»In which we have social security through fahion obscurity

Through the always-worthy News of the Weird email circular, I learned a little about the intersection of fashion and invention:

That is a purse in the guise of a manhole. The New York Times article features such other items as a children's backpack that converts into a typical Japanese fire-extinguisher and a slender skirt that folds into a ersatz vending machine (and completely conceals the wearer). The idea is that the wearer of these clothes feels more comfortable walking alone in deserted areas, knowing that they might easily blend into the urban streetscape if they feel threatened.

This concept might not work as readily around here: one sees few out-of-doors vending devices on Manhattan sidewalks; whether this is due to the ubiquity of bodegas, or the fear of vandalism, or some economic reason, I do not know. If the skirt converted to a nitrogen canister, or something more typically New York and non-interactive (neither a wire trash basket nor an umbrella vendor would pass muster), it could work.

Also through News of the Weird, and also security-related: catch a thief, receive beer for life*. *"for life" works out to a carton per month, which does not really seem like a whole lot, really. But still: Croucher Brewing sound like they make some tasty beer, and I sure hate to hear that "some blighters" took off with their laptop.