A shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.

Bus-stop sculpture still turns heads

At least once a week I find myself cruising through the downtown financial district on foot, in a car or on TheBus, and the guy sitting at the bus stop at Bishop and King streets who’s reading a paper — rain or shine — never fails to trigger a double-take. I’m not the only one the life-sized sculpture by Jodi Endicott has faked out: Bus drivers have been known to stop for the man. The artwork, commissioned by the city in 2000, is even more delightful when you get close enough to read the newspaper headlines that adorn his aloha shirt. One says, "U.H. Lab Clones Mice in Major Scientific Step" — no doubt a topic of deep interest to the trio of mice perched on his shoulder. Knowing the statue is there doesn’t dull the surprise every time you catch a glimpse of it out of the corner of your eye. Dude gets me every time.

–Christie Wilson

Show off retro style with iPod case

When it comes to video games, I’m still old school. At times when ads for the latest CG-animated marvel are flashing across the television, I miss the dot-matrix forms of Pacman, Donkey Kong and Dig Dug. That’s why it made me so happy to slip this retro Game Boy case on my slick new iPod Touch. It allows me to embrace both old and new tech in one hand. It’s a virtual steal on amazon.com for just $1.44, including shipping.

–Donica Kaneshiro

Cute cover keeps toothbrushes clean

Being a germaphobe, toothbrush covers are a must in my home. This Hello Kitty cover in her frog costume caught my eye. If counter space is limited, use the suction cups to attach it to a mirror or tile surface. The cover could be used for travel or in the home. Cost is $6.99; available at Simply Organized, 889 Kamokila Blvd. in Kapolei, and at Kahala Mall.

–Nancy Arcayna

Isle jewelry captures beauty of home

Needing some lightweight, easy-to-pack gifts and omiyage for our mainland ohana, I went to the Hawai‘i State Art Museum gift shop and found these gorgeous copper bracelets ($38) and earrings ($18-$25) made here in Hawaii by surfer and artist Jeannie Chesser. Hand-stamped with ocean art of Hawaiian animals we love, like honu, dolphins and seahorses, they are the perfect gift for homesick Hawaiians and excellent for advance Christmas shopping, too.

–Heidi Bornhorst, Palolo

Library requests are a snap online

I am hooked on the Hawaii State Public Library System’s online request system. You can browse books, music and video at www.librarieshawaii.org and keep a list of everything that interests you. When you are ready to borrow an item, just move it to the request column and it gets delivered to the library of your choice to await pickup. It’s magical. Books and CDs are free as long as they are returned on time, and the $1 fee for a one-week DVD rental is a great deal. The only downside is limited library hours. If more of us use this fabulous resource, maybe the state will make funding it a priority.

–Stephanie Kendrick