Because we live in a universe where some measurements can't be precise enough, some Dutch industrial designer named Ivo Vos decided it'd be a good idea to make a set of brunch accessories that place emphasis on the degree to which a perfect, symmetrical brunch is achieved. There's a bread slicer that puts the bread in direct aim of a vise and a knife-holding bracket; a toaster that "fires" the toast directly at a plate; flatware with a graph paper imprint on it (to align it perfectly); a contraption (is there any other word for it?) that measures the exact amount of milk and sugar that would go into a prospective cup of coffee; and most awesomely, perhaps, a teapot that doesn't measure how much liquid you pour, but instead, measures the height at which you pour the tea from.

It looks like the aim of the project -- and "products" -- is to point out the absurdity of neuroses, as per the quotes littered throughout Vos's page: "A well known theory in psychology states that neuroses are a result of the lack of real dangers that result from the high level of well-being in our western society. This project explores post-functional products that address the desire for skill, struggle, rituals, perfection, preparation and anticipation -- qualities lost when we indulge in the comforts of prozac technology." He then notes, "Prozac technology, like the popular drug, provides instant well-being, comfort and happiness without the effort or struggle." A nice post-modern gut shot to Western Civilization and all the stupid, petty things that make us stress, right? Right.

But three things, dear Ivo: (1) OCD is linked to brain activity, (2) we get it -- we have time for OCD because we're not, say, a war-ravaged, starving, developing nation with survival needs, but once we "develop" those nations out of chaos, won't they get OCD, too? Finally, (3), you could probably make a few bucks here selling these things. Go take the cash and save Africa, you hyperbolic industrial-design punk. But seriously: we want the bread launcher.