[1] Readers will be happy to know that huge strides have been made in the field of inflatable companionship. Reuters reports on the success in the U.K. of “Buddy on Demand [2],” a blow-up man doll designed to ride shotgun for women who are anxious about driving alone. Apparently, the B.O.D. fits in the glove compartment and inflates/deflates at the flick of a switch, which is certainly convenient for the 82 percent of women who feel safer driving with someone else. B.O.D.’s creator, a car-insurance company called Sheila’s Wheels [3], says its product “will give women extra confidence and make journeys in the dark less fearful.” Not to mention they’ll be able to use the carpool lane. Another benefit: It helps even the playing field with men, who’ve had their own inflatable dolls for years.
—Posted by David Kiefaber