The big picture...

Samsung is readying the largest Ultra High Definition TV for sale next week. The 110 inch (2.6 meters by 1.8 meters) is the perfect screen for a command center. Cost: 142,000 USD

Read more about it via Engadget:

www.engadget.com

It's a subtle test...

This simple ceramic cylinder houses a blood alcohol monitor you can hide in you palm. It's app connects the cylinder to the phone, and cleverly returns simpler information as your blood alcohol levels rise. Cost: 200 USD

Available from Lapka:

mylapka.com/bam

For daily use...

The waxed cotton 'Union Garage Robinson Jacket' is a classic combination of style, function and comfort. Cost: 699 USD Available in Black or Tan

Available from Union Garage:

uniongaragenyc.com

Rules of the road...

Each year, the specifications change for F1 race cars - here's a quick video primer of what new for 2014.

2014 Formula 1 from Autopia at Wired:

www.wired.com/autopia/2013/12/2014-f1-videos

Birdwatching...

These days, there are many types of drones, it would be good to be able to quickly identify what's 'up there'. The 'Drone Survival Guide' is a quick shadow reference. Downloadable or available printed on aluminum for 10 EUR.

Read more about it via Dronesurvival:

dronesurvivalguide.org

Now you see it...

The 'myLifter' project is building an IOS controlled winch that can lift gear out of your way. Up to 50 lbs. can be hoisted and stored - perfect for getting sporting gear, seasonal items, and the like off the floor. Cost: estimated 75 USD.

Info and link to pledge via myLifter:

www.mylifter.com/index.html

Just the right tool...

The 'Switch Multi-tool' is a reconfigurable pocket knife that has 12 modules that can be mixed for what your next set of task need. Cost: 90 USD

Info and order via Quirky:

www.quirky.com/shop/598-Switch

Long story...

Range Rover has announced the '2014 Range Rover Long Wheel Base Edition'. The stretch version is a full 7.8 inches longer and is kitted out with the 'Autobiography Black Interior Treatment' - making it a very luxurious ride. Cost: from 183,000 USD, 220,000 USD, nicely appointed.

Read more about it via AutoWeek:

www.autoweek.com/article/20131127/CARNEWS/131129826

All star lanes...

Aspiring ninjas in Kentucky will soon have a new hangout - 'The Ninja's Indoor Throwing Range'. Open in the spring, the establishment will feature 500 different types of throwing stars and a sake bar.

Read more about it via the 'Ninja Indoor Range' site:

ninjasindoorthrowingstarrange.com

A little off the top...

Here's a link to a short but useful article on 'How to Talk to Your Barber'. It might just prevent a bad mistake the next time you get a haircut.

'How to Talk to Your Barber' via The Art of Manliness:

www.artofmanliness.com/2010/08/25/get-the-perfect-haircut-how-to-talk-to-your-barber

Try a swig...

Flaviar is a premium spirit club. Each month, they will send a set of five, 45ML bottles for you to try. Cost: about 40 USD

Read more and order via Flaviar:

flaviar.com

When Mule's fly...

Tactical Robotics LTD of Tel Aviv has been working on the 'AirMule' a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The helicopter-like blades are housed inside the body of the craft, making it safer for maneuvering in close quarters.

Read more and watch a flight test via the Tactical Robotics site:

www.tactical-robotics.com/category/2013

Snooping around...

The gents at 'SnooperScope' are working on a simple night vision lens for smartphones. The small unit uses infrared to see in low light. Cost: about 100 USD

Read more about it via SnooperScope:

www.snooperscope.co.uk

I'm flying!...

The 'X2 Underwater Jet Pack' is a portable propulsion system that straps to the forearms of underwater swimmers. The system uses the latest in lithium battery technology combined with digital motors and a wireless control system.

Read more about it via Sharein:

www.sharein.com/press/underwater-jet-pack

Shuttle in style...

Dutch yacht designers Frank Laupman and Perry van Ossanen have designed their company's first tender. The 31 foot limousine tender will feature a curved glass superstructure, and seating for 10.

Photos and info via Omega:

www.omega-architects.com

Hand picked...

The 'Gentleman's Bogotas' is a minimalist stainless steel lock pick set that can be discreetly pinned into clothing. Cost: 35 USD

Available from RiftRecon:

shop.riftrecon.com/products/gentlemans-bogotas

Getting high...

This month, the RQ-180 Drone was leaked to the press. The US Air Force drone is said to be one of the new series 'high altitude' stealth drones that can operate near 11 miles up.

Read more about it via SlashGear:

www.slashgear.com

Points for style...

The 'Mr Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life Vol. 2' is available for pre-order. The excellent second volume of advice on many aspects of personal style. Cost: about 20 USD.

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com

Party on the run...

The 'Mixology Backpack' from Tumi has all the essentials for a celebration tucked neatly into stylish compartments. Cost: 700 USD

Info and order via Tumi:

www.tumi.com

You're beaming...

Using some fairly simple tech, you can build your own 'Laser Tripwire Alarm' - when the beam is broken, you will be alerted.

Step-by-step instructions and video via Instructables:

www.instructables.com/id/Laser-Tripwire-Alarm/?ALLSTEPS

Looking good...

The designers at Killspencer want you to look good while working out. Their 'Black Leather Speedbag' might be a piece of kit you'll leave in plain sight. Cost: 1,250 USD

Info and order via KillSpencer:

killspencer.com

No coffee breaks...

Knightscope, a Silicon Valley startup company, has a plan for reducing crime radically. Their K5 and K10 Security Robots are designed to patrol areas autonomously - and call the authorities in case of trouble. The indoor 'bots are not armed, but are bristling with sensors and software.

Read more about it via Knightscope:

knightscope.com

Coupe de foudre...

The Jaguar F type has a new variant - the Coupe version. The long awaited hardtop is equipped with... Well, no one cares. Just look at it, it's a thing of beauty. Cost: starts at 65,000 USD

Actual Info, pictures and video via AutoBlog:

www.autoblog.com

A drone of your own...

A hacker has recently posted specifications for what he calls 'SkyJack' - software and hardware that can be used aboard the Parrot AR.Drone to turn other drones into controlled zombies. Imagine the fun.

Read more from ArsTechnica:

arstechnica.com

Second opinion...

The University of Zurich has been working on the 'Virtobot' an autonomous autopsy system that can scan bodies looking for anomalies that might have been missed by human coroners.

Info and video via MedGadget:

www.medgadget.com

Defense fund...

The 'Self Defense Money Clip' can pull double duty - organize your pocket, and slip over your fist for self defense. Cost: 12 USD

Info and order via KnifeCenter:

www2.knifecenter.com

Time saver...

If you're having trouble choosing between a cigar and a beer, the 'Samuel Adams Utopias 650 Cigar' is seasoned with 28% ABV brew. Cost: 13 USD

Available from Ted's Cigars:

tedscigars.com

You'll have to check that, sir...

Here's a collection of 10 improvised weapons that were built with items purchased at the airport, ranging from wacky to frightening.

Airport built weapons via Wired:

www.wired.com/design/2013/12/terminal-cornucopia/#slideid-330681

Darkness falls...

Scientists working at MIT have invented a new method of processing information that allows for taking 3D images in complete darkness.

Info via Sploid:

sploid.gizmodo.com

Armchair adventure...

'Der Ziesel' is a tank-like all terrain chair. The electric device can work in mud, snow, and most difficult to traverse landscape.

Read more from Ziesel:

derziesel.com/wordpress/?lang=en

Unplugged...

The Adrere Amellal Desert Ecolodge is located at the oasis near Siwa, Egypt. The rustic setting has no electricity, with lighting provided by beeswax candles each night. Cuisine is locally sourced and organic.

More info and booking via Adrere Amellal:

adrereamellal.net