Smile for the keys...

They're putting spy cameras into all kinds of clever things these days - here's an inexpensive example - 'The Car Key Camera' Looking like a standard keyless entry system, it's a small video camera with self contained SD card for downloading. Cost: 36 USD (63 USD with the storage card).






Car Key Camera from Brando:
gadget.brando.com

Get down...

Spending time in the extreme cold can be a little easier with the 'Canadian Goose Constable Parka'. Made with Arctic-tec and a thick duck down lining you'll stay very comfortable. Cost: about 450 USD








Available via Amazon.com:
amazon.com

Got a light?

Now you can keep a lighter almost anywhere with 'The Split Pea Peanut Lighter' - the world's smallest production lighter. It's 1.3 inches tall and 0.5 inches in diameter. Cost: about 12 USD.






The Split Pea Lighter from County Comm:
countycomm.com

Running on the moon...

If you plan to be running in outer space or have had a sports injury - you might be interested in one of these: 'The AlterG Antigravity Treadmill'. One can effectively train at a fraction of your body weight - reducing strain on your joints. Cost: about 24,000 USD.






Antigravity Treadmill by AlterG:
www.alter-g.com

Small false memories...

Scientists have manipulated the brains of fruit flies to create false memories of pain. Using a laser to stimulate precise points - they can fool the fruit fly into to remembering pain, and altering it's behavior. Which is a lot of effort for a practical joke on a fruit fly. It does pave the way for some pretty strange experiments on people in the future.






Read more about it via New Scientist:
www.newscientist.com

Survival Gear...

It's nice to have those small comforts from home when somewhere very remote. The Handpresso company had the same thought, and packaged their hand pump espresso machine along with all the gear necessary to make a descent cup of coffee. It's all put together in a carrying case. Cost: about 210 USD.






The Handpresso Kit from Handpresso:
www.handpresso.fr

And counting...

Here's a tip - those clever scientists have taught computers in the lab to detect the behavior of card counters. While not illegal, it certainly is frowned on. It's only a matter of time before the system is incorporated into casino security systems.







Read a bit more via New Scientist:
www.newscientist.com

Crafty...

If you're struggling to find a gift for that power mad dictator on your list - here's an idea... An Excelsior Dawes Hovercraft. This 179 foot military grade hovercraft comes loaded with features: stabilized rocket launchers, portable air defense system, room for 140 troops plus a few tanks, and so on... Cost: 65 Million USD. It's 90 percent complete - available in a couple of months.






Info and pictures from Portland Yachts:
www.iboats.com

Magic ring...

This magic ring can get you out of a tough situation. The 'Tad Gear Rescue Ring' tuns into a device for breaking windows - just take the pointy bit off your key ring, slide it through the bezel on the ring base and voila. Cost: about 80 USD.





The Rescue Ring from Tad Gear:
www.tadgear.com

Wrist Belt...

Wacky luxury designer Yvan Arpa has two passions: watches and martial arts. So, maybe it's not so crazy that he's designed a watch only for martial artists. The 'Black Belt Watch' will only be sold to people that have attained the rank of black belt (regardless of martial art style) Cost: 3,000 Swiss Francs.






Info via Idolreplicas:
www.idolreplicas.com

The Over / Under...

The 'Scubacraft' is a new vehicle that's just as comfortable on top the water as under it. On the surface, it's a high speed boat, but it's trimaran hull helps it move quickly under the water. It can carry it's scuba gear wearing passengers to about 100 feet in depth. Pre orders are being take now for a 2010 delivery. Cost: about 100,000 GBP.






The Scubacraft site:
www.scubacraft.com

Skybar...

If you're most comfortable having a cocktail at 35,000 feet - you can keep the party going at home with the PW-747 Cowling Bar. Made from the engine cowling, it looks great when paired with f4 ejection seat stools and stewardesses.







Available from Motoart:
www.motoart.com

X-Mas Declarations...

Nothing says 'the holidays' like a fragmentation grenade ornament. Part of the proceeds of each six pack are used to help end world conflict. What a strange and thoughtful product. Cost: about 20 GBP.








Grenade Christmas Tree Decorations from Suck Uk:
www.suck.uk.com

Gold!

Gold has been found... At Harrod's. The London department store will be selling ingots and bullion along with storage services in their store. Previously, one could purchase via their website - but due to a partnership with the Swiss refiner 'Produits Artistiques Metaux Precieux', you can get them 'to go'.








Details via The Times Online:
www.timesonline.co.uk

Advertisement...

If you're a fan of the 60's tailored look, Brooks Brothers wants to talk to you. Starting today, they'll be offering a retro line of suits based on the US TV Series 'Mad Men'. Cost: about 1000 USD.







Launch party news and links via NBC:
www.nbcnewyork.com

Pocket nuke...

In bit of a battery breakthrough, Dr. Jae Kwon and the University of Missouri have come up with a very tiny nuclear battery. Working on a conversion of radioactive decay - the battery can harvest the energy for use in electronic devices. Batteries using this tech could be a hair's thickness and last a very very long time.






Read more via Science Daily:
www.sciencedaily.com

It's all fun until...

A couple of thoughts: 1) carrying a knife is a good idea. 2) this is why modern gear has an emergency pull.
Turn your sound down a little before watching.

Send a sign..

Sometimes, it's a very bad idea to light a signal fire. The Power Werx 'Lite Flare' is a good alternative when you need to grab someone's attention. The 'flare' runs on three AAA batteries - for over 400 hours. They are visible for a full mile at night. Cost: about 33 USD for a 3-pack.







Lite Flares from Power Werx:
www.powerwerx.com

Fast game...

If you're looking for a snappy backgammon set to match your Ferrari, you're in luck. The carbon fiber Ferrari branded set is available on the official Ferrari store site. Cost: 1150 EUR.







Carbon fiber backgammon via Ferrari:
store.ferrari.com

And an oil well...

If you're working on your finances, here is advice from an unexpected location - Kuwait. The book with this unwieldy title: 'Wealth Building Secrets As Practiced By The World's Richest People: The Kuwaitis..' Surprisingly useful and sensible advice. Cost: about 18 USD






Available from Amazon:
www.amazon.com

This message...

If you have a private, one time message you'd like to pass along - you can use the service 'Privnote'. Pass the information along via an auto-destructing link. All without any messy smoke.







The Privnote service:
privnote.com

Old bag...

If you don't have time to beat up your own gym bag, the folks at Puma have done it for you. The 'Heritage Grip Bag' is pre-worn with replacement rope handles. Cost: 120 USD.






The Heritage Grip Bag by Puma:
www.puma.com

Another new car smell...

As a follow up to their first fragrance effort, the Porsche Design Group will be offering their new fragrance 'Intense' this November. The scent will be richer and more lingering than their first - and available initially only in a spray.







Read a bit more from 'Now Smell This':
www.nstperfume.com

Looking at the network...

Researchers at the University of Utah have figured out that it's possible to discern what's going on in a room based on Wi-Fi signal strength. Granted, it takes several receivers placed strategically - but, it uses inexpensive off the shelf technology. No word on if tinfoil wallpaper changes the situation.






Read more about it via Technology Review:
www.technologyreview.com

Screening your door...

It's now possible to update your old 'peephole' on your door using an LCD screen. The 'Brinno Digital Peephole' installs in minutes by inserting a digital cameral over your old manual peephole - giving you a full LCD screen view (with zoom) to the other side of the door. Cost: about 150 AUS. Currently only on sale in Australia.








Digital Peephole via Bold Technology:
www.boldtechnology.com

Cut the engine...

Boeing's Advanced Technical Laser (ATL) is an airborne mounted weapons grade laser. Here's a look at some air-to-ground target practice on a truck.







Read a bit more via 'The Register':
www.therigister.co.uk

That's to go...

Just in time for the holidays.. GH Mumm has introduced a line of custom carriers for their champagnes. The limited edition trunks include excellent vintage bottles and storage for glasses to enjoy them. Cost: about 5000 USD.





Info via 'Vodka and Co.' - poorly translated via Google:
www.vodka-and-co.com

I'll pencil you in...

What to do with those dispatched villains? If your answer was 'turn them into a lifetime supply of pencils', you need to talk to Nadine Jarvis. For a price - Nadine will turn the ashes of a person into pencils so you can enjoy their company for a long time. The pencils are stored in a tasteful box.






Post Mortem pencils by Nadine:
www.nadinejarvis.com

Unchained...

The innovative Swedish company 'Thule' has a better idea than traditional snow chains. The 'K-Summit Snow Chains' greatly simplify the process of outfitting your car for mountain driving.







More info via Thule:
www.thuleracks.com/snowchains

Smoking Lounge...

Michel Perrenoud may have created the perfect chair to enjoy a cigar in. Crafted from mahogany and italian leather - each arm has a compartment for storage. The humidor in one of the arms can store up to 150 of you favorite cigars. Cost: about 15,000 USD.





Multi-lingual details from Michel Perrenoud's site:
www.michel-perrenoud.ch