Catalogs schmatalogs and newspapers ads. A good metaphor of the brutality and power of marketing. Maybe the killing nature of consumers markets getting into recession. Or the need for war economy these days. Whatever it is, it looks pretty. [The Contaminated]

The "Pink Panzer" is capable of cruising along at 15 mph thanks to pedals re-claimed from six ten speed bicycles and a steering system cobbled together from an old Geo Metro and a Ford 150 pickup. All-in-alll, the tank took 11 days to build at an expense of $3000. Not a bad project for anyone who really, really hates parades. [PopSci]

Designed to create a destructive cloud to do major damage on a large group of soft bodies, the canister shot has played a central role in ground battles since the 18th century. The first time I read an account of its deadly power was in a book called A Day of Anger, describing how it literally made the streets of Madrid red with blood in the urban guerrilla battle that started the Spanish Independence War against the French.

In this video you can see how it works: A cylindrical metal canister is filled with lead or iron balls and sawdust, used to firmly pack the metal balls while avoiding them to crowding each other when the cannon fires. Basically, this type of shell turns the large tank cannon into a giant shotgun. And like a shotgun, its destructive power at close range is now mostly used in urban warfare.

And, this thing can deliver a mean cocktail and turn in place while moving, no sweat. Great news for finicky guests that change their mind at the last second.
[Danbar Toys via Technabob]

Thankfully, the police understood there was no real danger in this vehicle, unless you consider plastering someone in red paint an act of war.

Complete with tank treads and 3-cylinder diesel engine, this is a paintball version of the Panzerkampfwagen VI—which is the actual technical denomination, it was nicknamed Tiger by Ferdinand Porsche, who competed for the Nazi government contract before doing cars for James Dean. This Tiger has a scuba-tank-powered cannon instead of terrifying 8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56 cannon that could take out Shermans and Churchills IVs from up to a mile away (1,600 meters.)

The armor in this half-sized version, however, it much lighter than the original model, which was able to withstand a direct impact of the 76.2 mm gun of the mighty Soviet T-34 tank, at any range. The mini-Tiger would probably not be able to stand the impact of a beer can. Still, we would love to give it a spin. [Jalopnik]

While Rogan says it doesn't create addiction, he seems quite enthusiastic about it and the psychedelic experiences he claims the tank puts you through. Enthusiastic enough to have created a new, larger version, a soundproof 11-feet tall box filled with 11 inches of water and 800 pounds of dissolved salt.

The salt makes you extremely buoyant, and combined with the a 93.5 degrees F water temperature—the same of the skin—lying on the water makes you feel like there's no end to your body. You don't feel anything and, 15 minutes after you are in, he says you will start having weird visions and pseudo-astral trips. And although he has a machine pumping pure oxygen into the chamber ("it's good for the brain," he says), according to Rogan the crazy effects come to you without any kind of drugs.

Hookai.

In the movie Altered States, however, William Hurt's character uses more than pure oxygen. Taking hallucinogenic drugs to get back to a "primordial state" and discover the origin of life, he almost destroys himself after going through a monkey and a giant amoeba, only to get rescued back into human form by his wife at the last moment. Looking at this picture, Rogan seems to be getting into the monkey stage now.

All this can be yours for free, dear reader, straight from a guy who doesn't believe that humans landed in the moon, September 11's WTC 7 was imploded and JFK's assassination was a conspiracy. Contrary to rumors, however, the free tank doesn't come with a tinfoil hat. You'll have to do one yourself. [Joe Rogan —Thanks to Brian Reichle, who made the video and send it to us]

The best part? It actually looks functional, and it's still capable of hauling stuff. – Jason Chen

Dragon Tank Truck [English Russia via Jalopnik]

– Louis Ramirez
Tank Chair [via Jalopnik]