Dischord says Nike stole Minor Threat artwork

Punknews.org | Dischord says Nike stole Minor Threat artwork

According to this story, multi-billion dollar shoemaker, Nike has stolen the legendary artwork of hardcore pioneers, Minor Threat. Destined for a campaign called Major Threat, the style and iconic imagery was used for the advertising and done so without the permission of Washington, D.C. based indie Dischord. The label owns the copyright on both the recording and artwork. When asked by Pitchfork, the label had this to say with regards to permission:

No, they stole it and we're not happy about it. Nike is a giant corporation which is attempting to manipulate the alternative skate culture to create an even wider demand for their already ubiquitous brand. Nike represents just about the antithesis of what Dischord stands for and it makes me sick to my stomach to think they are using this explicit imagery to fool kids into thinking that the general ethos of this label, and Minor Threat in particular, can somehow be linked to Nike's mission. It's disgusting.

Dischord is currently evaluating its options, and you can click Read More to compare the artwork for yourself.

Another link from Marz. As you can see the theft is a tad bit on the blatant side. I hope they sue the crap out of 'em.

The Gold Microprocessor Bling Necklace

The Gold Microprocessor Bling Necklace - Engadget - www.engadget.com

We by no means encourage a wardrobe crafted, however cleverly, from spare or used parts, but if you happen to be down with wearing t-shirts shirt that say something in r337 sp33k or, alternatively, have DeCSS written on 'em, at least spice it up a bit with some bling on CPU. So clean yoself up, son, that fat Mercedes logo on your gold chains is over.

Sweeeeet! Think I've been playing to much GTA-San Andreas cause this looks tight!

NVIDIA's GeForce 7800 GTX Hits The Ground Running

AnandTech: NVIDIA's GeForce 7800 GTX Hits The Ground Running

One of the most impressive aspects of this launch is that the part is available now. I mean right now. Order it today and plug it in tomorrow. That's right, not only has NVIDIA gotten the part to vendors, but vendors have gotten their product all the way to retailers. This is unprecedented for any graphics hardware launch in recent memory. In the midst of all the recent paper launches in the computer hardware industry, this move is a challenge to all other hardware design houses.

For those looking for a new video card, you might want to wait a bit. With the release of the 7800 prices are already dropping. The 6800's have already dropped over 15% so hang out a bit for the prices to stabilize.

Star Trek pledge of allegiance gets kid suspended

Boing Boing: Star Trek pledge of allegiance gets kid suspended

A young Star Trek fan was suspended from school for reciting his own version of the Pledge of Allegiance, in which he pledged to the United Federation of Planets. His mom has posted the hilarious story:
"So, anyway. What did he do?" I picked at the hem of my sweatshirt, looked just to the right of her face. I couldn't meet her eyes. I felt nervous. I felt underdressed. I wondered where 8 was.
So she told me what he did. And as she told me, I started to laugh. I didn't laugh a little, either, but I belly-laughed and grabbed my stomach. My son stood with his class this morning, put small right hand over heart, faced the American flag, and recited his own personal pledge of allegiance:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Federation of Planets, and to the galaxy for which it stands, one universe, under everybody, with liberty and justice for all species.
"Mrs. Jaworski. This isn't humorous. The Pledge is an extremely important and patriotic moment each morning in the classroom. I am ashamed of your son's behavior, and I hope you are, too."

The kid is like 8 by the way. Sounds like the principal needs to schedule surgery to get that stick removed from her ass.

Libraries Say Yes, Officials Do Quiz Them About Users

Libraries Say Yes, Officials Do Quiz Them About Users - New York Times

Law enforcement officials have made at least 200 formal and informal inquiries to libraries for information on reading material and other internal matters since October 2001, according to a new study that adds grist to the growing debate in Congress over the government's counterterrorism powers.
...
The Bush administration says that while it is important for law enforcement officials to get information from libraries if needed in terrorism investigations, officials have yet to actually use their power under the Patriot Act to demand records from libraries or bookstores.
...
The study does not directly answer how or whether the Patriot Act has been used to search libraries. The association said it decided it was constrained from asking direct questions on the law because of secrecy provisions that could make it a crime for a librarian to respond. Federal intelligence law bans those who receive certain types of demands for records from challenging the order or even telling anyone they have received it.

I think this is the worst part of the whole Patriot Act bullshit. The Government can say we never use it, and it is impossible to check. Oh the best part is they only surveyed 1500 public librarys. If the surveyed them all it would extrapolate to 600 formal request since 2001. That doesn't include any informal request (66 were reported).
New York Times Article so registration is required to read the whole thing or you can get the uber-wicked BugMeNot plug in for Firefox.

Archive of old-time radio broadcasts

Boing Boing: Archive of old-time radio broadcasts

A team of six podcasters are building an impressive library of old-time radio broadcasts, from detective dramas to Amos n Andy to westerns and more.

More for Eb. Yet more old radio stuff.

Boing Boing: Chocouture

Boing Boing: Chocouture

This model is fannying about in a painstakingly crafted choco-frock during China's first Chocolate Fashion Show, which took place in Beijing last week. Milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not on your ass.

Ohhhhhh. Hot Asian chicks wearing chocolate! I think need a moment to myself.
P.s. Skinny -ass model might want to think about eating some of that chocolate.

Headblade S4

Boing Boing: Headblade S4

Last year, I raved about the HeadBlade, a specialized plastic razor that keeps my pate polished. I just tried out the Cadillac of HeadBlades, the S4, and it's a beaut. The stainless steel razor resembles a Matchbox car with an edge. Indeed, it actually has rear wheels so it drives smoothly over your scalp. And unlike the plastic predecessor, the ring on the S4 that fits over your finger is spring-loaded so it doesn't slip. I also dig the kickstand that keeps the blade (Gillette Atra Plus or Schick Ultrex) elevated so it dries without the lubricating strip sticking to the tile. At $75, it ain't cheap, but I left the shower with zero nicks and a perfectly smooth dome. The original HeadBlade is now a permanent fixture in my dop kit while the S4 has earned an honorable spot in my shower's shampoo nook.

Here ya go Cartman. Now you don't have to find a barber. The model on the left is the regular version for $15 and the one on the right is the Uber-version for $75. Here is the link to the main page.

Fun Stuff to do to your coworkers on vacation - UPDATE

Gold Medal Winner - The Superball Prank : Gizmodo

The premise is simple: the pair created a firing tube, trapdoor ceiling tile, and a tripwire. The resulting torrent of Superballs freaks out their co-worker and provides minutes of WMV-encoded entertainment.

Oh man. An update to my previous post of fun thing to do to your coworkers is here. Previous story 1 2 3 4 5. Here is the update. 2000 superballs and a trapdoor, plus video! Brilliant!

Button-Sized Propane Fuel Cells

Button-Sized Propane Fuel Cells : Gizmodo

Well, we're getting closer. CIT has invented a button-sized propane burning fuel cell that can power MP3 players and flying robots. While I suspect medicinal Mary Jane had something to do with that last possible implementation, the concept is staggering. It's obviously going to take a few more years for this to hit the market, what with the propane and all, but eventually they'll get it so you don't singe your eyebrows while charging your batteries.

I dunno. I'm all for new battery developments but propane in your pocket? Goodness, gracious, Great Balls of FIRE!

Teddy Ruxpin gets with the times, goes digital

Teddy Ruxpin gets with the times, goes digital - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Get ready for the official revenge of Teddy Ruxpin, childhood bedroom star of the 80's, slated to descend once again upon retail outlets this coming September. In version 2.0 we witness a major upgrade to the internal analog cassette method favored back in the day. Teddy's gonna be rolling with digital story cartridges that will be, of course, sold separately (three cartridges included with purchase). You'll want to set your calendars for July 1 when you can start placing pre-orders at $69.99 per Teddy. Happily, we don't think this unit will be reporting back to the mothership.

It's baaaaaaack. Yet another great way to scar your child for life. Other fun ways to scar your child here, here, here and Gere.

Optware Holographic 30GB Card

Optware Holographic 30GB Card : Gizmodo

Optware, the leaders in everything holographic (except my limited edition holographic Picachu), have a new type of media. This is roughly the size of a credit card and hold 30GB worth of data. It is called the Holographic Versatile Card (HVC) and is going to join the lines of Blu ray and HD DVD for the throne of the next big media. Right now the HVC seems less practical in home uses because the HVC reader costs $1800 dollars while each 30GB card is going to be under $1. For large server purposes this seems more practical.

Woah! Star Trek here we come...

Commission Bans County From Recognizing Gay Pride

Commission Bans County From Recognizing Gay Pride - from TBO.com

Despite charges of discrimination, Hillsborough County commissioners adopted a policy Wednesday that says the county will ``abstain from acknowledging, promoting and participating'' in gay pride recognition or events.
The commission's directive, approved with little discussion and opposed only by Commissioner Kathy Castor, prompted confusion and anger. County attorneys said they were unsure how to interpret the policy. Civil rights and gay rights activists threatened a lawsuit.

Wow. Right in my own backyard. I am really starting to hate what this country is becoming.

Squirrel Flask : Gizmodo

Squirrel Flask : Gizmodo

Made from a Real Squirrel(TM), this delightful little flask offers the heavy tippler a number of exciting opportunities to sneak drinks out of the corpse of a dead rodent. While some would question the value of such a delightful beverage container, I assure you that anyone who sees you sucking on the desiccated neck of an ex-squirrel will know you are a man of class and style. Perhaps the enterprising drinker can add a nice chain and wear the dead fellow around his or her neck?

Hahahahahaha!

US House votes to curb Patriot Act, defies Bush - Yahoo! News

US House votes to curb Patriot Act, defies Bush - Yahoo! News

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday defied
President Bush by approving a measure making it harder for federal agents to secretly gather information on people's library reading habits and bookstore purchases.
The House voted 238-187 to scale back the government's powers to conduct secret investigations that were authorized by the Patriot Act, a post-Sept. 11 anti-terrorism law. "We can fight terrorism without undermining basic constitutional rights. That's what the message of today is about," said Rep. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who pushed the measure through the House with the support of 38 Republicans.

Signs of sanity?

The Mercury Theatre on the Air

The Mercury Theatre on the Air

The finest radio drama of the 1930’s was The Mercury Theatre on the Air, a show featuring the acclaimed New York drama company founded by Orson Welles and John Houseman. In its brief run, it featured an impressive array of talents, including Agnes Moorehead, Bernard Herrmann, and George Coulouris. The show is famous for its notorious War of the Worlds broadcast, but the other shows in the series are relatively unknown. This site has many of the surviving shows, and will eventually have all of them.

Someone was bitchin' about a lack of 30's radio shows (Eb) so here ya go. Here is a direct link to the torrent. WARNING! The files total 1.7GB so make sure you have some space!

Axentra - Net-Box Home Series

Axentra :: Net-Box Home Series

Net-Box Home Series is a line of complete home network appliance servers. These powerful all-in-one network, Intranet, email, web and file servers also feature integrated Internet gateway, router, firewall and 802.11g wireless access point capabilities.

Props to the Wayne for this submission.
Check this box out! Runs a linux kernel and sports a web server (Apache), ftp server, router/gateway, firewall, dhcp, WAP, email server, backup, web access to files, print server, 80GB drive, 256 Ram with a 1.8 AMD duron, 4 USb ports, 10/100 Lan port, and 10/100 WAN port. Plus I left stuff out cuz I am lazy! How much you ask? $399. And that is the cheap home edition. For $899 you can bump it up to 200GB, 512 Ram and a 2600 AMD Sempron. Also adds some other feature like SSH server and stuff. Check it out.

Judge Rules United Airlines May Relax Safety Inspections

US Press News - Judge Rules United Airlines May Relax Safety Inspections

A federal judge ruled Tuesday in Chicago that United Airlines (UAL) may temporarily postpone safety inspections on any plane that carries more than 83 passengers. Industry analysts say the move will help the company in its ongoing contract negotiations with the mechanics' and machinists' union.

Note to the Weary Traveller: Might want to steer clear of United. Oh my favorite quote from the article:

"If a plane makes it from say, Chicago to Orlando then you know the plane is in good shape. It certainly should be able to turn around make the return trip. The last trip proved it."

Right, cause my car has never broken down on the way back from somewhere. Gah. People make my head hurt.

Fun with gay bashing

morons.org - Stories we missed on Jun. 06, 2005
Oh man, this is funny. I mean, if you ignore the fact that gay bashing is so popular that a company has based its entire business model on gay bashing. Here is a link to an mp3 of some guy messing with a anti-gay phone company that wouldn't stop calling him. Oh, they oppose "hardcore child pornography" as well. I guess the softcore stuff is all right. Kinda like the Boy Scouts.

Seagate floods with drives and an 8GB 1-inch

Seagate floods with drives and an 8GB 1-inch - Engadget - www.engadget.com

It's all well and good that Seagate launched a massive lineup of ten new drives of all types today (highlights include yet another 500GB drive intended for DVRs, the DB35 series), but you might want to think twice about that measly 4GB LifeDrive or Nokia N91 now that they've got their new 8GB 1-inch ST1 drives ready to go (they may not be the first with an 8GB 1-incher, they appear to be the first shipping). Also on the platter is the Momentus 5400.3, the first 2.5-inch laptop drive to actually implement perpendicular recording for a juicy capacity of up to 160GB. Ah, what a time to be alive.

I like the 160GB drive for the laptops better, but a 1 inch 8GB would be awfully sweet in my phone.

Updated - Stop Smoking Experiment

Due to health concerns I have decided to discontinue our research into text messaging as an aid for quitting smoking. (previous links here and here.) And when I say health concerns, I mean numerous death threats directed at the lead scientist. Taking into consideration that Baa and I will be at the same physical location this weekend, the remoteness of said location, political pressure, and lack of medical insurance have convinced me that such an experiment is perhaps unwise. And by political pressure I mean the numerous death threats ("you are so going to die!", etc.). Normally such "political pressure" wouldn't influence my scientific ethics. However, after running some basic mass calculations (Coherent Light's mass < Baa's mass) it was determined that further experiments would endanger the lead scientist ability to walk and/or breathe. On the bright side, it does prove my secondary hypothesis from the original experiment. So we will classify the experiment as a partial success.

The Gray Kangaroo Personal Liquor Filter

The Gray Kangaroo Personal Liquor Filter - Engadget - www.engadget.com

The Gray Kangaroo works with all pre-packaged hard liquors vodka, whiskey, rum gin, tequila. Most people agree that it works best with vodka. What it does is remove the particulate matter and harmful conjoiners (the bad stuff that causes bad taste, headache, nausea and hangovers) while leaving the delicious filtered liquor that tastes like liquor that costs three times the price.

Very cool. Make Vladimir into Grey Goose. Or you can go the do it yourself route. By the way we are sooooo testing this at the next gathering!

Men can subconsciously improve their sperm when competing

Boing Boing: Men can subconsciously improve their sperm when competing

The volunteers had previously abstained from sexual activity for two to six days. In samples from men who viewed the images containing the two men and a woman - the “sperm-competition” images - 52% of the sperm were motile. This compared with 49% sperm motility in the men who viewed the images of women only – a difference that was statistically significant after taking into account lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption...

Aha! Well we all know who this is going out to. I think someone is watching to much lesbo porn and not enough guy-guy-girl action!

George Orwell Plaza, Barcelona

Just a little on the ironic side.

Mission to build a simulated brain begins

New Scientist Breaking News - Mission to build a simulated brain begins

An effort to create the first computer simulation of the entire human brain, right down to the molecular level, was launched on Monday.
The “Blue Brain” project, a collaboration between IBM and a Swiss university team, will involve building a custom-made supercomputer based on IBM’s Blue Gene design.
The hope is that the virtual brain will help shed light on some aspects of human cognition, such as perception, memory and perhaps even consciousness.

Courtesy of the Schram-man. Now, mind you, I have no idea how this works, but it is still a very cool project. Of course, it is also the birth of Skynet and the end of humanity by superior machines. Bonus!

Judges toss out DUIs because breathalyzers' source code is secret

Boing Boing: Judges toss out DUIs because breathalyzers' source code is secret

Florida judges are tossing out DUI cases when defendants ask to see the source code for the breathalyzers that busted them -- the manufacturers won't turn over the source, and since the machine's correct operation is critical to establishing the case against the DUIers, the case is dismissed when it can't be produced.

This is an interesting precedent. I wonder if it would work on the algorithm for radar/laser speed detectors?

Waffer PC Air Conditioner Review

I4U News - Waffer PC Air Conditioner Review

"Pimprig reviews the Waffer PC AirCon PAC 400. Yes you read right a Air condition system for PCs.
The Waffer PC AirCon has the same drawbacks as air conditioners in cheap hotels. The are loud and stick out of the window.
The AirCon sticks out of the PC case, but has blue led light effects and a temperature display (see photo) to ease that pain. And the PC air conditioning is of course loud, no remedy there. "

Sweet. A/C for your PC. Link

Xbox Keyboard and Mouse Adapter

Gear Live | Xbox Keyboard and Mouse Adapter

"Who says the Xbox is a computer in a box disguised at a video game system? Apparently, Brando's shop does. So go ahead, and buy this: unplug the keyboard in front of you, unplug your mouse, plug this adapter in, plug your keyboard, then plug in your mouse. Now get to fragging."

This would be fun to get just to go school all the Halo dorks. I can't tell you how many console dweebs have told me they could beat me in Halo even if I had a mouse.

What shoot-em-ups can teach the rest of the world

Boing Boing: What shoot-em-ups can teach the rest of the world

Jane Pinckard's All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Video Games, Part One translates the strategies of shoot-em-up games into real-world wisdom, with hilarious cube-farm illustrations.

2. Always, always be moving. This is most true in multiplayer. Don't hang around waiting, because even though you have the sniper rifle, they might have the shotgun. You're just asking to be sneaked up on. This is a great technique to apply to the office. Walking around, everyone sees that you are there, but you always look busy, on your way to doing something else. They can't pin you down to ask you to do stuff. Plus, it's just good exercise.

Ah, just in time for the legendary LAN party this weekend. How to apply those hard earned skills to the real world. Link

Mars Rover Frees Itself From Sandy Dune

Mars Rover Frees Itself From Sandy Dune - Yahoo! News

The Mars rover Opportunity resumed rolling freely across the Martian surface Saturday after scientists freed it from a sand dune where it had been mired for nearly five weeks,
NASA officials said.

Woot! I just love these little guys.

Wired News: Cool Stuff, Made in Taiwan

Wired News: Cool Stuff, Made in Taiwan

Asustek's CPU fans are designed for computer enthusiasts who leave their computer cases open (or put windows into the sides) to show off the components and decorations inside the PC.

That is a frikin' CPU fan!

UPDATE - Does Text Messaging Really Help Stop Smoking?

Does Text Messaging Really Help Stop Smoking?
Here is a list of the helpful stop smoking messages Baa has received recently. (All messages are sent with the title Stop Smoking!)

Only you can prevent forest fires.
There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life.
Lucky Numbers 34 12 4 28 9 30
If at first you don't succeed then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Don't think of yourself as an ugly person, just a beautiful monkey.

Please feel free to leave comments with suggestions.

What's in your Firefox?

90% Crud: What's in your Firefox?
Seems to be the current meme going around so I thought I'd list some of the ccol extensions I've found for Firefox.

Image Zoom : Let's you zoom in on images on a web page.

Autocopy : Select text on any web page and it will be automatically copied to the clipboard. It works in much the same way as does Trillian or mIrc.

Better Search : An extension for Firefox which enhances Google (all international flavours, too), MSN Search, Yahoo Search, A9, Answers.com (web results), AllTheWeb, del.icio.us and Simpy.com by adding previews (thumbnails) and Amazon product images and info (type, price, rating for US/DE/UK/CA/FR products), a quick preview feature as well as "Open in New Window", "Site Info" and "Wayback Machine" links to the search results.

BugMeNot : My Favorite! Bypass compulsory web registration via Firefox’s right-click context menu. Compatibile with Mozilla and current Firefox releases.

SpellBound : SpellBound is a port of the spellchecker code and user interface from the Mozilla Suite's Composer that enables spell checking in web forms such as html textarea / input elements (html input password elements are not checked by SpellBound) and rich text form elements. This allows you to spell check forms (e.g. message board posts, blog entries, wysiwyg, etc.) before submitting them when using your Mozilla Firefox or Mozilla Suite browser.

So, what's in your Firefox?

LA CAJA CHINA,PIG ROASTING BOX

LA CAJA CHINA,PIG ROASTING BOX

Roast your Pig in 3 hrs. 40 min.
Great For Turkey, Chicken, Roast Beef, Pork Shoulder, Ribs, Lobster, etc.

Saw this thing on an episode of Food 911 and had to check it out. It is a Cuban Roasting box made for cooking whole pigs but works for all kinds of stuff. Works like an inverted grill. The coals go on top and the meat goes in the box. They sell 3 models the two shown in the pic above are 70lb model and the little inset picture is the "home" version for up to 18 lbs Turkey, 3-4 whole Chickens, 2-3 Pork Ribs Slabs, 2 Pork Shoulders or anyother type of meat or fish. $190 for the little one and $265 for the larger. A little pricey, but very clever.

Pretec USB Ear Rings

Pretec USB Ear Rings: Getting Closer : Gizmodo

You know, with just a little tweaking (like taking off their branding and making the cases something other than plastic), Pretec could be onto something with these jewelry versions of their i-Disk Tiny flash drives. Not the necklaces, so much they look too much like dog tags but the ear rings could work, if the other side was copper or something instead of pink plastic. Try it one more time, Pretec, or send us a bucketful of i-Disks and we'll hand them out to all the boutique jewelry makers in New York.

I just love this stuff. Up to 1GB per ear. The only problem is earrings tend to get yanked out in a fight. And lets face it, if you're a guy wearing these you are gonna get in a fight.Link

Hundreds of 1900s-1930s MP3s

Boing Boing: Hundreds of 1900s-1930s MP3s

Hundreds of 1900s-1930s MP3s
Here are MP3s made from hundreds of 78RPM discs recorded between 1900 and 1930. Included are notes on the transfer process and discographic information.

This one's for Ebbie since she like old stuff. Link

Does Text Messaging Really Help Stop Smoking?

Techdirt:Does Text Messaging Really Help Stop Smoking?

There's been some buzz recently about a new study suggesting that text messaging helps young smokers quit. The study found that nearly twice as many smokers ended up quitting when they were sent regular text message reminders or encouragement, compared to a control group. Of course, people shouldn't get so excited that text messaging is really a way to stop smoking. It was still only 28% of those in the program who actually quit -- and the study had problems following up with many users six months later to see if they had continued to avoid smoking.

In the interest of science, I am volunteering to test this new theory. I will begin sending Baa random text messages in an effort to assist him to quit smoking. I also have a hypothesis about a secondary effect my experiment will produce. Hypothesis: Experiment will result in bodily injury and/or death for the Lead Scientist (look I'm a scientist!). I will keep you posted on the experiments progress. First message is sent. "Don't light that smoke! Think of the children!" I really wish he didn't know where I live...

Garden-in-a-Bag

Garden-in-a-Bag : Gizmodo

Now it doesn't get much easier than growing fresh herbs, but I still totally dig these Garden-in-a-Bag kits from Wishing Fish, which provide the dirt, nutrients, and seeds you need to grow herbs and plants right out of the packaging. Pop them open and add water and it won't be long before you have a believable excuse about why your entire office smells like chives.

How cool are these? They have a bunch of herbs and other smelly things. What? I like to cook and fresh herbs rock. Storing them is a bitch and I ain't paying $2 for a bag at the store that I can't keep fresh for longer than a week.

Podcasting Sneaks into Business : Gizmodo

Podcasting Sneaks into Business : Gizmodo

Paradyne, the networking company, is diving into podcasts for internal communications. “We’ve seen such good results with podcasts,” writes marketing manager Eric Knapp in an e-mail, “that we’re thinking of issuing iPods to our entire sales force.” Next up for Paradyne? Video podcasts for training within a month or two.

Hehehe. Sure ya don't want to work at Paradyne Baa?

Cable is finally back up!

If anyone saw my previous post(rant)you will know that my cable got sliced due to idiot sprinkler installers six fucking days ago. Needless to say Verizon FIOS better hurry the hell up. Thanks to Baa! for his handy dandy coax toolz and mad skillz for putting in a temporary splice so I was really only out for a day. I ,of course, could have done this myself but lacked the tools and, for due props, Baa is much faster. On the bright side I got to brow beat the tech into running a new drop from the junction and wait around while I speed tested. Score one for petty vengeance. Oh, intresting little note, as of Jan. 1st they do all new runs in conduit.

How to Build a Catapult

MAKE: Blog: How to Build a Catapult

Resource, links and kits for building your own thing to launch other things. Here is a collection of what plans we've been able to collect from around the web. These are compiled from several sources by many people. Some are suitable for physics projects, and some are for more serious hobbyists. You'll have to figure out which ones are right for you.

All things projectile here. Trebuchets, Mangonels, Ballistas, you name it. Plans on how to build your own and kits too.

Quake 4 trailer

Boing Boing: Quake 4 trailer

The trailer for Quake 4 is out. I was never a Quake pro, but I was a seriously obsessed amateur, who loved parts 1-2. Quake 4 looks even better. As befits a game made at the dawn of the era of perfect, on-the-fly photorealistic game engines, the thing just looks to incredibly badazz as to beggar the imagination.

Looks like the Quake 4 demo is out and I only have one word to say. Holymotherfuckingbadassness! Check out the official trailer here (sucky flash version) or go to the fullscreen non-sucky version here.

Grapes Generating Lightning in a Microwave

Grapes Generating Lightning in a Microwave

Its the damnedest thing you've ever seen. Please realize that although we haven't actually damaged any of the ovens we've done this with, the potential exists to damage or destroy the microwave that this is done in, and the possibility also exists that it could harm a human being if the proper precautions are not made. Please see to it that you are willing to pay $200 for a new microwave before you try this, and that you have a fire extinguisher nearby. If you are under age 18, please seek the supervision of a parent or guardian. I accept no responsibility should this experiment cause damage or injury.

That's a grape. A fucking grape! Check out the video!