Teamwork...

In an exercise to demonstrate robotic teamwork, the researchers at Penn had a squadron of tiny quadrotors perform the James Bond theme.






Story and video of Quadrotors doing James Bond via Penn Engineering:
www.upenn.edu/spotlights/penn-quadrotors-ted

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