Got a gaggle of UMDs lying about your lair with nary a storage slot to slip them into? Why not pony up a measly US$18 for a stand which stores 24 UMDs safely within its confines. In addition to the storage utility of the unit, five blue LEDs light up (three AAA batteries required, not included) for some value-added shiny² illumination.
The UMD Stand is built from clear and sturdy plastic that allows the blue light to shine visibly from within. A swivel assembly at the base gives the stand the ability to rotate 360˚ for some whirling action. At high spin cycles, it's better than a disco ball. «More»
Love is the theme in Sega's upcoming Disney Chibizu Love Love Plushes where three couples pair off. From the left and moving clockwise, the plush sets (which measure about 17cm tall) are:
(A) Mickey and Minnie - The two grab hands and dance
(B) Stitch and Angel - Prepping for a swing dance session
(C) Thumper and Thumper's Girlfriend (she's not given a name in Bambi)
Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2007 at US$12 per couple.
Kotobukiya has started preorders for two new Evangelion figures which are scheduled to ship in May 07.
First up is an Asuka Langley non-scale figure which features the glowing redhead seated atop a stone slab of some sort. Asuka clasps both hands together and smiles at something in the distance. Next, a non-scale Rei Ayanami figure where she's all decked out in a party dress that clings to her like plastic wrap. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2007 at US$39 each.
Since the first Mickey & Minnie Wedding plushes sold remarkably well last year, Sega gives the wedding theme another go this year. In the new plush set, Minnie gets rid of the tiara from last season and goes with a tasteful flower array atop her noggin. A big pinkish heart between the two rodents is symbolic of their love. Or something like that.
The height of the two plushes stands at 22cm or 8.66" tall and the clothing of each plush is of the satiny smooth type. Mickey and Minnie also wear matching white gloves. For added value, little pouches of edible heart-shaped candy are included. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2007 which is right around the start of wedding season.
Corporate officers immersed in the options backdating grift may seek symbolic solace in the Mickey Mouse Shredder. Looking more like a toy than a powerful tool for shredding evidence, the Mickey Shredder measures 15cm tall and chops paper up like a champ with a few turns of the handle. Once incriminating documents have been churned up, use the scraps of paper to line the hamster cage or feed them to the termites in the basement. Two styles are on offer - a (A) black shredder with three images of Mickey on front and a (B) tan-colored shredder with a gang of Mickeys on its face. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2007.
Winnie the Pooh and friends hang on for dear life atop Sega Toys' miniature USB-powered vacuum cleaner. The Pooh-themed cleaners gets their electrical requirements from any PC/MAC USB port and provides enough suction to pick up dust, little chunks of dirt, and the tidbits that fall between the keys on your keyboard. A little nozzle ensures that you'll get into those nooks and crannies. Three styles are on offer - (A) Honey-colored Vac with Winnie the Pooh, (B) Red Vacuum with Piglet, and an (C) Orange Vacuum with Tigger on top. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2007 at US$12.50 per vacuum.
The pet industry in the States is massive and bigger than the toy industry. Think about that. Bigger than Elmo, Barbie, Bratz, and Raggedy Ann put together. Fido gets treats, toys, clothing, and other anthropomorphic assignations that would never jibe in nature.
Sega Toys gets into the pet craze with something called "Clifford Dog Clothing" which is meant to be affixed to a long-suffering spirited pooch. The photo from Sega Toys shows a dog shirt, dog drawers, and what looks like a mongrel mounting the dog from behind. We're not sure what Sega intended with the Clifford Clothing but it looks suspect. Very suspect. In any case, preorders ship in mid-late May 2007 at US$29 per Clifford outfit.
In Western society, party favors and treats may consist of sparklers that flare up with brilliant intensity, noisemakers, or plastic hand clappers that are meant to be flapped around. One other party favor that's occasionally used is the Paper Chinese Yo-Yo which consists of rolled paper that's tightly wound around a dowel. Flick the Yo-Yo forward and the paper flies forward in a cone-like configuration. Just make sure you don't poke someone's eye out lest ye be served.
In Japan, there's something that's sort of like the Paper Chinese Yo-Yo but it's even more devious. The Mentai gadget consists of a block of soft material that's tethered to a sheath. When you spot someone who needs a good scaring, flick the Mentai forward and the cork-like missile will fly forward like an apparition and possibly scare the devil out of him/her. To avoid lawsuits, you might want to stay a safe distance away before performing your hurling maneuver. Preorders ship in April 2007 at US$3.50 per Mentai gashapon.
