If it’s one thing iPod accessory makers are…it’s creative. A few months ago, TecheBlog posted a list of Strange iPod Accessories. Business Week got in on the action too…but even with those two great articles already out there, I was able to find 10 more really odd iPod accessories that you just have to see to believe.

iPod Muff - This fluffy, fuzzy “muff” for your iPod is…well…fuzzy…fluffy…and, ah…very tribble-like.

iBelieve - This is a replacement lanyard for the first generation iPod Shuffle. Basically it turns your shuffle into a crucifix cross. It’s an interesting idea for Christians that really want their tunes pumping out of a symbol of our Lord and savior, but I think billing it as “Audio Salvation for only $12.95″ is a bit over the top.

iWood - custom made wood cases with a personal message and engraving for your iPod or iPod nano.

iBreath - This is one odd iPod Accessory I can get behind. Drunk driving is a serious and deadly problem, and this little sucker gives you a breathalizer test in your pocket to make sure that you can keep track of how drunk you really are. You can even set it to remind you to test yourself, and it has an FM tuner built in for additional functionality. If you’re a drinker…get one.

Concerto Table - It’s a table that kinda looks like a piano…with an iPod dock…and it’s yours for the paltry sum of $8,000. Order two.

iBling - Because you never really got Bedazzling your denim jacket out of your system, now you can give it a new millenium upgrade by “blinging” out your iPod nano.

iRon - I love the name of this completely ridiculus (same article as the iPod Bra) iPod accessory.

iLog Dock - More wood related iPod oddness. This is an iPod dock that…well…looks like a log. Brilliant.

iPod Bra - “Keep abreast of your music” - indeed.

Nano iKitty - So you have an iPod Nano and you like cats…how can you combine those two interests! Oh!!! Hey - how about you dress your iPod Nano up like a cat! Sounds great - now, where do you put the port plug…oh…

Are there really markets for these products? Some of them, sure, but a few of these things are just plain bizarre….still, if it’s your cup of tea, more power to you…

What do you guys think?

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The web is starting to buzz about Apple sending “cease and desist” letters to Podcast Ready (and others), claiming that they are infringing on Apple’s trademark on the “iPod.”

ZDNET’s Russell Shaw thinks he’s uncovered the true reason for it. You can read his (rather lengthy) post right here. It makes sense, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is going to become a very big issue.

Leo Laporte has proposed changing the name to “netcast”. There’s even a poll up at Twit.tv with a few other suggestions. I was actually surprised to see that the majority of voters on that poll feel that it’s too late, and “podcast” is unchangeable.

I don’t think “podcast” is an unchangeable term. In fact, I think it would probably be best if it changed as soon as possible. As some, including Leo, have argued, the term “podcast” is confusing to not “tech” people. They think they can only listen to it on an iPod which, of course, is not true…but is “netcast” the best possible replacement term?

It’s the best one that I’ve heard so far, but I’m not totally sold on it. Especially since “podcasts” don’t actually “cast” anything.

This is the definition of “podcast” from Wikipedia.

Podcasting, a portmanteau of Apple’s “iPod” and “broadcasting”, is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription, usually at no cost. It first became popular in late 2004, used largely for audio files.

So why don’t we just call these things what they are?

They’re SHOWS.

The method that you recieve them is through a feed. So why not call the feeds “Audio Feeds” and “Video Feeds”.

For example: “Thanks for watching My Tech Lists, if you would like to subscribe to our show, please visit our website where you can subcribe to our Video Feed.”

I don’t know…maybe that’s not catchy enough, or maybe it’s too confusing to non-techie people, but I think “podcast” needs to go, and now is the time to do it.

What do you think?