Food for thought...

Scientists say it is possible to make yourself a bit smarter using 'N Back training' - a type of exercise designed to increase fluid thinking. In 20 minutes a day for 20 days, it is possible to have an effect lasting months. (and yes, there's an App for that...)




Read more about it via Medicalxpress:
medicalxpress.com/news/2011-05-brain_1.html

Nuggets of wisdom...

Here are 22 expert tips for improving your life with style from the kind folks at Details Magazine.







22 Expert tips from Details Magazine:
www.details.com/style-advice/rules-of-style/201103/expert-tips-22-rules-advice

I'll have what he's having...

If you've ever been at a loss for what to order as a cocktail, you might want to load the 'Bond Mixology' app onto your iPhone. Every drink from every Bond movie has been meticulously documented and made accessible. Cost: 2 USD.




The 'Bond Mixology' app via itunes:
itunes.apple.com

Basics: How to Shoot a Rifle...

It may not come up in your everyday life, but it's a skill that can certainly come in handy - 'How to Shoot a Rifle'. Here's a good primer from the guys over at 'The Art of Manliness'.






How to Shoot a Rifle from The Art of Manliness:
artofmanliness.com/2011/05/13/how-to-shoot-a-rifle

Airline lounge...

In Zurich, Switzerland an old Soviet Ilyushin IL-14 airplane has been recycled to become 'Runway 34' - a restaurant and lounge. The aviation themed remodel includes interior hardwood flooring and mood lighting. The adjacent overflow seating area is home to a cigar lounge, humidor and espresso machine.




Details and photos via Jaunted:
www.jaunted.com

Runway 34 Site (German only):
www.runway34.ch

Towards the light...

If you're looking for a stylish outdoor heating option, you might check out the 'Kindle Heat Lamps'. Large lamps that conceal propane heaters to keep your outdoor festivities comfortable.





Info, photo and order via Kindle Living:
www.kindleliving.com

Sezz you...

Fans of the stylish and quirky 'Hotel Sezz' in Paris will pleased to know there's a new sister property in Saint Tropez. The sleek and simple interior is perfect for beach style relaxation. Features include a spa and champagne bar.





Details and links to both Paris and St. Tropez locations via Sezz:
www.hotelsezz.com

Take the Benz...

If you pre-ordered the Mercedes EC145 Luxury Helicopter, you're in luck - it's getting close to shipping. After the initial prototypes were shown last year, the 'production' version was on display this past week. Very stylish.







Photos via MobileMag:
www.mobilemag.com

Raising cane...

One of life's simple pleasures - a well made sword cane. The Burger Knife Company is still making high quality blades in South Africa.







Info and order via 'Sword Cane':
www.swordcane.com

Touchy...

Collecting fingerprints can be a messy affair, but the new FbF MobileOne device can help with that. It fits over an iPod touch - turning it into a fingerprint collection device. Information can be transferred via WiFi for collection. Cost: 600 USD




Technical details and order via Fulcrum Biometrics:
www.fulcrumbiometrics.com

Commemorative...

In celebration of 50 years' collaboration, Aston Martin and Zagato will be showing off their 'Aston Martin V12 Zagato'. On display at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este near Lake Como, Italy - the limited edition will be available in 2012.





Photos and story via AutoWeek:
www.autoweek.com

Sensitive guy...

Express your sensitive side with these simple greeting cards - the cover is a target with off center holes: the message inside is 'Miss you'. Available from Etsy. Cost: 3.50 USD






www.etsy.com

Phone it in...

You can get rid of those pesky house keys and start using your phone for access - using the 'Lockitron'. The system hooks to your home router and can accept phoned in commands to unlock your door. Cost: about 295 USD.




lockitron.com

Pressing matters...

If you've ever admired those bistro coffee pots, you might like one of these: 'The Ebony Handle' by Nick Munro. The stainless steel body acts as a french press for making coffee - while the side ebony handle makes for an easy serve. Cost: about 110 USD






Available from ShopHorne.com:
shophorne.com

En Trenched...

If you're looking for that perfect lightweight trench coat for the spring, you might check out the new 'Black Mac' from Paul Smith. Understated and tailored, it will keep you looking good in rainy conditions. Cost: about 445 GBP





Details and photos via Paul Smith:
www.paulsmith.co.uk

Stone cold...

If you're looking for a novel way to cool a quick drink, you might be interested in these: 'The Whiskey Stone Shot Glasses'. These soap stone shot glasses can chill your favorite spirits without using ice - just pop them in the freezer for 4 hours before use. Cost: 40 USD.





Available from Uncommon Goods:
www.uncommongoods.com

Femme Fatale...

The perfect fashion accessory for the Bond girl - 'The Flashbang Bra Holster'. The pistol can be accessed and fired in less than 2 seconds with very little training. Cost: 40 USD.




Info and demo video via 'The Firearm Blog:
www.thefirearmblog.com

sightseeing....

Last weekend, daredevil Yves Rossy jumped out of a helicopter, fired up his jet wings, and flew over the Grand Canyon at 190 mph. No word on what this weekend's plans are.







Read more about the flight and see the video via PopSci:
www.popsci.com

Not for travel...

While amusing, the 'Black Hand Grenade Soap' is probably a terrible choice for placing in your luggage. Cast from WWII vintage grenades, available in black. Cost: 9 USD.






Available via Etsy:
www.etsy.com

Quite a pair...

A great accompaniment to a Veyron Sang Bleu Supercar would be - 'The Sang Bleu Yacht'. Still at the concept stage, the plan calls for an ultra sleek 30 foot yacht made of carbon fiber and aluminum.




More photos from Driven at UrbanDaddy:
driven.urbandaddy.com

They know drama...

If you're looking for that special soundtrack for your adventures, take a listen to 'Makara' by E.S. Posthumus. The perfect background music for shark wrestling, car chases, or base jumping. Available via iTunes. Cost: about 10 USD.







Listen or purchase via the E.S. Posthumus website:
www.esposthumus.com

Well appointed...

Gentlemen in the Los Angeles area looking to style their flat would do well to talk to the guys at 'Blackman Cruz'. A design service with an inventory of interesting objects for the home. The current favorite is a working model of a .30 caliber machine gun.






Info and online inventory via Blackman Cruz.
www.blackmancruz.com

Hotel-bot...

If you're looking for a hotel that's a cross between a space station and an ipod, you're in luck. The 'Yotel' will be opening this June in New York. Expect uncluttered design with rounded edges, back lighting, computerized check-in, and ample charging stations for all your gadgets. Cost: about 379 USD per night.




Info and booking via Yotel:
www.yotel.com

The new black...

If you're looking for a blacked out Porsche, you might check out the new 'Porsche Cayman S Black Edition'. Black interior, exterior, blacked out 19 inch wheels, special headlights, and a tuned extra 10 horsepower. Cost: about 67,000 USD



Details from the Porsche Cayman Micro-site:
www.porsche.com

Bury the hatchet...

This year's must have camping multitool - 'The Crovel'. A combination shovel and crowbar, it serve 11 other functions. It folds for easy storage in the trunk of your car. Cost: 99 USD.





Details and order via Survival Outdoor Gear:
www.survivaloutdoorgear.com

First impulse...

The 'Solar Impulse' - the solar powered aircraft, is getting ready for it's first international flight. It will be traveling from Switzerland to Brussels later this week. The craft is intending to land at a standard commercial airport.






Flight progress can be tracked via the Solar-impulse site:
www.solarimpulse.com

Party like a movie star...

Later this month, the Cannes Film Festival is taking place in the South of France. A package available from AhaLife includes: Tickets to the events, 2 exclusive premier events, transfer from Nice and use of a Mercedes with driver (on call), eleven day's stay at L'Hotel Cap-Eden-Roc, and many other extras. Cost: 75,000 USD.





Additional info via AhaLife:
www.ahalife.com

Personal Water Propulsion...

The 'WaveJet' is a new Personal Water Propulsion system. A 14 pound until that can be built into a variety of water craft - surf boards, kayaks, rescue boards and so on... adding 6 to 10 knots of forward thrust. Pre-orders are being taken for surfboards. Cost: about 3,500 USD




Info, videos, and order via WaveJet:
wavejet.com