Thunderstorms are fun to watch, but not necessarily the safest thing to do. Designer Richard Clarkson takes all of the awesomeness of storm watching without the danger with his latest creation: an interactive cloud for the home. You can get the nightlight version which only lights up or splurge for the interactive RC version that uses motion sensors to simulate the thunderstorm’s light and sound. Within each RC cloud is a lamp and bluetooth compatible speaker system. When paired with music, the cloud “lightnings” to the beat of each song. [Read more...]
Happy 4th of July! American Flags from 1767 to the Present
Happy 4th of July America! In a celebratory visual fashion we think you’ll enjoy this fascinating look at the history of the old Stars and Stripes through history… in fact, back to before it was even the Stars and Stripes at all.
This patriotic print from Pop Chart Labs traces the flag through 48 versions, beginning with the star-less “Rebellious Stripes” of 1767 and finishing with the 50-star flag we’ve flown since 1960 (too bad for people who bought the 49-star version of 1959). You’ll definitely want to check out the zoomable view of this poster here. [Read more...]
Mapping the Surface Area of Other Solid Surfaces in Our Solar System
You’re probably familiar with visualizations comparing the relative size of the planets, but this visualization is different. xkcd has created a map-like look at the solid surfaces of the Solar System, stitched together like countries on a single continent. The graphic includes planets, moons, asteroids and dwarf planets, but leaves out dust, small rocks and large gaseous planets like Jupiter and Saturn. It’s a revealing look at the size of our neighbors. [Read more...]
Advertisement
River Tables Look Like the World From Above
Greg Klassen’s hand-crafted tables have rivers flowing through them. Inspired by the natural beauty of his home in the Pacific Northwest and the tall trees that grow there, he uses the wood’s innately sinuous form to trace the path of water-like glass that cuts a path through the table’s center. His tastefully balanced design choices create furniture with a blend of free spirited organic form and geometric perfection. [Read more...]
5 Creatives Who Didn’t Quit Their Day Jobs
Ah, the good life! Waking up, sitting down to work, no responsibilities but to create! This is the life that many creative people desire but very few are actually lucky enough to get. Most of us (those without immense private fortunes or incredible luck) have to hold down a day job. Sometimes those jobs can seem boring or stifling. We’d rather be home writing that novel, painting that picture, or composing that music. But unfortunately the reality of money can get in the way. But have no fear creative types! You CAN do your thing and have a day job. It may mean some sacrifices in the free time department but it’s doable. Many famous creative people have done it successfully.
Here is a list of a few famous figures who did their work while keeping their day job. [Read more...]
Advertisement
The World’s First Humanitarian 3D Printing “Make-A-Thon” is Underway in Israel
Tikkun Olam are two deeply meaningful Hebrew words which literally translate to “repair the world.” It is a core value of Jewish culture, and is manifesting itself in a beautiful and modern way this week in the city of Nazareth, Northern Israel. For a non-stop 72 hours that began yesterday, a 3D printing “Make-A-Thon” similar to Hack-A-Thons is underway; one where 120 of the top designers, engineers and makers from Israel and the world are bringing customized assistance to those with physical disabilities. It is an open-sourced event with hopes to make a huge impact to those who need help the most. [Read more...]
You Won’t Believe What This Ship Can Lift…
When it comes to transporting large things at sea, sometimes the very best option is to move it in one piece. But what if that thing is an entire oil rig?
Enter the Heavy-Lift Ship: a specially designed vessel which can partially submerge to allow other ships, yachts, oil rigs and drilling platforms to float over its massive, flat cargo deck. The ship lowers itself into the water using a series of ballast tanks which can be flooded. Then, after the cargo has been floated over the deck, air is pumped back into the tanks and the massive ship lifts its cargo aboard. [Read more...]
This Underground Trampoline is Totally Nuts (and 180 Feet High)
There aren’t many activities that can combine the fear of being underground with staggering heights… but this new attraction in Wales has done it. The new Bounce Below arena (near tongue twisting Blaenau Ffestiniog) will soon be giving visitors the chance to bounce and slide on an immense underground trampoline suspended 180 feet up in an underground cavern that’s twice the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. [Read more...]
Advertisement
Flipping Awesome: Jeep’s New Campaign is Just as Cool Upside Down
Remember that old lady/ young lady optical illusion back in the day? Well Leo Burnett has created a modern day version featuring adorable animals. With a 180 degree turn, an endearing deer becomes a handsome seal, an Asian elephant becomes a graceful duck, and a majestic giraffe transforms into a playful penguin. The campaign is for Jeep with a tagline “See whatever you want to see.” We’ve done the flipping for you below for each set, so you don’t have to do any acrobatics or computer flipping. If this doesn’t make you want to buy a Jeep, I don’t know what will! [Read more...]
A Hand-Built “Inner Space” Vehicle Explores Mexico’s Abandoned Railway Lines
In 1995, nearly 9,000 km of railway line in Mexico and Ecuador was abandoned due to low profits. The once promising route, which could have meant reliable trans-continental travel, was left to decay as a modern ruin. It was years later when Mexican artists and brothers Ivan Puig and Andrés Padilla Domene had a novel idea – to build a modern “inner space” vehicle to explore the old route through the heart of their country. The project turned into the strange silver rail and road vehicle you see here: SEFT-1. [Read more...]
