The current issue of Computer Music has a blurb about a recent development by Yamaha called the Vocaliod. It is a virtual vocalist that 'sings back' the words and notes you type into it. It is sample based and has a piano roll that allows you to change the pitch of a note. The author heard a demo of the software and called it 'impressive'.

This thing might be no more useful than the singing head', but who knows? Ya gotta admit it's interesting stuff. I did a Google search and found a site with demos:
http://www.soundonsound.com/soundbank/YamahaVocaloid.php

Hi,
Found another site with info as well.
Certainly sounds interesting. What will they think of next.
http://emusician.com/ar/emusic_humanoid_vocaloid/index.htm

best wishes
Rikki

What will they think up next?
A microcooler. When your drink is at room temperature and want it cold, you would place it in the microcooler for 1 minute. (similar to a micowave, but in reverse).
You nuke food in a microwave, you would "no-nukes" to cool your drink/food.
Starkeeper

Starkeeper..................I heard about one of those "coolers" years ago in Popular Science. It exists but so far is not practical or cost effective for consumer use...............Yet!!!!!!