All of the major brands, and many of the smaller brands, have oscillation tools on the market, except for Makita. A few rumors have been circulating around the internet that Makita is coming out with something in 2012, possibly 18V cordless, but I have not heard anything official from Makita just yet. However, a recent patent discovery tells us that Makita is at least working on an oscillation tool, and it could have a universal blade mount.

Sears Holdings promised that a full list of the 100-120 closing Sears and Kmart stores would be coming soon, and today they have announced the first 79. The closures are pretty evenly split between Sears and Kmart, however, a good portion of the Sears closings are for Sears Grand/Essentials stores. The Grand and Essentials stores, as well as Kmart, more closely resemble Wal-Mart stores which could be the reason why they are not doing as well. I think my idea of making Sears into tool/appliance stores could do them some good by not having them compete with Wal-Mart.

The PDF below contains the list of 79 closing stores. As of now, no official store closing dates have been announced.

Update 12/30/11: The PDF has been updated to list 80 closing stores.

I think one of the coolest advancements over the last few years is in 3D printing. The process is desirable because it allows architects, designers, inventors, etc, the ability to see their concept in 3D in a matter of hours. One of the most common 3D printing methods involves inkjet printing a binder onto a layer of powder. Each layer is stack printed in place, thus creating a 3D model. If you are watching the current season of This Old House, you have seen the method in action.

Is my prediction of the end of Sears already starting to come true? I made this prediction when it was announced that Craftsman tools would be sold at Ace Hardware stores, then just two weeks ago a Wall St. analysis made the prediction that Sears would disappear in 2012.