So many options...

Turkish bus manufacturer 'Otokar' has a bit of a sideline, making armored vehicles. The 'Cobra' is a platform that can be configured many different ways - from a command vehicle, to a medical rescue, all the way to a light tank.

Explore more via the Otokar site:

www.otokar.com

Massif style...

Military supplier 'Massif' asked themselves what it would take to make high quality tactical clothing for everyday wear. The answer is their Massif 'Collection' - a line of clothing with a myriad of details that allow for easy transition from the field to play.

The Massif Collection via their homesite:

www.massif.com/collection

Set and match...

Geoffrey Parker has made a bespoke backgammon set to match your Bentley. Finally. Cost: 2,950 GBP

Available from Bentley Motors:

shop.bentleymotors.com

Wear a towel...

Scientists working at the Weizmann Institute in Israel have figured out a way to see through frosted glass. Using a 'wavefront shaping' technology - they can de-scatter light in realtime.

Read more about it from the Weizmann Institute:

www.weizmann.ac.il

Spritzer...

Your smart phone case can make a statement - by being a pepper spray protection device. The Spraytect case comes in fashion colors and includes a test cartridge for giving it a try. Cost: 40 USD

Info and order via Spraytect:

spraytect.com/products

Accessories are key...

The 'UnCuff Link' from Sparrow may not be the most stylish - but they could get you out of a jam. The cross piece acts as a key for most standard handcuffs. Cost: 59 USD

Info and order via Sparrow:

www.sparrowlockpicks.com

A real PAL...

The 'PAL-V' is the next generation gyrocopter. The Personal Air and Land (PAL) vehicle does double duty as a car, and gyrocopter - while working within the current laws of both road and air vehicles.

Info and video from PAL-V:

pal-v.com

Magic powder...

The 'Bytox Hangover Prevention Patch' is a transdermal patch full of nutrients that are depleted from your body by over-indulging. Just apply 45 minutes before drinking. Cost: 15 USD. Could a nobel prize be far behind?

Info and order via Bytox:

www.bytox.com

Blown...

Clearing landmines is nasty business - an Afghan designer has come up with a novel approach. The 'Mine Kafon' is a wind blown tumbleweed-like device, made of bamboo and plastic. As it rolls around a minefield, it can either map or detonate mines. Clever. Read more and watch test video via the designer's site:

www.massoudhassani.blogspot.co.uk

Case in point...

For the fan of things 'hidden behind bookcases' - here's a tumblr collection of secret bookcase doors.

Hidden bookcase doors via TUMBLR:

hiddenbookcasedoors.tumblr.com

Yes, grasshopper...

UPDATE: SpaceX, the commercial space group that built the Dragon space system, is testing the 'Grasshopper' - their project for reusable rockets that land 'buck rogers style'. Baby steps.

Read more (and watch a test video) via Wired:

www.wired.com

Christmas is coming...

Traditionally, an 'Advent Calendar' is a quaint way to count down December towards Christmas. The 'Whiskey Advent Calendar' adds a little twist: rather than a picture or a small sweet - each countdown is a small dram of whiskey to try. Cost: 240 USD

Whiskey Advent Calendar - available from Masters of Malt:

www.mastersofmalt.com

Ninja improv...

Follow the link for a quick instruction on how use a regular t-shirt as ninja headgear.

In japanese only - but, it's pretty self explanatory:

mcsgsym.tumblr.com/post/34843604704

Sliding by...

This winter's best toy might just be the 'Snolo' - the somewhat over engineered carbon fiber sled. Cost: 3,000 USD

Register interest at the Snolo site:

www.snolosleds.com

Nesting...

It's possible to sleep suspended in the trees using the 'Cocoon Tree Pod'. The high tech pod is made of an aluminum frame and waterproof panels - resulting in a suspended sleeping platform for two. Cost: about 8,000 USD.

Info and details via Cocoon Tree:

www.cocoontree.com