drama...

Anyone can open a bottle of champagne - but, hacking the top off with a saber -- now you're talking.

Have a relatively safe new year!

Working with a net...

Sometimes if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Here's a set of instructions for building your own pressurized net gun suitable for subduing wild animals or unruly party guests.





The net gun via Instructables:
www.instructables.com

They wrote the book...

If you're looking to spruce up a bit for the new year, you might like to get a copy of this: 'The Handbook of Style: A Man's Guide to Looking Good'. Written with a touch of humor from the gents on staff at Esquire magazine, it's a good investment for a mere 10 USD.





Available from Amazon.com:
amazon.com

Safe in bed...

Luxury bed maker Hollandia has added a new feature to it's line - an integrated 'safe'. At the request of a wealthy customer that wanted to keep a handgun close by, they added a heavy duty safe underneath the mattress and a cover in the head joint of the bed base. The keyed system is hidden by a velcro cover. Cost: the safe option is 400 USD. The beds range in price based on other configurations.




Press release from Hollandia:
hollandiainternational.com

Have a seat...

Expert travelers would do well to look at this: 'The Zuca Pro'. This rolling bag is made of a lightweight anodized aluminum frame, with color coded self contained packets that stack like drawers. The water resistant rig also can be used as a seat - supporting up to 300 lbs. Cost: about 285 USD.





Details and video via the Zuca site:
www.zuca.com

Nomadic security...

Here's a security solution for people that tend to move around: 'The SimpliSafe'. This clever security system uses wireless technology to allow it's components communicate with a base station. in an emergency, it alerts a manned security center. The best part: you can take it with you when you change locations. Reasonably priced at 225 USD




Details from SimplySafe:
simplisafe.com

Let it slide...

If you're looking for a little winter fun, you might consider this: 'The Porsche Design Sled'. Made of aluminum with steel runners, this sleekly designed toy will keep you looking good on the slopes. Extra design points for being foldable - allowing you to store it in your sports car's boot. Cost: About 283 GBP.






Order via Porsche Design:
shop1.porsche.com

Mirror Mirror...

If you are one of those people that hates missing the morning news while getting ready in the morning, you might be interested in this: 'The LCD Mirror TV' by Agath. While not in use, this high definition television hides itself by becoming a mirror.




The homesite of Agath (information in English or French)
www.agath.com/

Extra punch...

What could be more fun than brass knuckles? How about electrified brass knuckles? 'The Blast Knuckles' can deliver a shocking 950,000 volt charge on contact. Cost: about 50 USD.




Blast Knuckles via Sportsman's guide:
www.sportsmansguide.com

Talking Binoculars...

The 'Lightspeed Binoculars' not only let you see things, they help you talk to other people. Using embedded infrared LEDs, these binoculars can covertly transmit information to a receiving pair of binoculars. They can also swap video and other information via USB and ethernet connectors. Made by Tory Pines Logic, these are currently available to the military.



Snippet of info via Popular Mechanics:
www.popularmechanics.com

Tory Pines Logic:
www.tplogic.com

Calling you out...

If you have an iPhone and spend a lot of time with untrustworthy people, you might be interested in this: 'The Agile Lie Detector' application. A voice stress analysis program - you can set your phone on the bar table and let the fun begin. Cost: 8 USD.





Review and details via TUAW:
www.tuaw.com

Great Dane...

Just announced: The Zenvo ST1. A new Danish super car that will be putting out a whopping 1,104 horsepower. The mid mounted super charged V8 7.0 liter engine will propel you from 0-60 at 3.2 seconds. Top speed: 233 mph. Only 15 are scheduled for production. Cost: TBA





Pictures and statistics via Zenvo:
www.zenvoautomotive.com

Corporate Gifts...

What would SPECTER give as a year end corporate gift? A great candidate would be the 'Skull Business Card Holder'. This detailed sterling silver desk ornament ships in a thai silk lined box. Cost: about 375 USD.





Available from Vivre:
www.vivre.com

The name is Diddy...

Rap Star/Fashionista/Entrepreneur Sean John (aka P. Diddy) believes he would make an excellent next James Bond. So much so, that he put up 750,000 to make a screen test video to illustrate this. In fairness, the video is pulling double duty to help sell a new line of cologne. How did it turn out? Well, you can be the judge. Tip: skip to about 2 minutes into the clip for the beginning of the action sequence.

Sure Footed...

Now available - 'The Micro Spikes' system for additional cold weather traction. They're sort of like chains for your tires, but on your feet. You can go running in the worst weather conditions. OR not. Cost: about 59 USD.




Available from Kahtoola:
www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html

Details...

Most of the common surveillance cameras are rather low res. The 'Digital Window' from Scallop Imaging is an interesting mix of readily available technology to provide a hi res solution. Originally built as a viewer for armored car use - this gadget uses 5 lenses from cameras to provide a composite 100 megapixel, 180 degree view at 15 frames per second -- all without a 'fisheye' effect.





Read more about it via Wired:
blog.wired.com



Details and example photos from Scallop Imaging:
www.scallopimaging.com

Con job...

How does a 'con' work? Here's a simple schematic from the folks at Psychology Today describing the mechanics of the situation - and what's going on in one's brain. Very useful for understanding and avoiding getting fooled.






'How to Run a Con' via 'Psychology Today Blog':
blogs.psychologytoday.com

Fisker update...

Soon, the final production version of the Fisker sport coupe will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show. The good news: it looks pretty much like the prototypes. The bad news - the price point is up slightly. Estimated Cost for 2010 delivery: 87,000 USD.
Still not bad for a plug in hybrid that tops out at 125 mph.





Read a bit more via CNET:
reviews.cnet.com

I see what you mean...

For the first time, scientists have converted brain signals to visual output on a screen -the first steps to actually see 'what's on your mind'. Researchers working in Japan used MRI technology to match visual recognition patterns to thought patterns. Scientists are hopeful that this could one day replace powerpoint presentations (joking).




Read more about it via The Daily Yomiuri:
www.yomiuri.co.jp

Taking shots...

This adds new meaning to the term 'taking shots'. The 'Shots Gun' drink dispenser This bottle topper has a manual pump to pressurize and dispense via a replica six shooter. Comes with a ridiculous western themed holster. Sure to start a conversation. Cost: about 22 USD (15 GBP)





The 'Shots Gun' via Drinkstuff:
www.drinkstuff.com

Strapped...

If you're the type to find yourself in rescue situations - here's a great accessory: 'The Survival Strap Bracelet'. These simple bracelets can be unraveled into 15-20 feet of 550 lb. test para-chord. When you're done with it, return the unraveled rope to the manufacturer and they'll reweave it for free. Cost: About 20 USD Also available are rifle slings and belts.






Details and order via the Survival Straps site:
www.survivalstraps.com

Nice pair...

Danish Yacht is a modern shipyard located in Skagen, Denmark. They've just announced a partnership with Lisa Airplanes to include their innovative Akoya plane as an option for their yachts. The Akoya light plane has the ability to land and take off from land, sea, or snow. Cost: TBA




News from Danish Yacht:
www.danishyacht.com



The Akoya via Lisa Airplanes:
www.lisa-airplanes.com

The Deuce, you say...

Deuce Magna game sets are classic board games that you won't have to hide when not in use. These backgammon, domino, checker and chess sets are extremely stylish and made of the highest quality materials. But there's still no substitute for luck.
Cost: contact directly from their home page.





The Deuce homesite (available in English or French):
www.deuce.fr

That's sick...

Here's a small piece of unpleasantness: 'The Sonic Nausea Circuit'. The small device emits a sonic frequency that causes waves of nausea. There are plenty of uses - but, imagine pairing this with a remote controlled motion detector to discourage unwanted intruders... Cost: 29 USD




The Nausea Circuit via Shomer-TEC:
www.shomer-tec.com

Seeing stars...

Posting those notes on the refrigerator could be a lot more interesting with these: The Secret Mark Ninja Star Magnets. Extremely silly, but a lot of fun. Cost: about 19 USD. Ships in a 'mysterious' ninja box.






www.epauletshop.com

Very racy...

Italian racing shoe makers Sabelt have cooked up something special for ream Aston Martin - a series of ultra soft shoes suitable for the le mans endurance race. Available in a couple of color schemes. Cost: about 139 EUR.






The Aston Martin racing shoe via the Sabelt online store:
shop.sabelt.com

On Sale: Space...

The gents at XCOR Aerospace have announced their first plans for space tourism. A quick jaunt on their Lynx Mark 1 rocket ship will set you back 95,000 USD - about half the price of the Virgin Galactic ticket. Hopefully the reduced price is accomplished by cutting back on space snacks and not safety equipment. 22 Seats have already been pre-sold on word of mouth.






Details and announcement via MSNBC:
msnbc.msn.com

Shooting your mouth off...

Italian police were surprised to net a 'cell phone gun' in a recent crime raid. These little Eastern European designed devils were quite popular a couple of years ago. The body of the phone hides a couple of .22 caliber shells, the clumsy looking antenna is actually the barrel. Here's a video of the 'phone' in action:

Chop chop...

Here's is an extremely thin cigar cutter: 'The Xikar Xi Ultra Slim'. Only 3.5 mm thick, it will fit comfortably in your pocket or wallet. Cost: about 49 USD.





Available from 'On the Fly':
www.onthefly.com

The unexpected...

If you're interested in protection from both sudden downpours and sudden personal attacks, you might like this: 'The umbuster' - a combination umbrella and brass knuckles. Originally a class project, they are now offered as a custom made product by a Mr. Sruli Recht of Iceland.





Scant information and a mailto link via Sruli Recht's site:
www.srulirecht.com

Scrapbooking...

If you have trouble remembering wine labels, you might try this: 'The Note' wine label saver. A little gadget that helps you scrape the label off wine bottles for you to keep in your journal. Cost: 64 USD or with an Italian leather journal for 98 USD.






The Note via Hinckley Cellars:
www.hinckleycellars.com

Sniping...

The Accuracy International L115A3 is arguably the best sniper rifle in the world (at the moment). Firing a heavy 8.59mm round, it can hit a human size target at 1400 meters. Accuracy is not inexpensive - Cost: about 34,000 USD.







Dealer information via Accuracy International:

www.accuracyinternational.com

The Transporter...

Here's a great solution for moving your racing motorcycle around: the Ducati/Tundra Transporter. A customized Toyota Tundra truck with a motorized skid and enclosure to protect your bike when transporting it. Built for operation by a single person, it has plenty of storage for tools and spare parts.




Pictures and details via Pickuptrucks.com:
news.pickuptrucks.com

Overboard...

If you're a big fan of both boutique hotels and sailing, you might want to check out the latest project presented by DJ Fat Boy Slim (aka Norman Cook) -- The 'Barracuda' a nicely appointed yacht that patrols the waters off the coast of Sardinia.






Details and booking information via 'Mr and Mrs Smith':
www.mrandmrssmith.com

Pests...

If you need to keep pests away from your campsite or jobsite, you might want one of these: 'The Yeti Portable Security System'. A small self contained unit that has motion and bump detectors built in. When activated, a loud audible alarm and flashing lights will scare away the vermin. Cost: about 250 USD.





Available from My Yeti:
myyeti.com

Grande...

The long rumored Porsche sedan has finally surfaced with some solid release plans. The 'Panamera Gran Toursimo' will officially be released globally in the spring of 2009. The large sedan (16.3 feet long) will be equipped with the PDK 7 speed dual clutch gearbox. It will also be available in a variety of engine selections- the largest being the 'S' version with a 500 HP V8.





Pictures and details via Jalopnik:

www.jalopnik.com

A bit matchy...

If you're looking for the perfect watch to match your vintage Ferrari (and who isn't?), you might like this: The custom Rolex Daytona. The sport watch is available with a Ferrari red dial with a military grade scratch proof coating. Only 25 of these custom watches will be made. Available from the London based Bamford & Sons. Cost: about 23,000 USD.



Read a bit more from Just Luxe:
www.justluxe.com