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!