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3. The Problem: Shopping With a Bratty Kid The Solution: "Tantrum Tamer" Shopping Carts

A chain of British groceries isn't kidding around when it comes to shopping with bratty kids. New shopping carts, dubbed "tantrum tamers," will come equipped with a DVD/CD player and electronic games — to get these little monsters to shut up. Tesco supermarkets designed the high-tech shopping carts — designed to deal with little tyke's "boredom tantrums" — after customers complained in a survey about the stress of shopping with a crying child.

"The supermarket can actually be a great place for children to learn all sorts of new things," a Tesco spokesman said.

Frazzled parents can now push their kids around in quiet, as the kids watch their favorite shows.

Until, of course, there's a commercial for the newest, neatest, extra-crunchy, chocolate marshmallow breakfast cereal — Zappy-Os! Baby's got to have Zappy-Os right now. Come on, Mom! Wwwwaaahh! Wwwwaaahh!

4. The Problem: Awkward Elevator Conversations The Solution: Captive Network TV

The need to make small talk in elevators is going down, and that's because of what's going up in elevators — video screens. Consider it the next step in humanity's ultimate goal — never again speaking to an annoying neighbor or co-worker about the weather.

Over the next 20 months, Captivate Network — recently purchased by Gannett Co. — is planning to install 10,000 flat-screen monitors in 20 cities, ultimately reaching 3 million daily elevator riders.

You'll get news headlines, stock quotes and the weather, along with God knows how many advertisements, depending on where you're getting off.