【推荐1】Some Japanese companies are producing robots for use in the home as companions. We would like to introduce three models that are more or less affordable.

Kirobo Mini, a small robot for use in home

Japanese carmaker Toyota sells the Kirobo Mini, a small robot designed for cuteness. So far, the robot can only understand Japanese. But it can respond when spoken to and can ask some questions. If you talk with Kirobo, it can remember the content of a discussion. In this way, the robot can get “smarter” and will be able to “grow up” over time. The robot is small—only 10 centimetres tall and its price is $350.

Aibo, a robotic dog

Sony is the Japanese maker, now, producing a robotic dog called Aibo. The Aibo is about 30 centimetres long and has natural looking eyes. It is also very cute. The eyes have a camera, so you can take a picture while playing with Aibo. The robotic dog can respond to a pink ball and plastic bone like real dogs. Sony is considering overseas sales but has not decided yet. However, Aibo is much more costly with a price of about $1,800.

Qoobo, cushion with a tail

Qoobo looks more like a cushion than a robot. Yukai Engineering in Tokyo makes Qoobo which has no face or legs. The robot only has a body and a tail. However, the company says the cushion can wave its tail slowly as a response to caresses and tapping. Qoobo is the biggest of the robots—at 33 centimetres in length. It is now available to order in Japan and the United States and is expected to be sent out later this year. Qoobo is the least costly of these robots at $90, but it does not have the ability to “learn” from its surroundings.

【推荐3】Looking to take that great American road trip you always dreamed of though from the comfort of your own home? From classic roadside diners to desert ghost towns, it’s time to explore the bygone era of one of America’s most famous highways, through the camera of one award-winning photographer.

Join New York Adventure Club as we embark on an inspirational photographic journey down Route 66, one of the original highways in America that redefined transportation, culture, and architecture throughout the AmericanWest over the course of 50 years. Led by NYC-based photographer Julien McRoberts, this virtual road trip down Route 66 will include:

●A brief history of Route 66, from its official start in 1926 and decertification as a highway in 1985, to how it earned itself nicknames like Mother Road and Bloody 66

●A discussion about the peak era of Route 66 and its enduring place in American culture

● A virtual tour along the route using Julien’s colorful photographs, which highlight the most interesting sites between Chicago and California

●Personal stories from her road trip, and what it was like to document the route

● Interesting details about the former highway’s many off-the-beaten-path and roadsides attractions, including American Giants and Duck Architecture

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar.

**A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week.

Date and time

Thursday, October 26.1-2:30am CST

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

【推荐3】Best Sunglasses for Cycling

A pair of cycling sunglasses is a smart buy, whether you ride on the road or the track.

The direct light of the sun can cause cyclists to see dark or black spots which can gradually develop into blindness if not immediately taken care of. Risks such as sand, insects and even rain can also seriously damage your eyes.

Aside from protecting your eyes, glasses need to be comfortable and to stay in place. Adaptability is important too, which is why some cycling glasses come with different coloured lenses (镜片).

Here’s our picks for this year’s best glasses so you can choose the perfect pair for you.

Optics (光学) company Fancy Eye is big in the snow sports and motor sports worlds, known for producing cool-looking glasses. The V7 glasses are half-frame, specially designed for mountain biking. Its lenses react quickly to brightening conditions, quickly changing colour from yellow to a dark shade.

Price: £135

Quest Collection’s S125 glasses (31g) combine attractive looks with functionality. No wind or light will trouble you as you ride, which is very nice. The lens itself is photochromic – under low light conditions the lens is smoky grey, turning dark grey as lighting conditions improve. For really cloudy days, or if you’re riding in darkness, it also comes with a second, clear lens.

Price: £99

The latest-edition Roderick Optics 2001 glasses are totally frameless, enlarging your field of vision both vertically and horizontally. The lens is one of the clearest we’ve tried. Unique to this second version is the adjustable nose piece – though it can only move a few millimetres, it does make a difference in where the lens sits on your face.

Price: £120