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Cool Stuff | PRODUCTS THAT MATTER
 ICE TRACTION SLIP-ONS
Don't let an icy ramp intimidate you from wearing your best casual loafers. These clever, slip-on studs go over your regular shoes and will provide traction for virtually any slippery surface. Crafted of rugged thermoplastic with embedded steel studs, you can throw a pair into your luggage or flight bag to give you traction when you are on the road. Just $15 each from luggageplanet.com.
 CELL CUP HOLDER
Quit struggling to pull things from your flight bag in the back seat. Now you can turn your console cup-holder into an organizational tool with this clever fill-in that can hold pens, sunglasses, your cell phone and a whole lot more. The holder is made of soft, sturdy foam, and has a tapered bottom so it will fit in most cup holders. Just $12 from magellans.com.
 CHICKEN WINGS CHILDREN'S BOOK
Chicken Wings is a cleverly-illustrated new children's book by Michael and Stefan Strausser. The book's main characters, Chuck, Julio, Hans and Sally are crazy chickens who work for small airline called "Roost-Air." They struggle through the day in a fast-paced work environment. Chicken Wings is a funny look behind the scenes of an airline that will bring you and your children hours of reading entertainment. Just $18.95 from pilotmart.net.
 WEIGHT AND BALANCE VISUALIZATION SOFTWARE
Nothing makes a pilot's eyes glaze over quicker than discussing weight and balance issues. New software from Momentum Interactive solves that problem, making it easy to figure out not only how much your airplane can carry, but also where to put everything. This simple software program includes custom weight and balance data for dozens of popular aircraft. Just enter the weight values of the passengers, fuel and luggage, and Momentum's intuitive software will tell you if you're overweight, out of CG, or just right. Each copy of the software covers one aircraft and includes all of the available weight and balance data. Available for $24.99 per make and model from momentum-i.com.
 TRAVELING TIE CADDY
These clever tie caddies are ideal for keeping your ties wrinkle-free on any trip. Each one is a see-through case that has a built-in winding mechanism, ideal for stuffing ties into small crevices of your luggage or flight bag. Just $5.95 each from silver ofwestport.com.
 PET FLYS DOG CARRIER
This hip-looking carrier will make your small dog or cat feel snugly and comfy on any flight. The carrier is made of synthetic material for easy cleaning, and features removable, machine-washable blanket and bedding. Measures 10-inches wide, 15.5-inches deep and 9-inches high. Just $115 from silverofwestport.com.
LIGHTED, NEVER LOSE IT KEYCHAIN
You'll never have to look for your keys again with this clever, lighted sound-activated key chain. Just clap your hands, and the key chain responds with a beeping signal, a sure way to figure out if it's at the bottom of your wife's purse. The key right also has a built-in flashlight, and comes in three sharp-looking colors for $15 from luggageplanet.com.
FRESH BATH
 This product is great for camping at your next air show, or trying to feel civilized after bad weather leaves you stranded at the FBO for four days in a row. Fresh Bath is a package of foam towelettes that are soaked in a special patented cleaning formula that works like a hand sanitizing lotion. Use them for bathing when a shower and wash cloth aren't available. The towelettes have a clean, fresh scent, and the liquid evaporates quickly, giving you that clean, fresh-bathed feel without water. Two packages for $9.85 from magellans.com.
SIDEWINDER PORTABLE POWER
The SideWinder is the world's smallest, most powerful portable phone charger. Two minutes of cranking gives your phone six minutes of talk time and up to a half-hour of stand-by time. It also has a handy LED that can be used as a flashlight when you're not charging your phone. The LED stays powered even when you're not cranking, making it a handy emergency light that you can leave in your flight bag. And if nothing else, it's a great exercise tool—the amount of cranking required to fully charge your cell phone will make an overweight, middle-aged man break a sweat. We checked! Available for $24.95 from istdesigns.com or in your local retail store.
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