I just can't resist this. This little flying blimp toy by A.G. Corp in Japan can fly through the air when the propeller is wound around a rubber band. 350 twists of the band should keep the animals inside afloat for about two minutes. Removing some of the animals from the gondola allows the blimp to fly a bit higher. But who are you going to kick out, the poor giraffe?

Anastasia has two new teen trend watchers, Julia and Katie, who report that little zoo animals are the biggest trend in accessories. Kitschy plastic and rubber toy animals are being sought out as pendants for necklaces and bracelets.

I'm not a teenager but I still like the Happiness and Panda bracelet available from the San Diego Zoo shop. And check out the zoo's Panda Cam, now featuring 19-month old Mei Sheng.

From Nikkei Net and YPulse.