Safety First: Bulletproof Looks for D.C.

by Ami Kealoha

by Gabriel Bell

Don't know if you heard the news, but the gool ol' Supreme Court of the United States has legalized handgun sales and possession in the District of Columbia. Given the already high crime rate and D.C.'s long history of violence, this is what we call in the fashion industry a "bad idea." But who are we to second guess the judgment of the Justices? Given that we have little to no political sway (yet), we've decided bend to the dictates of law and do what we can for the people of the District—compile a round up of the best in bulletproof fashion.

Now, we have to make a little disclaimer here: These looks aren't particularly wearable. If it wasn't for the fact that most of them could stop a .22 round, we wouldn't give them a second glance. That said, all are preferable to walking around with a 50-Cent-style SWAT vest or, more importantly, a hole in your sternum.

First off, Black Armor's Covert Denim Jacket ($800) combines rugged Marlboro Man style with full front, back, and side ballistic protection. It's the perfect choice for the casual Friday bullet dodger. Next, Australia's Duram Products has a natty, Belstaff-looking all weather jacket that can stop the rain as easily as it stops rounds from an AK-47. In a similar vein, Spycatcher of Knightsbridge offers their Weatherproof Disguised Bullet/Stab-Proof Jacket ($1,779), a sharp number that will strike just the right note as you stand over the corpses of your would-be assassins.

If you're looking for an accessory that will truly save your hide, pick up Zahal's Bullet Proof Briefcase ($490), a thick shield disguised as a mere laptop case. Countermeasures beat computers any day. We don't like to think about it, but kids can catch a bullet as easily as anyone else. Thank goodness for Bullet Blocker's My Child's Pack ($175). Now little Georgie can walk home from school without fear.

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Camerautomata Charlie: Image Digesting Robotic Duck

by Ami Kealoha

by Scott J Lachut

If documenting trips to faraway lands is beginning to take time away from actually enjoying them, then a robotic picture-taking duck may be just what you need. In an effort to "to liberate cameras from human operation," South Korean artist Taeyoon Choi created a traveling companion, "Camerautomata Charlie: Image Digesting Robotic Duck," that snaps photographs in response to other camera flashes and can print them on the spot or upload them to your favorite website using WiFi. The piece is being presented as part of a larger exhibit, "Tourists and Travelers," currently on display at Eyebeam Studios.

The project is Choi's response to the numerous technological advances already in place to make our lives more convenient combined with his perception that one picture of fill-in-the-blank tourist attraction is just as good as any other. By choosing the duck motif, Choi is paying homage to French Inventor Jacques de Vaucanson, who in 1739 unveiled his masterpiece the "Digesting Duck," while simultaneously commenting on sightseers tendencies to "flock" to particular spots.

Though there are no plans yet to begin manufacturing Charlie on a large scale, you can catch a glimpse of him in his natural habitat on Saturday, June 28th. A guided tour courtesy of Choi and his mechanical feathered friend will depart from Eyebeam Studios at 2:30 and wind its way up to Bethsheda Terrace in Central Park. Impressing your neighbors just got a whole lot easier.

Tourists and Travelers
Through 19 July 2008
Eyebeam
540 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10011
tel. +1 212 937 6580

Green Plug Energy Efficient Power Charging Systems

by Jacob Resneck

Green Plug is a new company working to alleviate the huge and unnecessary energy demands created by our increasing numbers of gadgets. There's so much wrong with the current model of consumer electronics' power supplies, it's hard to know where to begin. Plugged in, they suck power even if the device itself is off; they're often made of cheap, components that are very inefficient; they wear out and less than 13 percent are recycled—nearly 380 million external power supplies will likely end up in U.S. landfills this year.

To illustrate this madness, Green Plug launched a "What's under your desk?" contest that drew some startling submissions. You can view the "winner" on their site.

All kidding aside, this San Ramon, California-based startup has made some headway in working to remedy this gross inefficiency that's a pointless waste of energy.

Developers are working with consumer electronics manufacturers to embrace this technology that will allow multiple devices—laptops, mobile phones, PDAs—to draw current from a single, more efficient AC/DC converter, eliminating the need to replace power supplies with every new purchase. The device also shuts down the converters when individual devices are fully charged or idle.

The onus is largely on the manufacturers, though news recently broke that one major appliance manufacturer would be jumping aboard. It's a start.

TerrAmazon Snacks

by Doug Black

In the infinite quest to find the most obscure curative health food, TerrAmazon makes a convincing case. With goji berries fast becoming a household name, the creators of TerrAmazon had to explore remote corners of the Amazon rainforest for their snacks.

Take their Organic Yacon Slices, for example. Recently rediscovered as a superfood, the indigenous Andean tuber is sliced and then partially dried. The result is small, pliable slices not unlike flower petals in proportions. They have a subtle melon flavor and are remarkably satisfying for a food with only 16 calories a serving. It's also probiotic (which aids in digestion) and helps the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium.

We also tried two varieties of their Cacao Nibs — one with pineapple and the other coconut and raisins. Both use "criollo," one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties of cacao. Sweetened with a bit of sugar cane syrup, they're crunchy, addictive snacks that can be enjoyed alone or added to a cereal or desserts.

All products are harvested under fair trade farming methods and are certified both kosher and organic. We've spotted TerrAmazon products at Whole Foods, as well as other independent grocers in New York. You can also order straight from the source at their website.