Robotic seal

Palo the robotic seal was recently displayed at the International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo. The furry little bastard is capable of learning the name you give it, talking, and reacting to touch. Which isn't too impressive. But it was designed to "help elderly people avoid loneliness and develop connections with others by interacting and talking to the robot." Well if that isn't the saddest damn thing I've heard in a long time then I don't know what is. If I ever get so old that the only "connecting" I can do is with a robotic stuffed animal I hope somebody has the decency to transplant my brain into a new body.

Spotlight Rechargeable LED Light

The Spotlight Rechargeable LED Light ($15) is a little flashlight that charges in you car's 12 volt cigarette lighter. It's got a high output 0.5 watt LED, fully charges in 3 hours, and will last over an hour on a charge. Could be handy if you're hungry and remember there are probably some Wendy's fries under the seat. I'd get it for that purpose alone, because I'm tired of just randomly fishing around down there with my hand. Just yesterday I thought I had scored a fry but didn't realize it was a pencil until after I had swallowed it.

Retro phone

The Mini-MOB Mobile Phone is a new take on the popular (read: only) models of yesteryear. The thing looks like a damn brick, but is tiny at only 11 cm by 3.5 cm. Unfortunately the thing is currently only available in Europe and costs freaking $350! I do like it though -- it really takes me back to the first cell phone I ever owned. That thing was sweet. It had all the latest in technology too, like the ability to make and receive calls. Shit, I think it even showed the number that was calling!

Tiki Fiberbuilt Umbrella

The disposition of the Tiki Fiberbuilt Umbrella from Nicamaka is totally relaxed, just like the more laid-back way of life you experience on islands. It’s instantly noticeable, making the umbrella a great choice for theme parties. The Tiki umbrella is so much fun you’ll want to keep it as a permanent addition to your garden decor, though! And you can – due to the heavy duty fiberglass ribbed frame and matching Textalene support top to provide support and proper ventilation of the authentic palm thatch covering. The Tiki Fiberbuilt Umbrella provides good cover, built on a 7.5' diameter frame. It’s also easy to take down for storage. Bring the tropics home with the Tiki Fiberbuilt Umbrella from Nicamaka.

Red Necktie

ETRI has been showing off their flexible little OLED displays lately sewn into a number of different pieces of clothing.

In the future, applications of flexible display will be expanded to our daily life ranging from a tie, a hat, a wallet and other small lifestyle products. According to ETRI, this flexible display can be available at affordable price by using ‘Roll-to-Roll’ production method. It is ultra thin and light and offers outstanding natural color reproduction. It is also claimed to consume less power.
Nice ETRI, but I've had an OLED tie for awhile now. I would download a funny clip to it every day before work and brighten my coworkers' days. It worked well -- until my roommate uploaded a video without my knowing. It turns out you can be fired for sexual harassment by wearing a porn video tie! Can you believe that? What the hell is the matter with this country? Next thing you know they'll tell me that calling your female coworkers "sugar" and playing grab-ass isn't considered a team building exercise.

RedNecktie

ETRI has been showing off their flexible little OLED displays lately sewn into a number of different pieces of clothing.

In the future, applications of flexible display will be expanded to our daily life ranging from a tie, a hat, a wallet and other small lifestyle products. According to ETRI, this flexible display can be available at affordable price by using ‘Roll-to-Roll’ production method. It is ultra thin and light and offers outstanding natural color reproduction. It is also claimed to consume less power.
Nice ETRI, but I've had an OLED tie for awhile now. I would download a funny clip to it every day before work and brighten my coworkers' days. It worked well -- until my roommate uploaded a video without my knowing. It turns out you can be fired for sexual harassment by wearing a porn video tie! Can you believe that? What the hell is the matter with this country? Next thing you know they'll tell me that calling your female coworkers "sugar" and playing grab-ass isn't considered a team building exercise.

Twist lamps

Twist Together lamps twist together. Each brick has several twist-together points and can be attached to one another in a variety of different positions. You can connect as many sets together as you want. The company is releasing wall mounts, shelving modules, and a bunch of other exciting new accessories for the line soon. A set comes with four bricks and costs $109. Which is a little steep for a lamp. But what the hell, Christmas is coming. I'm going to get some for the kids' room. Wait, no, I remodeled that room. Now it's my porn palace and LEGO modeling area. Well, I'll still get some for the kids anyways. I reckon their shed out back needs some light.