Microvault...

Looking to stash some data, but hate keeping stuff in your pockets? Olinari is readying dogtags with a hidden compartment that contains a tiny USB micro vault that can hold 2 gig worth of data. A little dramatic, but much more stylish than keeping that 'hello kitty' thumbdrive in your pocket.

Details and designs from Olinari:
olinari.com/dogtag.htm

Funk Filter...

The 'iStraw' can keep you safe while drinking questionable water. This small, lightweight device works lke a regular straw, but contains all kinds of stuff to filter biologic bad guys out - making your drinking water safe and good tasting. Available for about 20 GBP.

Details and order info from istraw:
istraw.co.uk

Slick Shower...

Looking to do a remodel in your bathroom? Have you considered the WMK A-16 Shower enclosure? Besides just looking stylish, it has many hidden talents. For example: 'acupuncture' body massage jets, a steam generator, and a built in foot massager to name a few. If they could incorporate a TV and computer, this could be your home office. The unit costs about 12,000 USD

All the steamy details via steamshower.org:
steamshower.org

Under Pressure...

Here's a garage project: the 25mm pneumatic sniper rifle made of PVC pipe. This website / instructional video demonstrates how to make a launcher using gear found at most hardware stores. As you might imagine, there's a very long list of disclaimers and warnings. Not very practical, but a lot of fun.

Way more than you want to know via instructables.com:
www.instructables.com

Great Pairs...

You see a lot of 'top 10' lists for cigars. You don't always see them listed with a perfect matching scotch. Here's a short list from Askmen.com that does exactly that. Well done, gentlemen.


Top 10 cigars with scotch via Askmen.com:
www.askmen.com

External memory...

Remembering the 'good' vintages of Bordeaux and Bourgogne wines can be quite a chore. Hermes has heard your pleas for help, and created this pocket calculator. A steel wheel in an attractive hand sewn leather case, it will keep you from getting stuck with a mediocre bottle of french wine. Whew.


Available from the Hermes stores worldwide for about 390 USD.


Hermes website:
hermes.com


Comments from 'Gourmetinyourface.com':
www.gourmetinyourface.com

Smart Goo...

The gents over at D30 labs have been working hard to keep you out of trouble. They make a kind of goo that is smart enough to stay squishy and flexible until it gets whacked - it turns into a shock absorbing armor. Early uses include sports and ski equipment.


Product page and detail info via the D30 website:
www.d3o.com


Video of a woman being wacked on the knee with a shovel via Gizmodo:
Gizmodo.com

Watch my keys...

Maybe your new Aston Martin isn't cool enough. How about an accessory? The Jaeger LeCoultre wristwatch pairs nicely with the new DBS. Not only does it take styling queues from the car (including using the same paint for parts of it), it's functional too. The Jaeger watch works as a key system, it can remotely lock/unlock and start the car. All that technology will set you back about 35,000 USD. No word on if you'll need to hand your watch to the valet.


Multiple links and pundit comments via Tailrank:
www.tailrank.com

DBS Details...

The detail information for the 2008 Aston Martin DBS production model is now available. Gentlemen, start your engines.


Photos, specifications, and links via motortrend:
motortrend.com

Stirring video introduction via streetfire.net:

videos.streetfire.net

The little Leica...

Looking for a stylish spy camera? The classic Leica from Minox has had a makeover. After making it digital - they used the 'shrink beam' on it... creating a 1:3 size miniature of the original. It also sports all the comforts you would expect from a modern camera, including video capture. Available for about 229 Euros.


Details and order info from Minox:
www.minox.com

Sticking to it...

Having trouble getting to the gym? What about that French class you've been meaning to sign up for? Changing your behaviour can be tricky business. Here's a handy list of 18 tricks to help you modify your behaviour and stick to it.

Sticking to it via LifeHack:
www.lifehack.org

This thumb drive will self destruct...

Worried about your recipe file falling into the 'wrong hands'? Check out 'The Iron Key'. This metal flash drive is built to withstand hardware and software attacks. Offering military grade encryption and the ability to self destruct after 10 unsuccessful attempts to access the data, this will certainly keep your digital secrets safe.

Available in 1GB, 2GB and 4GB Sizes for 79 to 149 USD.

More technical details from thinkgeek:
www.thinkgeek.com

Red flag...

Here's a very cool hip flask that might cause some alarm with the security people at the airport. The 'Shot Gun' flask has a pistol motif pressed into it's body. Maybe it's best to leave this at home while traveling. Available from suck.uk.com for 10 GBP.


Scant details and order info:
www.suck.uk.com

Where did you relearn to drive?

Here's a rather amusing microsite for BMW USA. BMW USA has a performance driving school where you are invited to 'undo the damage' from your original driving teachers. Roll over each of the characters on the opening page to get bad advice on how to drive. Further along, you'll get details on how you can sign up to abuse some very nice cars.


BMW USA Microsite at relearntodrive:
www.relearntodrive.com

super Super soaker...

The Russian company 'Special Materials Ltd' of St. Petersburg is working on a squirt gun. Well, to be more exact, a water canon that can deliver short bursts of water with a lot of 'kinetic energy'. Using water rather than traditional beanbags, you can avoid some messy side effects - like broken ribs.

Read all about it via the danger room at Wired:
blog.wired.com

WallyPower!

Want to scare the pants off the other guys at the yacht club? The WallyPower yacht is currently for sale. Boasting three 16,800 HP gas turbine engines (the kind used for helicopters), this vessel can hit 60 knots. And it looks somewhat like an assault vehicle. It's a bit spendy at 24 million USD - but, there are a lot of luxury extras below deck.

Details and extensive pictures via superyachttimes:
www.superyachttimes.com

The eyes have it..

You see them in movies all the time. Someone walks through a gate, and a computer identifies them. No intrusive 'stick your eye up against this reader', no id cards. Just walk through the gate. Well, now you can get one from the folks at Panasonic. The reader also has a very low fail rate, and the ability to identify individuals in about 2 seconds. Finally, a cure for those badge clip marks on your lapel.

Real all about it at Nikkei Electronics:
techon.nikkeibp.co.jp

Jammin...

There are all sorts of GPS devices out there that can be very helpful. However, there are times when you may not want to be tracked. Enter this handy device - a small GPS jammer that can be plugged into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter. For about 89 USD, you can be off the grid as far as GPS is concerned.


Order info available at Chinavasion.com:
chinavasion

Pick one...

Let's face it - being able to 'pick a lock' is a cool skill to have. You could even make a hobby of it. There are all kinds of great information resources and tools (some, literally) available on the web.

Here are a couple of links to get you started:

The beginner's guide via gunslot.com:

www.gunslot.com

All kinds of helpful info via 'Lockpicking 101':
www.lockpicking101.com

And for the more technically minded, lock picking using computer hardware
via SORGONET:
www.sorgonet.com

Pretty, cool...

Looking for a stylish addition to your kitchen? Check out these refrigerators from Smeg. Nifty retro styling in great colors. There's even a special ice cream compartment for those non training days.


Specifications available at Smeg:
smegusa.com