Author Archives: Nihar Patel

Mister Jalopy/Homemade 3-D Cameras

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Mark talks to Mister Jalopy, a guy who scavenges the world for discarded treasures, often creating some treasures of his own. He shows us the “museum in a jar” he discovered at an LA garage sale. (@0:09-3:38) And during a … Continue reading →

News At Seven / Gangs of India

Posted on October 23, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Tired of talking hair delivering the news? The Intelligent Information Laboratory at Northwestern University has developed an avatar news broadcast. India-based investigative journalist and BBC contributor Scott Carney tells us about a violent clash between Maoists and the government.

Tanks-A-Lot/Mark’s Vibrobot

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Nihar Patel

The military industrial complex can be fun! Tanks-A-Lot in England rents tanks for corporate events, and sexy time events, too. And Mark built a robot that violates none of Asimov’s laws of robotics.

King Corn/Count Smokula

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Xeni talks to the filmmakers behind King Corn, a new documentary about the corn industry. And royalty of another kind – Count Smokula!

Internet Cookies/Internet… Thing

Posted on October 17, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Xeni talks to Max Weinstein of stopbadware.org about Cookie Crumbles, a contest he’s co-sponsoring with the Berkman Center at Harvard University. It’s an open call for videos that explain internet cookies. And an excerpt from a hystelarious online short courtesy … Continue reading →

Coffee Hacks With Mark/Foxie Moxie

Posted on October 16, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Coffee aficionado Mark Frauenfelder demonstrates his favorite portable coffee maker, the Aeropress, and makes a delicious cup of methamphetamine-free espresso (Intelligentsia Coffee‘s “Black Cat” variety, to be precise). While you’re enjoying that first cup, watch this mesmerizing gogo dancer, Miss … Continue reading →

Miss Tibet/Eames Elephants

Posted on October 16, 2007 by Nihar Patel

While the Dalai Lama visits with President Bush and others in Washington, over the weekend the Miss Tibet pageant occurred. Xeni introduces us to the pageant’s founder. And an excerpt of an amazing short film made by Eames Demetrios, the … Continue reading →

Mark’s Motor/EcoNouveau Fashion

Posted on October 14, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Mad Professor Mark Frauenfelder shows us how to make a motor with simple materials. A perfect office time-waster! And Xeni Jardin interviews Bahar Shahpar, a designer participating in the EcoNouveau project who makes chic, environmentally-friendly clothing.

Blade Runner

Posted on October 11, 2007 by Nihar Patel

A new, digitally remastered “Final Cut” of Blade Runner is showing theatrically in a few cities, with a 5-disc DVD coming out in December. Is it worthy, or in need of retirement? Update: Oh, and nota breve, y’all: if you’re … Continue reading →

Paul Allen Telescope Array / Mark and the Boing Box

Posted on October 10, 2007 by Nihar Patel

Xeni talks to philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen about The Allen Telescope Array, a $50 million astronomy project 6 years in the making that expands the search for extra-terrestrial life. Allen joins researchers from the SETI Institute and … Continue reading →