A knotty problem...

Here's a challenge for summer - take the US Navy Seal Underwater knot tying test - one of the basic skills required for underwater demolition training.

Story via The Art of Manliness:

artofmanliness.com

Pack your trunk...

You can brush up on your elephant riding skills at the 'Four Seasons Golden Triangle' Located in the Golden Triangle region of Northern Thailand, the plush 'camping' experience features quality time with elephants.

Read more about it via the Four Seasons Site:

www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle

Looks scary...

Nothing looks scarier to a burglar than sweeping red lasers scanning a room. The 'Best Burglar Deterrent Laserscan' is pure Hollywood hype - but it looks very intimidating. Cost: 221 USD.

Available from SpyGadgets:

www.spygadgets.com/best-burglar-deterrent-laserscan.aspx

Weekender...

Anyone looking for a compact yacht would do well to check out the elegant 'Antagonist' made by 'The Art of Kinetik'. The wooden 37 ft cruiser is a stylish fusion of old world craftsmanship and hightech features.

Details via The Art of Kinetik's site:

www.artofkinetik.com/antagonist.html

Printing up some guns...

In a first, a gunsmith has made a functioning firearm on a 3D printer. The AR-15 assault rifle plans were posted on a common board for 3D printer schematics - it certainly does raise a lot of questions if you can just whip up a gun in your own home.

Read more about it via ExtremeTech:

www.extremetech.com

Cut the cord...

Often in dramatic movies, someone needs to cut some sort of cord to save the day. In real life, it's usually not so easy. Coming soon - the 'M12 600 MCM Cable Cutter Tool' will chomp through cables the size of a finger with ease.

Available in the fall from Milwaukee Tools:

www.milwaukeetool.com

Your lying eyes...

Scientists have created irises so real, they can fool eye scanners. This, of course, is both wonderful and terrible.

Read more about it via Threat Level at Wired:

www.wired.com

Now in Oxblood...

It's easy to spot the Villainess when she's carrying one of these 'Leather Skull Purse Clutch Bags' by GriffinLeather. Appropriately designed in Oxblood color.

Sold via Etsy:

www.etsy.com

Take a peek...

FLIR has long been the name in infrared optics - it now comes in a handy travel size. The 'Scout PS Series' is small enough to fit in your palm, and has simplified controls for basic functions. Cost: from 1,999 USD.

Read more from FLIR:

www.flir.com

The tube...

Elon Musk (PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX) has another big idea - 'The HyperLoop'. He's thinking a train, in a tube, that can traverse from Los Angeles to San Francisco in about 30 minutes. All this using currently available technology.

Read more about it via 'The Atlantic':

www.theatlantic.com

That's a twist...

The next time you see a combination lock, it might seem a bit different. Master Lock is now offering 'Digital Combination Padlocks'. The powered locks are navigated with arrow keys on the front. New features include 'guest combinations' and online storage of codes in case of forgetfulness. Cost: 25 USD

Details from Master Lock:

www.masterlock.com

Sinister...

The newly revealed 'Aspid G-21 Invictus' is sure to turn heads. The limited edition Spanish made car will have a 450hp 4.4 liter V8 engine that promises 0-62 in less than 3 seconds. Cost: TBA

Photos and details from the Corporate Site:

www.ifrautomotive.com

A place for everything...

The new 'Slim Travel Wallet' from Bellroy has a place for all your travel docs, credit cards, currency, and more. The well thought out travel wallet even has a hidden pen - all while staying very compact. Cost: 120 USD.

Details and order via Bellroy:

us.bellroy.com

Full metal jacket...

Should you be concerned that your iPad might be shot at, you're in luck. VestGuard UK's 'Ballistic Cover' will help. The still-in-test iPad cover will take a round, and keep googling. Cost: TBD

Info via Engadget:

www.engadget.com

Creature comforts...

It's possible to have a good cup of coffee, even when on the go. The 'Grower's Cup' brewing system is a single serving french press. Provide the hot water, and voila. Cost: about 4 USD.

Read more about it via Grower's Cup:

www.growerscup.com