Cars, Security and a Peek into my Life
Castoffs from rich people are often high quality, luxury brand items that are well-maintained, if used at all. So secondhand, donation and thrift stores located in wealthy neighbourhoods tend to have better stock.
Found such a store while in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Found my new work purse.
Henri Bendel, retails for $300 USD, I paid $80 and had to cut the tags off.
It’s a Conquest ‘Evade’.
Built on a Ford F550 Super Duty chassis, choose the diesel engine for the extra 140 lb-fit of torque.
400 square feet of cabin space finished with luxury finishings; night-vision cameras front and rear; humidors, Xbox, TV, fridge, a black box, a gas attack defence, name it get it.
The base model is $579,000 USD. But I bet after the extras, it’d come closer to $800K.
And these photos aren’t accurately showing how ENORMOUS it is, like 100″ high, 13,00o-ish lbs enormous.
The 238 L fuel tank seems small to me, spring for the upgrade.
Built by Canadian company Conquest, they’ve exported every one of their vehicles, not one has been sold to a Canadian. Lots ship to China and the Middle East.
The vehicles are handmade in their shop north of Toronto, but it’s bad form to post those photos.
The company had kept a low profile, until recently. A few weeks ago, they set-up a test-drive event downtown Toronto and invited the press. I’m the only journalist to have visited the the shop though, ha. Read Peter Cheny’s article, he took it to Kensington Market nice.
Here’s the specs for the model one lower, the ‘Knight’; couldn’t find details on this one.
Note the GVWR :O
It has electrically-charged glass, sometimes called Smart Glass – by electrically-charging the glass, the opacity can be controlled.
To see one drive by, I’d assume there must be something very valuable inside, to be so heavily protected; therefore it might make a good target.
What about the iPad that’s running the TV via Bluetooth, how about hopping onto the vehicle’s network that way? Maybe the vehicle is its own Hotspot? Is there any WiFi bleeding out? Those externally mounted cameras are probably providing a live feed to the occupants laptop or phone…
It’s highly unlikely the passenger would be without a cell phone, so it’d be worth it to capture their traffic … sitting two cars behind with a laptop and antennae, grab some email passwords; hold data for ransom; grab sensitive photos then blackmail; dealers choice.
The defence would be a Faraday cage; one that could be turned on/off. Could make a nice addition to this vehicle.
But think about it eh, how different life would be, if you had to move around in something this secure, to stay safe.
Fun to think about, wouldn’t want to live it.
Yes they have what I’m looking for in stock, it’s open late, but why I go there is the people.
I find they’re educated, and always friendly.
If you go to the flagship store downtown in Dundas Square, look for Drady, she’s awesome.
I was there on Friday, it’s that time of year…
I use WD Passport harddrives, they talk well with Mac.
Especially if you actually performed the backing up for the recipient, made sure it got done. Because backing up never seems to get done. What Will Your Gift Do? That one would give peace of mind. Good gift. You always want your gift to work on a few levels.
(pro tip – always backup twice to 2 different hard drives, and store one in a different physical location than the other)
And if you’re stuck for ideas, you can’t go wrong with either of these:
Nintendo Wii U (Basic Set) – delivers stunning high definition graphics and revolutionary controls through the Wii U GamePad touchscreen. Enjoy full backwards compatibility with Nintendo Wii and a revamped online offering through the Nintendo Network, too.
Ubisoft Just Dance 4 – this is the latest installment in the world’s #1 dance game franchise, available on all motion-gaming platforms, including the new Wii U.
‘Just Dance 4’ is one of “the” Christmas gifts this year, it’ll go over well. Plus, you might be giving a future dance star their start, now that’s a good gift.
Around now, then 6 months from now, because those are retail’s “make everything 70% off” cycles.
Right now a proper quality t-shirt is the proper price of $20.
I went this week. I’ve never loved shopping. Much of what you see me in is a decade old. I love malls for the people and atmosphere, not for the stuff.
Surprised myself, too.
Think I’ll wear it next Saturday night in Vegas at DefCon – the world’s largest hacker conference.
Remember last year’s video Inside DefCon19 and the interview series (which is almost edited, and includes the best highlight reel I’ve ever made).
On the rare occasion I require an opinion, I text a photo.
I have the toughest time finding simple, classic clothes. Why does everything needs a ruffle or pocket or some accoutrement?
Fact: it’s North America’s oldest company :O
Go to the third floor in the Eaton Centre one… endless labels, open and airy, no one bugs you, massive sale on.
Victoria’s Secret dressing rooms are beautifully lit #NoFilter.
‘Plain’ would definitely copy their lighting scheme. Sales ahoy.
I’ve been keeping a list for a few years, and an eye on whom to register with.
I like Hover for several reasons… they’re since 1999, they’re 100% Canadian, and when I call for help someone picks up in downtown Toronto. If you’re lucky, Mike picks up (he looks like this).
Starting at $15/year, privacy included!, and their interface is slick and easy.
Kay, ready for what I bought??
I made them into a beautiful Wordle…
There’s more not listed here, but that’s another Wordle for another time.
Full Disclosure – You bet I got a great deal, how else could I get so many? Thanks, Hover!
(this is the internet in an image)
