IT CAME IN THE MAIL
It Came in the Mail
The Thumb Thing
Sunday, January 7, 2007; Page P02
An occasional look at products the travel industry insists we need.
WHAT: The Thumb Thing, a handy tool for bookish sorts.
AIMED AT: Straphangers, beachcombers and other one-handed readers.
HOW MUCH: $3.95
BUT DOES IT WORK? Smart travelers are never without a book in hand -- but sometimes that hand gets tired holding open the pages when the other is holding on to the bar overhead (or a poolside beverage). We slipped our digit through the Thumb Thing, a lightweight plastic doodad with two "wings" on either side of a roughly nickel-size hole, picked up a book and put the object where our thumb would normally hold it open. It eased thumb strain considerably. The inexpensive plastic novelty item can even pull double duty for the flexible multi-tasking yogis among us, converting to a Toe Thing if you want to read while touching your toes (really, it works).
-- Anne McDonough
The Thumb Thing is available in four sizes and assorted colors through Spoonsisters.com (800-716-4199,http:/

