Tactical uncorking...

Sure, you could saber open that champagne - or you could shoot it open with a .50 caliber rifle. Follow the link to see the test shots, and the final product.

Uncorking with a .50 Cal via Laughing Squid:

laughingsquid.com

And there was light...

BioLite - the company that makes the camping stove that can charge your cellphone - has a new innovation, the 'NanoGrid'. The system can be charged from the camp stove and stores energy for a lighting system. Cost: 80 USD (available in February)

Read more about it via Pitch Engine:

www.pitchengine.com

Old timer...

The perfect filler for your vest pocket: 'The Henry Ford Pocket Watch' from Shinola, of Detroit. Cost: 1,000 USD

Available from Shinola:

www.shinola.com

Booze shoes...

Designer Oliver Sweeney is offering 'The Johnnie Walker Brogue' - dress shoes with a little shelf to keep a bottle in. Cost: 489 USD

Info and order via Oliver Sweeney:

www.oliversweeney.com

Space blimps...

NASA researchers have been thinking about Venus lately. One of their ideas is the HAVOC system (High Altitude Venus Operational Concept) - basically a fancy blimp where astronauts could float around the atmosphere of Venus for a month or so...

Read more about it via NASA:

sacd.larc.nasa.gov

Turkish delight...

The Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is open, if you're looking for a little Mediterranean sun. The stylish resort has all the amenities you might expect, and is an easy hop if you're doing business in the area.

Info, photos, and booking

www.mandarinoriental.com/bodrum

Standard issue...

The 'Shadow Amphibian' and 'Shadow Intruder' boot/athletic shoe mashup from Lalo tactical might soon be standard issue gear. For now, you can order your own pair directly from Lalo Tactical. Cost: about 350 USD

Info and order via Lalo Tactical:

www.lalotactical.com

A little bit square...

Here's a quick primer on how to add a pocket square to that outfit, thanks to the gents at Art of Manliness.

'How to Rock a Pocket Square' via The Art of Manliness:

www.artofmanliness.com

Hiding out in Boulder...

The Swiss design studio 'Bureau A' has hidden a tiny getaway into an artificial boulder. The simple shelter can be trucked to a location and placed unobtrusively into the landscape.

Read more about it via Dezeen:

www.dezeen.com

Laser tag...

The US Navy continues to field test the 'LaWS' (Laser Weapons System), follow the link to watch it zap a variety of interesting targets.

Laser test in the Persian Gulf via PopSci:

www.popsci.com/watch-navy-fire-laser-persian-gulf

Tag a longs...

Bring extra people or gear along for your winter adventures using 'The Snowcoach'. The enclosed capsule rides on gas shocks as you tow it with either your snowmobile or ATV. Cost: 2,400 USD

Available from Equinox:

www.eqnx.biz/boggans/snowcoach.html

Spy fishing...

The US Navy has unveiled a robot fish project. The drone fish resembles a blue fin tuna, and can be used to access hard to enter areas. The 100 pound device can be remote controlled or operate autonomously.

Read more about it via RT:

rt.com/usa/214095-navy-robotic-spy-fish

Essential tools...

The Versonel 'Portable Garage Toolbox Refrigerator' will blend right in. The 1.8 cubic foot refrigerator is on castors, and has 3 functional drawers. Cost: 400 USD

Available from Amazon:

www.amazon.com/dp/B00LW4YWTS

Friendlier fire...

The US Military has been testing out 'less than lethal Mortars'. The mortar rounds are intended to blind and disorient rather than kill or maim.

Read more about it via Vice:

news.vice.com

It's a private call...

The 'BlackPhone' is a Android based phone that is encrypted and 'private'. Coming soon, they will have their own marketplace for applications that they've analyzed not to be a privacy threat.

Read more about it via Tom's Hardware:

www.tomshardware.com

I'm melting...

Scientists are working on 'bio-drones', that would grow themselves - then after their mission is complete, melt into harmless sugars.

Read more about it via FastCompany:

www.fastcoexist.com

What's going on in there?...

Have you ever wondered what's going on inside the AA12 Assault Shotgun? Follow the link to watch a rather interesting cut-away view of a functioning AA12.

AA12 Cut-Away via YouTube:

youtu.be/FJR2PNzRyDg

Just like in the movies...

This week saw a flurry of announcements about the next Bond movie - including the next car to be featured... The Aston Martin DB10, which is being specially made for the movie.

Read more about it via Wired:

www.wired.com/2014/12/james-bond-db10

Picky picky...

Here's a brief article from Wired showcasing 8 lock picking tools you'd want to start your infiltration kit.

'8 Tools to Help You Unleash Your Lock-Picking Potential' via Wired:

www.wired.com/2014/12/lock-picking-tools

Unbreakable...

The 'Coffeeboxx' will help you get a decent cup of coffee anywhere. The rugged coffee maker works with those standard coffee pods, and has a water reserve built in. It is made of high impact materials that are relatively indestructible. Cost: 250 USD

Read more via Oxx:

www.oxx.com

Touched...

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a system for creating 3D Haptic shapes that are made of ultrasound - potentially adding the dimension of touch to holograms.

Read more about it via The University of Bristol:

bristol.ac.uk

Hip hugger...

The 'Curve Handgun' from Taurus is a bit of a departure for a personal defense weapon. The rounded design incorporates an LED light and laser sight directly into the frame. The rounded design will comfortably tuck into a waistband using the built in clip, rather than a holster. Cost: 400 USD

Info and order via Taurus:

www.taurususa.com/whats-new-the-curve.cfm

Get a new vest...

The new miracle material 'graphene' is slated to revolutionize many products. Scientists have been testing its abilities as an ultra-strong body armor. Stronger than steel, each layer of armor would be one molecule thick.

Read more about it via New Scientist:

www.newscientist.com

'To Go', please...

Designer Steven Kenn has put together a small but versatile 'Travel Cocktail Kit'. The leather, canvas and elastic holder has 9 empty bottles to be filled with your favorite ingredients. Holds enough for 3 drinks. Cost: 275 USD

Info and order via Steven Kenn:

shop.stephenkenn.com/products/travel-cocktail-kit

Show off...

Construction is starting soon on 'The Xhibitionist Event Super Yacht' - a yacht specifically built for high end events. The trihull 70m catamaran will be able to stylishly host events for as many as 600 participants.

Details and renderings from NedShip:

nedshipgroup.com

Help is on the way...

Martin JetPacks has announced a partnership with Avvwatch, to co-develop first responder capabilities for a variety of emergency situations. The new generation JetPacks have been outfitted with better ducting that will improve maneuverability and extend the flight range.

Read more about it via Martin JetPack:

www.martinjetpack.com

Downward spiral...

The Shimizu Corp. of Japan is working out plans for floating ocean communities that would spiral 9 miles down to the sea floor. The first city could be ready as soon as 2030.

Read more about it via The Telegraph:

www.telegraph.co.uk

Curve hugger...

Mercedes Benz is showing off its next generation sports car, the '2016 GT S'. The newly sculpted body has a variety of interesting curves and angles that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Cost: an estimated 115,000 USD

Photos and info via Wired:

www.wired.com

Valet parking...

The SpaceX group has an interesting plan for where to land their reusable rockets - Autonomous Seafaring Spaceport Drones. Landing pad ships that would position themselves in the ocean and wait for the rocket to land.

Read more about it via TechCrunch:

techcrunch.com

Time to get popping...

A German inventor has put together a watch with a 1500 milliwatt laser. Not the most attractive timepiece, but it can light matches and pop balloons from across the room. Proposed Cost: 300 USD

Info via 'Reality-Info':

www.reality-info.com

Quick trip...

New MagLev trains are being tested in Japan that can travel in excess of 300 mph. The train floats magnetically above the track, while the extremely aerodynamic engine cuts wind resistance.

Read more about it via MashAble:

mashable.com/2014/11/17/japan-maglev-train

Special ops...

Nothing welcomes the season like a 'Tactical Holiday Stocking'. Integrated MOLLE straps, a swivel carabiner, and quick release bindings adorn the festive decoration. Available in black. Cost: 20 USD

The 'Tactical Holiday Stocking' from ThinkGeek:

www.thinkgeek.com

On target...

The 'Skynet' concept may make those drone deliveries a little easier. Preset LED nets are used as targets that can be programmed as a drop spot. Additionally, the target zone can drop into a locked container.

Watch the video via 'Drones for good':

dronesforgood.ae

What's in your wallet?...

The 'Hypalon Concealment Wallet' from ITS Tactical could be your best bet in times of trouble. The sturdy wallet is made of synthetic rubber that's resistant to chemicals, uv light, and extreme temperatures. The interior compartments are built to house a variety of entry tools (sold separately). It can be outfitted with an RF blocking shield. Cost: 135 USD with everything included

Read more about it and order via ITS Tactical:

www.itstactical.com

Opulence...

The Dartz 'Prombron Black Shark' luxury armored SUV has been announced. The kevlar and titanium clad SUV is bulletproof and magnetic mine resistant. Interior features include a champagne cabinet, humidor with a golden hookah, and exotic animal leathers.

Read more about it via Dartz:

dartz.us

Hard knocks...

The 'Yoogo Self Defense Keychain' can deliver a little extra punch when you need it. Cost: 20 USD

Info, order and video via Yoogo:

yoogo.co

The mask...

Currently in development, the 'Scubus S HD Scuba Mask' promises HD recording, heads-up display of critical information, and communications with other divers.

Info via Discovery News:

news.discovery.com

Plot twist...

For years, movie plot lines have often included having to find a hidden nuclear device. Now, Sandia Labs has developed a 'Mobile Imager of Neutrons for Emergency Responders' or 'MINER' for short. The device is a backscatter neutron camera that can help quickly locate sources of radiation.

Read more about it via Sandia:

share.sandia.gov

Printing a new home...

The European Space Agency has been experimenting with 'printing' a moon base. The idea is to use native moon materials to load a 3D printer, then print/build on top of an inflatable central core.

Read more about it via the ESA:

www.esa.int

Gun case...

Land Rover has teamed up with luxury gun manufacturer Holland and Holland to produce the most luxurious SUV ever. The specially badged vehicle sports a leather clad interior with walnut gunstock accents. The tailgate includes additional gun storage, and an extension for easy seating. Cost: 180,000 GPB

Read more about it via Land Rover:

newsroom.jaguarlandrover.com

Spacey bike...

The 2014 Ural 'Mir' commemorates the joint US-Russian space mission. Styling queues include an 'orbital white' paint treatment, solar panel, and engraved external wrench. Cost: 17,000 USD

Read more about it via Ural:

imz-ural.com/2014-ural-mir.html

Foiled again...

UPDATE: A while back, the two seater hydrofoil was announced by Quadrofoil. Now, it's in production with a delivery date in spring of 2015. Cost: from 19,000 USD

Info, video, and order via Quadrofoil:

www.quadrofoil.com/en

Arsenal...

The gents at Military Factory have compiled an impressive list of all the small arms used during World War II.

WW2 Small Arms via Military Factory:

www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/ww2-guns.asp

Not so honest...

Noah Zandan has a few interesting ideas about how to detect lies. Follow the link for a quick overview via YouTube, and further links for more details. Honest.

The Language of Lying via YouTube and TED:

youtu.be/H0-WkpmTPrM

In the chips...

DARPA announced they have a computer chip that is capable of 1 Trillion cycles per second. That would be about 250 times faster than the highest end Mac Pro, but on a single chip. It will not be on store shelves anytime soon.

Read more from DARPA:

www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2014/10/28.aspx

Getting sidetracked...

'Sidetracked' is a new adventure magazine with high quality photography and insightful writing.

See back issues and other content via Sidetracked:

www.sidetracked.com

Listening in...

The tiny 'Invisity Ear Prompter' by Phonak is the smallest radio frequency receiver on the commercial market. Cost: 1100 GPB transmit options are also available.

Read more about it via Phonak:

www.phonak-communications.com

Ferrari of the Sea...

It's a common problem: your old mini-sub is not sporty enough. Fortunately, U-Boatworx is building the 'HP Sport Sub 2'. The compact, lightweight sub will fit perfectly in the bay of most large mega-yachts. Cost: 1.35 Million USD

Specs and order via U-Boatworx:

www.uboatworx.com

Get going...

Here's a short list of '15 Ways to Immediately Get Motivated' from The Success Soup.

'15 Ways to Immediately Get Motivated' from The Success Soup.

thesuccesssoup.com

Yes, I'm talking to YOU...

SoundLazer is making a small parametric speaker, which can send a very focused beam of sound. The small device can be pointed at a specific person in a group to send a private message over the open air. Cost: about 150 USD

Read more about it via SoundLazer:

www.soundlazer.com