Snowzilla in Mattapan
The MBTA uses a Korean War-era jet engine mounted on a train to keep a short section of the Mattapan line clear of snow.
Energy & Sustainability
If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!
Solar concentrator from old satellite dish
Made from an ordinary fiberglass satellite dish, it is covered in about 5800 3/8″ (~1cm) mirror tiles. When properly aligned, it can generate a spot the size of a dime with an intensity of 5000 times normal daylight. This intensity of light is more than enough to melt steel, vaporize aluminum, boil concrete, turn dirt into lava, and obliterate any organic material in an instant. It stands at 5’9″ and is 42″ across.
How-To: Ping pong ball display
Nice original content from our pals over at Hack a Day. Great project, guys!
How-To: Earthbag dome
Owen Geiger on Instructables writes: This earthbag dome Instructable simplifies the process and illustrates each step of construction with photos. The two critical drawings are also included here. Please refer to the complete article before asking questions. This multi-purpose dome can serve as a storage shed or cool pantry above ground, or as a rootcellar […]
Rings of Saturn
I can’t say I’m convinced of the viability of this amusement ride concept by Thomas Casey, however I’m entranced by the model version that he shows off in this video.
Hubcap viperfish
We have actually covered the work of British hubcap sculptor Ptolemy Elrington a couple times before (see below), but I couldn’t resist posting again when I saw this viperfish sculpture, which appears among others in a gallery at The Telegraph.
My thought for the day? Viperfish are awesome. That is all.
Smugglers caught with weed-flinging catapult
My pal Alan Dove has thoughtfully suggested that these guys might’ve done better to build themselves a trebuchet.
