Posts Written by Paul Strauss

This might look like abstract art, but it’s based entirely on data from Wikipedia. Developer adumb wrote code to graph the relationships between content on the crowdsourced encyclopedia. The image maps over 6.3 million Wikipedia articles and 195 million links between them. adumb explains some interesting things he observed along the way.

The 2024 solar eclipse is a big deal here on Earth – especially if you’re in the path of totality. But are there better places to observe an eclipse? Well, if you leave our planet, things might get better… or worse. MinutePhysics takes us on a journey through our solar system to see what a solar eclipse might look like on other planets, non-planets, and asteroids.

xckd takes on another ridiculous hypothetical question: “What if you swam in a nuclear storage pool?” While it probably won’t kill you the second you dive into a tank filled with spent nuclear fuel rods, it’s not something we would recommend. Also, we can’t believe somebody actually has that as a job.

Do you like to draw? Lihit Lab’s easy-to-carry, slimline case holds up to 22 pens or pencils. It also has mesh pockets for small accessories like erasers or earbuds and opens up flat for quick access. It measures just 5.5″ × 8.5″ x 0.7″ when closed and comes in orange, indigo, and black. It’s also available in a skinny 14-pen size.

It’s not often we see a truly unique weapon. In this video from maker DiesInEveryFilm, he shows us how he fabricated a custom sling bow from a kid-sized bicycle wheel and steel tubing. It’s held like a pistol and uses elastic tubing like a slingshot but fires full-length arrows. It looks like something that Hawkeye might have in his bag of tricks.

This versatile laptop sleeve transforms into a desktop work pad once you pull out your computer. Its smooth synthetic leather surface makes a great mouse pad, while its side flap has dual wireless charging pads – one for a phone and one for AirPods. It comes in black or dove grey in 13-14″ or 15-16″ sizes.

Despite the name of Akiyuki’s latest LEGO Great Ball Contraption module, it doesn’t involve minifigures grinding on poles for tips. To transport balls from one end to the other, it carries them to an upper ramp using LEGO worm gears and hockey sticks. A ready-to-build kit is available from Build A Moc or you can buy just the instructions from Planet GBC.

This smooth but potent whiskey from Memphis, Tennessee distillery Blue Note has won back-to-back Double Gold awards in San Francisco’s World Spirits Competition. The easy-to-sip spirit is finished in toasted French oak barrels for a bold caramel flavor with vanilla undertones and a deep amber color.

It’s been over 50 years since Pink Floyd released Dark Side of the Moon. To celebrate the occasion, drummer Nick Mason asked fans to create their own animated music videos for each song on the classic prog rock album. This playlist is gradually revealing all ten winners plus behind-the-scenes interviews with the artists.

This rugged bag from 5.11 Tactical works as a duffel or a backpack. It’s made from hardwearing 1050D nylon with self-healing YKK zippers. It has a large main compartment with a 56L capacity, and outside, you’ll find MOLLE webbing for attaching small bags and other accessories. Available in Kangaroo Brown or Ranger Green.

This titanium keychain offers a quick-release feature for separating its two sections. A locking ring holds it together and disconnects with a simple maneuver. It swivels 360º, has a tactile grip body, and the connector shaft doubles as a box cutter and emergency self-defense tool.

Filmmaker Thomas Blanchard was inspired to make this short film after seeing the nuclear reaction effects in the movie Oppenheimer. The images you see here weren’t created with CGI, but with alcohol inks, gold powder, magic candles, an electric screwdriver, paper clips, and a laboratory shaker. Most of the sequences were filmed in his kitchen, other than the fire.

The mighty Dog of Wisdom is back. A year to the day since his last appearance, the all-knowing canine is here to school a chihuahua on the value of a good bone. Then, our favorite animated wiener dog turns up to grant the Dog of Wisdom a wish.

This twisty metal pen has a bolt-action retraction mechanism and a fidget spinner at the end of its barrel to help you make decisions. Flick the smooth-spinning wheel, and it’ll offer up answers: YES, NO, NOW, LATER, SKIP, ASK, or AGAIN. It’s made from 6061 aluminum alloy and accepts Pilot G2 pen refills. Available in a grey or black finish.

The biggest spiderwebs we’ve encountered are a few feet across. BBC Earth introduces us to the Darwin’s bark spider, an orb-weaver that can shoot bridging lines for webs up to 25 meters (82 feet) across. That’s not the only extraordinary fact—this spider’s silk is also regarded as the world’s strongest natural fiber.

A beautiful modern pocket knife from Craighill and design studio Chen Chen & Kai Williams. The Sidewinder’s unique folding mechanism features a duo of wavy handle sections which move in concert to reveal its blade. Its design was inspired by a parallel ruler that Kai played with when he was a kid, combined with the way a snake moves through sand.

We stopped counting tires at 19, but it’s possible that this crazy looking homebrew go-kart has more than that. We’re not sure why this guy built such a ridiculous vehicle but it’s entertaining to see him driving around on it. It’s probably has mad oversteer with all of those rear tires so it could be a fun drift machine.

This hardshell box keeps gadgets, keyfobs, pocket tools, and other small items safe from the elements. It’s impact-resistant, dustproof, crushproof, IP67 waterproof, and can float with up to 3 lb. of gear inside. A 3-step locking latch ensures contents stay dry and secure. It measures 8.4″ x 4.4″ x 2.3″ inside and 9.5″ x 5.8″ x 2.8″ outside.

There are plenty of headphones tuned for pop and dance music, but Heavys H1H wireless headphones are engineered for listening to heavy metal and rock music. Their big cans pack eight drivers for exceptional frequency response and “Hell Blocker” active noise cancellation. Dress them up with artist shells to celebrate your favorite musicians.

As we’ve learned before, shrimp can be fascinating creatures. Nature show host Ze Frank takes another look at these weird crustaceans to teach us about some unusual adaptations they have developed. From their jumble of gangly legs to their food-specific pincers to their camouflage abilities, each attribute helps them survive and thrive.

Creep out your friends and family with NECA’s life-size replica of the Model 3 Generative Android robot from the hit horror flick, M3GAN. The freaky figure measures 55 inches tall and is based on film-used digital files for accuracy. Her clothes are made from the same fabric used in the movie, and she has an articulated armature and movable eyes.

Volcanoes and the Northern Lights can be amazing to watch on their own. Associated Press shared this incredible footage of a volcano erupting in southwestern Iceland while the Aurora Borealis danced in the skies above. The contrast between the orange flames and the green and pink skies showcases the power and beauty of nature at the same time.

This modular shoe cabinet makes it easy to store, organize, and display all kinds of footwear. Setup is quick and easy – just unfold, let the shelves drop into place, and snap on the doors. It’s made from sturdy polypropylene, and each door has a magnetic catch. Choose from one-, two-, or three-column versions with 5 to 8 shelves.