"Geronimo!" [video]
Prettocraig
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18 Mar 17:38
Inside New York City's Most Mysterious Architectural Time Capsule
by Adam Clark Estes
For the past half century, 190 Bowery has been a legend. The six-story, 72-room former bank building on the fringes of SoHo looked like a war zone on the outside, crumbling and covered in graffiti. And the inside, the home of a photographer with insane real estate luck—well—nobody really knew what was inside. Until now.
18 Mar 00:48
A Case With a Pop-Up Crank Keeps Your Smartphone Charged Forever
by Andrew Liszewski
Prettocraigkind of clunky...but brilliant
Hand crank-powered flashlights and radios for weather emergencies are nothing new, but what about when your smartphone dies in the middle of the day? That's just as dire an emergency, and it's inspired the creation of this smartphone case with a built-in charger and pop-up crank that can, at least in theory, keep your phone powered for as long as you're alive to use it.
16 Mar 20:17
These Card Wizards Have Some Serious Shuffle Flair
by Maddie Stone
Did you know that shuffling cards could be a form of art? Yea, me neither. But apparently, the five guys who call themselves The Virts have been honing their card wizardry for years.
12 Mar 21:56
Gawker Unsolicited Tip: John Kerry's Libido Has Haunted Me for 20 Years | io9 It's Only A Matter Of
by Jane-Claire Quigley
PrettocraigSharing for the link on Bourbon...Interesting:
If bourbon is your drink of choice, you may have heard quiet rumblings the last few years of something unsettling afoot: a possible shortage coming down the pipeline. A bourbon shortage would be an interesting type because — unlike other possible food shortages (the coffee shortage, for instance) — it's not just a matter of not having enough of the ingredients. It's a matter of people 20 years ago making some bad drinks-buying decisions.
Making bourbon is, in a sense, an attempt at trying to predict the future. What will the world be like 20 or so years from now, the whiskey maker must ask herself, and just how much bourbon might they want there? So to a large extent, our current shortfall is due to people in the 1990s underestimating how much bourbon we'd want to drink today — possibly because 1990s drinkers had worse taste in alcoholic beverages. (Curse you, Zima.)
The good news is, if bourbon-makers undershoot the mark with their production, they can always make more. The ingredients are not hard to come by. The bad news? Every new barrel starts its own new clock on the aging process. Is it possible to reset that clock, though?
There's an interesting piece up in Nautilus today detailing some of the strange methods whiskey-makers are experimenting with to speed up the bourbon aging process, with everything from ultrasonic energy bursts to basically throwing in a whole bunch of oak chips and shaking. While the new methods certainly sound fun, this taste description sounds a little less fun:
Spirits aged for shorter amounts of time (four months instead of the two years minimum for federally approved straight bourbon, for example), have an edgy taste, often described as "hot," "raw," or "aggressive," with a "shorter finish."
Of course, not every bourbon is required to mellow for decades before it's poured; plenty can and do take considerably less time. But, the longer it's allowed to mellow, the more likely that any jagged notes in the flavor will have had time to soften. So much so that if the whiskey you're selling is less than four years old, you're required by federal whiskey law (yes, it's a thing) to slap a label on the bottle alerting potential customers to that fact (let no one say they didn't try to warn you).
The good news hidden in all this is that a bourbon shortage is by its very nature, a temporary thing. The bad news is that a solution, at least by traditional brewing methods, is always at least a decade or so away. But fear not! The future bourbon that will save us from a dispiriting future of offers of sad vodka-cranberries and weird little pickled onion martinis is already brewing. It's just not ready to arrive quite yet.
Scott Weigand likes this
12 Mar 21:51
Pod of orca whales spotted in Burrard Inlet (PHOTOS)
by Vancity Buzz Staff
Prettocraigso cool...orcas all the way up to Deep Cove!
A pod of orca whales have been spotted swimming in the waters of Burrard Inlet throughout the day. The whales were first spotted by a Global BC news helicopter on Wednesday evening and they returned to Vancouver’s local waters late this morning. According to the Vancouver Aquarium, the pod consists of about four orca whales and are […]
The post Pod of orca whales spotted in Burrard Inlet (PHOTOS) appeared first on Vancity Buzz.
12 Mar 18:54
The Posable Figures On This Spinning Zoetrope Make Anyone an Animator
by Andrew Liszewski
It takes a tremendous amount of patience to create an entire film using stop-motion animation techniques, but this simple spinning zoetrope toy makes the process a whole lot easier. You'll only end up with about a second of animation after posing all ten of the bendable figures, but the results are still really satisfying given how much work is still needed to create every individual pose.
12 Mar 18:51
The $761 Peanut Butter and Other Insanely Expensive Government Products
by Sarah Zhang
The most expensive peanut butter in the world is sold by the U.S. government. The $761 jar of peanut butter, created to calibrate machines in food science labs, went viral last month. But "Standard Reference Material 2387," aka peanut butter, is only the tip of the iceberg of a strange and fascinating world.
12 Mar 17:42
A Flock of Synchronized Dancing Origami Cranes on an Electromagnetic Stage
by Christopher Jobson
Not content with boring old inanimate origami, Japanese designer and maker Ugoita T. assembled this clever electromagnetic stage to bring his paper cranes to life. While the idea of moving paper creations around with magnets is fun, it’s the synchronization that really makes this hilarious. (via Digg)
Adam Victor Brandizzi, Andrew Baisley and 3 others like this
12 Mar 17:41
New Tesla Model S P85D Is Faster Than A Ferrari
by Chris Mills
PrettocraigTest Drove this and I can confirm it was awesome...Turns your stomach like a roller coaster. Also this http://interestingengineering.com/tesla-new-battery-for-home/.
Dear Mr. Musk: Here is all of my money. Just take it.
The new, all-wheel-drive 2015 Tesla Model S P85D accelerates to 60mph faster than a Ferrari 458 and pulls more Gs in a corner than a Ford Mustang. Not bad for a car that's also more efficient than its predecessor. Read more in Jalopnik's exclusive ride along.
11 Mar 18:08
The Beauty Is in the Details: 2016 Volvo XC90 Test Drive
by Gregory Han
Prettocraig@dani...I am interested....still love Tesla though
There we were, lost somewhere amongst the winter-wilted olive groves dotting the gently drifting hillsides of Spain on a stretch of road less traveled than most. We had already spent several hours behind the wheel of Volvo’s newly updated 2016 XC90 in its plug-in hybrid “T8″ iteration, an arctic white review model loaned to us by the Swedish auto manufacturer to test drive for the afternoon on the Catalonian coast, along a serpentine route designed to underline the car’s agility, luxuries, and performance, all against the backdrop of the craggy Mediterranean coastline. Never to complain when given the combination of a new car and an open road, we charged from coastline into the interior of the Spanish farmlands until we realized we weren’t quite sure where to go next.
After navigating countless roundabouts (aka auto roulette), threading through numerous toll booths, and even detouring off course for an impromptu off-road test through a dusty conifer forest, the confident plug-in-hybrid XC90 had suddenly lost all willingness to map our course any further, leaving my fellow journalist and I to find our way back to our starting point the old fashioned way following roadsigns (Volvo reps apologized, explaining the navigation system was still being fine tuned).
Despite the technological setback, neither of us found much reason for concern. Our bemusement of our predicament was born after two days driving the new Volvo, during which time we discovered our 4-wheeled Scandinavian friend sported a surprising amount of comfort and safety features quietly integrated into its handsome, understated design. If there was any vehicle to find yourself lost in the countryside of a foreign country driving, the Volvo XC90 was the ideal vehicle.
Volvo flew out groups of automotive, design, and lifestyle journalists to an empty seaside town off the coast of Tarragona, Spain, turning a whole resort into one giant Volvo showroom.
The last time the XC90 was gracing the roads as a brand new model Nelly and Nickelback were still topping the music charts*. But good things come to those who wait, and it seems Volvo bided their time carefully, waiting to refresh their top-selling vehicle with a slew of interior, exterior, technological, and performance improvements all designed to instill the sort of thankfulness for the inanimate proselytized by Marie Kondo. Everywhere details – great and small – seemed to communicate the premise this was to be a lifetime partnership between car and owner, where driver and materials would age gracefully together.
Tisha Johnson, Volvo’s Chief Designer of Interiors presenting a primer about the design culture of Sweden.
Volvo representatives seemed to support this assumption directly, underlining the new XC90 as the spiritual flagship of the brand’s design principles first insinuated by the sexy trio of concept vehicles unveiled a year ago. As Volvo’s Chief Designer of Interiors Tisha Johnson explained during a morning presentation before our drive, the new XC90 took the core principles of those exploratory concept vehicles to formulate a singular “purposeful product” honoring the brand’s past (specifically the iconic Volvo P1800), an automotive manifestation encompassing Sweden’s long history of nautical lifestyle and aesthetics, the country’s love affair with nature, modernist architecture, and the open road, tying them together with the ingrained cultural predisposition favoring simplicity. It was hard not to get the sense Volvo built this car to represent both brand and nation.
The DNA of all three Volvo Concept Cars – the Concept Coupe, Concept XC Coupe, Concept Estate – were integrated into the new Volvo XC90.
Swedes are famed for their humility, but one could sense Volvo was keenly aware of the fine foot they had set forward with this new model, revealed by the glint-eyed smiles and evident pride as they pointed out the numerous improvements and additions made to the XC90, inside and out:
It might be seem a small detail, but the inclusion of the Swedish flag was one debated as perhaps too flashy. In the end, it was deemed representative of the Volvo’s commitment to honor the country’s design heritage.
Volvo’s Technology and Product Communications Manager Jim Nichols pointed out this most smile-inducing of hidden details located on the underside of the rear seat compartment lid. Structural requirements dictated a “spiderweb” pattern be used to reinforce the lid’s structure; Volvo’s designers decided to add a spider for the joy of surprise, converting a design necessity back to that of an act of intention.
The Volvo XC90’s LED headlamp array is shaped in honor of the Norse thunder god’s weapon of choice, the hammer.
The XC90’s interior cabin is a harmonious confluence of warm wood veneer, the cool touch of metal, and premium leather. The leather stitching, surrounding wood grain, and the perforations dotted across the speaker grills were designed to invite curious touches as much as thoughtful stares.
Though the XC90 comes equipped with a 9″ touchscreen panel display, Volvo designers respected that even in the era of touch-swipe a dial and button are still the superior interface for control while driving.
The XC90’s gearshift lever forgoes faux detailing and is made of genuine crystal made by Swedish glassmaker, Orrefors. This is about as ostentatious as the Swedes get!
One of the 1,927 First Edition XC90 key fobs made to honor Volvo’s founding date. The attention to detail and material reminds us of the uber-exclusive Vertu Constellation.
The diamond-cut knurled controls for the start-stop button and volume control offer drivers a pleasant tactile hint they’re twisting, turning , or pressing the right control without taking eyes off the road.
It’s safe to say the new Volvo is a whole greater than the sum of its parts, but each of those parts have been thoughtfully considered and designed to reflect the values of a Scandinavian sensibility connecting design and engineering as car to road. It’s not hard to imagine the XC90 will be a popular choice amongst luxury car buyers seeking subtle sophistication over ostentatious luxury styling which currently dominates the segment – buyers educated in modernist furnishings and architecture, alongside customers seeking a fuel efficient plug-in hybrid option in the crossover SUV segment. We’re looking forward to seeing how Volvo uses the XC90 as a design springboard for future models embracing the brand’s interwoven connection of Swedish culture and design, happy to know a secret smiling spider hides waiting inside each XC90.
*Amusingly, the Volvo team preloaded late 80’s Swedish pop rock duo Roxette into the XC90’s audio system to accompany our drive; we politely turned this off.
Volvo provided Design Milk airfare, lodging, and meals for attendance of this press event.
05 Mar 12:20
Die Fledermaus – Frothy, Fun and Fabulous!
by Cathy Browne
Prettocraig@dani...it has a description of the plot!
I was so happy that my first-ever opera wasn’t a tragedy. It would have been brilliant, no doubt, but it would have been more of a downer than I wanted on a Saturday night. After all, Saturday night is party night. And the opening night performance of Vancouver Opera’s production of Die Fledermaus was quite […]
The post Die Fledermaus – Frothy, Fun and Fabulous! appeared first on Vancity Buzz.
05 Mar 03:25
Create a New Must-Have Sandwich Condiment With Only Two Pantry Items
by Susannah Chen
Prettocraigmmm...sounds good
Question: What condiment adds an edge to any sandwich, takes only 10 minutes to make, and calls for ingredients you already have in your pantry? The answer is one you've probably never heard of: mustardshire sauce!
05 Mar 03:20
Vancouver Skyline Reflection Photos
by Rebecca Bollwitt
Prettocraiglove this city
© 2004-2014 Rebecca Bollwitt - Miss604.
Photo credit: Jaden Nyberg on Flickr
© 2004-2012 Rebecca Bollwitt - Miss604.com. If you are not reading this via official Miss604 channels, this content is being reproduced without permission.
The peaks of the North Shore mountains are mirrored in the towering glass of Downtown Vancouver, and the whitecaps on the water recreate the snow-capped Lions a thousand times over. We’re so lucky to see our city skyline twice on a clear day, once above us and once below in the calm waters of False Creek or Coal Harbour. Here are a few of my favourite reflection photos of Vancouver:
Vancouver Skyline Reflection Photos
Photo credit: Jaden Nyberg on Flickr
Photo credit: Ross G. Strachan on Flickr
Photo credit: Gemy on Flickr
Photo credit: Ruth Hartnup on Flickr
Photo credit: Ken Campbell on Flickr
Photo credit: Philip Tong on Flickr
Photo credit: Wayne Harrison on Flickr
Photo credit: James Wheeler on Flickr
Photo credit: Clayton Perry on Flickr
Photo credit: SeaSide Signs ~ Vancouver, BC on Flickr
Photo credit: Gemy on Flickr
Photo credit: Gemy on Flickr
Photo credit: Evan Leeson & Don Janus on Flickr
Photo credit: Ann Badjura on Flickr
Photo credit: Difei Li on Flickr
Photo credit: Clayton Perry on Flickr
Photo credit: Tim Shields & Dustin Quasar on Flickr
Photo credit: Clayton Perry on Flickr
JC Photography on Flickr
Photo credit: TOTORORO.RORO on Flickr
The post Vancouver Skyline Reflection Photos appeared first on Vancouver Blog Miss604.
05 Mar 03:19
Umami bombs dropping at Hawkers Market by Juno Kim & Merchants Oyster Bar
by Vancity Buzz Staff
Prettocraigmust go!
Reuniting for a second round at Hawkers Market will be Juno Kim and Doug Stephen of Merchants Oyster Bar, and this time they’ll be focusing on exciting small bites. These quick little amuse bouche-style umami bombs are ideal for enjoying while browsing the market with 33 Acres beer in hand, while being tantalized by more olfactory sensations […]
The post Umami bombs dropping at Hawkers Market by Juno Kim & Merchants Oyster Bar appeared first on Vancity Buzz.
05 Mar 03:17
Vancouver shouldn’t bid for the Summer Olympic Games: B.C. poll
by Vancity Buzz Staff
Prettocraigyes...
Five years after the fact, a new poll by Insights West has found that British Columbians have a positive outlook on the province’s role of hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In the survey, 69 per cent of residents believe it was “definitely” or “probably” worth it to host the 2010 Games while 27 per […]
The post Vancouver shouldn’t bid for the Summer Olympic Games: B.C. poll appeared first on Vancity Buzz.
04 Mar 23:29
OHMYGOD LOOK AT IT AAAAHH
OMG ITS LITTLE STUBBY LEGS UHGHGHH
NYOOOM DOWN THE SLIDE LOOK AT ITS LEGS I LOVE ITS LEGS
OMG LOOK AT IT CRAWLING AROUND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS HOVERCRAFTING BC ITS LEGS SO SMALL OFMG
ITS PLAYING TIN THE STAND OHGMO
ITS SO SMALL AND FLUFFY A LITTLE BALL OF HAPPINESS
I WANT TEN OF THEM IT IS SO FLUFFING CUTE LOOK AT IT NOMBOMNBOM
AND IT JUST FALLS OFF MY FEELS MY FEELSS
WHY IS IT PERFECT
BYE BYE LITTLE HAMSTER I LOVE U
Video: Tiny Hamster in a Tiny Playground
OHMYGOD LOOK AT IT AAAAHH
OMG ITS LITTLE STUBBY LEGS UHGHGHH
NYOOOM DOWN THE SLIDE LOOK AT ITS LEGS I LOVE ITS LEGS
OMG LOOK AT IT CRAWLING AROUND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS HOVERCRAFTING BC ITS LEGS SO SMALL OFMG
ITS PLAYING TIN THE STAND OHGMO
ITS SO SMALL AND FLUFFY A LITTLE BALL OF HAPPINESS
I WANT TEN OF THEM IT IS SO FLUFFING CUTE LOOK AT IT NOMBOMNBOM
AND IT JUST FALLS OFF MY FEELS MY FEELSS
WHY IS IT PERFECT
BYE BYE LITTLE HAMSTER I LOVE U
03 Mar 00:43
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Modern interpretation of a mountain home: Flight House
by Dany Barzsina
The Flight House is a modern mountain home designed by Sage Architecture located in the Martis Camp, Truckee, California, USA.
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27 Feb 22:03
"That’s enough, tiny kitty."
"That’s enough, tiny kitty."
Luis.barreira, Balint and 4 others like this
26 Feb 14:43
This Smart LED Jump Rope Flashes Stats in Front of Your Face
by Adam Clark Estes
As any boxer will tell you, jumping rope is one of the most efficient cardio workouts, one that hasn't changed much since it was invented. Until now. Enter the Smart Rope.
25 Feb 23:57
This Neuroscientist Says He'll Do a Human Head Transplant Very Soon
by Sarah Zhang
An Italian neuroscientist who has been advocating for head transplants now wants to make one actually happen. He'll be announcing a project at a surgical conference later this year. Here's how the proposed human head transplant will work—supposedly.
25 Feb 23:56
Google's AI Is Now Insanely Good at Playing Space Invaders
by Sarah Zhang
Since Google acquired the artificial intelligence company DeepMind for $628 million last year, it's put the software to hard work...playing Atari 2600 video games. But no really, learning how to play 49 different Atari games showcases the promises—and the weaknesses—of DeepMind's software.
25 Feb 23:54
It Looks Like Lizard Squad Hacked Lenovo
by Adam Clark Estes
If you happened to visit Lenovo.com this afternoon you might've seen a random teen with an amazing haircut, wearing a headset, and posing for a webcam. This is no accident. It looks like the Lizard Squad hacked in and took over the homepage. It's a pretty funny hack, honestly.
25 Feb 23:53
This Extra Mattress Rolls Up Into a Chair During the Day
by Andrew Liszewski
Transforming a convertible sofa into a bed can sometimes seem more complex than Optimus Prime changing into a truck. For a more compact emergency bed that's easier to move wherever you need it, check out Campeggi's Girella chair, which is as simple to transform as unrolling a sleeping bag.
Rob Cosgriff, Rtersieva likes this
25 Feb 16:13
Chicken Shack pop-up returns to Vancouver for four days only
by Lindsay William-Ross
Prettocraigyes
The popular soul food pop-up Chicken Shack is coming back for four days in March after a two year absence from Vancouver. In 2013, the teams at Two Chefs and a Table and Big Lou’s Butcher Shop got together to put on their Chicken Shack pop-up, which featured their buttermilk fried chicken and Southern comfort […]
The post Chicken Shack pop-up returns to Vancouver for four days only appeared first on Vancity Buzz.