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Glitter Bombing a Package Thief
When Mark Rober caught a couple stealing a package off his front porch, he had an idea — make their day a little brighter with a massive glitter bomb. Taking a little inspiration from Home Alone, Rober created a glitter bomb that not just spreads Christmas cheer, it also is equipped with four phones that track location and video of the suspects, and fart spray to ensure they throw it away, so it can be reused. The trick package works so well that a friend of his borrows it with great results. The moral of this Christmas story is: Don't be a thief!
How Crossword Puzzles Are Made
There are thousands of new crossword puzzles made and completed every day — and they can be really hard. Someone is out there making crosswords and one of the world's great mysteries is how they're created. To find out the method behind the magic, WIRED went straight to the source — the New York Times' resident cruciverbalist David Kwong.
The Logistics of Climbing Mount Everest
Mt. Everest isn't the most dangerous mountain in the world, but its place as the highest peak and the thousands of people, from professionals to amateurs, who have tried to climb it make it one of the most fascinating. Everest has become so popular that climbing it has become an efficient business, with guides and sherpas making year-round livings taking people to the summit. But like any business, climbing Mt. Everest requires a supply chain — one of the most dangerous logistics cases ever.
Adam Savage Builds Eric Idle's Guitar Case
Eric Idle, a member of legendary comedy troupe Monty Python, needed a guitar case. He wanted his parlor-size acoustic to be able to travel as carry-on luggage so it wouldn't be risked to loss or baggage handlers. Proving that Twitter isn't completely terrible, Adam Savage answered the call, flying to Los Angeles to meet with Eric, have some tea, and pick up the guitar. Watch Adam build the case in less than eight hours before he catches a plane to New Zealand and Idle flies to Australia.
The History of the Hoodie
You probably wear one every day. Maybe you even have one on right now. The basic staple might have a solid spot in your wardrobe but to call it a masterpiece seems like a stretch, unless you're Paola Antonelli. In this episode of TED's Small Thing Big Idea, the design curator goes back 3,000 years to recap the history of the hoodie.
The History of Cemeteries
Cemeteries weren't always drab places that were scary at night. For most of human history, the dead weren't necessarily buried, and the places where they were laid to rest were often sites of celebration. TED looks at the history of getting rid of all the bodies, and how it's changed over the millennia.
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Viberg Sneakers
After nearly a century of setting the standard in bootmaking, Viberg has entered the sneaker game. The only sneaker made entirely in Canada and the result of years of studying Nike and the Jordan Brand, they feature a silhouette that draws inspiration from classic athletic footwear from the 1980s and 90s. Each pair is built upon a Vibram Sphike RGS sole that you'd typically only find on a rugged hiking shoe. This robust foundation not only provides comfort but also gives you the best traction we've ever seen in a sneaker. The upper is lined with contrasting Italian horsehide panels and supported by soft padding at the tongue and collar, a heavyweight leather insole — the same one used on their boots — and a removable leather footbed. Available in black or white, each pair is finished with custom linen laces from Italy and use Viberg's #1003 Last.
Viberg sizing, take your equivalent US size listed next to the Viberg Size.
Era Prometheus Titan Edition Watch
There's nothing quite as mesmerizing as a tourbillion complication on a luxury timepiece. And Era has not only created a beautiful example, but they've done it at a price that's considerably less than the majority of tourbillions on the market. The Prometheus Titan is built around a 44m hand-polished case with ultra-scratch resistant Sapphire glass that houses a dial with a GMT hour hand, day/night complication, — and of course — the elegant flow of the single-axis manual tourbillion movement. The platinum bezel with 78 round GH colored diamonds weighing 2.3 carats add an extra layer of class and brilliance, and the timepiece is finished with a Hornback style leather strap with quick release bars. The Titan arrives in a box made from pure custom wood that is lacquered carefully over hours and the watch is backed by Era's two-year international warranty.
Presented by ERA.
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How Spies Use Disguises
The stereotypical James Bond-esque spy doesn't need disguises. Disguises almost seem a relic of campy Hollywood B-movies in the post-WWII, tech-laden spy era, but they're used far more often than what we mere mortals would believe. The CIA even has a Chief of Disguise and Jonna Mendez was the Agency's guru. In this interview with WIRED, Mendez explains how the best spy agency in the world uses disguises and how it takes more than makeup to make on effective.
Why Beauty Makes Us Happy
What makes something beautiful is hard to explain — but humans seem to have an innate way to know beauty when they see it. From early stone tools to cave paintings and modern masterpieces, beauty has been a part of humanity since there were humans. But the broader question of why we find things beautiful and how that helped us to survive and evolve is an open one. Kurzgesagt looks at beauty, and the unexpected ways it influences us.
The Cannabis Complex
Move over hockey, Mounties, and maple syrup — Canada is about to become known for being even nicer than they already are. On October 17th, 2018, Canada will become one of a handful of countries in the world to legalize cannabis — with the potential to change marijuana's status in other nations around the world.
How Ninjas Went Mainstream
Before ninjas were turtles, 80s action movies, or even Kurosawa films, they were spies and assassins that hid in plain sight — not darting from shadow to shadow in black jumpsuits. From the modern Western conception of the ninja starting in the late 50s and early 60s, the stealthy assassin has gained a huge place in American pop culture, and Vox looks at how ninjas became one of Japan's biggest exports.
Don't Vote
Only about 40% eligible voters turn out for midterm elections — elections that are arguably more important than presidential ones. NAIL Communications has an important message to share with young people who don't vote because elections don't really matter — don't bother. If you're happy with the status quo, don't change it. Otherwise, you have an important choice to make come November.
Read Edgar Allen Poe
The detective story, bizarre Gothic horror, love, grief, and guilt — Edgar Allen Poe's contribution to literature has stood the test of time. His stories still haunt, and the man himself looked like a character from his own tales. This video from TED explains why reading Poe is still necessary, and how the author crafted tales that feel just as terrifying over 150 years later.
The Origins of OK
You say, or more likely text, "OK" hundreds of times a day. The two-letter word is used worldwide to describe your mood, provide approval, or give acceptance. Taken from the phrase "oll korrect," the history of the expression dates back to 1839 going from a newspaper, to a political campaign, to quite possibly the most used word around the globe.
The Most Advanced Nerf Blaster on Earth
Zack Freedman has made the most technologically advanced NERF blaster on Earth — the EOX Meta Breaker. Based on the NERF Rapid Strike, the EOX Meta Breaker has OLED screens and an NFC system that keeps track of rounds and magazines and selects the current fire mode by tapping custom cards. The Meta Breaker can fire at speeds up to 20 rounds per second, making it the most advanced weapon on the NERF battlefield.
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SimpliSafe Home Security
SimpliSafe teamed up with global design firm IDEO to create a home security experience more beautiful, powerful and intuitive than ever before. Rebuilt from the ground up with new safeguards to create a latticework of protection the new Simplisafe is half the size with double the range. It's also fifty percent louder, five times faster, and the system's wireless Keypad is soft, smooth and wakes with a touch. It's incredibly easy to set up in just a few minutes with no drilling, wiring or tools required and is offered at the same revolutionary price that made SimpliSafe the fastest growing home security company in the nation.
Presented by SimpliSafe.
As seen in Uncrate Issue 04.
Sprezzabox
SprezzaBox is a top rated subscription company that ships you five new items each month. And they do it all at a price that won't break the bank. A personal curator tests out and hand-picks the items like ties, wallets, sunglasses, socks, and watches every month. Subscriptions start at just $28 and promise over $100 in retail value. High quality, great value products delivered right to your door.
Presented by SprezzaBox.
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Turkish Airlines LEGO Safety Video
Most of us never pay attention to those safety videos before every flight. We know where the exits are, how to fasten our seatbelts, and how to properly adjust an oxygen mask in the event of an emergency. Turkish Airlines had a great idea on how to get everyone, adults and kids alike, to watch — just add characters from the LEGO movies. This is something you'll definitely watch, and you might even learn something new.
Adam Savage Builds The EDC 2 Bag
Last year, Adam Savage launched his first everyday carry bag. The designer/host is following up that project by adding to the collection with the EDC 2. Along with the bag, he is also selling the plans to make your own which he demonstrates himself in his latest One Day Build.
The Strange Geography of the United States
Geography seems like a pretty cut-and-dry subject — until you start breaking it down. New York City, with its cold winters, is roughly on the same latitude as Madrid, Spain, which is renowned for its good weather. RealLifeLore finds this and a lot of other strange quirks of geography in this surprising video.
Adam Savage's 1000 Shot NERF Blaster
Adam Savage's favorite NERF blaster in the Rival. The Rival can fire 100 consecutive shots, but Adam thought he could improve it — and improve it he did. Adam fabbed up a huge banana clip that holds up to 1000 rounds, ensuring that this NERF blaster will outlast whatever competition it faces.
Plastics 101
National Geographic has a history of thought-provoking covers but their June issue was one of the most captivating in recent years. The now iconic iceberg made from a grocery bag has everyone talking about plastic. Formerly a natural product, the man-made material now accounts for 18 billion pounds of pollution in our oceans. In line with the launch of their "Planet or Plastic?" campaign, NatGeo has released this video covering the history of the product as well as ways to reduce its waste.
The Utility of Building Useless Things
Simone Giertz isn't a professional engineer — or even that good of one. Her mechanical monstrosities are largely failures — and that's important. In this TED talk, Simone explains why building useless things is important and the creativity of failing.
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Designing Impenetrable Airport Security
When it was announced that the Transportation Safety Administration had failed to find weapons in 95% of airport tests, the news was shocking. But while the results look bad, there hasn't been a terrorist attack involving airplanes in the US since 9/11. A solution might be the controversial practices of Israel's Ben Gurion airport, probably the most secure airport in the world.
A Guide to Professional Photography
You've mastered portraits and are ready to start taking pictures for a living. You're off to a great start but there's more to changing your photography status from amateur to professional than a dedicated Instagram following and some fancy equipment. There's also finding clients and promoting your work. With a seven-step guide, Cooph is here to coach you along the way to going pro.
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The Great American Read
Reading is one of the most important shared cultural aspects of American society. Online or off, reading is the primary way we exchange ideas and information — and books play a huge part in this. PBS' The Great American Read need you to vote for your favorite book as they put together a list of the 100 most popular reads in the US.
Blade Runner Snub-Nosed Blaster Build
Adam Savage is a Blade Runner fanatic. He's built numerous replicas of the Blade Runner blaster and even owns an actual prop from the film. In this one-day build, Adam and Norman each make their own take on a blaster that wasn't actually in the films — the Goldberg Arms snub-nosed blaster.
The Crazy Story Of A Real Life Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunts aren't just for pirates. Kit Williams proved so when with his 1979 book "Masquerade." The puzzle book was filled with clues leading to an 18 karat gold bunny buried in a secret location. It took over two years before the treasure was found by a man named Ken Thomas. This is where the story gets weird — there is no Ken Thomas. Nerdwriter dives into the bizarre tale of this real-life treasure hunt.
The Government Grows Weed
Yes, the US government grows weed. In one place. Under strictly controlled circumstances. The University of Mississippi is the only place in the country that has a DEA license to grow marijuana for research purposes, and they've been doing it for 50 years. Mashable sat down with Dr. Chen, Director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, for the inside story of the government's history of growing pot.
The History of Acanthus Leaves in Architecture
You've probably seen acanthus leaves hundreds of times in your life. Whether you ever noticed them or not, they're just about everywhere. The sculpted plants adorn the tops, or tops if you want to get technical, of Corinthian columns. The design dates back to 550 B.C. and has managed to remain an architectural staple for over a millennium.
Voice-Activated Fire Blaster
Alexa can play your favorite music, dim your lights, and reorder the paper towels. Colin Furze is adding a more sinister task to her resume by giving Amazon's hands-free speaker the power to shoot blasts of fire. With some help from James Bruton, the mad inventor programmed the smart home device and a fire extinguisher to become a voice-activated fire blaster.
