One-handed unplugging

Here's a clever idea from Korean designer Yoo-Kyung Shin. This power strip has levers on each power outlet to facilitate unplugging. Usually, when we remove plugs from power strips, holding it down with the other hand is necessary, but with this concept called the Raise Me Up, all you have to do is press the lever and the plug will pop out effortlessly.

Admittedly, having to use two hands to unplug a device doesn't really bother us. But we can see how this can be useful for those who stash their power strips behind tables where they are out of sight because getting two hands in there can sometimes be problematic.

Via Yanko Design

All I want for Christmas… are boots

Over at Singapore's Night Safari, Christmas came a little earlier in the form of oversized GORE-TEX boots. Commissioned by the Singapore Zoological Gardens and created by W.L. Gore & Associates (creators of the GORE-TEX fabric), these outsized footwear were perfect for the elephants who were recovering from foot injuries.

“The best solution we could think of was some type of protective boot that was durable enough for elephant wear-and-tear and possibly also waterproof." Said Dr Sonja Luz, a veterinarian at Singapore Zoological Gardens.

Developed over a 12 month period, these boots are perfectly suited for an elephant's stump of a foot. Though zoo officials confessed that despite the different fasteners (zippers, metal laces, Velcro) that were devised to ward off an elephant's meddling, most are at best a temporary challenge to the average elephant.

So designers had to create a shoe that's comfortable enough such that an elephant would not be tempted to take it off.

Cinderella's glass slipper it is not, but as a kicker of a shoe, it sure boots out the competition in terms of size.

An unexpected convergence device: The lantern

Technology may be making everyday objects smarter all the time, but one of the least likely examples has come in form of something that practically defines low tech: The camping lantern.

The "Intelligent Lantern" would come in handy for emergencies as well as outdoors recreation because it includes a digital clock, built-in speakers, and an AM/FM radio with local NOAA weatherband, as well as a hookup for an MP3 player. And unlike other combo devices we've seen, it doesn't abandon its primary mission: Its lights can be seen as far as a mile away and has "dual articulating lanterns" that can be positioned as needed. If it only had a color LCD, we'd be sold.

Via CNET Crave | Credit: Norm Thompson

The Hold Up

There's enough of a collection of Red Men to give the Blue Man Group a run for their money. Equally mute, equally talented, they parody everyday appliances and tools with cheeky humor, from the Voodoo Doll Toothpick Holder to Dead Fred Penholder, to Throwzini's Knife Block. The Hold Up is such a cool-looking bottle opener, you'd want it upfront on a pedestal instead of hidden in the kitchen drawers. Made of high-gloss injection-moulded ABS plastic with reinforced steel arms, this one's, ahem, man enough to pop that lid right off your beer.

Get snug with the Slanket

Now we know where Obi Wan Kenobi purchased his desert robe. Right here apparently. For US$45, the Slanket (think gigantic fleece blanket with sleeves) has been billed "the best blanket ever", and is made of super-soft polyester microfiber that's happily machine-washable. Despite imbuing the wearer with instant goofiness , the Slanket is so toasty hot, it's currently sold out! So even if you're already planning to ship this to Asia (which it does!), you can sleep on it till the new year. The good news is it comes in a choice of nine colors, so you'll never run out of hues to match your sheets.

Via Uncrate | Photo Credit: Slanket

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