Cool Tools: Sharing our Favorites

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Cool Tools: Sharing our Favorites

Screen shot 2013-12-05 at 4.53.53 PM

You may be aware of the Cool Tools site, where only the best tools of all types are reviewed and featured. The site was begun by Kevin Kelly, founding editor of Wired and The Whole Earth Catalog.

The Whole Earth Catalog was a tome of information, originally published in 1968. It had content that was particularly influential to individuals in the tech world and counterculture. It was always somewhere in my house as a kid, and I’m delighted to hear that Cool Tools is now being printed in the tradition of The Whole Earth Catalog.

I was recently able to attend a meeting at Kevin Kelly’s studio, where he talked about the new book, and attendees from varied backgrounds (including David Lang of OpenROV) brought some of their own favorite tools. Kevin’s studio itself is marvelous– the high ceilings are stacked to the brim with books, and an upper level deck has a plexiglass floor. His desk is festooned with all manner of scientific bric-a-brac, including a partition made of solid Lego brick.

Cool Tools will be available for purchase on December 9th. If you’d like to see video of the entire meeting (including myself demonstrating my favorite wire strippers at around 1:42) check it out on this Hangout on Air. Also take a look below at some shots of Kevin’s studio and what people brought to share.

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

View more articles by Michael Colombo

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