One billion is offered for biotech program

In the most sweeping policy announcement of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick administration, Governor Patrick proposed a $1 billion life science initiative on Tuesday May 8^th 2007 at the biotechnology International Convention. The initiative will potentially cement the state's reputation as a global powerhouse of medicine and biotechnology scientific research.

In addition to research, the 10-year initiative would fund start-up companies, as well as create a stem cell bank at the University of Massachusetts for newly created lines of embryonic stem cells, a controversial arena of research currently barred from federal funding.

"We want Massachusetts to provide the global platform for bringing your innovations from the drawing board to the market, from inspiration to commercialization, from ideas to cures," said Patrick.

Patrick was joined on the platform by Senate President Therese Murray, who wore a yellow bracelet in memory of family members who have died of cancer, and House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. Both pledged support for the proposal.

If approved the plan would dramatically increase the biotechnology research industry and create hundreds of new jobs.

Wine Jukeboxes

Technology may have replaced many human fulfilled labors as well as substituted stainless steel tanks for wooden barrels in wine making. However, technology hasn't altered the wine tasting experience in any crucial ways…until now.

The wine jukebox as it is being referred to more and more is a carousel that displays and puts wine at the disposal of customers. The wine jukebox dispenses 1/2-ounce pours at the push of a button allowing consumers to try selected wines before purchasing them.

To use the carousel, you first visit the main desk, verify your age, and request a card that resembles and works like a bank debit card. To start tasting, insert the card in one of the two ports on a machine, choose the wine you want to sample, and push a button. The machine automatically debits your card with every pour.

The wine stays fresh because as a sample is dispensed, the machine automatically injects a burst of nitrogen into the bottle. The inert, food-grade gas settles like a blanket over the surface of the remaining wine, keeping oxygen out but remaining otherwise undetectable.

If you are tempted to try an obscure wine or even just one who have never tried before, the wine jukebox type selections allow you to make better decisions in wine selections.

Shortages of Healthcare Staff Will Be Fulfilled By Robots

Human Hamster Ball

Have you have ever wondered what a pet hamster experiences when put in that plastic ball and set loose on the linoleum? Do you want to savor the experience for yourself? If you do, the Gigaball is for you! (Also called a Chill Out Room)

The Gigaball is a 7-foot tall blow-up PVC honeycomb bubble for adult to clamber into and roll around inside. The original advertisements states the Gigaball is for kids aged 4 and upwards. However, if this was not made with the thoughts of adults exclusively, then I'm a banana with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

I’ve actually seen one of these in person in Santa Monica, CA at the 3rd Street Promenade which is the trendy of trendy places to be shopping & hanging out locations. The store it was being sold at was an IKEA inspired boutique for hipsters and the ball was billed as an inflatable "chill-out” room.

I have no idea what the current fetish for inflatable spaces is, but the niftiness wears off when you realize that it's only fun until the smell of fresh vinyl makes your head start to spin.

On the other hand, kids these days tend to have way too much energy for their own good.

If you live in a cramped up city apartment, take your gig and your kid to the park, throw them in and let them roll around for hours. But be warned, someone is so getting rolled down a hill in one of these.

So whether you use the Gigaball to get your relax on or use it to exhaust extra energy, the Gigball is anther useless new entertainment inspired technology that will set you back approximately $200. But if you own one everyone will want to be your friend… for at least one day at the park.

My favorite company product development story is from Crayola Crayons.