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Using a servo connected to a Mini SSC II and wired into a dedicated server through the serial port, the Control Our Junk team has created a working train set controlled from any computer on the Internet with a few ports open and Java installed. The trains speed can be modified on the control page, which uses a PHP script to send commands to a .NET application sitting on the server. When the .NET application recieves the PHP command it sends the data to a serial port, and in turn, changes the speed of the train [via] Link.

Veastablog writes – I happen to like having couches outdoors; here in Palo Alto its not really a problem since it doesn’t rain that much, but for everyone living in wet, moldy climates, ReadyMade has posted directions for a sod couch. Imagine using chamomile instead of grass, and being able to brew tea from your upholstery… Link.

Tweak writes- A how to, from i-hacked.com, on building a pre-emptive device ,as used on FromTheShadows 4.0, for under $20. This device will allow you to change red lights to green, just like the ambulances (on signal lights that have the ir sensor). Don’t build this, cool to know how it works though. I like I’ll make an uber-TVbGone. Link.

IT conversation’s Doug Kaye (who also appeared in our Podcasting 101 project in MAKE 02) has a great write up on recording Skype. It has been a long-standing rule here at IT Conversations that we don’t conduct interviews over Skype, but recent improvements in Skype as well as additional experience has caused us to revisit that restriction. I’ll be publishing more detailed guidelines shortly, but here’s a summary… Link.

Here’s another solar bag, looks kinda nice- would you want to buy or build one of these? I’m thinking of doing a how-to. Be the first one on your block to charge your electronics using only the power of the sun. Juice Bags Daypacks are easy to use, all-purpose bags that hold all of your gear and charge it too! Link.

Holy smokes, this new from the shadows has a low- a view in to the LA traffic center, saving games to hard drives, a cool new security live CD, removing scratches from and the scariest thing- red light, green light- they met someone with one of those devices that can turn stop lights. Link.

Using the case from an spare Zip-disk and custom made cards, you can have a small portable archive that will stand nicely on your office desk. I use it as a part of my GTD system, and it comes with 8 different cards for Next Action lists, Notes, Weekly cards and so forth. Link.