April 2010

Everybody needs a jackalope now and then…

Who is Doctor Who? The fine folks over at io9 have a handy primer that will tell you Everything You Need To Know About Doctor Who.

"He's like fire and ice and rage. He's like the night and the storm in the heart of the sun. He's ancient and forever. He burns at the centre of time and can see the turn of the universe. And… he's wonderful."

Ubuntu on a Dime by James Floyd Kelly explains how to build your own PC with low-cost components, and then install the free Ubuntu operating system, thus avoiding spending hundreds of dollars on Microsoft Windows and expensive applications.

I'll show you how easy it is to put together your own computer using inexpensive compnents. And because you won't be spending any money on software, you'll have the option to put some (or all) of these savings into your new computer. You might splurge and buy a bigger LCD panel (or a second LCD for multiple monitor usage!) or add some more memory so you can run more applications at once. Or you can spend the bare minimum on hardware, keeping your expenditures low without skimping on software and services. (And if you want to get some more life out of your existing computer, I'll explain how you can possibly give it a second life by installing Ubuntu to save even more money!)

Slashdot has a review.

The classic children's book Goodnight Moon gets a Star Wars makeover in Goodnight Forest Moon. Best of all, you can make a copy for yourself!

(via BoingBoing)

(via @lesjenkins)

Don't toss that busted desktop or laptop PC — repurpose it! The newly released book and blog 62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer shows you how.

Created by a Parsons design graduate who’s obsessed with navigating the intersection of art and technology, here are 62 ingenious projects that are irresistibly geek-chic. An iMac Terrarium—how cool is that? A laptop Digital Photo Frame. The impressively green Scanner Compost Bin. Plus a power strip Bird Feeder, Walkman Soap Dish, My First Squiggle Bot, Qwerty Hair Tie, Flat-screen Ant Farm. Each project has complete, step-by-step instructions, is rated by difficulty—in a thorough first chapter the author covers all the tools and skills needed to take apart electronics safely—and is arranged by use, from stuff for the house, to fashion, toys, arts and crafts, items for pets, and more.

(via Red Ferret Journal)

There's not one word of English in this clip, but the Chinese magician Liu Qian will amaze you nevertheless. Be sure to stick around for the last two minutes.

UPDATE: There's also a version with English subtitles.

Artist Len Peralta will draw your custom avatar for just $15. Go to Flipface and find out more.