Getting that vibe...

Jason Whiton (aka Agent J) has a very specific passion: all things stylish from 1960's spy movies. Jason's blog is a treasure trove of info on the topic. 'Spyvibe' is updated often - with visuals from popular films, and the obscure.





'Spyvibe' - the blog:
spyvibe.blogspot.com




(Thanks for the tip G!)

On the drawing board...

A UK based company called 'Reaction Engines' is working on a rather interesting project - a reusable commercial space plane. The 'Skylon' is scheduled for use in about 10 years. Using the hybrid sabre propulsion system, these slim space shuttles will take off like a standard plane - then extract oxygen from the atmosphere for it's suborbital flight.

Free to a good home...

The US Navy has decided to scrap one of it's stealth ship projects. The 'Sea Shadow' (pictured) is going to be given away. There's a catch though, the taker also has to take the protective barge used to hide it from satellite detection.





Read a bit more via the Wall Street Journal:
online.wsj.com

Take a deep breath...

Breathing is good. Designer Ricardo Baiao has an idea to help keep you breathing - 'The Phantom Chest Mounted Air Supply'. An emergency 5 minute air supply could be enough to get you out of trouble.



The Phantom via Yanko Design:
www.yankodesign.com

Rules, Rules, Rules...

The rules have changed. For F1 racing, that is. The largest set of rule changes in years has been very neatly illustrated using computer animations. Sebastian Vettel explains it all.

Evolved...

Based on the original design of the Corvette C6, the Anteros Supercar looks fast even when it's just sitting there. The assembly process takes about 12 weeks for each car, so order ahead if you are purchasing one as a gift. Cost; about 140,000 USD.





The Anteros via N2A:
www.n2amotors.com

Bury it...

'The Backyard Safari Time Capsule' is a kid's toy coming out this year. This small capsule can be buried with small objects in it - but unlike other time capsules - you can add to it through a hidden top hatch disguised as a rock. There's even a little date counter that shows the last access time. Cost: about 20 USD.




Time Capsule release info via Boing Boing:
gadgets.boingboing.net

You've got mail!

You can't send a threatening note on bad stationary. It's just not done. Here's a better idea: 'The Little Skull Stationary'. It's appropriately understated with a black interior and small skull on the outside. Cost: 55 USD per box from Barney's of New York.





Little Skull Stationary from Barney's:
www.barneys.com

Smoke house...

Steve Vigar has a couple of passions - architecture and historical buildings. At Steve Vigar designs, they make miniatures of buildings for various uses, including 'The Italian Villa humidor'.





Italian Villa Humidor via Steve Vigar Designs:
www.stevevigardesigns.com

Location, location, location...

How small can a GPS chip be? The new epson Epson infineon XPOSYS chip set is about 25 percent smaller than the standard set being used now. The picture pretty much says it all. In mass production later this year - you'll never lose another device (or keys, car, spouse, pet, etc) again.



Read a bit more about it via Engadget:
www.engadget.com

Old Wool..

You can add a little vintage cool to your wardrobe with this: 'The Mackinaw Cruiser Field Coat'. Based on a design from 1914, this wool coat is functional, durable, and rather stylish. Perfect for fieldwork on a chilly night. Cost: about 280 USD.





Available from Filson:
www.filson.com

Dodging a bullet...

As unlikely as it seems, IBM is working to help you dodge a bullet. A new technology patent filed will enhance an individual's ability to get out of harm's way by either collapsing or contracting muscle groups -- effectively dodging a bullet.






Read more about it via The Firearm Blog:
www.thefirearmblog.com

Stealth Board...

If you were looking for a state of the art snowboard, you'd do well to check out 'The Whip F-117'. Named after the Stealth Fighter jet, this composite board is an open hull design made of wood, plastic, steel, and carbon composite. After years of design, the manufacturer is stating all kinds of advantages due to it's spider suspension. Cost: about 1,900 USD.





The Whip via Cheetah Ultra Sports:
www.cheetahultrasports.net

Beating traffic..

In the Los Angeles area, traffic can be a bit of a problem. If you really need to be somewhere, here are the guys you want to talk to: 'Helinet' -The helicopter charter company that knows the area like the back of their hand. Problem solved.






Helinet via JustLuxe:
www.justluxe.com



The homepage of Helinet:
www.helinet.com

Dunk tank...

The old fashioned japanese bath gets an update with the 'Ofuro'. This stainless steel version of the classic tub is built from hand crafted 14-gauge steel and chromium. There are also 18 water jets built into the sides that can be directed to those spots that need a little help. Cost: about 20,000 USD.



The 'Ofuro' available from Hammacher Schlemmer:
www.hammacher.com

Magic marker...

The pen is mightier - and sometimes similar to a sword. The 'Pocket Shark' is a marker that has been reinforced for use in self defense situations. Holding it like a japanese yawara stick, it can be used to strike pressure points on an opponent. Then leave pithy messages on his forehead after the altercation. Cost: About 7 USD.




Available from 'Cold Steel':

www.coldsteel.com

Cordless...

Those little cord locks are pretty handy for keeping your gear cinched up - but, what would make them even more handy? If they were little tiny flash lights that never got lost. That's exactly what you can get from Sahalie.com... Cost: about 10 USD each.






Cord lock lights from Sahalie:
www.sahalie.com

The other CIA...

The CIA (the Culinary Institute of America) is one of the big names in training chefs. They also offer online classes for people to get a taste of their training. There are even a couple of free mini courses, including one for wine. Bon Appetite.






The free CIA mini wine course:
www.ciaprochef.com

That's just creepy...

Anyone can wear a ski mask - but what about a custom ski mask to look like someone else's face? The final effect is really a strange visual. Here's a step by step video of how to make your own. Amaze your friends, fool the video cameras, scare your pets..




'Custom Ski Mask' via Instructables:
www.instructables.com

The Tiny Russian Submarine...

Mikhail Puchov had a dream. Working secretly for thirty years in his attic - Mikhail engineered a tiny submarine. After failures and clandestine test voyages, he finally came up with a working design. Now after all this time, his sub is now officially registered as a boat.





Read more about it via Inventor Spot:
inventorspot.com

Triple threat...

Reloading your grenade launcher. What a pain. Finally, someone has a better answer. The Metal Storm 3GL is being certified for military use. A semi automatic version of the launcher will fire 3 grenades without a reload.




Read a bit more via Modern Firearms:
world.guns.ru/grenade/gl18-e.htm

Climbing forever...

There's a new option for indoor climbing: 'The Climbstation'. This innovative solution doesn't require ropes or safety harnesses, so you can quickly get on with the business of climbing. Think of it as a vertical, programable treadmill. Multiple units can be linked for a group climb.






Details and action video via Climbstation:
www.climbstation.com

Tip: Turn your sound down a little before clicking the link

Extra Large...

Back in the 1930's, it was fashionable to build very large aircraft. Here are some newly discovered photos of the Russian K-7 bomber. A classified project that was abandoned - it's size is very amazing considering it was built before jet engines were available.





The K-7 via EnglishRussia (this page take a little time to load, but it's worth it)
englishrussia.com

XRay Vision...

While not an actual super power, the 'Prism 200' handheld wall radar allows one to look through walls. This compact unit is intended for special forces or rescue teams to view through barriers and is sensitive enough to pick up heartbeats and breathing. An additional feature extends the view to a remote PC.





The Prism 200 via Cambridge Consultants:
www.cambridgeconsultants.com

Curves ahead...

Coming soon - 'The Wiesmann MF4-S'. This curvy retro looking auto will be debuted at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The limited edition, hand built car will be powered by a tuned up BMW M3 engine. Only 30 will be made.





Photos and details via the Autoblog:
www.autoblog.com

On the lighter side...

If you're looking to covertly film some activity, you might take a look at this: 'The Lighter DVR'. This standard lighter has 8 gig of storage via a SD card slot, and a USB port. The lens is hidden in the 'tasteful' american eagle/lady liberty design. And yes, it does actually function as a working lighter. Cost: about 150 USD






The video lighter via Ajoka:
www.ajoka.com

Count on it...

It's a little obscure, but this could come in handy... Here's a short video on how people count money in various parts of the world.





Money counting techniques via Wimp.com:
www.wimp.com/flipcash

Coat buttons...

Critics can't agree on the latest Brad Pitt movie performance - but they can agree on one thing; That leather coat was pretty cool. The Belstaff 'Panther' replica jacket is available for pre-order.





The 'Panther' from Belstaff:
www.belstaff.net