Where's Waldo?

The tricky thing about having a secret robotic space plane is keeping it secret. Apparently, there are plenty of back yard sky watchers that take it as a challenge to follow the secret plane - and try to figure out what it's up to.





Read more about it via the Danger Room at Wired;
www.wired.com

Really loaded...

A new record has been set for the world's most expensive rifle. The 'VO Falcon Edition' was made by Master Gunsmith Viggo Olsson of Sweden. The takedown system allows for the changing of calibers, the barrel is octagonal, and it is adorned with carvings of Saker and Peregrine falcons. Cost: 820,000 USD



Read more about it via LivingProper:
livingproper.com

Think green...

Porsche has announced that the 918 Spyder will be going into production. Slated for delivery in 2013, the advanced hybrid will deliver somewhere in the neighborhood of 78 miles per gallon while promising 0-60 in 3.1 seconds. Estimated top speed estimated at around 199 mph. Cost; about 845,000. Only 918 will be made.




Read more about it via egmCarTech:
www.egmcartech.com

Creature comforts...

When you''re out hunting for wolves using eagles, you don't want to be uncomfortable. Two mongolian business men have solved the problem by ordering a couple of Mercedes Benz Zetros - customized for luxury camping. Customizations include flat screen tv, wifi, Bose sound system, outdoor grill, and much more.





Read more about it via AutoBlog:
www.autoblog.com

Know your drink...

If you'd like to know a little bit more about whisky - you're in luck. 'The Balvenie Whisky Academy' has just opened it's virtual doors. Made up of 35 short videos arranged as 4 modules, a wide range of subjects are covered. Cost: Free after registration






The Balvenie Whisky Academy:
www.thebalveniewhiskyacademy.com

Perfect pairing...

Adventure outfitters Abercrombie and Kent have announced a partnership with Flexjet - the leading private jet timeshare. Abercrombie and Kent's customers will receive benefits (fractional purchases or jet cards) and Flexjet customers will receive 'Marco Polo Club' memberships to help match itineraries to rentals.




Details via Abercrombie and Kent's press release:
www.abercrombiekent.com

Tank Rescue...

If you need spare parts for your tank, you might check out this graveyard for tanks in Kiev, Ukraine. Quietly rusting hulks are waiting for someone to rescue them.






Tanks in Kiev via English Russia:
englishrussia.com

In stereo...

The next time you need to record a confession - you can do it with hi fidelity using the new Tascam DR-07 MKII. An updated classic, the portable digital recorder sports two condenser microphones that can be positioned in an XY configuration. Cost: about 280 USD




Technical details and order link via Tascam:
tascam.com

In a jam...

If you're even a little handy, you can make an easy stash in a door frame using a drill and a cigar tube. (you were wondering what to do with those empty tubes anyhow.)





Details and photos via Make Zine;
blog.makezine.com

Project X...

Similar to those aftermarket companies that modify cars, 'Project X Designs' modifies watches. Their latest effort is the Stealth Rolex MKIII - a blacked out Rolex Submariner with some interesting low key design mods. Cost: 8,750 GBP




Stealth Series Watches by Project X Designs:
www.projectxdesigns.com/stealth-series.html

Roughing it...

Next time you're passing through Nairobi, Kenya - you might pop in on the 'Tribe Hotel'. One hundred thirty seven rooms that blend contemporary western amenities with African style and hospitality. The hotel contains a spa, has access to golf, and is near the giraffe center.






Details and booking via the Tribe site:
www.tribe-hotel.com

Scram again...

Last May, the US Air Force tried out a SCRAM Jet test vehicle. That would be an engine with no moving parts that blends characteristics of both a jet and a rocket. They were hoping to achieve mach 6 (over 4,600 MPH) - but fell just a little short. This week, they'll try again after tinkering with the design.





Read more about it via the US Air Force:
www.af.mil

Pixel head...

If you want to have a little fun with whoever will be reviewing the security tapes of your next caper - you might get ahold of these:'Pixelhead Masks' by artist Martin Backes. Ski masks that look like they've been 'pixelated' by a computer.







More photos and info from Martin Backes:
www.martinbackes.com

Relaxing in the Aston...

Aston Martin has authorized the use of their name for a limited amount of home furnishings. The Formitalia group has shown a few pieces of home furnishings in Milan. The furniture is sleek and minimalist - and sports the Aston badge.





Info via Designophy:
www.designophy.com


Request for further information and showings:
www.formitalia.it

Beach view...

If you're looking for a lair, the 'The Razor' residence is on the market. Located in Southern California - the rather stylish home is situated near Black's Beach. 11,000 sq. feet. is being offered for 32 Million USD.





Photos and contact information via Hurwitz James Co.:
www.hurwitzjamesco.com/razor/site.htm

Author unknown...

Anonymous emails may soon be a thing of the past. Researchers at Concordia University in Quebec are working on a technique that can identify unknown authors by comparing samples of writing patterns in known works.





Read more about it via NetworkWorld:
www.networkworld.com

Industrial strength...

If you're looking for the perfect corkscrew - you might consider the Code-38 Wine Knives. These professional quality tools are made of high grade materials and will last for years. Nearly perfect in it's simplicity and construction. Cost: 220 to 410 USD -depending on options.




Details from the Code 38 Website:
www.code-38.com

Red handed...

Those grainy, green only night vision videos might be a thing of the past very soon. The Nanosystem Research Division of Advanced Industrial Science and Design in Japan have made a night vision camera that can see in color.




Details and video via Red Ferret:
www.redferret.net

Super scooper...

There are multiple teams working on powered exoskeletons right now -but the Skeletonics group in Japan is working on a different angle, a non-powered hydraulic system to amplify human strength. Take a look at the video after the link to see how they're progressing.




Skeletonics Exoskeleton via Engadget:
www.engadget.com

Old cats...

Fans of the old Jaguar E-type will be interested to hear that an up-to-date, limited production of the 'Growler E' will soon be available. Taking design queues from the older Jag - the new cars will be available in summer of 2012. Specifications and pricing will vary on the number of orders taken. Estimates range from 700,000 USD to 1.4 million






Details and Press Release via World Car Fans:
www.worldardfans.com

How to spot...

Here's a quick primer on how to spot a liar.



Tip: use the magnifying glass to enlarge the image inside the link




Click below for the tutorial:
How to spot a liar

Noise maker...

If you're wanting to not be overheard, Yamaha has an new product for you - the 'VSP-1 Noise Generator'. The device generates different types of white noise to mask conversations. Cost: about 1200 USD.




Announcement via Akihabara News:
en.akihabaranews.com

Til death do us part...

Bond girls can look smashing while defending themselves with these: The 'Til Death Do us Part Rings'. Four engagement rings fused into a handy pair of brass knuckles. Cost: 175 GBP



Order and info from 'My Flash Trash':
www.myflashtrash.com

Credit protection...

If you'd like to keep a knife with you, but don't want anything bulky to carry around, the 'Creditor Carbon Fiber Knife Clip' might be just the thing. The carbon fiber and titanium blade folds to act as a money clip - and unfolds to become a six inch knife. Cost: about 200 USD.





Details and order via Carbon Fiber Gear:
store.carbonfibergear.com

Just the basics...

If you're looking for a good all-purpose helicopter for personal use - you'll be pleased to know the new X4 Eurocopter is just about ready. Many interior and engineering changes along with the first use of a diesel engine in a light helicopter.



Details from Jameslist's Blog:
blog.jameslist.com

Unfair advantage...

If you're looking for a little help on the golf course - check out the new generation 'Pinmaster 2' from Leica. The laser rangefinder automatically targets and ranges while working in the nastiest of conditions. Cost: about 600 USD





Details from the Leica Store in Mayfair:
www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

Subtle...

You know it's going to be a difficult meeting when the other participant is sitting in one of these - 'The Zoomorphic Cobra Armchair'. Other (less menacing) animal-chairs are available as well.



Zoomorphic Chairs via Wild Design:
wild-design.designshuffle.com

Release the 'bots...

Boston Dynamics - the same company that made the robotic pack mule 'big dog', is working on a new project. 'The Cheetah' is a proposed robot that is more like a predator.. able to chase human prey. What could possibly go wrong?




Read more about it via 'The Danger Room' at Wired:
www.wired.com

Now you see it...

Here's a quick primer on how to stash things in plain sight.

Secret Stash from yiting cheng on Vimeo.

Base plans...

If you're considering building a moon base, the Indian Space Research Organization may have found the perfect spot for you. The Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft discovered a large chamber near the moon's equator that's a mile long and 393 feet wide. That would save a lot of digging.





Read more about it via Silicon India:
www.siliconindia.com

A few words...

If you're considering learning a foreign language, you might want to take a few minutes to read the linked article from 'Zen Habits'. One of the very sensible keys pointed out - 'increase your need to use the language you are wanting to study'. Plus a lot of common sense ideas. Reading time: about 12 minutes.






Simple guide to speaking foreign languages via ZenHabits:
zenhabits.net/fluent