NEWS 2008 School Calendar (APR-2008-MAR-2009) (Japan Version)

NEWS 2008 School Calendar is my first calendar to come in coaster cans - six to be exact, one for each member over two months. The calendar set comes with a fold-it-yourself stand that holds three coaster-sized cards displaying the date and picture of your choice. Divided by month and member, the date coaster cards show pictures of the members, some group but mainly solo including close-ups on facial features, along with some random pictures of objects and food thrown in. Since the cards are double-sided - one side with dates plus member picture, the other side with a different picture - you get to mix, match, and flip cards to your heart's desire for the ideal aesthetic combination. That means even if it's a Koyama month, you can still keep two slots open for Yamashita, or maybe the curry rice. For even more variation, there are also see-through cards with the members in funny poses. This is a calendar that can occupy tidbits of your time on a daily basis for the entire year.

Due to its unique design, the NEWS 2008 School Calendar doesn't actually make that great of a calendar if you're looking for practical uses like memo space or holiday listings, but it does offer other unexpected functions. For example, the coaster-sized cards, er, make great coasters, not to mention fabulous mini flying discs - instant entertainment and a convenient aerial weapon should your coworkers, roommates, or family members question your taste in calendar and/or boy band. (I've been fighting the urge to throw my Tegoshi cards at someone like a shower of ninja stars.) The NEWS calendar is also a good outlet for impromptu procrastination breaks. Deadline in three hours? Time to take two minutes swapping that grinning Masuda for a picture that more accurately represents the mood, like say a sleepy-eyed Nishikido. Counting down to lunch? Let's find that sushi card!