Akihabara News posted a video last month from a Honda press conference, demonstrating the new version of their Asimo robot. In this demo, a pair of robots direct a pair of equally stoic japanese women to tables, where they are served drinks. The only reason why this video is THIRTEEN minutes long is because the Asimos move at a robotic snail’s pace! Still, it’s quite impressive to see.

By Jesse Mann

Hula Girls: DVD Review
Available through Viz Pictures

The power of dance can change the world. If you interpret the phrase “change the world” to mean “be mildly entertaining for a couple of hours.”

Recently released on Region 1 DVD by Viz Pictures, Hula Girls sets out to settle an age-old debate once and for all. In a rivalry that, uh… rivals Elvis vs. The Beatles or Star Wars vs. Star Trek, we’ve all sat around in bars, coffee houses and friends apartments trying to determine what lies at the apex of economic importance: coal mining or hula dancing. Not to spoil it for you, but the title of the movie gives you a clue concerning the preference of this particular production.