Trivet...

If you like to mix a little computing with your breakfast, this Sony furniture design project might interest you. It's just a concept piece - but it certainly is eye catching.






More pictures and schematics via Coroflot:
www.coroflot.com

Moonlighting...

In the new book 'Broker, Trader, Lawyer, Spy' - Author Eamon javers traces the long history of corporate espionage. Tons of interesting bits - for instance: it is legal for a CIA or MI5 agents to take on private work (with his/her boss's permission, of course) An interesting read. Cost: about 20 USD.






Available from Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com

Six pack...

If you're in the UK, and would like to do a 'side by side' comparison of super cars - you might want to chat with the folks at 'Pure Conciergerie' They're offering a driving day out in the beautiful Cotswolds - driving the following cars: An Audi R8, Aston Martin DBS, Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560, Bentley Continental GT, and a Ferrari F430. Not a bad day. Cost:2,500





For more information, contact Pure:
www.pureentonline.com

Night time...

If you have a little trouble visualizing what time it is where - the 'City Lights Earth Globe' might be just the thing for your desk. As night passes through a time zone, it darkens and illuminates the cities. Cost: 50 USD.






Available from Xump:
www.xump.com

Bad trip...

If you're craving a bit of adrenalin - the gents at JetSetta have some dangerous ideas for you. Here are 10 questionable holiday activities to get your blood pumping.






Most Dangerous Travel by JetSetta.com:
jetsetta.com

Feedback...

There's nothing worse than losing a training partner - You can keep you knife training realistic, and somewhat safer by using the 'Shocknife SK2'. This training tool uses an adjustable electric shock to notify you that you've been 'hit'. This is not a toy.... but it is fun.





Details and order from 'Shocknife'
www.shocknife.com

Seeing the light...

There are flashlights... and then there are 'Emergency Illuminators'. The mPower Emergency Illuminator puts out 180 lumens of LED light with a massive battery reserve - up to 20 years worth. The body also includes a USB port for use in charging other devices. It's sporty good looks were provided by Porsche Design. Cost: 289 USD.




Details from Technabob:
technabob.com

Your jetpack has arrived...

UPDATE: Well, the time is almost upon us. After many prototypes, the Martin JetPack is ready for pre-order. Estimated final cost: 86,000 USD.





Details and pre-order via the Martin JetPack site:
www.martinjetpack.com

Magic Mirror...

High tech security has never looked so good. 'The Dottling Narcissus Safe' was made at the specifications of Karl Lagerfeld for use in his house. The six foot talk chromed object is barely recognizable as a safe. Cost: about 339,000 USD - in limited production





Details via WorldTempus:
www.worldtempus.com

Somewhat reserved...

What goes into the world's most expensive cigar? Cognac - and lots of it. The Gurkha HMR (His Majesty Reserve) cigar is steeped in Remy Martin Louis XIII, prepared with secret fillers, and is very hard to locate. Cost: about 750 USD per cigar, or 15,000 USD per box.







Details from JustLuxe:
www.justluxe.com

Lip reading...

At the Karlsruhn Institute in Germany, researchers are working on a technique for cell phones to read you lips. Using a technique called electromyography, the phone can read the muscle movements of the face - and convert it to sound. It could be useful for 'silent' phone calls.









Read more about it via dVice:
www.dvice.com

Moon walking...

One of the projects on the table at NASA: robot telepresence on the moon (aka JSC project M). Rather than send people there, make telepresence robots that can be controlled in a virtual reality room back on earth. Here's a vid of what that might look like -

Science project...

In the lab at Porsche, they're always thinking of ways to make your life better. 'The 918 Spyder' is a concept car - which seems like a pretty good idea. Besides stunning looks, it has a combination V8 and 218 BHP electric motor. Specs: 0-62 MPH in 3.2 seconds, 198 mph top speed... and 94 miles per gallon.






Detail tech specification and photos via Porsche:
www.porsche.com

Caution, wet floor...

'Hydrofloors' makes an interesting product - a pool that disappears. The floor recedes and becomes an adjustable swimming pool using a hidden motorized system.






Details and video via Hydrofloors:
www.hydrofloors.be

Glass houses...

Seems the US Embassy is planning on moving - the current Mayfair address in London is a little tight - and they're annoying the neighbors anyhow. The new space promises to be very 'un-bunker-like' ... a large glass cube. With a moat. Cost: about 1 Billion USD. Parking not included.







Read more about it via The Times:
www.timesonline.co.uk