Resisting your e-mail is futile. When Jamie Matthews gets an e-mail, he just has to be notified. Receiving a glowing cube from Linden Labs at a job fair, Matthews just couldn’t resist turning it into something a little more worthwhile.

A simple python script runs on his computer, periodically screen-scraping his Gmail inbox looking for new mail. It then outputs a message to the serial port, indicating the mailbox status. On the other end of the serial connection is a Boarduino, which receives the message and toggles power to the cube.

There’s a highly detailed how-to guide on the main link below, check it out if you’re interested in having a cube light up after every 5 seconds of spam for Viagra you receive.

Link (via)

Mike Rea is good with wood and he wants to show you he’s the master by crafting giant suits straight out of the Mechwarrior games. Shaped like Optimus Prime and labeled “Suit for Steven Hawking,” this giant wooden mech is one of many of his works you can find at his website. He has even made a replica Arc of the Covenant with fluorescent lights on the inside to complete that glowing look. Just like in Indiana Jones!

Link (via)

These laser-etched tools were created by artist Dan Funderburgh. Though not all of them serve an essential use, they all have exquisite detail and beautiful patterns that really make them pop. Intricate designs scatter across handles and blades. Let’s just be glad Dan didn’t go balls out like Craftsman.

If you want to check these out in person, Dan is showcasing his tools at the Riviera Gallery.

Link (via)

Remember when you were a kid a the Viewmaster 3-D was the coolest fucking thing since the hot fudge sundae? Of course you do. Now imagine if a hip artist with a keen liking for Kafka came up with her own set of Viewmaster film wheels. Such is the case with Portland-based artist Vladimir.

Vladimir first takes 3-D pictures of miniature, hand-built scenes. After the film is developed, it’s glued to the Viewmaster wheel and is ready for viewing. Each Vladmaster set comes with four reels for a Viewmaster 3-D, instructions and an audio CD to accompany the tale. Stories range from $18 and up.

Link (via)

Here’s an idea that seems so simple once someone has actually pulled it off. A lot of people have rewards cards or membership cards for various stores they shop at. Instead of carrying around a bulky amount of cards in your wallet, try scanning them and putting the image on your iPhone or comparable mobile device. You’ll save yourself time, space and a headache on your next trip to the store.

Link

An instrument called TUIST (Transformable Uber Interface for Stardom) is a combination of guitar, bass and drums all in just one handful. Created by Rui Pereira an NYU student who got too bored with the fact that Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is coming out. The custom-made instrument takes up less space than Rock Band and has the ultra-cool ability of changing the way it sounds depending on how one holds it.

The TUIST appeals to the Guitar Hero folk because according to Pereira, anyone can mess around with the TUIST and spawn an interesting sound from it. If you’ve always wanted to make music but have been too much of a lazy bum, then the TUIST is for you. After the jump, a video of the TUIST in action.

(more…)

Don’t like LEGOs? Then get out of here, you commie bastard. Our man Bram Lambrecht has recreated his very own 1995 Mazda MX-5 convertible in LEGO form. Everything from the windshield, to the tires, to the hood looks dead-on like the real deal (although it isn’t the first car we’ve seen built out of LEGO blocks.)

Seems Bram is really keen on designing things with LEGO blocks. He’s made everything from spaceships to rocket-ships to custom keychains. I wonder if he can make his own ginormous LEGO tower…

Link (via)

Device artist and interaction designer Ryan Wolfe has invented a new kind of plant: a cybernetic one. Well, alright, maybe it’s not “cybernetic,” but it can survive indefinitely without sunlight.

The plants have had surgically implanted LEDs put into them and these same LEDs mimic sunlight and moonlight depending on the plant and the time of day. This “internal sunshine” allows for photosynthesis, keeping the plant alive and at the same time. Not only that, the plant looks cool to boot.

(more…)

There’s nothing I love more than making good electronic music from classic video game consoles. This video is a great example of someone using circuit bending techniques to generate sounds from an old Atari 2600. Using Paul Siocum’s Synthcart, the user is able to create original pieces using the 2600’s built-in sound chips.

Nothing beats the DIY instrument movement. If you have an 2600 collecting dust in your home, you should seriously consider getting yourself a Synthcart. At $25, it’s a dirt-cheap investment that will allow you to get started at creating your own chiptunes. The author even offers a downloadable ROM for free in case you want to try before your buy.

Link (via)

What does an ex-fighter pilot do for thrills and kicks when he’s done shooting down krauts? He builds a unique rocket-powered flying machine, takes some opium and calls himself Fusion Man. Such is the life of 48-year-old Yves Rossy, the man behind the wings of his real-life Iron Man suit. Rossy is able to achieve speeds of 186 mph and altitudes of about 8200 ft.

It’s interesting how Fusion Man gets going on his wings. First, he jumps out of an airplane, after that, he coasts for awhile before igniting the four rockets on his wings. The entire time he is able to maintain complete control and even perform maneuvers like a 360 and barrel roll. All I want to know is how I can get my hands on one of these amazing suits. Who needs a FPV RC kit when you can become the airplane itself!

Link (via)