Abstract: An article of manufacture for facilitating the maintenance of interpersonal relationships includes a plush toy and a audio playback module embedded within an area internal to the plush toy. The embedded playback module includes an electronic data storage device for storing audio message files; an audio output device; and a processor for accessing audio message files stored on the storage device and playing the message files through the audio output device. An external communication device is associated with the processor for uploading to the storage device of audio messages. The external communication device may be an on-the-go device or an embedded host.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing theft of, and/or facilitating authorized access to, automotive vehicles generally comprises an image acquisition device adapted to generate signals representative of a human facial image wherein a processor associated with the image acquisition device is adapted to operatively receive the signals and generate an output relative to recognition or non-recognition of the human facial image. A response interface is associated with the processor and adapted to effect a vehicle security measure responsive to the recognition or non-recognition of the human facial image. An enrollment interface is adapted for enrolling authorized human users.