John Collins “The Paper Airplane Guy” demonstrates how to fold his design for a long distance paper airplane for the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Collins visited the students to give a presentation about design, and even threw a few planes off the roof of the Harvard Science Center.
Collins’ plane set the world record for distance with a 226′ 10″ thrown by football player Joe Ayoob.
More than just a Bluetooth box, the BoseBuild Speaker Cube ($149) is a chance to get your child interesting in electronics. The kit includes everything you need to build the speaker, with rugged components designed with kids in mind and app-based instructions.
Along the way, your child will learn about concepts ranging from magnets and electromagnets to how sound works, and when finished will end up with a high-quality speaker they can take pride in having built themselves.
Distilled alcoholic beverages, such as whiskey, rum, tequila, gin, and vodka, are produced by distilling a mixture that was created by alcoholic fermentation. Fermented alcoholic beverages include beer, wine, and hard cider. The distilling process includes several steps, and seems complex at first glance. In truth, it is about as complicated as baking, and like baking a good cookie, there is a learning curve. With luck and a little know-how, you’ll get a smooth, tasty spirit. However, if the process goes wrong, you’ll end up with a product that ranges from poor to dangerous. If making your own spirits sounds like an interesting and rewarding hobby, but you’re worried about what could go wrong, read on for a few ideas to set your mind at ease.
Follow The Law
At present, distilling alcohol for your own personal use is illegal in the United States. However, this could soon change. A bill (The Craft Beverage Modernization Act) that includes legislation to permit home distilling for personal use is currently in congress and has enough co-sponsors to pass. Permits are also obtainable for craft distillers who create spirits for the purpose of selling them. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (or TTB, formerly known as the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau, or ATF) is the government agency responsible for the oversight and permitting process.
Take It Outside
Distilling can be dangerous, and can be a fire hazard, due to the fact that alcohol is extremely flammable. In order to avoid an emergency visit from your local fire department, set your equipment up outside. Allow plenty of space between your distillery and your house, garage, fence, and landscaping. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, don’t allow children or pets to come near, and never leave your still unattended.
Use Quality Equipment
In order to produce a safe, high-quality product, you need to use equipment that meets standards. Food-grade, 100% pure copper or stainless steel stills are the only ones that should be used. Additionally, make sure the solder used in your still is free of lead. You may have heard stories about building your own still from an old radiator or barrel, but doing so can result in a dangerous process and product. Save yourself time, money, and anguish by purchasing a quality still.
Use Quality Ingredients
Just as with any food or beverage producing project, the quality of your distilled product will only be as good as the ingredients that go into it. Depending on what spirit you are making, you will need grain, sugar, water, and distillers yeast. There are many types of yeast available, so be sure to use one that is recommended for your desired product.
Use a Glass Collection Vessel
The distilled product that you are creating will be collected in a vessel that is separate from the still. You may be tempted to reuse plastic soda bottles for this, but beware that plastic will melt or burn rapidly in the event of a fire. Also the plastic may not be resistant to the alcohol. Instead, use glass bottles or jars and set them as far from the still as possible. Creating your own spirits at home can be a fun and rewarding project. Remember to play it safe, use the best equipment and ingredients, and consume responsibly.
To celebrate the fall harvest in Japan, a group of more than 150 volunteers worked tirelessly to build this awesome straw sculpture of Godzilla. It measures 7m (~23 ft.) tall, with a 10m (~33ft) long tail. From design to construction, the whole thing took about four months to finish.
Going by the name +Brauer, Bruno Lefevre-Brauer is a graphic designer out of Paris that has created a collection of illuminated, upcycled robots for a series titled “Viva la Roboluciòn!” Each robotic work of art he creates combines old parts like gauges and wrenches with everything from springs to insulators to create unique, one-of-a-kind creations that are as cool as they are seemingly ready to come to life. From Romeo and Balthazar to Cosmos 2001 and Wast-E, each piece has a completely different style and character.
If your kids always seem to be misplacing legos, a DIY Lego Kit is for you. Just grab a lunchbox and create this perfectly portable toy kit for summer picnics or vacations! Check out the instructions HERE.
Netflix has shared a guide for viewers to create their very own “Switch” in order to totally unwind. But everyone is referring to it as the “Netflix and Chill Button,” because that’s what it totally is.
The Switch, which was unveiled at the 2015 World Maker Faire, allows users to simultaneously silence their cell phone, order takeout, dim the lights, and the like. The company provides a 14-step guide for those who want to construct their own box, and links for necessary equipment. It will require construction and coding, so it may be a little complex for the average Netflix consumer, but it’s something the fans who have a tinkering mind would definitely be interested in making.
Annie Shapiro created The Wreath of Khan a Star Trek Christmas wreath made from the many faces of Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán).
The wreath pays homage to the villain in the 1982 sci-fi action film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
Dave Hax walks us through how to give a pumpkin fangs, how to turn a pumpkin into sweet disco ball and how to make light-up ping pong ball pumpkins in his latest video.
Hot Wheels Car Maker Playset ($50) allows you to create awesome racecars From scratch! Kids can make their very own vehicles in a matter of minutes! The Hot Wheels Car Maker turns a stick of wax into a fully functioning Hot Wheels car that can be customized with decals. This innovative machine features cool lights, music, and voice prompts that lead kids through the entire car-making process – from revving up to cooling down. It’s creative play for every Hot Wheels fan!
Amp Up the Design Fun! Simply heat up the unit by plugging it in and turning it on. Then select a mold and wax color for your vehicle. The set comes with two molds and 10 Protoshotz wax sticks in a variety of sleek and sporty colors. Insert the mold into the machine and add your favorite wax color. In eight minutes, the Car Maker melts the wax into the mold and cools off – and you have a custom Hot Wheels vehicle body!
Detail Your Unique Vehicle! Attach the molded vehicle body to one of the three included chassis. Then get really detailed! Decorate the car with cool decals from the sticker pack. Go for speedy flames or stylish graphics ? or both! Now your brand-new car is ready for racing action. For additional vehicle and design options, check out the Car Maker Mold Packs and Car Design Refill Packs (each sold separately).
Simple, Safe, and Fun! The Car Maker is easy to use and ‘talks? young car-designers through each phase of the process. Kids receive voice prompts about when to insert the materials, press the button, and pull down the handle. They’re instructed to remove the mold only after the wax has safely cooled. Plus, the machine’s music and flashing lights during car building add to the interactive excitement!
