Riding the rails...

Rail guns use pulses of electricity to propel shells at extremely high speeds. No explosives needed - just a couple of megajoules of electricity. The US Navy has been playing with them in lab for a long time - now they're showing their first 'big prototype'. Details and video via the below link.



New Weaponized Rail Gun via The DangerRoom:
www.wired.com

Topless upgrade...

It might be time to toss the old Veyron and upgrade to the 'Buggatti Veryron Grand Sport Vitesse'. Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the convertible is said to top end at about 250 mph. Cost: 2 Million USD.






Story via AutoWeek:
www.autoweek.com

Kid's stuff...

Appropriate for youngsters (and their parent's) - 'The Big Book of Spy Stuff' is a new book that combines humor, intelligent writing, and illustrations. Cost: about 15 USD Surprisingly good for a kid's book.




Available from the usual suspects, including Amazon:
www.amazon.com

Tactical coffee...

The 'OPMOD Battle Mug' is quite an engineering feat. The mug combines three Military Spec 1913 scope rails - consequently, all of your AR-15 rifle attachments will work with it while enjoying your favorite beverage. Cost: 250 USD. It's completely ridiculous.. but you still might want one.



The OPMOD Battle Mug via Optics Planet:
www.opticsplanet.net/opmod-battle-mug.html

Return of the Amphibians...

Detroit based Gibbs Amphibians have been working on a new crop of vehicles - the 'Phibian' and the 'Humdinga II'. Faster and able to deliver more payload - they're the perfect way to keep your feet dry while slogging through difficult terrain.





More info via Gibbs:
www.gibbstech.com/event

Bag man...

The 'Worton Weekender Bag' is the perfect low key bag to stuff currency, weapons, or just clean clothes into. Made of leather and ballistic nylon. Available in your favorite color, black. Cost: 298 USD





Available from Blue Claw:
blueclawco.com/weekenderBlack.php

Surfwear...

Those who take their internet surfing very seriously might enjoy the 'Emperor 1510 Workstation'. The tilted workstation can be outfitted with multiple large screens to create an immersive environment for computing. Cost: about 6000 USD.





Details from MWE Labs:
www.mwelab.com/emperor-1510/overview

Pellets of Fury...

While it's not a true weapon, the 'Do it Yourself compressed air pellet machine gun' is still fairly formidable. Estimated cost of parts: 15 USD - seeing your friends flee in terror - priceless.






The air pellet machine gun via OhGizmo:
www.ohgizmo.com

Look 'Em in the Eye...

Follow the link for a short, but well written piece on 'The Importance of Eye Contact' from the guys at The Art of Manliness. Really, it's more interesting than you might guess.




The Importance of Eye Contact via The Art of Manliness:
artofmanliness.com

Know it by heart...

Researchers in Taiwan are working on identifying individuals by their unique pulse and heartbeat characteristics. The individual pattern can be used for biometric identification in computing and encryption.





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

Iron clad...

French Ovens are a kitchen staple, but they usually only available in less than optimum colors. The 'Le Creuset GunMetal Gray' version is sturdy and ready for hearty meals. Cost: 300 USD from Garden and Gun.






Cast Iron Gray Oven via Garden and Gun:
gardenandgunstore.com/exclusives/cast-iron-round-french-oven.html

Stylish role call...

There are quite a few style blogs out there, it can be a bit difficult to sift through the 'noise'. Here we have a short list from the kind people at 'Real Men, Real Style'. No sifting required.







Top Style Blogs according to 'Real Men, Real Style':
www.realmenrealstyle.com/resources/mens-style-blogs

Mild annoyance...

Here's a novel anti-theft device from the 1960's - a money case that becomes annoying when a theft is attempted. Hilarity ensues.





Watch the fun via YouTube:
www.youtube.com

Vertical market...

Commuting might get easier in a few years. The 'AW609' tiltrotor plane is looking for a 2016 FAA certification. Similar to the military V22 Osprey - it can take off vertically, then tilt to a rotor plane.




Read more about it via AgustaWestland (brochure and specs):
www.agustawestland.com/product/aw609

What's your angle?

A hip flask is a classic accessory - but these modern, angular versions from Tom Cecil make a bit of a fashion statement. Cost: 300 - 350 GBP (depending on finish)




Order via Tom Cecil:
tomcecil.co.uk/store

In progress...

While not a complete project, the Huet Brothers of the Netherlands are hard at work to complete the 'HB Coupe'. Classic styling with modern underpinnings - it will certainly turn a few heads when it's finished.




The HB Coupe via the The Huet Brothers:
www.thehuetbrothers.com

Leap year...

Last year, the Red Bull Stratos project was to attempt a high altitude jump from the edge of space - 120,000 feet above the earth. There were a few problems and delays - but, everyone is certain this will be the year. It's getting closer.




Watch a short history of the jump via YouTube:
www.youtube.com


All the details (and timeline) via the official site:
www.redbullstratos.com

Serious putty...

In the labs at the University of Georgia, scientists have been working on regenerating broken bones faster. Using a 'fracture putty' that can provoke a faster healing of bone cells, they've been able to have mice up and around in a couple of days. Current testing is progress on larger animals - soon to be followed by human clinical trials.




Fracture putty testing via MedicalXpress;
medicalxpress.com

Hands like a bat...

Here's a specialty item - the 'Tacit Haptic Wrist Rangefinder'. This gadget will emit an ultra sonic signal, and gauge the distance while silently providing feedback via pressure to your wrist -- Similar to how a bat finds its way way. A do-it-yourself project via Make Projects.



Instructions and video for the Haptic Rangefinder via MakeProject:
www.makeprojects.com

One of the designers at Barcelona's Escola Elisava has an innovative idea for off-roading - 'The Burton Malamute'.






Back story and renderings via DesignBuzz:
www.designbuzz.com

Recharge...

The 'BioLite Campstove' is very energy efficient. Using a small amount of twigs or other biomass, you can cook a camp meal - while harvesting the waste heat to recharge USB devices (GPS, cell phones, head lamps, etc) Very handy. Soon to be available. Cost: 129 USD.





Info and pre-order via BioLite:
www.biolitestove.com/CampStove.html

Home made...

A Smoke bomb can be useful for making a signal, a diversion, or hiding an escape. Here's a basic smoke bomb recipe from IO9 . Enjoy with caution.





How to Make a Smoke Bomb via IO9:
io9.com/5879485/how-to-make-a-smoke-bomb

Modern art...

Possibly the only thing better than a standard Riva yacht tender would be one styled by Marc Newson. The retro speedboat was presented at the Arte Fiera in Bologna, Italy. Only 22 of these elegant beauties will be made.



Read more about it via CharterWorld:
www.chaterworld.com

Talking through your nose...

Buhel Eyewear is getting ready to introduce a new snow goggle - intercom combination. The 'SpeakGoggle G33 Intercom' will interconnect six of you friends using bluetooth to also attach GPS, phone and music players. They'll work in a range of up to 500 meters. The microphone uses bone conductivity in the bridge of the nose piece to reduce noise.



Details from Buhel:
www.buhel.com/en/g33.html

Swiss Army Jewelry...

Wegner (one of the partners behind the popular Swiss Army brand) is planning something new - the 'HypeX' line of wearable survival gear. The pendant necklaces will incorporate various tools to help get by in a scrape. The launch is scheduled for June. Cost: estimated between 60 and 100 USD.



Preview of the HypeX line via MobileMag:
www.mobilemag.com

The Swarm...

At the GRASP Lab (General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception) they've been teaching nano quadcopters to fly in tight formation. The results are pretty interesting.





Short story and video via Geeky Gadgets:
www.geeky-gadgets.com

You're beaming...

You may have seen USB cufflinks before, but these are different. They can turn a computer into an instant WIFI spot. They have 2 Gig of onboard storage, and you won't be embarrassed to be seen wearing them. Cost:250 USD






USB/WIFI cufflinks from Brookstone:
www.brookstone.com/polished-silver-oval-wifi-and-2gb-usb-cufflinks

Low rise...

Those seeking security against war, volcanos, and zombies might enjoy the luxury 'Survival Condo' - a project underway in the United States. Repurposing cold war era missile facilities, the developer is providing water, security systems, organic food and more, wrapped in an underground bunker. Cost: .5 to 1 Million USD (half or full floor condos available)





The utilitarian website of Survival Condos:
survivalcondo.com

Homing bullets...

Sandia (a division of Lockheed) is currently working on laser guided bullets. While following a laser painted target, the ammunition can change course mid-air. Very tidy. No more wasted ammo.






Read more about it via Sandia:
share.sandia.gov