December 5, 2009 - 9:00 pm
Let me just start with the fact that I really like my Kindle. But using it in public in New York City can sometimes be rather uncomfortable. Usually, my rare burst of “free reading” time gets sucked up by some curious passerby asking me if I like my Kindle. I’d like to reply, “Yes, I like my Kindle. As you can see, I’m using it quite actively right this moment.” But I don’t. I end up talking about the pros and cons of the little reader and having a conversation with some total stranger instead of finishing another breezy, if overwrought, chapter of The Lost Symbol.
Then there are the nasty looks. The embittered and recently unemployed NY publishing establishment (authors/editors/publishers) who seem to think that I’m single-handedly responsible for destroying the economics of their industry.
And there’s the older generation who roll their eyes, throw up their arms, and demand, “What, you don’t like books?” I try to answer in the nicest possible way, “I do. That is why I have a Kindle.”
And of course there’s the conspicuous consumption thing. Carrying a Kindle is like advertsing the fact that you have $259 of disposable income. Not exactly a recession-friendly message.
So I came up with a recession-friendly solution: A homemade $1 Kindle case that not only protects the device from the elements, but also its reader from the hazards of using it in public. Here’s how I made it:
September 6, 2009 - 6:51 pm
Flight delayed and you forgot to charge the batteries on the DVD player? Well, you can buy at least twenty minutes with a dollar bill or a few if you learn some basic money origami. Just don’t get the 1’s mixed up with the 20’s when giving away your little creations. Instructions for a cool little gift box, a spider, butterfly and loads of others here: Money Origami
September 2, 2009 - 10:37 am
You just need a printer, some thickish paper, and double sided tape. Fun stuff. I bet they would look good with my old dot matrix printer.
Fwis • Readymech Series 002.
August 12, 2009 - 7:47 am
This set is made of biodegradable and recycled carton. You can decorate them, then use them to store the mess you just made. From the good folks at minor details.
Posted via web from Chad
- 6:01 am
I tested out Crayola’s 3D sidewalk chalk this weekend with the kids. Turned a small patio into fish and shark infested waters. Got the teeth to really pop out. Surprised by how well it worked. Then took it to the sidewalk and lent the glasses to passers by, who were also impressed. Mostly bummed that the 3D chalk didn’t exist when they were kids.
Posted via web from Chad
August 11, 2009 - 12:34 pm
Marshmallows + PVC pipe + ingenious plans = a tasty little toy gun.
Posted via web from Chad
August 4, 2009 - 7:23 am
This how-to from Mad Maggie Designs shows how simple it is to make your own sidewalk chalk. Can you guess how she gets that perfect round shape? Yep, toilet paper rolls. One of our favorite building materials over here.
Posted via web from Chad
August 3, 2009 - 11:01 am
Great blog post from mental_floss about five times Crayola had to rename or retire colors.
Posted via web from Chad
July 29, 2009 - 11:56 am
From a technically complex RC Nerf Tank to a simple cardboard t-shirt folding device, five instructables dads will enjoy. Even if you aren’t ready to rewire your electronic mobile’s remote control, they make for a fun read. Here.
July 28, 2009 - 9:10 am
Cool root beer making kit from Uncrate. Because I really don’t want to wait until my kids are 13 before teaching them how to make a tasty home brew!
Posted via web from Chad
