I just couldnt resists these two articles on technology in our everyday lives. I love the idea of the intelligent beer mat. just think you come home :- "sorry honnney but the beer mat just kept ordering me drinks HIC..". Here they are but not in their totality. squirels help with mobile calls

There are few things more intrusive than a mobile phone ringtone.

Yet, despite the existence of answer phones and voice mail, a ringing phone remains impossible to ignore.

Whether we are having a private conversation, snowed under with work, or just not in the mood to speak to anyone, the phone keeps ringing.

MIT research student Stefan Marti may have the answer: ditch your mobile phone, and get a squirrel.
intelligent beer mats

An intelligent beermat that alerts the bartender that your glass is empty could feature in pubs of the future.

Like an ordinary mat, it absorbs drips; but the gadget also has hidden sensors.

The device will detect the weight of the drink above it, working out how much is left before sending a signal to the bar for a refill.
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