The HoMedics iSoundSpa(tm) Clock Radio with iPod Docking Station is as handsome as it is functional.

I’m really not a fan of a lot of the docking stations - they’re kind of homely. But the one above is from Macy’s and is a modernistic hottie.

From the web site:

Wake up to the tunes you choose or just rock out loud any time you want. Customizable with interchangeable faceplates to match your iPod®, this stylish clock/radio and docking station plays music with amazing sound clarity as it charges your iPod and displays the time on its large digit LCD display. One-year limited warranty. Model SS-6500.

Features:

• AM/FM radio with digital tuning and volume control
• Line-in allows you to attach non-docking iPods, CD players and other MP3 players
• Universal inserts fits all docking iPods
• Dual alarm with snooze feature
• 15, 30, 45 or 60 minute nap feature and auto-off timer

Take a good, long look at the HoMedics iSoundSpa(tm) Clock Radio with iPod Docking Station - it’s a lot less than you’d expect it to be, too. That, of course, only adds to it’s appeal.

The Most Portable DVD Player - that’s what this particular portable dvd player bills itself as. Since it’s actually only one inch thick, I don’t plan to second-guess the claim.

From Shop.com:

This portable, handheld device allows you to watch DVDs and listen to CDs and easily fits into a carry-on bag because it is only 1″ thick. The unit has a 3 1/2″ TFT LCD screen that can redraw images faster than typical LCD monitors, resulting in a sharp, clear, and detailed resolution. Integrated anti-skip circuitry maintains uninterrupted viewing during turbulent flights or bumpy car rides, and it provides multiple viewing angles because it can be adjusted using its integrated stand. Compatible with all CDs and DVDs, this unit has two stereo speaker, and includes a headphone jack for private listening. With a remote control, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack that lasts up to three hours on a full charge, AC adapter, DC car adapter, and a carrying case. Connects to a television via included AV cable. 6 1/4″ Diam. x 1″ D. (4 lbs.)

Sounds perfect for students, and I can see just about anyone taking it along for a long day at the office - what better way to make time fly than to have a little fun with it?!?! Beats working.

Eight consumer and public-interest groups have filed a complaint with the FCC. What has them up in arms? They claim that cell phone providers should not be able to block text messages “from political groups and advertisers.”

Why would they want uninvited messages coming through?

All of this came about after Verizon Wireless blocked text messages on its network that were sent by the abortion rights group Naral Pro-Choice America. Again, why would anyone want these messages coming through? You’re either for it or against it - what does the group think they’ll accomplish by sending out spammy messages?

Maybe the sort of attention they’ve gotten because of the complaint?

“Mobile carriers currently can and do arbitrarily decide what customers to serve and which speech to allow on text messages, refusing to serve those that they find controversial or that compete with the mobile carriers’ services,” the petition said. “This type of discrimination would be unthinkable and illegal in the world of voice communications, and it should be so in the world of text messaging as well.”

If the FCC grants the petition, mobile phone networks would be opened to large quantities of mobile spam messages. Verizon blocks between 100 million and 200 million mobile spam messages per month.

Uhhhh, way to go consumer and public-interest groups? Way to uncork that can of spam!