Smart Mob Fixes Broken Historic Clock

An article from the Independent details the exploits of a group of Parisian professionals called the UX who snuck into an historic building called the Pantheon to repair an antique clock that had been inoperable since 1965.

Perhaps they could hire themselves out to the museums of Paris?

MAKE

As one of their charter subscribers, I've always admired the DIY ethic of Make Magazine and their burgeoning empire. Each issue of MAKE is filled with enough cool project ideas, hacks, and tips to keep even a dedicated gizmologist busy for several months! You have to love a magazine that details how to make a kite-based aerial photography rig from popsicle sticks and a disposable camera, s one simple example.

The MAKErs have also spawned a sister magazine called Craft, a great blog site, and best of all, an annual event called the Maker's Faire (sort of a Woodstock for makers and tinkerers.) The first Maker's Faire happened in the San Francisco Bay Area last year. This year besides the SF MF, MAKE added an additional event in Austin.

If you don't already know about MAKE, check them out! (A subscription or one of their project kits makes a great gift.)

Chart Chooser: Graphs for Creative Types

Often creative types aren't very adept at utilizing tools like Excel.

Never fear! The folks at Juice Analytics have released a brilliant tool called "Chart Chooser".

Basically, Chart Chooser lets you pick types of filters such as "Comparison" and/or "Trend" for the data you'd like to graphically illustrate.

Then, you are offered choices of elegant, colorful Excel or PowerPoint templates you can download and manipulate to your heart's content.

Excellent for exhibit labels or infographics as well as when you have to present a report!

Metal for the Masses!

A quick tip via Make Magazine:

If you need a small quantity of metal(s) for your prototypes or projects check out Speedy Metals

They are happy to handle small orders!

George W. Bush exhibits?

Just wondering ... what sorts of exhibits our current Prez will have in his Presidential Library?

Post your ideas here!

Science On A Shoestring

A great set of articles from Nature outlines many interesting examples and applications of "Science On A Shoestring" from around the world.

One of my favorite examples is the $4.00 bamboo microscope (pictured above) produced by the non-profit group in India called Jodo Gyan