Steampunk mods
The Wired blog has a cool post about steampunk gadgets and mods. steampunk, for those unfamiliar, refers to sort of 19th century antiques crossed with any futuristic technology, like computers, lasers, etc. Jules Verne is the prototypical reference when it comes to examples of steampunk. Lately there seems to have been a resurgence in steampunk-related art and writing, probably because retro style is becoming cooler and cooler… even 200 year old Victorian style.
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No more stale chips! This is awesome.
via Unclutterer
The Grillslinger
Uncrate has a summer-apt post about the “Grillslinger.” This looks like something any hardcore BBQ fanatic should own. For a single Benjamin ($100), you can carry your knife, spatula, and tongs, and the belt is machine washable. Do grilling accessories get any cooler? If I owned this, I’m sure I’d find myself grilling everything from fruit, to steaks, to dessert… any excuse to strap that baby around my waist. A perfect complement to my “CULINARY COLEMANATION” apron. Though if I was manufacturing this, I’d add a compartment to fill with sauce and a basting brush, just to take it to the limit.
Lego Key Rack
Here’s a cool Lego key rack found on the Make Blog. I use a regular hook right now, but I’m plenty nerdy enough to have a Lego block on my keychain at all times. It just remains to be seen if it would support my metric assload of keys.
USB Batteries: One Smart Invention
A company called Moixa Energy Ltd. is now selling USBCell batteries, AA batteries that charge by plugging them into a USB port. They can be charged by plugging into any standard USB port or powered USB hub. This means I can now charge my Xbox 360 controllers’ batteries by plugging a pair of these into the front of the console. I always seem to have some kind of computer/power supply but never have my NiMH battery charger. These would work wonders for me. A pair of them runs $19.99… somewhat steep, but a small price to pay for the convenience they may afford you. I hope this represents a sea change in battery technology. By the looks of the company’s website, they have plans for AAA, C, and 9-volt batteries as well as some for cell phones. Here’s Palm Discovery’s video review:
Waitress Shown HER OWN License When Asking For ID
Last week, a waitress at the Moosehead Saloon in Westlake, Ohio, asked a woman to show proof of age after the customer ordered a drink. When the waitress looked at the ID, she realized the customer’s ID was actually her own license, police said.
read more | digg story
Dubai Waterfront
The other day, I saw a whole documentary about the Dubai Waterfront project, currently underway in the United Arab Emirates. The construction itself is absolutely amazing, consisting of 3 massive “Palm Islands” (like the one pictured, Google Earth .kmz placemark) that will be home to 400,000 new residents. Construction is being undertaken by a company called Al Nakheel, in conjunction with hundreds of architects, engineers, designers, and developers from all over the world. As yet, the completion date is undetermined, (understandably so, considering the ludicrous amount of work to involved in even creating the land for all this property). This whole thing reminds me of Venice, Italy times about 1 million.
At the center of the whole final development will be Al Burj, which will be one of the tallest buildings in the world (built on a few feet of sand, mind you). All I can say is, I definitely have a reason to become filthy rich now.
