Introducing, the self-stirring tea cup

Americans, take heart. We're deep into an age of self-loathing because of our propensity for being overweight. However, the United Kingdom has overtaken us on that score according to recent scientific studies.

That may get worse if a new gadget made by the French design firm Ana Gram catches on.

Their self-stirring teacup was unveiled at the recent London Design Festival. Its designers plan to introduce the cup, called Ceramic For Mix, to bars and restaurants in Europe as well as the U.S..

As shown in the illustration above, obtained by the London Daily Mail, a ceramic ball is placed in a slightly protruding base to keep it in place when stirring and drinking. The user gently moves the cup, like swirling wine in a glass, and the movement moves the ball around, mixing sugar, milk or whatever with the tea.

Will the ball drop out when the user is sipping rather than swirling? Nope. That's where centrifugal force and gravity come into play to keep the ball in place.

So, how lazy are we that stirring needs to be automated? Stay tuned to find out.

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