Body armor--not for cosplay

Skiing and other winter sports may not be the most popular kind of activities in our region, but there's no reason we can't admire some of the cool equipment they use. Check out the Torso Armor Jacket sold by Swedish company POC--wearing it will make you look like a Marvel comic hero, and for good reason, too. The support provided by this product may save a skier from being permanently paralyzed in the event of a bad fall. The white portion you see in the picture protects the spine from being snapped like a twig when someone rolls down a snowy mountain side. It isn't for everyone, but if you need something like that, contact POC to find out where you can buy one.

Via Cool Hunting

Acupressure wristband: You're getting sleepy

A new wristband by biomedical device company HBI promises to let troubled sleepers skip the Ambien and still get a better night's slumber. The DreamKeeper 400 relies largely on acupressure techniques, stimulating the median nerves on the inside of the wrist through electrostatic pulses and adjustable vibration.

HBI says the drug-free device doesn't emit an electronic current or cause pain and tingling, and adds that it can be safely used by people with pacemakers.

Somnolence seekers strap the drug-free device on for 30 minutes prior to going to bed. In addition to stimulating a specific pressure point thought to be responsible for stress relief and sleep, the device's proprietary breath synchronization program guides users to slow their breathing. This reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and prepares users for sleep. Basically, it's like a personal meditation mentor (and in fact, might be handy to have around the office for those stressful board meetings or run-ins with the boss).
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Stephen Hawking unveils oddest clock ever

A US$1.8 million mechanical clock featuring a massive time-eating grasshopper made its debut at the University of Cambridge Friday, and famed cosmologist Stephen Hawking was on site to introduce the strange and provocative timepiece.

The Corpus Clock has no hands or digital numerals, but instead features slits cut into its gold-plated face. As the escape wheel moves, darting blue LED lights behind the openings pause at the correct hour, minute, and second.

Atop the clock, the blinking, tail-wagging grasshopper (or "chronophage", meaning "time eater") perpetually advances the perimeter of the 4ft-wide round dial, devouring minutes in its snapping jaws to remind viewers that time is fleeting.

But even those with excessive amounts of cash and an affinity for giant insects won't be able to buy a Corpus Clock for their living room anytime soon. It was designed specially for the exterior of Corpus Christi College's new library as both a radical new way of telling time and a hard-to-miss piece of public art with an existential message.

On the hour, the college explains, the clock "reminds us of our mortality with the sound of a chain dropping into a wooden coffin. More playfully, the clock plays tricks on the observer, seeming occasionally to pause, run unevenly, and even go backwards".
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Night vision eyeglasses fit for a race driver

Clearly no one's taking chances when it comes to the upcoming F1 night race in Singapore this weekend. As you know, night will turn into day from September 26 to 28 when the Marina Bay Street Circuit lights up with 1,500 Philips projectors. Although the lights are designed to avoid glare, there are never enough precautions that one can take--from rain-proof visors to night vision eyeglasses.

According to Tag Heuer, race driver Sebastien Bourdais will be wearing its Night Vision eyeglasses, developed in partnership with the Peugeot Sport team, Le Mans Series champion and medical experts. These are said to be able to correct night myopia, contrast dark blue surroundings and reduce glare.

Although the eyewear was developed specifically for racing purposes, at S$1,112.80 (US$805.85) a pair, the only difference between Bourdais and you wearing them is that he probably didn't have to fork out a single penny for the eyeglasses, while you'll have to pay through your nose for them.

Limited-edition Tag Heuer Grand Carrera only in Singapore

A total of 150 pieces of this limited-edition timepiece were produced in commemoration of the inaugural F1 night race in Singapore taking place this weekend, and from our understanding, more than half have already been snapped up by folks richer than you and I. According to the luxury watch maker, the S$8,300 (US$6,010.57) Grand Carrera Calibre 8 RS Grande-Date GMT (Singapore Limited Edition) will come with an equally sought-after "Snakes and Devils" book compiled and authored by motoring enthusiast Eli Solomon.

The Grand Carrera Calibre 8 RS Grande-Date GMT (Singapore Limited Edition), along with other tickers, is currently being showcased at the "Racing Legends of Our Time" exhibition which aims to commemorate Tag Heuer's continual involvement in motor racing. The event will be held till September 29 (a day after race night) at the Paragon Shopping Centre Atrium in downtown Singapore.

Racing fans can also expect to catch Kimi Raikkonen on September 24, at 7.30pm, for a meet-and-greet session.

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