aka: “the turbo-encabulator”

In the words of Alan Greenspan: “If you thought you understood what I just said, it’s clear that you misunderstood me.”

Take a minute and read the description below before watching. “Several years ago, Rockwell International decided to get into the heavy duty transmission business. We were getting ready to tape our first introduction video. As a warm up, the professional narrator began what has become a legend within the trucking industry. This man should have won an academy award for his stellar performance. Now remember this is strictly off the cuff, nothing is written down. I think you will enjoy this once in a lifetime performance from this gentleman…”

[Thanks to Chris Keller of Consultant Alliance for finding this video.]

Were the Secure Thumb Drives we mentioned in a previous post just not enough storage? LaCie, makers of those great portable orange rugged drives, has answered the call of many who need to securely store large files. Files such as movies, audio or other multimedia. LaCie’s Rugged Safe offers multiple levels of data protection, from its “unbreakable hardware encryption and the safest biometric authentication technology,” to its shock–proof enclosures.

The Rugged Safe includes hardware-based AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 128–bit encryption. This is the same standard used by the U.S. government and organizations worldwide to protect critical documents. The drive uses biometric authentication, which enables personalized data control, with access for to up to ten users.

You can connect the drive to your Mac via USB 2.0, FireWire 800 and FireWire 400. Once you have setup the users, they just need swipe a single finger for authentication. The drive requires no software installation and is also bus powered, so you can attach it to any computer and easily access your data.

[Available from LaCie]

The Dharma Alarm clock from the TV Show LOST features an Apple ][ style keyboard so you can enter the infamous series of numbers to stop the clock. If you don't enter them in time, well, I think you know what will happen. You will have a one minute one-minute warning before the electromagnetic cataclysm mode starts.

Features include:

• 4 Digit Display
• 8 Color paint scheme
• 15 component clock movement
• You can set it up to 16 minutes before your normal wake-up time
• A 23 Year warranty
• Retro 42-character green display

[$50 from Think Geek]

AutoPark from Frolicware allows your iPhone to keep track of the time left on your parking meter and exactly where you parked your car. The app doesn’t even have to be running, as it uses push notifications to let you know when the time on your meter is almost expired. The GPS function pinpoints your car on a map, and AutoPark allows you to set location in the parking structure via colors, levels, letters and numbers.  You can even add notes or take a picture of where your car is.

Other services include finding nearby gas stations, banks, and public restrooms (with more services promised). One-Button Email allows you to let others know where you parked your car, incase you need someone else to find it.

[via iTunes Store $4.99]

The Honda ENEPO EU9iGB generator is the second generator from Honda to be powered by in-home-use butane gas canisters. The ENEPO EU9iGB generator can output 900VA and features Honda’s original high-speed multi-polar alternator generation system and sine wave inverter, enabling it to power to sensitive equipment such as your Macintosh, TiVo VOIP Phones or router/modems. Keep in mind that this is intended for use outdoor use only. The Honda ENEPO EU9iGB generator has a fold-down handle that makes it easy to pull it out when the need arrises.

Compared to Honda gasoline-powered 900VA generators, the ENEPO EU9iGB produces about 10% lower CO2 emissions per hour. The new generator will go on sale on May 13 at Honda power products dealers, Honda-designated home centers, Honda Cars automobile dealers and Honda motorcycle dealers throughout Japan. USA release dates have not been announced as of this writing.

The Eco-Throttle function automatically optimizes engine RPMs based on the power consumption of powered devices, contributing to enhanced fuel economy and reduced noise, which is perfect when you have close by neighbors.

On a less serious note, it does has a warning LED to indicate when the unit is laying on its side. I am guessing that you could figure this out, when you tilt your head to read the display.

[From Honda]