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In the Media Arts and Technology program, we explore new metaphors for artistic interactivity that connect the physical world with the virtual realm. We develop new techniques for computing that generate music and visual arts in a myriad of ways; but in order to put forth these techniques, we must create new sensors, and build interfaces that can better grasp their control and generation. The CUI allows us to bind physical processes or actions to corresponding digital expressions. Link.

Here are some photos and dissections of the Juicebox, a cheap LCD device that can play music and photos. It’s based on uClinux, so there are a few projects currently underway to do some neat things with it. And here’s a tip- to put the Juicebox into test mode – just hold the top and bottom most buttons on powerup. Link.

wikiHow is a collaborative writing project to build the world’s largest how-to manual. With your contributions, we can create a free resource that helps people by offering clear, concise solutions to the problems of everyday life. There are a ton of articles, here’s a good one on making your own Lineman’s phone. Link.

Here are some great concept models and Mecha robots made from LEGOs. Complete with detailed descriptions too- Armament: Beam rifle x2 (~2 megawatt charge, stored in shoulder charging racks/weapons binders), clay bazooka (fed from 5-round clips, hand-carried). Even lighter armored than the L-Siren, V-Sirens are built for speed and agility above all else. Typically not armed with melee weapons, a V-Siren is most frequently seen slinging either its integral beam guns or a “clay bazooka”, a shotgun-like multi-payload launcher. [via] Link.

The TileToy is a modular electronic game prototype- their blog has lots of the iterations, ideas and updates their project has gone through. From what I can tell it can communicate with other blocks, and users can create patterns, possibly play games and some other neat things. They also have some interesting videos of the little guys in action. Link.

The project is aimed in part at demonstrating that NASA’s new balloon vehicle can carry sophisticated instruments in near-space fairly cheaply. Balloon-borne telescopes can be launched at roughly 1 per cent of the cost of deploying a satellite by conventional rocket launches. The balloon has a volume of about 1.2-million cubic metres and is as high as a 33-storey building. [via] Link.

The function of a brake booster is to prevent the brake bosses from moving apart under heavy braking. A good brake booster considerably improves the feel and the strength of the brakes – the force of your finger is converted to braking instead of flex of your fork or frame. It is especially important if you have flexible frame/fork/brake bosses. Therefore, the main characteristic of a booster is its stiffness. Not strength, but stiffness. Or actually stiffness-to-weight, because you wouldn’t like to carry half kilo of steel on your bike. Link.