Make your own IMbot (like MAKEbot!)
Don on the Wired blogs has a bit about free DIY bot creation “Microsoft and Conversagent are giving away free licenses for their BuddyScript SDK for MSN Messenger. Now developers can build their own IM bots for MSN Messenger at no charge. The free license period lasts “at least six months,” but the company will extend the licenses beyond the initial six month term for developers who create a groundbreaking bot.” [via] Link. The MAKEbot, is an AIM bot and can be found here. 2006, year of the bots.
About 3 years ago, I pitched a pair of shoes I made to a “big” shoe company – it used a POV device to spell words as you walk. I think it was a little too out there for the shoe company, but if you ever want to make your own, Dan on 
This is a handy little maker-friendly list of construction tips from Eric – “Everybody has their own way of doing things. Here are a few of my favorite construction methods. Choosing Solder, Using Altoids Tins, Manhattan-Style Islands, Manhattan-Style with IC’s, PCB Enclosures, Kynar Wirewrap Wire.” 