... There's been a lot made about the growing Internet of Things, in which devices that include kitchen appliances are connected to the cloud. Judging from comments from our toaster, I'm not sure this is a good thing. First of all, it was a bit salacious. There was one Facebook post, that "There's a four-slice babe next door, hubba, hubba" and I was getting complaints from the toaster oven across the street about inappropriate comments such as "I'd like to burn up some white bread with you, babe." That may have contributed to its demise. Its sad last day ended with this message: "I'm getting warm, no hot. OMG, I'm burning up. I'm on fire. Ahhhhh,." ... The new holiday documentary "Frosty Talks About Global Warming" tails off weakly as the beloved snowman melts into a puddle and is mopped up by a Swiffer. In his last words, he says sadly, "No kids, I won't be back again someday" as the song "Wasting Away in Margaritaville" plays softly in the background. .... To reflect the economic realities of Atlantic City, Parker Brothers has updated its iconic board game "Monopoly". Now, one of the "Chance" cards has "Casino closes, lose job. Go to unemployment line." A new place of the board has been created for Bankruptcy Court and hotel owners now have the option to tear down their properties and receive redevelopment funds. ... I recently dented my car's front left fender, and the estimate for repairs was staggering. "Ten thousand dollars? You're kidding?" I told the garage guy. "Well, you know how these new cars are. I have to replace the entire left half. It's all in one piece."