October 2005 ~ Strange New Products

Sometimes innovation doesn't come from the product itself, but in the way it's being marketed,

Rx Identifying Straps appear to be plain old strips of Velcro, but positioned as identification markers for pill bottles. This way, you can use blue for your pills, green for your wife's, red, for grandma's, etc.

Health Enterprises, Inc., who came up with this idea, describes the product using the words, "innovative" and "resuable". If anything, it's a testament to the many uses of Velcro. I suppose the company will sell lots of them.

$2.49 per package.

1:39 AM | by Steve Johnson |

18 Comments

The Hemor~Rite Cryotherapy Device is a simple, do-it-yourself, means to reduce or remove hemorrhoids.

It works by apply freezing temperatures directly to the inflamed tissue.

You store the device in your freezer until it becomes ice-cold. Then you apply some lube to the protruding part, and stick it in your butt. You hold it there for about 6-8 minutes until it assumes body temperature. Then you remove it, wash it off, and put it back in the freezer. You do this four times a day.

The freezing cold temperature effectively shrinks the inflamed tissue. Repeating the process as directed eventually causes your hemorrhoids to go away.

I suppose it gives a new meaning to the term, "freezing your butt off"!

The Hemo~Rite Cryotherapy Device is currently available only online from its website, for $34.99. The manufacturer expects it to be in stores by December, just in time for Christmas.

Use Your Web Browser to Start Your Car

5:32 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Guidepoint is now offering a service that lets drivers control certain functions of their car using a web browser.

Guidepoint created a wireless access protocol (WAP) version of its existing Guidepoint service, that allows subscribers to unlock doors, start the engine, and honk the horn through any web-enabled device, namely cellphones and PDAs, though it could certainly work from your office desktop too.

Guidepoint is a service similar to GM's OnStar system, but adds the functionality of tracking stolen vehicles. You could call up Guidepoint, and request them to unlock your car door for you. But now you can do it online!

3:28 AM | by Steve Johnson |

For those times when you wish your pen was actually a Saturn 5 rocket!

Yup, the Rocket Pet doubles as a writing instrument and time waster. Set the Rocket Pen into its launch pad, and press the button. Zoom! Up into the air it goes!

Ok, now retrieve the pen, and get back to writing!

£4.95 ($8.91 USD) at Boys Stuff

1:48 AM | by Steve Johnson |

Move over paper clips, 'cause there's a new gripper in town!

Biters™ Paper Grippers are like paper clips, except they hold together more sheets of paper, up to 40 pages. You place the gripper between your thumb and index finger, squeeze it open, and slide it on! Now you're grippin'!

Biters are made of recyclable polypropylene, and the bag they come in is biodegradeable. Costs $2.50 AUD ($1.90 USD) for a pack of 30.

1:03 AM | by Steve Johnson |

70 Comments

From Venezuelan manufacturer, Alpina Productos Alimenticios C.A., comes "Avena Oatmeal Drink".

Because when we want oatmeal, we don't want to eat it, we want to drink it!

Described as an "ultra-pasteurized, nutritious beverage" it has a high fiber content, no preservatives, and doesn't need to be refrigerated. Each serving of Alpina Oatmeal Drink provides you with the proteins, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates and calories needed to stay healthy and vital.

Unbeknownst to me, oatmeal drinks are enjoying some popularity in the Latin world. Avena Oatmeal Drink is apparently only available in Colombia, thank goodness!

12:03 AM | by Steve Johnson |

7 Comments

From Italy comes a new design in cheese-grater fun, the Gira & Gratta Rotary Cheese Grater.

Inside the bottle is a fresh block of Grana Padano cheese, with a twist-style cheese grater cap. It allows pasta lovers to enjoy a convenient way of dispensing freshly grated Grana Padano cheese in a hygienic and stay-fresh format.

Agriform Scarl, the product's marketer, says in its product literature, "litle consumers like its easy and funny use." Great, but what about us big consumers?

Each container comes with 250g of cheese, and retails for €4.50 ($5.45 USD)

Via Junk Food Blog

CatBib Stops Cats from Catching Birds

7:38 PM | by Steve Johnson |

31 Comments

The CatBib hangs from your cat's collar and prevents it from catching birds.

It works by interfering with its ability to hunt, disrupting its sense of timing, and coordination, and thereby removing its stealth ability. But it doesn't interfere with its other activities. It can still climb trees, scratch up some kitty litter, scratch up your couch, all the other cat goodness.

Considering the Bird Flu going around the world, might be a good thing.

The CatBib is made of thin light-weight neoprene (less than an ounce), stretchy, durable, and easy to care for. Machine washable, and comes in 5 colors: Blue, Red, Teal, Burgundy, and Purrple.

$7.95 from CatGoods

Via Militant Platypus

3:24 AM | by Steve Johnson |

9 Comments

From France comes this new beverage called "Security Feel Better", billed as a "digestive drink", designed to counter the effects of alcohol.

It's described as an after-dinner drink made with plant extracts, designed to help you digest food and other drinks.

But it's mainly targeted towards breaking down any alcohol you may have consumed, before it causes you to become inebriated. Hence the name "Security Feel Better".

The new security beverage has a distinctive pear flavor, and comes in a 30ml bottle, small enough to carry in a coat pocket, handbag, or glove compartment. The manufacturer, PPN SA, says that after drinking a full 30ml bottle, consumers can expect to feel results within 45 minutes. The product website says it's made of all natural ingredients, with artichoke as a primary substance, and is completely harmless.

Via Junk Food Blog

1:17 AM | by Steve Johnson |

8 Comments

Hydra Beverages Inc. has come out with "Concentrated Hi-Energy H20", just add two cap fulls to purified water, and you get high-energy water.

Hydra Beverages doesn't explain what's contained in the concentrate, they only tell you that it contains a proprietary technology that duplicates the natural imprinting of energetic properties onto water, thus making it "structured water".

The company describes electromagnetic frequencies that are created in certain pristine waters flowing in alpine forests. Apparently, these frequencies come from "natural vortex motions" that are created as water flows down streams and rivers.

Somehow, Hydra's Hi-Energy Concentrate adds electromagnetic frequencies to your water. You'll have to read Hydra's full explanation to understand it. But suffice it to say it's not the usual caffeine, guarine, ginseng crap. This is real God stuff.

Plushie Animal Helmet Covers

12:17 AM | by Steve Johnson |

9 Comments

Designed for skiing, these "Plush Animal Helmet Covers" will not only keep your $200.00 K2 Black Hawk blemish-free, but let's the other skiers know that you've got chutzpah!

Yes, chutzpah.

Because taking the expert course on your $1,000 Prior Snowboard won't impress anyone. You gotta flip your finger at the Establishment and then kill 'em with your skillz. And what better way to do that than by wrapping "Benny the Bandit" around your noggin?

Yeah, that'll do it.

$31.99 at CrazeeHeads.com

The Mother of All Gun Safety Locks

11:01 PM | by Steve Johnson |

15 Comments

The Piece Keeper is a wall-mounted gun lock lets you display your "piece" while "keeping" it safe from kids and would-be thieves.

But it's designed to released in an instant, using a key.

It was created by Mark Ketterer, a gun enthusiast who decided he had enough of kids getting themselves killed after playing with their dad's gun.

The gun lock is molded out of a strong polycarbonate material that doesn't crack, and holds up to hammer blows. It can't even be pryed open, or pryed off the wall, thanks to a stainless steel backer plate, and six 3 1/2 inch long screws.

Plus, they make beautiful home decorating pieces! I think I'll put one in the bedroom, one in the family room, and one by the front door, and...

10:39 PM | by Steve Johnson |

WildWords is basically Scrabble, but incorporates the use of wildcards allowing people to build longer words.

It include several tiles depicting an asterisk (*), which can be used to replace a string of several letters. Hence, it's now legal to spell "JUXTAPOSITION" as "JUX*ION".

This way, you don't end up with a game where everyone spells out small stupid words that no one ever uses in regular speech, like "OGAM" and "ENG", etc.

The game rewards people for using the asterisk, hence encouraging them to craft words that rack up big points.

$29.95 at WildWords.com

9:08 PM | by Steve Johnson |

3 Comments

The "Agitor" is a new concept in coffee stirring. A button located on the bottom of a cup can be pressed, thus causing the contents to become "agitated".

The system involves a small pocket of space, surrounded by a soft plastic membrane, at the bottom of the cup. The membrane has small holes, allowing the liquid to fill the space. By pressing on the space from the below the cup, it forces the liquid back out of the holes, thus "agitating" the contents.

It's the idea of Creighton Schlebach, who wanted an easier way to keep his coffee stirred during moments when he didn't have any free hands. He says you can use it for other stuff too, like instant soup, chocolate milk, and such.

I suppose we'll be hearing James Bond say, "Agitated, not stirred".

Brew Tea While You Suck

11:53 PM | by Steve Johnson |

The Health Tea Wand is a glass straw with strainer holes at one end, allowing you to filter out tea leaves as you drink.

The idea is that now you can dump loose tea directly into your cup, instead of having to use strainers or tea bags. Let the straw filter out the leaves so that you can brew tea as you suck!

$19.95 at Wisdom Wands

12:45 AM | by Steve Johnson |

3 Comments

FlapArt is a line of book covers designed to play tricks on people's minds.

Get a hardcover book, slip a FlapArt book cover around it, and lay it on your coffee table during your next candle party, or football party.

There's currently 21 different covers to choose from. Here's a few of them...

How to Make Your Grandmother a Porn Star - for when your grandfather comes over to visit

How to Overcome Nymphomania - for when your father comes to visit

How to Steal From Your Neighbor and Get Away With It - For when your neighbor comes over to visit

$4.99 per cover.

Add Vitamin C to your Shower Head

9:53 PM | by Steve Johnson |

The VitaC Shower Filter removes chlorine from your shower water, and replaces it with Vitamin C.

Aside from its health benefits, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has long been used to neutralize chlorine. The VitaC Shower Filter simply runs your water through right through it.

The company also makes Vitamin C bath tablets, for those times when you just wanna soak.

VitaCshower.com, the company that makes VitaC, says their product will prevent dry skin, lines and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production.

$49.95 at VitaCshower.com

8:47 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Marshmallow Skins are a new line of girls tennis shoes allowing you to change colors by zipping on new "skins".

Jerry Stefani, who came up with the idea, claims they're called "skins" because they are soft and comfortable - like being in your own skin.

Each Marshmallow Skins shoe comes with one sole and a set of four zip-on, zip-off canvas tops each in a different pastel color. They come in two different sole heights and with open or classic heel options. Sold in children size 12 to adult size 9, Marshmallow Skins have details such as flower eyelets and glittered soles.

They're currently only available in Japan and Australia, though Stefani made their American debut last August at a Las Vegas fashion show.

Plans for matching purses are in the works.

4:16 PM | by Steve Johnson |

If any of you farmers have a son who spends his day runnin' the combine and drivin' the tractor out in the lower 40, AND he happens to have a pierced tongue...

...then you might want to get him this John Deere tongue ring barbell.

It's not enough that the farm girls get all romantic seein' him pitchin' hay and drivin' his Ford F-350. But imagine the dirty thoughts they'll get when he opens his mouth and wags that John Deere logo at them!

$5.99 at Freak Rings

Oh, and if he's not into John Deere, then get him one with the Dale Earnhardt logo on it.

3:21 PM | by Steve Johnson |

The Ultimate 4in1 Toothbrush contains toothpaste and mouthwash in its handle, allowing folks to do a quick mouth cleaning before that big executive meeting.

Edwin Frison claims he came up with the idea for this toothbrush after watching executives rush into the office restroom to brush their teeth, sometimes with their fingers, or fumbling around with several products, in order to freshen up before a meeting.

Here's how it works:

You push the head of the toothbrush into the handle, causing toothpaste to squeeze up into the bristles

You brush your teeth

Contained in the blue part of the handle is mouthwash

You unscrew the blue part of the handle, and pour into your mouth

You then turn the toothbrush around, and tickle your gums with the gum massager

Who the Hell uses a gum massager anyways?

And so with his sharp entrepreneurial acumen, Frison assembled a team of product development specialists, product engineers, designers, and even some Chinese guys too, and two years later, is standing before the gates to worldwide domination of the oral hygiene empire.

Thanks to some direct marketing media companies, he's got the largest oral hygiene companies evaluating his toothbrush. He's even got some Las Vegas hotel chains looking at it. He's even got folks in London and Australia wanting to look at it.

If you'd like to look at it too, it'll cost you $14.82 for six of 'em.

1:53 PM | by Steve Johnson |

The new "Rotating Interactive Packaging" places a product inside of a clear see-through spindle that the shopper can rotate to see the entire product.

AVC Corporation, who designed this new packaging concept, believes it will increase consumer sales of electronic gadgets because shoppers can inspect the entire product before buying.

According to Moshe Begim, President of AVC Corp...
You can see a person picking up the package and spinning the center to check out the product. They call their friend over to feel it. It gets handed back and forth and pretty soon the customer is walking toward the counter with the product. Where else can you get that kind of interaction with the product that stimulates sales?
The company says that security is assured via a theft-resistant design. The product is snugly RF-sealed within the rotating chamber, requiring a knife or scissors for removal, nor can the chamber itself snap out of the package framework without extensive cutting.

Label$Dollars Infiltrates the Deli

2:28 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Label$Dollars is a coupon dispensing system that attaches coupons to deli labels.

It's the concept of LeveragePoint Media, who created the new system on the idea that Americans are not getting enough coupons.

The coupons get printed directly from the weigh-scale at the meat counter and deli, and are attached to the price label.

Research from LeveragePoint Media shows that more than half (56%) of deli shoppers visit the grocery store just to pick something up from the deli, while 53% of grocery shoppers stop at the meat counter to make a purchase. Label$Dollars were created to provide grocery stores with a way to lure these customers into making additional purchases elsewhere in the store.

Label$Dollars are currently in use at all U.S. based Safeway and Price Chopper stores.

1:19 PM | by Steve Johnson |

This new Toilet Paper Canister from OXO International adds "wow" factor with its pop-up action.

Instead of fussing with similiar products that require you to grab hold of the canister with one hand, while removing the lid with the other, you just press a button on the lid, and a fresh roll of wipey pops-up, ready for service.

If you were like me, wondering "why the heck does anyone need a canister to hold extra toilet paper", well, what you do if you just pinched a loaf and discovered someone forgot to slide on a new roll?

Available October 2005.

9:52 AM | by Steve Johnson |

PicoPad is a tiny set of notebook paper and pen designed to fit inside a man's wallet. The company that makes it, Everyday Innovations, is offering the capability to print your business logo, or business card, on the back of PicoPad's case.

PicoPad created some buzz for itself last May when it was first unveiled at the National Stationery Show in New York. Reporters and bloggers around the country billed it as "The Poor Man's PDA". Today, Everyday Innovations announced nationwide availability for PicoPad.

PicoPad for Realtors

The custom printed PicoPads are offered through a special service called "Creative Concepts", an outlet created by Everyday Innovations. Agents can deliver them to neighborhood home as freebies, mortgage brokers can hand them out at trade shows. Due to PicoPad's "gimmick factor" they're more likely to be popular than regular paper pads and refrigerator magnets.

Via Real Estate and How

Christmas Tree Circuit Board

3:27 PM | by Steve Johnson |

This little electronics kit uses two circuit boards shaped like a christmas tree, and a package of LEDs to teach a kid how to solder.

The kit includes 24 LEDs, (16 red, 4 green, 4 yellow), and are ready to mount and solder. Hook it up to a 9V Battery and it lights up. You supply the solder and soldering iron.

$7.95 each at American Science & Surplus

1:13 AM | by Steve Johnson |

21 Comments

Nicogel is like skin cream with nicotine in it.

After a couple of pumps of its dispenser, just rub the Nicogel into your skin, and get your nicotine fix fast. It's manufacturer, Nicogel Ltd., claims it can get a dose of nicotine into your system about as fast as smoking a cancer stick.

One bottle contains about as much nicotine as 50 cigarettes.

£9.99 per bottle ($17.55 USD).

3-D Pool Table

10:50 AM | by Steve Johnson |

The 3-D Pool Table brings a whole new meaning to the term, "multi-level game play".

When you shoot a pool ball into a pocket, it drops down into the second level through the table legs. With some practice, balls can even be shot up a level.

Via Seihin-World

Boob Earmuffs

12:29 PM | by Steve Johnson |

I guess with these Boob Earmuffs, you can now put "mammary on your memory"!

Thinsulate approved.

$8.95 each.

Kadokeshi 28 Corner Eraser

11:48 PM | by Steve Johnson |

5 Comments

The idea for this unique shaped plastic eraser is that 28 corners are better than 8.

Kokuyo Co. Ltd., the maker of the Kadokeshi Plastic Eraser, says that when people use a standard rectangular eraser, they always use one of the corners. This is because the pointy-nature of a corner provides them with the accuracy needed to remove errant characters and marks. But when all eight corners of a rectangular erases have been rounded down, the eraser becomes less effective.

Thus this new design gives the user plenty of corners. When one of the cubes on this eraser becomes completely rounded off, you just cut it off, giving you access to new corners.

Thanks to Tim Hong

Sidekick Blood Glucose Monitor

2:36 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Billed as the "World's Smallest FDA Approved Diabetes Blood Glucose Monitor", the Sidekick is effectively a container for blood glucose test strips, with a monitor built into the cap.

The device is about the size of a roll of film, allowing users to take it anywehre, encouraging diabetics to test often.

Home Diagnostics, the maker of the Sidekick, says the device requires only a micro-liter of blood from the forearm or fingertip and you get results in less than 10 seconds. The Sidekick is available at local pharmacies and is covered by Medicare and most Medicaid and private insurance plans.

1:30 AM | by Steve Johnson |

Don't you wish fast-buck artists would just go away?

Well now you can!

A company called Life Technology Research International, is offering a product called Psychotronic Wishing Machine. It allows you to speak into the device, describing what it is that you wish for, and then you wait for the wish to happen.

According to the product's webpage, you leave the device on continuously until the wish manifests itself.

It works using a technology called Radionics. It involves conscious human interaction with subtle energy fields. It allows the operator to project energy at a life force at any distance, and consciously and precisely direct your intent. Radionics can be used to project energy and specific itent to oneself and others.

You have to read the webpage itself if you really want the details.

The Psychotronic Wishing Machine sells for $499.95.

Check out the other cool stuff the company sells, such as the The Ultra Powerful Psychotronic Love Magnet.

George Bush Potty Break Doll

3:06 AM | by Steve Johnson |

Described as "more wet fun than a barrel of sea monkeys", the George Bush Potty Break Doll brings out the inner-Calvin in Republicans everywhere.

It's a 3 inch tall figurine made of red polymer clay in the likeness of our Commander-in-Chief. When you dunk him water, he absorbs and stores the liquid in his belly. Once full, just pour a little hot water over him, watch him take a potty break. Guaranteed to amaze you!

Now all you need is a little Osama Bin Laden figurine for Georgie to pee on!

Baby Bottom Fan

1:20 PM | by Steve Johnson |

After every diaper change, use the Baby Bottom Fan to dry off excess moisture on your baby's behind.

It even comes with a built-in anti-microbial fragrance dispenser to protect your baby from skin ailments. It's not clear where the fragrance dispenses from, either through the fan, or through the other end.

The fragrance that comes with it is described as...

Soothing essence of lavender, sweet smells to bring sweet dreams. It is very good for a peaceful transition from little dynamo to sleeping angel.

I didn't know this was where dreams came from!

It's manufactured by South Korean company looking distributors.

RedFerret Via Uber-Review

1:11 PM | by Steve Johnson |

The Etch-A-Sketch Lollipop is a miniature working Etch-A-Sketch with a candy-sucker on the other end.

CandyRific continues to come out with some weird stuff, and never ceases to break the barriers.

$39.60 for a box of 12.

Junk Food Blog Via Uber-Review

2:58 AM | by Steve Johnson |

7 Comments

The Walk-O-Long is marketed as a safety device for toddlers learning how to walk. As your little boy or girl is taking its first steps, the Walk-O-Long allows you to hoist it up back on to its feet, protecting it from hurting its little head.

The interesting part is that the company claims the Walk-O-Long can be used for kids up to 10 years of age.

This is because it's also good for keeping kids from running off while at the shopping mall, or training kids how to balance on roller skates.

I'd sure hate to have been the unfortunate 10 year old having to be collared by one of these things in the middle of a shopping mall. What would the other kids think!

Blinks Breakfast Chips

9:07 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Blinks Breakfast Chips are billed as the "world's first cereal you can eat like a chip". They're designed to be eaten on-the-go, with no milk, for people who want a healthier alternative to have with their coffee.

Blinks are fortified with 10 essential vitamins and minerals, and come in the following flavors:

Maple Waffle Bites

Cinnamon Toast Puffs

Honey Wheat Waves

Crunchy Fruit Curls

Honey Oat Crisps

Blue Planet Foods, Inc., a division of McKee Foods Corporation, says that Blinks will be available Fall of 2005.

StickySheets

5:58 PM | by Steve Johnson |

10 Comments

Stick it! Rip it! Done!

StickySheets are giant pieces of sticky tape, designed to remove pet hair from your furniture and car seats.

Instead of using lint rollers, or smaller pieces of tape, use one huge, honkin' sheet, and pull everything off in one rip.

Each sheet measures approximately 3ft x 2ft, and you get 15 sheets for $19.95.

No word on when they'll come out with StickySheets for body waxing.

5:39 PM | by Steve Johnson |

5 Comments

What does the Jolly Green Giant use to store his leftover veggies? Why Ziploc Big Bags of course!

Ziploc "expanded" their product line recently to include two giant sizes, (2ft x 1.7ft) and (2ft x 2.7ft).

They're made from heavy duty plastic, come with built-in handles, and feature the same Ziploc seal that made Ziploc famous.

Via UniqueDaily

2:40 PM | by Steve Johnson |

14 Comments

toothpaste,
originally uploaded by chotda.

Found on Flickr, chocolate flavored toothpaste, sold under the "Closeup" brand.

After more research, these are limited edition "active gel" fluoride toothpastes, made by Unilever Philippines Inc., under the name "Closeup Flavalicious".

There are three flavors in all: Choco Loco, Luscious Lychee and Tangerine Burst.

2:01 PM | by Steve Johnson |

From Mademoiselle Bigoudi, a French maker of beauty products, comes Customizable Face Cream.

It consists of three different base products...

Le Soin Energisant - is made with non-genetically-modified corn extract and is said to promote the production and storage of energy in the cells

Le Soin Eclat du Teint - with black tea extracts is said to leave the complexion visibly brighter

Le Soin Detoxifiant - fragance free, leaves a protective veil on the skin to guard against damage from pollutants

You then combine one of the base products with up to three of the following additives...

Mademoiselle a la peau seche - A moisturizing concentrate for dry to very dry skins

Mademoiselle a la peau qui brille - Mattifying concentrate for combination to oily skins.

Sweet Mademoiselle - A fragrance which brings back the joyful memories of childhood

Fresh Mademoiselle - A fragrance that wraps you in a cocoon of fresh spring air

Mademoiselle fume - An additive against the noxious effects of cigarette smoke and the premature ageing of the skin

All the mixing is done by the consumer.

Each base product costs €28.50 each, while each additive varies from €4.00 to €7.50 each.

1:55 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Jones Soda Co., which is quickly becoming the "Jelly Belly of Sodas", with its never-ending line of cool and unusual soda flavors, has introduced four new flavors for Halloween: Candy Corn Soda, Pumpkin Soda, Strawberry Slime, and Scary Berry Lemonade.

The guys at I-Mockery did a great job publishing their taste tests of the new carbonated concoctions. Here's what J-Dawg had to say about the Candy Corn Soda...

I gotta say at first I wasn't too sure about this flavor. It tasted kind of like the corns on my feet, but then when I was thinkin' about it I realized that the corns on my feet taste pretty uber-fantastic! The way those bodacious soda suds slamdanced on my tongue made me feel like a horny rebel biker suicide pirate and that really takes me back to the glory days!

Jones' new Halloween flavors are found exclusively at Target Stores nationwide.

1:09 PM | by Steve Johnson |

26 Comments

SudaCare Shower Soothers Vaporizing Shower Tablets

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare released a new product last month called "SudaCare Shower Soothers", described as "vaporizing shower tablets". It's a tablet you place on the floor of your shower, and it releases soothing eucalyptus, menthol & camphor vapors.

It's designed to provide temporary relief from cold symptoms.

The Shower Soothers tablet uses a patented technology to instantly release a unique blend of vapors on contact with running water. The tablet actually becomes hot, and the product has a warning label to not to touch it while in use.

$8.59 for a box of seven tablets at Amazon.com ($$)

12:50 PM | by Steve Johnson |

Asahi Breweries is set to launch a new beer called "Asahi Super Yeast Draft Beer", which contains a special type of yeast that undergoes a second-stage of fermentation, after the beer has been bottled.

The beer is bottled just prior to distribution, and continues to ferment, changing its smell and taste for as long as two to three months. Information from Asahi says that the tastes shifts from a noticeably enhanced taste after one month, and progressing to an abundant and smooth flavor with crisp aftertaste after two to three months.

Asahi will begin rolling out the new beer on November 30 in parts of Japan. No word on when it will hit the States.

Via Beverage World

9:23 AM | by Steve Johnson |

EATware is a new line of paper plates and containers made from bamboo and sugar cane fibers, starch, and water.

The company that makes them, Glory Team Industrial, Ltd., claims that EATware will completely decompose in landfills within 180 days, or within 2 days if submersed in water. They even claim their manufacturing process creates zero emissions, zero waste.

Because they're made from plant fibers, the company claims that can be used as fodder for farm animals.

EATware is microwaveable, and is freezer and steamer safe.

Glory Team Industrial is currently looking for investors.

Electronic License Plates

8:48 PM | by Steve Johnson |

E-Plates are license plates that contain an electronic tracking system. As you drive your car around, the e-Plate will register itself with sensors mounted on bridges, overpasses, and other structures throughout streets and highways.

What this means is that we'll all be driving much more safely, the world will be less reliant on fossil fuels, our local governments will no longer be in debt, and insurance companies will know better how to serve us.

Transportation departments will be able to monitor traffic flows in real time. They can identify places where traffic is flowing much faster than the posted speed limits, and law enforcement officers can be dispatched to those areas, ensuring that all commuters are getting to their destinations safely.

Insurance companies will be able to view travel history for any specific automobile, noting miles travelled and speed limits breached, and adjusting premiums accordingly.

Taxation and revenue departments can even use this information to determine which drivers consume the most gasoline, allowing them levy tiered tax rates on the most glutton of drivers.

Motor vehicle departments can easily identify moving automobiles whose registrations have expired, generating an automated citation, and providing local governments with an easy method of boosting their revenues.

You think I'm being absurd? Take a look at the company's website, click on "Government", and read what it says.

3:31 PM | by Steve Johnson |

With the Memory Medallion, now tombstones can upload photos too.

The Memory Medallion is a metal disc, about the size of a half-dollar, designed to be embedded into a tombstone. It contains a microchip that stores photos and text of the deceased.

When someone visits a tombstone, they open the lid on the Memory Medallion, and touch it with a special wand. The wand activates the medallion, and causes its to upload data through the wand, and into a handheld computer or laptop.

The wand resembles a stylus, except it has a wire connecting it to the visitor's computer, via USB port. Once the wand touches the Memory Medallion, the data transmitted instantly. Special software installed on the computer allows the visitor to see someone's lifestory and photos.

The data remains in the computer for as long as the visitor wants, and can take it home, to build their family tree, or make scrapbooks.

The Memory Medallion is not just for tombstones though. They can be used with historical markers, museum exhibits, zoos, the possibilities are endless.

Memory Medallion is the product of Greene Ventures, Inc. They are sold exclusively through Rock of Ages.

On the Wall Gumball Machine

10:25 PM | by Steve Johnson |