Giliam de Carpentier built a 12-legged coffee table that walks across the floor. The "how" is quite interesting. He started by writing a computer program that generated different designs for wooden legs that could walk. The program also tested each design for "fitness" along the desired kinetic parameters, and with those results generated more designs until the design evolved into the optimum leg Carpentier was looking for. Then he designed the table around a device with 12 legs, six on each side, which was the best number for moving smoothly and for steering in different directions.
All the components were modeled by computer and tested, tweaked, and finally carved out of laminated bamboo. Next, electronics were installed to power the table and control it remotely. If you are into computer design or woodcarving (or both!), you'll want to read Carpentier's process in designing what he calls the Carpentopod. It might remind you of Theo Jansen's walking sculptures, and he indeed contrasts the works. There are plenty of videos to illustrate the stages of the project. Carpentier is not building these to sell, but he will share the plans. -via Boing Boing
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If I can't find room in the house the books'll have to go in the loft with the rest of the deep storage - there's got to be around half a ton up there already.
How stupid is this idea - I thought burning books got ridiculed out of fashion with the bible thumpers.
Sometimes, they make odd choices, and we lose gems.
That doesn't mean that there isn't a place for some of these books. Many larger public libraries, university libraries and the Library of Congress keep many older, outdated books for the purpose of historical significance or tracking societal trends. Most public libraries are not archives. They do not have that mission nor the space or funds to do so.
When people come to the library for books about pregnancy or careers or for their science papers, they need current material, not outdated stuff that may misinform them.
Sure, this book isn't likely to "mislead" anyone, but it's less funny when outdated science or population figures make it into a kid's paper.
Frankly, old pregnancy advice could be dangerous!
You average public library's mission is not to be a home for your poor, your tired, your ragged masses falling from their bindings, it is a place people go for information. Current information.
It's hardly "book burning" for heaven's sake! Exactly how long are libraries supposed to hang on to outdated material? 'Til we are buried under it?