MAKE Flickr group pool member Broken Toaster posted some photos of a USB-powered Fluorescent Light project. It looks like it is made from an old broken USB drive, wired up, then placed in some type of project enclosure. Link.
At Algoma University the mature students in the fast track accelerated second degree program are not quick to accept theory without proof. As a result, Professor George Townsend offered extra credit to anyone in his forth year Computer Networks course who could take up the challenge of implementing internet based protocols over a new form of medium – Bongo Drums. Eight weeks later, the first public demonstration was given to the class by using a simple ping packet. With a blinding 2bps speed, the class sat patiently as the packet was received in roughly 140 seconds. [via] Link.
IFM founder and CEO Maggie Orth, moderated the panel on Extreme Fashion at Siggraph 2005. In her presentation she described her tufted creations, showing images from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, where her work is included in the Extreme Textiles exhibition. The pom-poms are essentially soft switches, made entirely out of fuzzy textile. They are UL rated and ready for market! [via] Link.
Solar-powered Wi-Fi networks. Lumin’s first-generation product is the LightWave AP-1000 solar-powered access point, which comes in two models, single and dual. The Pearl Street deployment utilizes four dual units, each of which is located out of sight on a well-chosen rooftop, and features two hinged solar panels. Link.
MAKE will be on Computer America Tonight LIVE 8pm to 9pm tonight 8/9- tune in (info on the site). Carried live for two hours each weeknight over the Business TalkRadio Network, Computer America is the only radio talk show dedicated to computers and technology in nightly national syndication. Link.
Well, it’s my birthday today, and despite my request for no presents, I did get a couple of MAKE-like goodies. Here is a spent shotgun shell turned into one of those flower vases with the suction cups. Photo here and here (with flower). I wonder what it shot.
Ultimate Barbeque – HEMI- Powered 345 horsepower, 5.7-Liter V8 Grill. This is the ultimate grill, short of adding in a jet engine. It can cook 240 hotdogs in 3 mins. This was all part of a “What can Hemi” contest. [