Hedge Fund Manager - Toy Of The Week.

From: FAO Schwarz
Cost: $300,000
A$401,498
Can $348,432
€256,248
£173,051

Just in case your not getting enough of a roller coaster ride from the markets right now, this aviation-quality 3-D Motion Simulator from FAO Schwarz seats eight for CD-ROM-driven excitement, including space trips, roller coasters, slot car races, cool--if not downright chilly--glacier adventures and more.

With a fully digital audio-visual system and ergonomic styling, it's a comfortable and super-thrilling ride for the junior set. The £173,000 price tag would get you a new Lambo and change... but you already have one of those... don't you?

Hedge Fund Manager Toy of The Week.

Predictable I know. However, I am going on a trip to Canada this week and have found a Lamborghini garage where the owner is my new best friend. He is moving to Geneva soon and I aim to have him on my Christmas list as soon as possible. Not just because he is a nice chap, but also because he owns one of every model of Lamborghini ever made and that, my friend, is an awesome reason to visit his new house every weekend until I can do the same...

I give you, as the toy of the week... the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster... you know you want one..

It howls past 60mph in less than 3.6s and goes on to a top speed of 200mph, slightly less than the coupe due to the messed-up aerodynamics of the chop top. It doesn’t need a detailed explanation of in-gear acceleration, other than to say it could scorch the skin off your face.

The Audi-sourced V12 generates 479lb/ft of torque, it’s got pace to burn and needs replacement tyres for the 18x13 inch rear wheels €1000 a pop every 7000km. If there was ever a time when this seemed like a reasonable bill, this might be it.

Driving it

Find a clear road and light the touch paper and the rear wheels spin momentarily before the car blasts down the road with all the aggression and purpose of a serial killer on the run.

The engine note hardens to one of the best sounds in motoring, the speedo races round to illegal speeds and the scenery races past the window at a bullet-train rate. Push hard on the throttle and prepare to hang on. It’s an emotional experience driving a Lamborghini in full flight and having driven one through the tunnel on Park Lane I can tell you that I didn't know whether to laugh or cry... I think I did both..

Hedge Fund Manager - Toy of the Week

Come on! You know you don't spend all day analysing shares and derivatives... There has to be some playtime.. and here it is... a fully kitted out racing simulator. For the cost of a couple of Monaco GP tickets you can be racing in the office while battering the CEO of a non-performing portfolio company....

The simulator's system, steering wheel and pedals come configured for your choice of Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 or PC. The simulator is customizable for a monitor of up to 42" and includes a 10" subwoofer behind your seat, three front speakers and multiple rear speakers.

"You'll have to feel it to believe it!" $5000 at www.costco.com

Hedge Fund Manager Toy of The Week..

Reading the FT at the weekend I was inspired to add a new feature to the blog. "Hedge Fund Manager Toy of the week."

For our inaugural award this goes to the Javelin Mark 10. Yes! Your own executive fighter aircraft. Being an ex-RAF engineer and married to a pilot, I am a bit of an aircraft geek so this was a shoe-in for this weeks award..

The jet is an executive jet for one + pilot, of course. It can fly at just under the speed of sound, uses state of the art avionics and has a range of 1,000 miles. A light, quick, fixed wing aircraft, it is powered by two 1,750 lbs thrust turbo fan Williams FJ-33 engines.

It has been designed for wealthy pilots who want the 'fighter jet' experience but also for the business executive who wants to get places alone and in a hurry...

There are, however, no weapons systems and no ejector seat so playing the theme tune from Top Gun while whizzing to a meeting may be a thrill but if 'bogies appear at 12 o'clock' you are on your own..

The accommodation for the business traveller is good.. for a jet fighter. The rear seat is 39in wide at console level and 40in at the shoulders. There is no need for a helmet, G-trousers, side arm, oxygen mask, flame resistant undies or boots, so the Armani suit will not become too creased.

And the price.. £1.5mn.

I can't make up my mind between....

"Dear God

I have tried to be a good man all my life. Thank you for the blessings you have given me and the wonderful family that I have. I thank you for my health and your grace in giving me a career... but, if you are not too busy, could I just ask one small favour...."

Or:

"Dear Investors

In an effort to make the process of meeting you all more efficient....."

Or:

"My beautiful wife

Understanding your love of flying I have gone the extra mile for your Christmas present, however, we may need to take our son out of school and sell the house..and the car, but for you, my love, no sacrifice is too great..."