Yokel: We all know meeting new friends on the Internet is a symptom of some kind of sociological disorder that has its victims lock themselves up in their bedrooms and do nothing but Instant Message and eat peanut M&Ms. But Trepia aims to change that. It’s a program that combines instant messaging with a geographical locator so you can seek out and find new pals in your community. It doesn’t guarantee meaningful social interactions, but it doesn’t forbid it either. Meet your new bud GBM469 at www.trepia.com.

Cat power: Fact it, your cat barely tolerates you. Cats hold humans, like all other known forms of matter, beneath contempt. So why not get back at those obsequious, furry little bastards by dressing them up as a frog, long-horned sheep or (the site’s creators are Japanese) Cancon superstar Anne of Green Gables? Order online to your cat’s dismay. See pictures of the worlds’ least-amused felines at www.petoffice.co.jp/catprin /english/.

Comments? Michael Citrome