Useless Machine in Make Magazine!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on July 18, 2010
WooHoo, I be a real author, now! Check it out: makezine.com/23/uselessmachine/ . I can’t wait to get my print copy.
Please note, if you don’t have a subscription to Make you’ll only be able to view limited content. The full build instructions however, are available for all and can be found here
Useless Machine in Make Projects!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on July 16, 2010
MakeProjects
I had mentioned earlier that the Useless Machine will be featured in the upcoming Volume 23 of Make Magazine. In anticipation of this momentous (for me, anyways) event I’ve been checking out Make Magazine’s digital counterpart MakeZine.
MakeZine is a fantastic site. In addition to the great articles from the printed magazine, there is a daily blog, a projects section, how-to videos, a community forum, and a spin-off site: The Maker’s Shed (an on-line store selling cool kits). I highly recommend that you check it out, if you haven’t already.
They are also beta testing a new website makeprojects.com which is a user generated how-to library and instructions for building a Useless Machine are now on this site and can be found here.
Even though the site is new it already has lots of cool projects, and is growing. If you are a techno-geek/maker like myself, or if you would just like to learn how to make really cool things, then this site’s for you!
Alternative Energy Powered Uselessness!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on July 7, 2010
More than 50 people have made videos of Useless Machines that they’ve built, and I’ve been showing some of the very creative ones. Youtubers TheBoysFromTheBlue sent me this video response. I was so blown away by the alternative technology employed that I had to ask for build instructions. He was kind enough to post them at his blog!
Here’s the other 50 or so Machines that folks have built: The Most Useless YouTube Playlist EVER
Devolution is Useless
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 19, 2010
It turns out that Mark Frauenfelder gave the Useless Machine to Stephen Colbert. He had fun showing it to DEVO.
Colbert Shows Devo Machine
I’m hoping Stephen makes room for it on the shelf next to his photo of house!
House on the Colbert Report
The full story can be found at the NoFactZone
More Clockwork Uselessness!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 17, 2010
Useless Cat Toy!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 15, 2010
When your cat gets bored of the laser pointer…
Via Make Online
And this tweet was sent…
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 9, 2010
@StephenAtHome: so tired. i stayed up all night trying to get mark frauenfelder’s machine to stay on. but it was worth it. I think I almost have it
Here’s the CR Interview
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 9, 2010
Useless Machine on The Colbert Report!!!!
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on June 9, 2010
I am now officially blown away.
I’m a regular viewer of the CR and tonight I tuned in knowing that Make Magazine’s editor-in-chief, Mark Frauenfelder would be on promoting his new book. Imagine my surprise when he brought out the Useless Machine.
After letting Colbert try the machine, Mark explains that it’s only function is to turn itself off. The audience laughs and Colbert says “I’ll tell you what it does Mark…it breaks my heart.”
I guess I should mention that the machine will be featured in the next MAKE magazine and that was why Mark brought one on the show!
Mark had sent me a heads-up, letting me know he had showed the machine to Colbert, but I didn’t receive it until after watching the show. Glad I didn’t check my mail and ruin the surprise.
Here’s what Mark said in an update: “Stephen was running all around the place showing the box to everyone he could corner. He couldn’t stop talking about it. And he was interested in the Claude Shannon pedigree, too. He’s a nice guy. Thanks again for making something so cool!”
Mark also apologized for not giving me credit, he was very nervous. Not a problem though, I don’t crave the limelight.
Thanks Mark!
Claude Shannon Meets Rube Goldberg
Posted by Brett in Uncategorized on May 11, 2010
Nikki at FizzPop gave me a heads-up on this video: a Rube Goldberg device activating a Useless Machine. I bet Shannon and Goldberg approve!
fizzPOP’s Improbable Machine from nikkipugh on Vimeo.
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