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