E-cigarette goes USB, thanks to Thanko

Once again, Japanese retailer Thanko proves that virtually everything can be given a USB port, from butt coolers to lunch boxes, and now the e-cigarette. Thanko's USB Tabako, which comes with 11 filter butts and an atomizer for 2,980 yen (US$33), even lights up at the end like a real ciggie. Though the fact that there's no ash to flick is a dead giveaway.

While the USB Tabako may not have the nicotine kick that tarred smokers desire, electric cigarettes could become an increasingly desperate viable option to beat the non-smoking bans making it harder to puff in Asia. Singapore's laws alone are so stringent, it's almost impossible to exhale outdoors, including 5m within any entrance or exit of buildings and facilities where smoking is prohibited.

Via Newlaunches.com

AbledBody helps disabled navigate gadget world

Assistive tech for the disabled is an important topic people may not give much thought to, even though an estimated 54 million Americans are considered to be physically or mentally disabled. That's about 19 percent of the US population.

AbledBody is a new consumer tech-focused site just for this segment. On it, news of trends and gadgets that can aid the disabled at work and home are reported on daily through original and sourced news, personal commentary, and contributors' expert opinions. It's a great idea for a tech blog and one we're happy to share.
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Seduction tips for Star Trek nerds

Guys, if you're planning to meet that special someone at your next Star Trek convention, there are a few things you need to know.

First, don't try to hide your geekiness--admittedly this would be difficult with a Ferengi prosthetic attached to your head. If she's at the convention she's just as big a Trekker as you are (especially if she's cosplaying). Just be yourself.

Second, be nice, but not too nice. In general, woman like a challenge and don't want to feel like you're a pushover right off the bat--save that impression for when you get married. A little good-natured teasing about the size of her Betleh here and there goes a long way.

Third, consider that Star Trek cologne by Genki Wear we told you about recently--it's what got me thinking about this whole topic in the first place. It's coming in April. BAM! Just like that. She won't even know what hit her. I've heard that 60 percent of the time it works 100 percent of the time.
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Mazda starts leasing hydrogen hybrid mini-van

To further its research into new powertrain technology, Mazda began leasing a series hybrid vehicle with a hydrogen-fueled range extending engine to energy companies and local Governments. This type of test leasing helps automakers gain useful data on how cars operate in a controlled setting, and ensures that the vehicles' drivers have hydrogen filling stations available.

Although the powertrain configuration is similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt, a series hybrid using an electric motor to power the wheels and a range-extending engine to generate electricity, Mazda puts its own twist on the system, with a hydrogen-burning rotary engine as a range extender. Mazda previously developed an RX-8 using a rotary engine that burned hydrogen, calling it the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. BMW has also explored burning hydrogen in an internal combustion engine with the Hydrogen 7.
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Hay fever bots warn public about pollen

Allergies are probably the most obvious way nature tells you it doesn't want you around. I know this love/hate relationship very well because it's spring and I've been sneezing in fits. What I don't always know, however, is how much nature hates me and just when it'll show it.

Fortunately, there are robots to help you with just that--if you live in Japan, that is.

According to NTDT TV, Weather News, a Japanese weather information company, has produced 500 globe-shaped robots that change color depending on the amount of allergy-causing pollen in the air. These fourth-generation pollen-detecting bots are smaller than previous iterations, according to the company.
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