Spy vs. Spy along the beltway

We remember reading last year about the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., and how it boasted the country's largest permanent collection of international spy-related artifacts on public display. It is the only public museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on this profession. Yes, we thought, but does it have a gift shop? Well, it had a brochure with a number of interesting items for sale that found their way into our home or were given as gifts to family and friends. Since it obviously has found a willing market for its interesting line of merchandise, the Spy Museum has stepped up with an expanded list of items for sale as well as its inaugural catalog--no, it isn't written in invisible ink--an intriguing publication filled with tools of the spy trade, high-tech surveillance gadgets, books, games, kids' stuff, and a new line of clothing called Cover Story.

This is a different kind of catalog, inspired by the world of espionage and designed exclusively for people who like to bring mystery and style into their lives. Here, shoppers find items not available in stores or, for that matter, many places outside of the Pentagon. One-inch-square security cameras, high-tech vests, survival lights, spy cameras, pen storage drives, night-vision scopes, rearview sunglasses, nightscopes, robots, voice transformers, laser games, and spy kits.

The Women's Layered T-Shirts ($25) immediately caught our eye, especially the pink one that warned, "Beware of Female Spies.... Beware of Inquisitive Women. See Everything. Hear Everything. Say Nothing." Then, we chose the Women's Cover Story Luxe-Touch Full-Zip Fleece ($59). Soft sueded (80% cotton, 20% polyester), it comes in sunset or green with princess seams for a flattering fit, zippered front pocket, and elasticized binding at the cuffs and hem. This top's got Emma Peel appeal--or at least we think it's what she'd have put on when the catsuit came off.

While we're not usually one for gadgets, we couldn't resist the Limited Edition Spy Night Scope ($20). So, who's afraid of the dark now? We're on the lookout for counter-spies and bad guys with these night-vision binoculars. The two modes--stealth light and super-bright spotlight--let us see up to 25 feet in the dark (five times the limited scope of the naked eye). The finish is sleek chrome and the lenses are high-definition--and it only needs two AAA batteries to operate.

Another interesting lighting device is the Egear Luxeon Tactical Torch, available in 3-watt ($65) or 1-watt ($45). Agents Mulder and Scully would have loved these. Each torch has a one-handed tactical end cap switch for momentary- or constant-on modes. Lightweight yet rugged, they're commonly used by law enforcement officers. The Luxeon Star bulbs are unbreakable and never need replacing. The torch is constructed of water-resistant, machine tooled, anodized aluminum and come with a nylon holster. The 3-watt generates 30 times more light than a standard 5mm LED bulb--producing 65-80 lumens. It also comes with two 123A lithium batteries, which have a 10-year shelf life.

Not to be outdone by any of the CSI teams working out of Las Vegas, Miami, and New York, we now are fully stocked with our very own Fingerprint and Secret Code Kits ($12 each). The former has everything that is needed to "print" a fresh crime scene: magnifying glass, inkpad, dusting brush, black powder, lifting tape, and file and specimen cards. Instructions and a guide book are included. The Secret Code Kit allows us to discourage snoops by encrypting and deciphering secret messages. With the help of code wheels, strips, grilles, glasses, notepads, cards, and instructions, we were cracking codes like a pro in no time.

For a bit of suspense, intrigue, and fun, we couldn't beat the Spy Alley Game ($35), where you have to keep your identity secret while unmasking and eliminating your opponent. The suspense is incredible as spy is pitted against spy in a battle of wits and deception. Two to six players can engage their espionage talents.

Finally, don't get MAD, get even more Spy vs. Spy in a comprehensive book that is sure to delight all "joke and dagger" fans. Assembled a few years after his death, this softcover book ($24.95) marked the 40th anniversary of Antonio Prohias' Cold-War inspired comic strip's first appearance in MAD magazine. This tribute to the artist and the black and white Spies includes all 247 strips, historical essays, never-before-seen artist roughs, and rare political cartoons from Prohias' "pre-spy" days. (What, you've never heard of "Sinister Man"?)

Orders can be placed 24/7 online at the newly expanded web store (www.spymuseumstore.org) or by telephone (1-800-SPY BUYS).

COPYRIGHT 2006 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning