electron zoo

As promised, I’m making some more changes to this space. As much fun as I had renaming this site to uber webcredulous, it’s just not fun for anyone to remember. I thought I’d pick something from the English language this time. So welcome to my new new name, electron zoo.

And look out, because I’m moving (today!) to a new web address, electronzoo.com, so please update any bookmarks or links you have to the old web address. If you’re reading my feed, make sure you have the latest feed URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ezoo

You know who you are. If it doesn't have whiskers and wear a bow, you don't want it. But Hello Kitty comes from Japan, where bytes are the not-so-new black. If you're going to ride this bandwagon, these 5 Gadgets are for you.

Hello Kitty Bluetooth Handsfree
When you haven't got enough hands to hold your Hello Kitty mobile phone (or the low-tech version for US residents), your Hello Kitty wireless headset will have you covered. Telephones must make Hello Kitty very sad, because she has no mouth.

Hello Kitty Digital Cam
Would the Hello Kitty paparazzi dare use another digital cam to catch this hot shot of Steven Tyler indulging in some pink, plushy Hello love? It takes 3.2 megapixel shots and even has a video out so you can connect it to your Hello Kitty TV set.

Hello Kitty USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Wearable flash memory must be worn in style. What matches your outfit, 256 MB or 512 MB? Either will look fabulous plugged into your Hello Kitty USB hub.

Hello Kitty Desktop Cleaner
Here's a neat little gadget that's popular in Japan -- a tiny vacuum cleaner to keep your desktop tidy. (It's great for keeping the dust off your Hello Kitty keyboard and mouse.) It reminds me of what Ethan Hawke used in Gattaca so no one would discover his true genetic identity. Does this mean the Japanese are genetically engineered superhumans? Perhaps.

Hello Kitty Portable Speakers
What kind of music do you Hello Kitty fans rock out to, anyway? I hope it sounds good coming out of two giant plush Hello Kitty feet, which can easily be connected to your Hello Kitty MP3 Player.

Note to readers (ignore at will): This week, I'm introducing number 1 in a new series called "5 Gadgets". I have a few other plans to enliven this space, which will hopefully actually happen. Soon.

FlipFlop Solar Powered Moving Plant
It's solar powered. It's plastic. It moves ... but just a little, tiny bit. It's an artificial solar powered houseplant. It's so intentionally useless, it's almost a good idea.

iDog Portable Speaker
If storm troopers had pet dogs designed by Japanese hipsters, this is what they would look like. This charismatic little speaker can connect to your iPod and enjoy your music with you, enabling you to further ostracize your loved ones while listening to your "own personal soundtrack".

Scrolling LED Badge
Nothing says, "Hello, my name is ... wait! Come back!" better than a scrolling LED badge. I mean come on, all the cool kids are wearing LED belt buckles.

Griffin iBeam Laser Pointer and Flashlight for iPod or iPod Mini
What do you get when you mix a life-saving tool (flashlight), an ostentatious gadget (iPod mini), and a glorified cat toy (laser pointer)? Or were you going to use your hot pink iPod mini to underscore the highlights of the PowerPoint you're presenting in the corner office?

Retro Phone Handset
Just attach it to your mobile phone, and it will give you a big chucky receiver to hang onto. This would come in handy if you had a loved one who just awoke from a coma, and you had to conduct an elaborate rouse to convince them it was still 1980 (Goodbye Lenin style). Or if you wanted everyone at a party to believe they could call your crotch directly. Well geez, maybe it's not useless after all.