Daily Archives: February 18, 2008

Teutonic Terrorcycle

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

A German motorcycle craftsman has created “Satte Literschüssel,”* a beautifully barbaric beast of bike powered by a tractor engine, sporting metal-banded ash forks and what appears to be a shovel for a seat. My only question: how would one steer … Continue reading →

Analyzing the Videogame Industry Analysts

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

Kotaku takes a look at ten different videogame industry analysts and analyzes the accuracy of their claims, proving the hardest part about being an industry pundit is fooling someone into giving you a proper soapbox. My personal rate of success … Continue reading →

Bongkun Shin’s “SmartGuide” Drill Concept

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

Eschewing the form-over-function tendency of most concept designs, Bongkun Shin’s “SmartGuide” drill features a nesting, retracting guide that ensures perfectly perpendicular holes. While there are certainly times when the guide would get in the way, a simple clip to keep … Continue reading →

Microsoft’s Ingenious “Mouse” Logo

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

This is a bit far afield for a gadgets site, perhaps, but indulge me. “Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions Creative Awards” has changed their name to “Mouse,” with this clever logo. There’s even a slight gadget connection, since to be eligible … Continue reading →

Video: Polaroid SX-70 Commercial by Charles and Ray Eames x The Cramps

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

Here’s a bizarre intersection of a certain subset of my friends and our interests: a retro commercial filmed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Polaroid SX-70, set by an unknown genius to The Cramps “Garbageman.” (I’m in there for … Continue reading →

Modern Mechanix Round-Up

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

Recently on Modern Mechanix we looked at this 1939 radio-fax machine that picked up a broadcast from a local radio station and printed out the morning newspaper right in your living room.  During WWII the U.S. navy deployed really crazy … Continue reading →

Leatherman Freestyle: A Cheaper Skeletool

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

The Leatherman Skeletool was near the top of most of my admittedly-multi-tool-obsessed friends’ wish lists this Christmas. Too bad it still hasn’t made it to market. (Amazon is currently projecting a mid-March release.) Now Leatherman is showing off an even … Continue reading →

The State of In-Dash Interface Design

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

CNET has assembled a gallery of interface shots from various in-car navigation and media systems, commenting on the strengths and failures of various designs. I’m shocked by the preponderance of blue and grey. GM’s interface is nicely done, with a … Continue reading →

Eyeclops Bug Vac Makes Backyard Entomology Slightly Less Squicky

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

Eyeclops, the cheap magnifying camera that attaches to your TV, has announced additions to the line-up for ’08, including a replaceable lens for greater magnification and the “Bug Vac,” essentially a small Dustbuster-like contraption with which to capture insects for … Continue reading →

Some—But Not All—of the Horrible Motherboard Box Art We Found

Posted on February 18, 2008 by Joel Johnson

“Oh hella shit, boys, my new motherboard is off limits.” “Do you mean that it does not conform to industry standards making it unsuitable for interoperability with other PC hardware?” “No, I mean that it has snake truck.” This motherboard … Continue reading →