether you're waiting for the next console wars to start or simply prefer playing games on your mobile phone, there's no shortage of awesome smartphone games — and ones that won't cost you a dime. Here are 10 "must have" free downloads for Apple (iOS) and Android devices.

Candy Crush Saga

The hit Facebook game is even better on your iPhone or Android. Taking a page from Bejeweled, King.com's Candy Crush Saga is an incredibly addictive puzzler that has you swap colored candies on a board to make a match of at least three in a row. Timed levels, cascading fruit and chocolate obstacles all add to the deliciously challenging gameplay. Facebook integration is still part of the game, so you can show off your high score to friends or ask them for extra "lives" to keep playing.

4 Pics 1 Word

Can you guess what the mystery word is based on four pictures? This is the premise behind the aptly named 4 Pics 1 Word. For example, you might see one photo with socks, another with two playing cards, a

You lead a busy life. Whether you have a demanding career or juggle a family – or in many cases, both – you need to stay organized and productive in today’s day and age.

While a calendar and corkboard at home are handy “old school” solutions, there are many technologies that can help you with your day-to-day life, whenever life takes you. The following are 10 such suggestions.

Smartphones

Smartphones are so popular because they’re like a mini computer for your pocket or purse. They help you stay organized thanks to calendar appointments, reminders and alarms; you can read and reply to email and other messages without having to wait for your laptop; and you’ve got access to the web, apps, cameras, and much more. Don’t leave home without it. Oh, and they make phone calls, too, if you remember those.

Cloud storage

“Cloud computing” refers to uploading, accessing and sharing content stored securely online. The benefit of free services like Dropbox, Sugar Sync, iCloud, Google Drive and SkyDrive

Mama, now on DVD & Blu-RayFans of filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (The Devil's Backbone, Pan's Labyrinth) will recognize his sensibilities all over Mama, the very effective paranormal thriller new this week to DVD and Blu-ray. Del Toro executive produced the movie, and clearly had some input on the film's dark and menacing vision.

The film opens with a distraught father, who has apparently just killed his wife, speeding off in a car with his two little girls. The car crashes and dad leads the kids to a creepy old cabin in the woods. Some unfortunate things happen to dad, then we flash forward five years.

The girls, now age nine and six, are finally discovered – still in the cabin and living like feral wolves. Actually, the way they skitter around on all fours suggests insects more than anything, and this is the first of the many, many disquieting images director Andrés Muschietti has in store.

The girls are eventually adopted by their uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Jaime Lannister for you Game of Thrones fans).