31 Global Gadgets

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We thought we'd change course a bit by turning your attention to Popular Mechanics and its latest Wish List 2009. Who knows ... maybe some new sourcing ideas might pop up for you. After all, many of these products are made all over the world. Enjoy.

Global Timber Smugglers

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In a grainy undercover video (click here to watch), the smuggler stands surrounded by stacks and stacks of lumber, large bales of freshly milled planks held together with steel bands. His gold watch glints as he begins counting money, methodically placing each bill on a desk. Sitting nearby, his partner watches through Coke-bottle glasses. They both appear to be in a good mood, laughing and joking with their clients.

The unwitting star of the video, Frankie Chua, managed an import/export business. Let's hope you don't run yours this way. The men Chua regarded as potential clients were, in fact, undercover employees of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

Interesting.