InventionDB iPod contest ending next week!
Michael writes “The InventionDB iPod contest is ending on Sunday 1/8/06. The contest will award the best project entry with a 30 gigabyte iPod video. Creators of any age and experience level are welcome to enter – all you have to do is create a project entry with three images and three connected resources. Entries are judged primarily on quality of the documentation (concise description, pictures, resources, etc.). InventionDB.com is an online database of projects, resources, creators, communities and vendors. It provides users with free tools to quickly build online project documentation.” Link.
Here’s how to sample 3 volumes of MAKE via our instant message bot, the MAKEbot. Just add the MAKEbot to your buddy list (
Terrie writes “The 
We’re testing out an experiment on the MAKEbot (the instant message interface to MAKE Magazine) you can now search MSN and/or Yahoo over instant message with MAKEbot. So, try it out- add the MAKEbot to your buddy list (
Procure IR modules from an old VCR, Raphael writes “Some time ago, I came across the Lirc (Linux Infrared Remote Control) website and decided to build a serial port IR receiver. They had a list of suggested IR receiver modules, but I was unable to buy one, so I had to think of using something else. A IR Receiver module is usually a photodiode and a 38khz detector. Most of them have 3 pins. VCC, GND, an output pin. If a 38khz carrier is detected, the output pin will become active. Some modules are active low, and others are active high. It is sometimes required to use an inverter(eg: 7404) to get the correct signal.” 
Make is a sponsor of the Great Downwinder…“The Great Downwinder is an epic kitesurfing roadtrip which will take place every year. The aim is to celebrate the diverse range of people who are drawn together by their common passion for kitesurfing and desire for adventure. It will involve a number of riders, from all over the world, undertaking a long downwind adventure.” 
Pat writes “Since all will be watching their clocks tonight, (except in Australia where the Blogger’s Apprentice has already rung in the New Year), here’s a fitting video, we thought, of how clocks are made.” 