Ok, boys and girls... and whatever you are... today's theme is Toys. Can you say that?

With Christmas apparently on the way, our thoughts turn to how to best annoy our relatives living far from us by giving their kids things that are load and obnoxious. Or maybe that's just me. In any case, here is the latest in Toy Tech.

Source: http://improbable.com/2006/11/24/head-included-an-aside/ Yes, I thought I say this at Toys-R-Xpensive... "Adults take note: Pony comes unassembled in box with head detatched [sic]. You may wish to not open the box around your children if they may be frightened by a box with a decapitated horse inside." At least according to Hasboro's warning label. You, too, can have a decapitated horse for $400(US).

Source: http://www.gizmag.com/go/6492/ No, there is no image to go with this one... not unless we put the adult filter on. Ohmibod is an iPod accessory developed after play-testing by more than 500 volunteers. In short, it is a music-controlled vibrator. There is already an online site called Club Vibe that trade playlists and experiences. Well, technically it IS a toy....

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/20/how-to-build-a-usb-powered-vibrating-apple-say-wha/ Speaking of vibrators... a USB-powered vibrating apple. A do-it-yourself project for those who are so inclined. Don't ask me why...

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/20/paintball-minigun-in-development-paintball-bfg-still-on-drawing/ Although still in the prototype phase this is a paintball gun powered by a constant 1200 psi of pressure. As of yet, this room-clearing paint minigun has yet to fire actual paint pellets. But it is only a matter of time.

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/18/hitachi-creates-brain-controlled-model-railroad/ Now you really can play with someone's mind. Hitachi has developed an optical flow metre headset (it uses changes in light transmission to measure blood flow rate) to control a model train. They hope that by putting this technology in the public domain that it can can be adapted for people with partial paralysis. It's expected to be on the market in the next 5 years (READ: who knows when).