If you’ve ever tried to scan a book, chances are you were severely disappointed. Sure, you’ll get most of the page, but you’ll also lose those words that make the sentences seem like a 6 year old wrote them, and not to mention all the black sides on the paper. . . I know you know what I’m talking about. Well, if you’re serious enough about your book scanning habits, you might want to look at the Plustek BookReader (unless you already have it).
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I was,, irked today.  Here is the image that did it.

Now I’m not mad because someone put together the thought that,, “If I put weights on and play with the Wii I’ll get a better workout.”  Nor was I angry at the fact that they bothered to get their branding correct, (though I’m sure at no point they contacted Nintendo or any of it’s business partners).

This “friend” or “acquaintance”  of the inventor has noted that you can email him, and he’ll put you in touch with the inventor.  Also he notes that the eyelet on the weight is for looping the Wii controller to.

That’s great, umm, those eyelets have been on that particular style of weight pack for nigh on 40 years now.  So the “innovations” shown are,, painting it white,, and putting the Wii logo on it.  Now if you just want to sell something, that’s fine with me.  However, when you make a point to indicate that you indeed are an “inventor,” that is where my irking begins.

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Sometimes it’s not just about what should you bring, but how in the hell you get there. If you’re like me (a guy) you can proabably make it from Point A to Point B in record time. The problem is, Point B is not actually your destination, but somewhere a mile or two from it. Now, I’ve been wanting a GPS for years but was concerned my wife thought it too expensive of a “toy.” So I did the next best thing… I bought her one for Christmas. (Kind of like Homer buying Marge a bowling ball) And the funny thing is, she has this amazing internal compass. She hardly ever needs the GPS, so it usually resides with me.

The Garmin Garmin Nuvi 360 does everything you want and more. The Bluetooth technology links seamlessly with your cell phone for handsfree conversations. Map and audio directions put you exactly where you want to go. It can also find restaurants by genre and distance, as well as lodging and gas stations. Did I mention it’s also an MP3 player? One of the coolest features is the optional up to date traffic reports. It automatically processes the information on your route, and takes you around the problem. Now, onto the city guide… not in your car, on foot. Once you’ve decided on your restaurant, museum, or Broadway Show, it’ll take you to the front door.

I’ve been using it for a little over a month and it works flawlessly. The touchscreen makes inputting destinations a snap. Due to the small size and many functions, I don’t ever see myself having to buy my wife another one… till next year.

BeSocial: amazon reviews | whatshouldibring

Here it is, another “Why didn’t I think of that” gadget, the Blackout Buddy, the emergency flashlight (and radio) that automatically comes on when there’s a power cut.

The Blackout Buddy is the essential emergency tool for every home. Designed to stay plugged into the wall for continuous charging and to be ready for any emergency, the Blackout Buddy’s built-in LED light and AM/FM radio automatically turn on when the electricity goes out. The rechargeable battery provides enough power for hours of emergency AM/FM radio and light operation: 12-16 hours of LED light use, or 4-8 hours of radio use. The Blackout Buddy also serves as a convenient and functional everyday plug-in radio and light for any room in the home or office.

Available from Ambient Weather, found on BoJ.

I remember being on a First Aid Course and being taught how to give CPR on a perfectly proportioned dummy, well we’re not all perfect so the Fat Old Fred Manikin is designed to be more like a real life victim, i.e. fat.

Availability and further facts over at Global Technologies, found via Unique Daily.

If you think web cams just aren’t cute enough then this is the answer, the decidedly tacky Panda Cam.

On the outside he may look like a cute innocent panda, but this black and white bear houses a small web cam in his belly, useful!

It’s as cheap as it looks, costing $24.

If you ever thought you were good with remote control cars this has got to be the ultimate test, Booze Cruze, an R/C car with a glass on top.

Instructions are pretty simple:
1. Fill the glass with a liquid of your choice (we recommend water beer)
2. Set up the race course as desired.
3. Drive the course without spilling a drop

I’m sure there’s a drinking game to be made here and it also makes an easy way of serving drinks. Available from Gadget Box, thanks Arran.

This post is part of the Patent Series – you can read number 1 about the Smokers Hat.

Ther are two patents for today that keep up with the same comic level as the previous, I don’t know what some of the people that filled these patents were thinking of, but hey, a stupid idea for some can be great idea for others – and “tastes” are not a matter of debate. Lets start…

Baby Cage

For those lovely parents that like to sleep with babies on their bed, this is kind of a protection for the baby – you don’t want to hurt the small thing now do you? I think the idea is good but the design could be better, a cage isn’t the best thing for babies to remember on the following years, right? Just imagine your son going to the circus for the first time and seeing animals inside cages, what a coincidence…

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