argus

iNumber (http://www.inumbr.com/) offers a free service where you can create a temporary phone number — customizable to your area code, even — and forward it to your real number. As if this capability alone isn’t cool enough, there are several options available for how it works:

• Don’t accept calls from blocked Caller IDs
• Don’t accept calls from suspected telemarketers
• Forward all calls directly to voicemail
• Do not disturb from 9PM to 8AM
• Turn off call screening
• Activate voicemail for missed calls
• Email my incoming call history

While not exactly a new service (they apparently launched in 2006), it seems that it’s finally bubbled around long enough to reach critical mass.

First application I thought of: yet another trick-o-the-trade for eligible club-goers. Cook up a number before the weekend’s outings and give it out to your would-be pursuers. You can still actually receive phone calls (albeit with screening if you so desire), and at the end of the expiration period, the number goes dark for good (prior to which you should have passed on your actual digits to any callers that you, ah, wish to remain in contact with).

Robert and I have had numerous conversations with several couples having their first child on what to register for. I have used quite a few products in the last two years and evaluated their performance. I decided to write some reviews to help you choose the perfect gift (if you get invited to a baby shower) or to help you create your registry.

Things We Could NOT Live Without (in descending order):

10. Dr. Brown’s Bottles: Sure, you might as well get the BPA-free ones, although studies have shown that it really doesn’t matter. BPA is not as harmful as once thought. If your kid insists on physically eating the bottle, then DEFINITELY choose BPA-free;) The price is the same regardless. If you have a baby that has colic, reflux, or constant spit-up, you MUST have these bottles.

Pros:

Cons:

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