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CHICAGO (CNN) -- An ice cream scoop that "talks." A vacuum cleaner that tells you when the dirt has been removed. These and countless other household items -- some sensible, some silly -- are on display this week at the 1999 International Housewares Show in Chicago.

The annual show, while not open to the public, attracts thousands of buyers representing merchants from around the world. After viewing the innovations and gadgets, the buyers will place orders for the items they think will sell.

View our interactive gallery for a sampling of what may be coming soon to a store or a shop-at-home Web site near you.