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Navy researchers make bulletproof glass out of clay
The US Naval Research Laboratory announced a major breakthrough in materials science on Thursday. After decades of research and development, the NRL has created a transparent, bulletproof material that can be molded into virtually any shape. This material, known as Spinel, is made from a synthetic powdered clay that is heated and pressed under vacuum (aka sintered) into transparent sheets. "Spinel is actually a mineral, it's magnesium aluminate," Dr. Jas Sanghera, who leads the research, said in a statement. "The advantage is it's so much tougher, stronger, harder than glass. It provides better protection in more hostile environments -- so it can withstand sand and rain erosion."
3D-printed internet traffic looks a lot like your first attempt at pottery
Unless you live under the tyranny of a bandwidth cap, you probably aren't spending much time looking at the amount of data passing through your home network on a regular basis. But what if there was a way to visualize it beyond a graph, perhaps even in a way that you could touch? That's the idea behind EXtrace, a 3D printer that models the traffic from a German internet node. This isn't just any node, however. As 3DPrint tells it, the De-Cix in Frankfurt is one of the world's largest when it comes to data throughput. The printer uses this traffic as a basis for spitting clay onto a spinning plate, and each of the end-results represent two days worth of data transfers; more traffic in a given period means thicker sections of the column. And that's it, really. The EXtrace's creators say that they don't have any other plans for the prototype and that they've already moved on to other projects. Who knows, though -- maybe Will.I.Am would be into expanding on this sort of thing.
Armikrog is the new clay adventure game from The Neverhood creators
We heard last month that the folks behind 1996's The Neverhood were at work on a new clay-motion adventure game, and the name has now been revealed: It's called Armikrog. The title has also earned a website, a Twitter profile, and a Facebook page. There's also a very (very) short video clip available, but all it shows is a confusingly full whiteboard, the scrabblings on which may or may not have much to do with the final product.We do know that it's all being put together by Neverhood creator Doug TenNapel, with help from Mike Dietz and Ed Schofield (a.k.a. Pencil Test Studios) and Neverhood composer Terry Taylor.
Canadian customers get lumps of clay instead of iPads
Vancouver, B.C. resident Mark Sandhu bought a new iPad 2 for his wife for Christmas, but when she opened the box, she found a tablet of another kind: a big chunk of clay. Sandhu took his purchase back to Canadian retailer Future Shop and complained, but the store initially thought he was trying to run a scam on them. It's only after Sandhu contacted CTV, and after more cases of "clayPads" started showing up in Vancouver-area Future Shops and Best Buys, that Sandhu finally got compensation in the form of a full refund and a replacement iPad 2. This isn't the first time we've heard of a scam like this, unfortunately. Cases involving bricks or other items inserted into iPod boxes and then returned for full refunds have happened several times in the past, with unsuspecting retail clerks simply returning them to shelves and selling the iBricks to customers down the road. One particularly effective scam I saw when I worked retail security a few years back was when a scammer would buy both a 1 GB and 4 GB iPod nano, then return the 1 GB nano in the 4 GB box. The differences between the two units were too subtle for most returns desk clerks to notice, but the price gap was wide enough for scammers to turn a tidy profit this way. According to CTV, 10 fake clayPads have been found in the Vancouver area so far. If you live in Vancouver and are planning to buy an iPad from anywhere other than an Apple Store, we'd suggest you shoot an unboxing video when you first open your purchase; if you "win" the lottery and wind up with a clayPad instead of an iPad, at least the video should be proof enough that you're the scammed and not the scammer.
iPads replaced with clay, sold to unsuspecting Canadians
That fuzzy sensation we get when unboxing a new toy gadget is the fuel that keeps us going at Engadget. A feeling a few unlucky Canadian's were deprived of, after buying what they believed to be an iPad 2 actually turned out to be a slab of clay. In a calculated scam, crooks purchased real iPads, replaced them with terra-cotta tablets, then returned them to the store in re-sealed boxes. The fakes then found their way back on to the shelves, and into customer's baskets. It was Mark Sandhu who first reported the incident after gifting his wife something a little too slate-like on Christmas Eve. Initially Future Shop wouldn't refund Sandhu, possibly believing him to be the scammer; it was only after taking the story to CTV, and up to ten other cases coming to light -- including some from Best Buy -- that the retailer took the claim seriously. Future Shop has since issued a refund, and given Mark a real iPad 2 for his troubles. Next time, he might want to try an official retailer -- or not.
IndieCade 2011: Molding The Swapper out of clay
The Swapper is one of IndieCade's most fascinating finalists this year. While the trailer will definitely pique your interest about the title (it features some really interesting "create-a-clone" gameplay -- more on that in a bit), what's most incredible about this one isn't how it looks or plays. It's how it was made. The Swapper was created by Facepalm Games, which is actually two teenagers named Otto Hantula and Olli Harjola (along with a sound designer) from Helsinki, Finland. They've created a few games, "but nothing as big as this one," they told me. You may think, given the amazing textures and bump-mapping on the game, that they used some kind of high-end engine to create it. Unreal Engine 3? CryEngine, maybe? Nope. "They're actually made of clay and some other stuff," said Harjola. As in, actual physical clay, which he modeled, photographed, and then put into the game with lots of dynamic lighting. "I probed a lot of different graphic styles," he says. "I don't really like 3D modeling, but I really like doing stuff with my hands, and this is what I came up with."
Plato shown holding an iPad in a creative clay sculpture (video)
When technology meets art, the possibilities are endless. We have seen the iPad used as a canvas to paint portraits, most recently of Woz, and multiple iPads used to create a giant Lara Croft-emblazoned iPhone. This latest iPad-themed artistic experiment takes a traditional sculpture of Plato and places an anachronistic iPad into his hands. No longer contemplating the pressing social issues of his time, the great thinker can now ponder the meaning of FaceTime and whether he really wants it on his iPad, the influence of the App Store, and the validity of the reality distortion field. After the break, you will find a time-lapse video detailing the sculpting process which starts with a simple wire frame armature and ends with an iPad-toting Greek philosopher. It is definitely worth the four minutes it takes to watch it from beginning to end. Thanks to Adam who created this work of art and sent it in!
World of WarCrafts: Rock, paper, scissors
World of WarCrafts spotlights art and creativity by WoW players, including fan art, cooking, comics, cosplay, music and fan fiction. Show us how you express yourself; email lisa (at) wow (dot) com with your not-for-profit, WoW-inspired creations. World of WarCrafts brings you arts and crafts around a theme this week: rock, paper and scissors. First up: "rock" -- a ceramic wind rider cub from Lakira of US Area 52. "I made this statue in my HS ceramics art class as an extra project," writes Lakira. "He's made out of clay and painted with acrylics. I later added some brown felt fur for his little mane; I didn't have any faux brown fur, but I think he looks better with the felt!" "I toiled over a few weeks, working out his design and hoping he wouldn't chip or break -- or even worse, blow up in the kiln," Lakira continues. "After he was finally fired, I had to finish painting him fast, in fear of someone stealing him. It's happened before, blah! I've never done anything really on this scale before; I've made tiny fel hound figures, but that was about it." Our verdict: adorable! Follow us past the break for more rock, paper, scissors crafts.
World of WarCrafts: Cross-faction goblet
World of WarCrafts spotlights art and creativity by WoW players, including fan art, cooking, comics, cosplay, music and fan fiction. Show us how you express yourself; contact our tips line (attention: World of WarCrafts) with your not-for-profit, WoW-inspired creations. What happens when you combine an art class degree requirement with a WoW player who's been locked out of the game due to the school's unresolved router issues with Battle.net? For Hurbz of US Sargeras-A, you get "WoW on the brain," plus this classy faction goblet. "This was my first real experience with pottery," he admits, "and though I had done some projects earlier for the class, this was my first time using the potters wheel." We'd say this guy deserves an A -- and a clear path through his school network's Battle.net issues. Let the guy get his game on so he's not throwing WoW into every project he gets his hands on, hmm? More details from Hurbz on how his creation came together, after the break.
iPhone earrings will get great reception at your next party
In many ways modern cellphones are little more than high-tech pieces of jewelry that keep you connected to the world while looking great pressed to your ear. Barb at Etsy's "iPhone G3" earrings eschew all that unnecessary functionality and focus on the aesthetics, shrinking a pair of handsets the same way she miniaturized two Wiimotes, turning them into tiny charms to dangle from your earlobes -- head decor that's sure to light up the eyes of every male geek in the room. A pair are yours for just $22, which is a fair bit more affordable than the real things. [Via technabob]
World of WarCrafts: Horde earrings
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.There is nothing quite like the beacon of nerdiness that is video game apparel. These subtle yet straightforward earrings are sure to attract your fellow horde lover. A perfect accessory for that blind date outside of Orgrimmar.Here is what you will need: Black and Red Sculpey Clay Fishhook Earrings Eye Pins (4) Red Beads (2) Split Ring Pliers Round Nose Pliers Wire Cut Pliers Clear Acrylic Spray Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-32150%
Show and Tell: For the love of a character
A big part of Nintendo (and gaming) fandom seems to be linked to the appreciation -- nay, love -- of certain characters, and that's what we're exploring in this week's edition of Show and Tell. It's all about characters and the things we do in honor of them. Take the guided tour, or jump all willy-nilly into the gallery below.%Gallery-31978% Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.
World of WarCrafts: Midsummer magnet
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.Celebrate Midsummer with this one-of-a-kind novelty. Whether you're wanting to post your grocery list on the fridge or hang a picture of your latest crush in your locker, now you can do it with style. Here is what you will need: Polymer Clay (premo! turquoise and gold) Circle Clay Cutters Xacto Knife Adhesive Magnet Scissors Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-26162%
World of WarCrafts: Giant yeti
Every Thursday, Shelbi Roach of The Bronze Kettle guides you in creating WoW-inspired crafts using real world mats with World of WarCrafts.Ever get lonely sitting at your computer doing all those wonderfully redundant dailies? Need someone cute and cuddly to pass the time with? Use this easy to learn, but hard to master method to bring your favorite in-game companion or NPC into the real world.Here is what you will need: Sculpey Clay (blue, white, brown, black) Clay tools (or a toothpick) Oven Optional supplies: High gloss acrylic spray Click on the images below to view a gallery of step-by-step instructions. %Gallery-23926%
Mini NES is as cute as a button (same size, too)
Perhaps it's the little girl inside of me -- or maybe it's an issue of some deep-seated problems -- but whenever something exists in miniature form, this writer can't help but squeal.Those who agree that small things are cute might also love this penny-sized, clay NES. There's really no purpose to owning it except that it's mini, but that seems like reason enough for us. Finding more ways to impress us, Lauren of TheClayCollection also made an Xbox 360 and an original Xbox. Whoever thought an Xbox of all things could be so adorable?Unfortunately, there's no mini Wii currently available, but Lauren takes requests if you'd like her to make you one. She also has nice little NES controller earrings at her Etsy store, among other things.So, are these ridiculously cute, or do we need psychological help? You decide.[Via Technabob]
Wii World 1-1: Super Mario Bros. mod
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Super_Mario_Bros_World_1_1_makes_for_a_great_Wii_mod'; With Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and even Yoshi-themed Wii casemods already out in the wild, it was only a matter of time before someone personalized their console with everyone's favorite mascot, Mario. BeerBellyJoe sculpted the plumber's figure out of clay, affixing him to one of the Wii's side panels before painting the entire system. Interestingly, that cloud looks nothing like the bush!It isn't visible in the image above, but there's a pipe on the other side that doubles as a Wii remote charger. The front of the decorated base also has an extra USB port and an LED mushroom that lights up when the port is in use. Hit the gallery below for more shots or click the "read" link to check out Joe's guide on how to make your own Mario Wii mod.%Gallery-18056%[Via Technabob]
The authoritative guide to making tiny Wiimotes from Model Magic
STOP! Put down that Crayola Model Magic. Read this guide from DIYLife's Victor Agreda before you attempt to fashion teensy Wiimotes out of the foamy modeling compound. Or you can just look at the pictures of his charmingly homemade, fun-size Wii controllers, embellished with markers. Victor used these to add cute touches to his Christmas gifts, but you are, of course, free to do what you like, from displaying them, to, uh ... a second use. One of our favorite things about the Internet is that there exist so many detailed guides to extremely specific things. And our pals at DIY Life are contributing to this infinite diversity in infinite combinations.
Show and Tell: I made it out of clay
No, not a dreidel*, but instead, a 1-up keychain! Reader Mathias sent this one in for us to show off, and it was so cute that we couldn't resist. Someone should make us a friendly keychain, since our fingers are far too slow and stupid for modeling (of any sort). And we can't help but wonder ... if you carry one of these around at all times, does it make you invincible? No? Damn, that would have been awesome.Got something you want to show off to all the other DS fans? We like just about anything with a little Nintendo flavor, so snap a few pics and send 'em off to tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.*Note: links to South Park anything are potentially NSFW!
Show and Tell: Everyone loves Dorian
With our excitement over the announcement that Majesco is going to localize the eco-friendly title Ecoris, we had no choice when it came to selecting what to show off this week. After all, nothing says unconditional love like a clay representation of the game's fruity, gap-toothed hero. Our new favorite deviantARTist, wingsofsorrow, found that cute little face as irresistible as we do ... and she plans to make the squirrel army next. We approve. Got something that makes you particularly proud? We like thingamabobs and doohickeys and swag of all sorts, as well as food and furniture and anything fun ... so long as it's related to Nintendo! Just take some pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.
Gronn sculpture in progress from the EU forums
Varedis of EU Draenor is working on what looks like a neat clay Gronn sculpture, and while it's still a work in progress, he's posting pics of it over on the forums. Did you know the Gronn were Ogre demigods? I had no idea. But isn't there a Mountain Gronn killing Ogres in Nagrand? Looks like there's another lore line that dropped through the cracks.Anyway, what Varedis has so far looks pretty good-- you can see how the clay gets modeled around a metal frame, shaped into the basic pose, and then each body part is fleshed out and shaped. So far all he's got is a right hand, it seems, but what's there looks good.He's also working on a Tauren sculpture (concurrently, I guess), which also looks pretty good. Very good start, can't wait to see how the whole thing comes out.
