Philippe Matthews Show Guru Advice, Author Reviews, Tech Reviews, Entertainment News

Want to know which buyers are getting a great deal--and, who's getting stiffed?

Robert Rodriguez was doing 3-D way before it was cool. Now he's testing out a whole crop of moviemaking experiments, including "Aroma-Scope" for his latest Spy Kids installment, and a remake of animated fantasy "Heavy Metal." Robert Rodriguez is like the filmmaker’s version of Cool Record Store Guy . Whatever it is other directors are into now, Rodriguez was into way before anyone else was into it.

Do you ever wonder how all those products end up on the shelves of your favorite retailer? Here are some case studies of small businesses who cracked the code.

Handmade in Italy and about $1,000 bucks each, these bags are not toys. Which makes them all the more fun to play with. Italian designer Mariasole Cecchi designed these peculiar objets one bored evening in Paris, using just a box of Legos, an old bag and some glue.