Quirks
Plot twist
What happens when classic author Jane Austen gets a rewrite from Seth Grahame-Smith, the author of “How to Survive a Horror Movie” and “The Big Book of Porn?”
Answer: “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” which takes the text of Austen’s original novel and adds scenes of zombie horror. Available May 13, you can pre-order from most book retailers.
Bite of history
Noble Bar creates all-natural dry fruit bars based on the foods the ancient civilizations ate. Dana Epperson, Noble Bar’s founder and a former Army captain, says his inspiration was ancient civilizations, which thrived without the processed foods that fill today’s market. From soldiers to farmers, people of the ancient world ate only natural foods, many of which had been dried for preservation.
“Let’s eat healthy,” Epperson says. “And let’s remember our ancestors,” who gave us concepts such as democracy.
Centurion Fig, Spartan Pear, Viking Cherry, Han Dynasty Apricot, Kobukson Asian Pear and Samurai Persimmon bars use natural ingredients that mirror the diets of each civilization. ($24 for a box of 12; Noble-Bar.com)
Fight club
The Pocket Shark is a permanent marker with glass-reinforced plastic walls four times thicker than its counterparts. Why would you want a super-strong permanent marker? For self defense, according to retailer Cold Steel.
The knife seller says the marker makes for a perfectly concealed Yawara stick, a martial arts weapon that sticks out about an inch from each side of a closed fist and can be used to break bones, hit pressure points and generally kick butt. ($6.99; ColdSteel.com)
Pen station
If you like your writing instruments with a little less danger and a lot more gadgets, pick up the Ultimate Geek Pen.
The pen has a ballpoint ink stick and PDA stylus tip on one end. On the other end is a laser pointer and UV light. A flashlight is attached to a flexible rod. ($9.95; BaronBob.com)
Season to taste
For cuisine connoisseurs, being stuck eating bad food is not an option. Enter the Foodie Survival Kit.
The 4 inch-by-6 inch metal case is stocked with small containers of dill, ground mustard, cloves, garlic, nutmeg, paprika, wasabi, basil, onion powder, ginger, thyme, cinnamon, curry powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, soy sauce and Tabasco sauce. ($35; UncommonGoods.com)
Daytime