Month: February 2006
Hans Schepker’s mathematically correct glass and sculpture site is an excellent read – “All my stained glass work is based on geometry. Yes, it is math I am talking about! The following lines are a short explanation of the shapes I work with and a bit of theory around them.” Thanks 
HL2 Rube Goldberg Device: Reloaded…
Here’s Rube Goldberg device made using Garry’s Mod for Half-life 2. Garry’s mod allows you to “Create a comic strip, make a crazy contraption, set up a huge monster fight, build a fort online with your friends, the possibilities are endless.” In this example, a lot of objects with physics that can be made to react like a Goldberg contraption. [via] Link to video.
Sound card based signal generators on Linux
Matthew writes “Previously, E-DSP visited the possibility of using your sound card as a signal/function generator. I was curious about the results, but did not have a Windows machine close by to test it. After some searching, I found a Linux alternative and was able to test the limitations of my Sound Blaster Live!” Link.
V-Twin Engine Paper Model
A little pricey, but still very cool “This is a spectacular magical art for you to put together and is made with paper entirely (except two little wood sticks). This “V-Twin Engine” has semi-realistic exterior and interior detail. The size is about 50% of real engine. It is powered by hand. All patterns of parts are printed on the high quality neutral pH and acid-free heavy paper, which can last for many years and will not turn brittle and yellow or fades with age. All parts are to be cut out and folded. No paint applied. It looks pure and elegant. Various shadows created by different light sources make the appearance more 3D” Link.
Make Your Own Skull and Needles Knitting Bag
Cat Morley has posted up a complete pattern for a skull and needles knitting bag on her site, Cut Out + Keep. A hip way to keep your knitting projects safe. There are lots of other crafty projects on the site too. Thanks Louise! Link.
Virtual world comes to Linux…
Second Life Linux Client Alpha is here – “…the alpha version of our Second Life client for Linux operating systems is now available for preview testing! We used both GNOME and KDE desktop environments in our testing; the client was used internally on Debian, Fedora Core 4 and Knoppix versions of Linux. Residents are encouraged to try the viewer on the Linux OS of their choice and report any issues encountered in the newly created Linux client forum page.” Link.
Food Hackers Make High-Tech Geek Cuisine
Audio from the food hacking event we posted about earlier! “Would you trust a computer hacker to cook your dinner? What if the menu included dishes baked with lasers or served up in laboratory test tubes? A high-tech brand of haute cuisine called “molecular gastronomy” is gaining more than a few fans from the pocket-protector set, who have taken to experimenting at home in their kitchens and coming up with some extraordinary recipes and unexpected flavor combinations.” Link.