Awesome Etc

Given the vastness of the universe, it’s almost impossible to fathom that there aren’t other life forms out there. In this video from Kurzgesagt, they explore the hypothetical idea that aliens are just a few steps behind us, and will soon catch up with technology that allows them to explore space and visit other planets.

Are you the next Diplo or Deadmau5? Learn to make electronic music and perform digital DJ sets with this expansive library of online training. Courses include electronic music theory, music production, and live performance. Another great deal from The Awesomer Shop.

Process X reveals the processes behind making objects we rarely think about. Case in point: the spinning brushes found in carwashes and on street sweepers. The Kyoshin Giken Co. makes these brushes by chopping up plastic bristles, setting them into a metal channel, then bending it into a spiral. Then it’s time for a haircut.

After seeing a digital simulation of water being poured into a vertical maze and finding its way to the exit, science educator Steve Mould wanted to see if he could replicate the experiment in the real world. It’s interesting to see how maze complexity affects the way the water flows.

Robotime’s wood kit gives you everything you need to build your own working mini-pinball machine. Its 482 pieces come together to form a circus-themed machine with a plunger, bumpers, and flippers. The playfield and backbox have built-in lighting, and it also plays sounds. Save $40 for a limited time with code PINBALL40.

Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer pushes more air and dries hair faster than most. Integza figured out a way to use its tiny and powerful motor to create a handheld jet engine. First, he had to use an industrial 3D printer to produce a metal case for his project. Then he injected fuel into its combustion chamber and ignited it.

City dwellers take elevators for granted. But without these engineered marvels, we’d be stuck climbing staircases and probably not have skyscrapers. Illustrator and educator Jared Owen shares another informative 3D animation explaining the inner workings of these metal boxes we trust with our lives on an everyday basis.

This tiny camera lets you discreetly monitor and record activity in your home, office, on your body, in your car, or even on your bike. It has a built-in clip and can attach magnetically to metal surfaces, beaming video back to your phone wirelessly. It runs for up to 90 minutes per charge. Save $29 in The Awesomer Shop.

Time marches on… and as it does, everyday things become obsolete. Rhetty for History looks back at some of the items that once were ubiquitous and are either fading into oblivion or have already gone extinct. Those x-ray shoe fitting machines were something special. And remember when cash was king?

Concord Aerospace specializes in hardware inspired by space travel. They sell cool stuff like control switches and this round picture frame that looks like the window on the Apollo command module hatch. The 50%-scale replica comes in laser-cut acrylic or machined aluminum, with metal hardware and accurate markings.

One of the best guilty pleasures to make its way onto dinner tables is macaroni and cheese. From homemade casseroles to the dorm room staple of Kraft mac and cheese, there’s a place in our bellies for all of them. Weird History Food explores the origins of the dish and how it became an all-American comfort food.

Rogan’s pocket tool is made in the USA from high-carbon steel. It’s got two chiseled edges that provide utility as a pry bar, log-splitting tool, and root-chopping digging tool. It’s also strong enough to hammer in tent stakes. It comes with a length of paracord for wrapping its handle. An optional sheath is available too.

We know that firearms can be dangerous – especially if they malfunction or are mishandled. The Slow Mo Guys got together with Scott from Kentucky Ballistics to witness a worst-case scenario. Loading the wrong ammo into an already jammed gun doesn’t ordinarily happen, but the consequences can be explosive.

Vehicle tuner Hennessey takes the Ford Bronco Raptor to another level with its 500 horsepower Bronco VelociRaptor. It rolls on 20″ Hennessey wheels wrapped in 37″ off-road tires and features a new front bumper with pod fog lights, a new rear bumper, unique badging, and custom chassis tuning. Just 200 will be made for 2023.

Flying an airplane with a wing on just one side of its fuselage seems like an impossible idea. Yasushi Nishimura shows us it can be done by dropping a one-winged R/C glider off a cliff on a windy day. It maintains altitude like a roller coaster, but by the third take, the pilot figured out how to keep it aloft.

From the “just because it can be done doesn’t mean it should be done” file comes this fully-functional washing machine that’s not even big enough to hold a single sock. But this is the internet, and Inventus thought he’d show off by building a tiny appliance using Coca-Cola cans, straws, popsicle sticks, and a USB-powered motor.

The guys from How Ridiculous are back at their 150-foot-tall tower and crane to drop stuff. But instead of just destroying things, they turned it into a game. The objective? The crew must catch as much water from each splashdown as possible. Another game involved keeping water in a container while taking a wild jet boat ride.

CGP Grey has a thing for flags. In this video, he goes state-by-state through America to assess each flag and whether or not they succeed at some basic concepts like being simple, easy to identify from a distance, distinct from others, meaningful, and free from words. A surprising number of flags failed right off the bat.

Looking for a great gift for a mechanic or a woodworker? The Busted Knuckle Garage makes this awesome desk organizer that looks like a miniature rolling toolbox. Each is made in the USA from heavy-duty steel with a hinged lid, tiny casters, and a bright red powder coat finish. Measures 9.25″ L x 4.25″ W x 5 H”.

Despite having four legs and spending half their time on land, biologists think that hippopotami are related to whales and dolphins. ZeFrank is here to entertain and educate with a nature film about these jumbo-size, semi-aquatic mammals. We had no idea that hippos could sleep while underwater. Caution: Hippo poop ahead.

Mission Workshop’s Notch bag is ideal for everyday essentials. It can be worn over the shoulder, around the waist, or attached to Arkiv-compatible packs like the R2, R6, Radian, and Integer. Inside, it’s got spots for your phone, wallet, and keys, plus an exterior zipper pocket. Made from Polyant X-Pac fabric with a TPU-coated nylon liner.

This collapsible utility tote is designed for efficiently storing and carrying gear. It’s as rugged as a hard-sided case but folds down small when empty. It’s made from weatherproof nylon with a rigid frame, a thick tri-fold lid, and a clear window, so you can see what’s inside. We really dig the new orange limited edition.

Nissin Foods USA has announced a special version of its popular Cup Noodles just for American tastes. The instant ramen includes bits of sausage and eggs, along with the flavors of pancakes and maple syrup. The limited-edition noodles arrive this week at select Walmart stores. They’re either going to be awesome or awful.