Name a cockroach after your lover: Valentine’s Day at the Bronx Zoo

by Sean McLachlan on

The Bronx Zoo has come up with a good way to show that special someone you care–name a giant cockroach after them.

The BBC reports that for ten bucks you can buy the rights to one of the zoo’s 58,000 giant Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and name it after that special someone who bugs you more than anybody else. The zoo says they sold 1,000 dedications in the first day of the promotion. Perhaps their tagline helped: “Flowers wilt. Chocolates melt. Roaches are forever.”

Indeed they are. They’ve been around since before the dinosaurs and they’ll probably be around after we’re long gone. The Bronx Zoo has some interesting facts about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, like that they can grow to three inches long and the hiss they make can be as loud as a lawnmower.

They’re nutritious too. Check out our 8 bug-eating videos including two on eating cockroachs. Also check out the far less disgusting but much more educational the video below.

[Photo courtesy user Husond via Wikimedia Commons]

Valentine’s day gadget gifts for romantic travelers

by Scott Carmichael on

Sure, pricey chocolates and flowers may be a pretty safe bet for Valentine’s day — but what if you are looking for a gift that’ll last quite a bit longer.

We’ve collected some travel friendly gifts for the special traveler in your life. With prices starting at just $0, there is bound to be something for everyone in this list!Briggs and Riley Travelware Transcend collection

Good quality luggage lasts a lifetime, which is the same length as the warranty on the Briggs and Riley Transcend luggage collection. All pieces are available in “rainforest” and “sunset”.

Price: from $39
Website: Briggs and Riley

Aviiq ultra-compact laptop stand

The Aviiq laptop stand is the thinnest stand in the world – and while it may not be the perfect match for a Valentine’s day lineup, there is a reason we included it – you can cheat. By applying coupon code 11-VAL-01-MB-PC during checkout, you’ll get two of these for the price of one.

Price: $79.99
Website: Aviiq

Maverick Lifestyle Nica Sunrise Bluetooth Headset

When on the road, making regular phone calls to a loved one is a great way to keep in touch – and making phone calls with your hands free is a great way to keep the fire burning. The Nica Sunrise headset is available in black and red, and features an innovative charger dock system.

Price: $79.95
Website: Maverick Lifestyle

ThinkGeek Beating Heart Pillow

Use this fantastic beating heart pillow on the road, or leave it at home to remind someone how much you love them. Available in green and pink.

Price: $39.99
Website: ThinkGeek

Urbanears: Plattan Headphones

Retro look, in-line microphone and remote, 14 different colors and a special “zound plug” which lets you plug someone else into your headphones to share your music.

Price: $59.99
Website: Urbanears

HEX: iPod Nano watch band

Got an iPhone Nano (6th generation)? Turn it into a stylish watch with one of these 9 HEX cases. Features a silicone strap and cut-outs for buttons and plugs.

Price: $29.95
Website: ShopHEX

iChair iPad and iPhone cases

iChair cases are available for the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The design features an innovative kickstand design that allows you to angle your device any way you want.

Price: from $29 (apply coupon code gadling to take 40% off on 2/9/11)
Website: GoiChair

Iconosys Kiss My Valentine

Send virtual kisses to your Valentine with this romantic Android app. Features sweetheart messages, party strobe love light and Valantine’s gift tracker.

Price: free till Valentine’s day, then $4.95
Website: Iconosys

V-Moda Remix Remote noise isolating headphones

One of the best headphones we reviewed in 2010 the V-Moda Remix Remote headphones feature an in-line remote and excellent noise isolation. Available in red (blush), chrome and black (nero).

Price: $99.99
Website: V-Moda

Daily Pampering: Spend Valentine’s Day at Turtle Island in Fiji

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There’s only one way to go to Fiji: Turtle Island. The Valentine’s Day deal from this luxury resort is nothing short of incredible. Book five nights in paradise, and you’ll get two more nights free … in beachfront accommodations in a two-room “bure.” And, all meals are covered, including any romantic lunches you want to enjoy on the beach — they’ll be packed to order! The other activities are covered, as well, including sport fishing and SCUBA diving, and once you’re finished exerting yourself, you can relax with two one-hour lomi-lomi (that’s four-handed) massages.

The Turtle Island resort has 14 private beaches, five-star gourmet dining … and those lomi-lomi massages, along with other spa treatments. Personal “bure mamas” will attend to all your needs as you sip top-shelf liquors and champagnes. Only 14 couples are allowed in Turtle Island at a time … one for each private beach!

Here’s where it gets really interesting: if you book by March 31, 2010, you can travel any time by Valentine’s Day in 2011.

Get your daily dose of pampering right here.