This just goes to show that no matter how high and mighty we view astronauts, at the end of the day, they are human too. This image was taken from NASA and yup, it is the inside of the International Space Station. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, Thomas Reiter (who'll be heading home soon), is going about with his work. Seems like a pretty ordinary picture, right?

So what do you do for fun while you're in space? You could listen to your favorite music tracks. This photo is getting popular over at Digg because of a fifth generation iPod sighting. The Apple creation is neatly attached to a Belkin external battery pack on the equipment rack in front of Thomas Reiter. (Reminds me of a scene in the movie Apollo 13 wherein Lovell and his crew brought a transistor radio on board, times have really changed).

Heck if I get sent to space, I would bring my mp3 player too. And a couple of other gaming thingamajigs of course.

In a recent press release, Belkin has once again amped its already wide-selection of iPod accessories. They recently introduced  eight new cases for the updated iPod 5G (fifth generation) and the new iPod nano. The new iPods were released about a week ago at a special Apple event. They're a bunch of new and standard types of cases, namely acrylic, flip-top hard, neoprene, armband, kickstand and slider. If that doesn't ring a bell, it's basically anything you need.

Belkin also revealed the pricing. Most of the cases cost around 20 dollars, but they start at $14.99. Here is the list:

Â? Acrylic Case for iPod nano (F8Z116) - $29.99; video (F8Z115) - $29.99
Â? Flip-Top Hard Case for iPod nano (F8Z124) - $14.99; video (F8Z123) - $19.99
Â? Neoprene Holster for iPod nano (F8Z124) - $14.99; video (F8Z123) - $19.99
Â? Canvas Flip Case for iPod nano (F8Z120 and F8Z117) - $19.99
Â? Canvas Holster Case for iPod nano (F8Z119) - $19.99; video (F8Z118) - $24.99
Â? Sports Armband for iPod nano (F8Z105) - $24.99; video (F8Z095) - $29.99
Â? Slider Case for iPod nano (F8Z084) - $29.99
Â? Kickstand II (F8Z112) - $29.99

The Kickstand had the following description: "The Kickstand II integrates a convenient stand display so you can comfortably and easily watch video from your iPod video. Enjoy hands free viewing at adjustable angles. Its versatile, detachable belt clip lets you safely carry your iPod anywhere, and the ports remain easily accessible to you."

Belkin tomorrow will announce the TuneSync, a new iPod accessory that combines a dock for syncing/charging your iPod and a five-port USB 2.0 hub.

 

Belkin products have announced the sale of the Dock Adapter for iPod Shuffle. According to their website this is what they have to say about it:?

This essential add-on for the iPod shuffle lets you connect iPod accessories with the Dock Connector through the shuffle's USB port. The Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle gives your shuffle the flexibility to work with such enhancements for iPod as battery packs, mobile power cords, iPod speakers, and USB/FireWire cables that have the Dock Connector.

Note:Requires 5V+ of USB power to charge your iPod shuffle. Compatible with power and audio accessories only. iPod photo accessories and car integration kits are not compatible with the Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle.

*Will not sync when used with a FireWire cable. However, power and audio will be compatible.

Operating Instructions:iPod shuffle must be in the ON position (in either shuffle or play-in-order mode) to charge when used with the included AC or DC adapter.

Advantages:

Charges your shuffle using your Dock Connector's power cord
Works with any Belkin TuneBase
Provides pass-through audio

For those of you who don?t already know, Belkin will start selling TuneTalk for the iPod. This nifty little device allows you to record audio into your iPod 3G, 4G and photo iPod. It will begin shipping later this month. Features include:

• High-Quality Omnidirectional Microphone
• iPod Remote/Headphone Connector: attaches securely to your iPod
• Recording Indicator LED: shows recording status
• Foam Microphone Cover: helps to reduce wind noise
• Innovative Flexible Design: features flexible neck for directional recording
• No software to install?support is already built into the iPod