This is quite possibly the coolest consumer device I’ve ever seen:

No, it’s not a replica of R2-D2 from the Star Wars films… well, it is… but it’s also a very cleverly disguised audio and video projector. Check out the features:

• Picture by DLP from Texas Instruments
• Project to ceilings and walls up to a 260-inch picture
• Resolution: 1024×768
• Contrast Ratio: 1800:1
• Lumens: 1500
• Built-in CD/DVD player. Also plays MP3/MP4 video
• iPod docking station, memory card and USB slots
• Built-in 20 watt stereo speaker system
• FM wireless audio out (channels 1 through 7)
• Full-function: forward, reverse turn 360 degrees and recline
• Millennium Falcon remote control with removable stand
• Head turns using Millennium Falcon remote control
• Plays the most popular R2-D2 sound effects

That all sounds pretty cool, but if you’re still not sold then watch this video. This thing is made of 100% pure awesome, and I’m not even a Star Wars fan.

It comes at a price, however - $2,995US to be exact. If you’re richer than me you can order yours now from StarWarsShop.

The Herald has a story today talking about the new proposed Public Health Bill and its plan to ban the advertising of “unhealthy” food on television in yet another effort to combat obesity.

What a lot of crap.

For starters, the focus (as usual) appears to be on children, and I don’t think I’ve ever met a kid who goes shopping for his or her own food. That’s right - once again someone is calling for a ban of something to benefit children, and once again the actual responsibility lies with parents.

I had written a long rant about sports nutrition and that teaching people about it would help to encourage better habits; but let’s forget that. I’d rather summerise by saying that we should stop banning everything and start encouraging some self responsibility FFS.

(Or, have I got it wrong… maybe Wii Fit is the real answer?)