The Not-So-Living Doll

Warning ... this post deals with no-kidding adult topics. You may want to not let your children read any further. Just sayin' ...

Dating can be tough. If you're a guy of average looks, modest education, and/or low-wage employment, it can be even tougher. I, of course, being witty and erudite (if not especially studly or wealthy) did pretty well for myself*, but not every fellow is so fortunate.

That's why there's a niche market for ... well ... artificial dates, as I read in this article in CNN online a week or so ago: Making a Sex Doll.

Yes, Dear Readers, there is evidently a good market (300-400 per year) for very realistic, high-end** artificial companions. A southern California company called Abyss Creations makes a life-sized silicone figure with a fully poseable skeleton, interchangeable faces and ... er ... penetrable orifices. It's called RealDoll, and comes in one of 18 female and two male body styles, with a choice of five skin tones and 39 available faces. Prices start around $6,000 for "basic" models, and around $12,000 for "custom" models ... the prices of which depend on the customer's "specific desires."

You can buy a lot of dinners and movies for a real doll for $12,000.

All of this reminded me of a great story told by my brother Mark - who is a world-class storyteller - about the time he was taking a walk in the woods and stumbled upon where some latex lothario had hidden his inflate-o-date under a pile of leaves ... convincing Mark that he'd found some serial killer's stash and sending him fleeing for his life.

Well, anyhow, now you know that there's a weird niche business opportunity out there if you're into exotic crafts. I'd just advise picking a very open-minded venture capitalist to bankroll your effort.

Have a good day. Date a real girl, they're more fun.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Pats self on back for landing Agnes.

** So to speak.