uncertainty is still an everyday experience. Given the wealth of sometimes confusing and contradictory information we are spoon fed by Washington, we are left to our own devices to decipher announcements, e.g. — Do I wear a mask or not wear a mask? Do I still need to practice social distancing (a classic oxymoron: what is sociable about keeping distances between each other)? And so on.

Last year, Hot Wheels celebrated its 50th anniversary. While a writing gig in manufacturing and engineering probably sounded surreal to the 8-year-old version of this author, truth be told, he was obsessed with Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys for most of his childhood. Somewhere in a box in the basement there’s a 1967 Camaro and a 1953 Corvette that would still bring a smile to this face.

The kid who wants to be just like his gear-loving dad when he grows up will hit the jackpot this Christmas if Santa uses Gear Technology’s holiday buying guide.