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MIT graduates recreate nacho fountain from Talladega Nights
This contraption doesn't look as slick as a PS3 bbq, nor is it an ideal option for gamer sustenance, but it sure packs a punch for true nacho fanboys. Chris Vogt and Schuyler Senft-Grupp, two MIT Engineering alums, fulfilled a "mission from the Nacho Gods," to build "the beast," which was directly inspired by a nacho fountain seen in Talladega NIghts. All it took was 4 gallons of water, 6 feet of copper tube, 1 plumber's torch, 4 hose clamps, 4 plastic bowls, 1 aluminum water heater drip pan, 1 emergency drill pump, 1 power drill, various PVC bits, some string, 2 heating plates, 1 wooden spoon, several bags of chips, and of course, 6 gallons of cheese. Three days and six hours later, "the beast" came to life, overflowing with nacho goodness for Vogt, Senft-Grupp, and a posse of fellow nacho-lovers to worship / devour.
Obese gamer collapses, dies after "marathon" gaming session
Well here we go again. Reuters is reporting that a Chinese gamer has died after a "marathon," weeklong gaming session. The 26-year-old apparently collapsed on Saturday after he spent the entire week before (he'd been on break because of the Lunar New Year's celebration) playing an unidentified online game. A local teacher says the reason he played games for a full week was that because of the holiday, "there are only two options. TV or computer. What else can I do in the holiday as all markets, KTV and cafeterias are shut down?"Be prepared, I guess, to hear about this in all future media examinations of whether or not WoW is addictive. I won't argue that this isn't a sad thing to hear-- no matter what the real cause of this poor guy's death, there were serious problems there that should have been fixed a long time ago.But I will note that the article mentions the 26-year-old weighed 330 lbs. Why doesn't the headline say "Food addict dies"? Also of note, the last line of the article says that China considers 13% of its Internet users under 18 addicted. WoW, according to "experts," is supposed to be 40% addicts, but neither figure, as far as I can see, actually says what they define as "addicts"-- are they setting the bar for "addiction" low or high?
Bunnies make good cupcakes
Bunnies probably don't like to be eaten, but that didn't stop Flickr user protozoider from making these Rayman Raving Rabbids cupcakes. Some of them look like they're going to eat you! The set includes instructions on making your very own (somewhat creepy) rabbid cupcakes, and features pictures of the best efforts, and some of the not-so-successful. The secret? Bunny-themed cake pans for Easter cakes. Creative, we must admit ....See also: Metareview: Raving Rabbids Bunnies can't stand Christmas Bunnies do not value privacy Bunny tries to milk prancing cow
Crafty Wii user creates chocolate Wiimote, nunchuck
If you're even considering making a late night grocery run to stock up on post-Valentine's Day chocolate sales, hold your horses. For those who just so happened to keep the original packaging from your Wiimote and nunchuck as any true geek does, or you need a delicious excuse to run out and grab another set, you're well on your way to edible nirvana. A crafty Flickr user utilized his culinary skills along with the plastic packaging that accompanied his Wii accessories in order to make molds for Wiimote / nunchuck chocolate, which look mighty scrumptious if we may so say ourselves. While we're not experts on creating our own choco bars, it has certainly been done a time or two before, so why not indulge yourself a bit with a little calorie-packed Wiimote after a vigorous round of Wii exercise, cool?
Scoop brings glam to the ice cream truck biz
Yeah, we know, we all scream for ice cream, but the Scoop startup is looking to add a dash of glitz, glamor, and flashing lights to the traditional ice cream truck biz, which is admittedly overdue for a refresh. The UK-based endeavor will be hitting the streets with Mystery Machine-esque vans that sport a bright flashing spoon atop the roof, chalk-written phrases on the paneling, and hot orange rims to boot. The idea, which took home the gold in CPB's "Blue Sky" competition, stands out from the trucks of yesteryear by handing out branded spoons and delivering delightful flavors in Chinese take-out boxes (pictured after the jump), somewhat catering to adults as well as sugar-craving kiddos. Sure, this may not be a 100 miles-per-hour thrill wagon, nor a Xbox 360-packed rental bus, but it definitely holds it own in the (flashy) "meals on wheels" category.[Via CNET]
Headshot! Food for gamers
Mmmm mm, guarana extract... nothing quite like it for doping kids via Mountain Dew MDX or Rockstar energy drink just to name a few of the more popular stimulant elixirs. Now a newcomer: the Headshot Gamer Bar. Oh yes it is, a candy bar with oomph for plenty of late night sniping fun. Fortunately, it's said to taste like toffee, not ape guano, and destined for retail at gaming centers across North America. You know -- someday, somewhere in the baggage room at Greyhound, some beat poet will scratch: "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by guarana, starving hysterical, naked, dragging themselves through the Vice City streets at dawn looking for an angry fix." Don't believe us? Click-on for the ingredients.
Sony sauce spices up your Real PS3 Grill BBQ
Although we're a tad doubtful the vast majority of you PS3 owners set out to convert your gaming console into a grill, apparently more than a few have done so in Japan, or else they just get a kick out of dousing their banbanji in Sony sauce. Although the translation here is loose, it looks like a gimmicky t-shirt manufacturer in Japan felt like mocking the so-called Sony Emmy by actually naming a condiment after it, which if not a joke, would actually be fairly flattering. Anywho, the sauce sports a clever label celebrating the faux SIXAXIS award, as well as picturing the PS3 Grill and coming in both 20GB (small) and 60GB (large) varieties. Additionally, the 20GB size is marked down to ¥399 ($3.28) from the MSRP of ¥499, while the 60GB bottle sports an "open price," but should go for ¥599 ($4.92). It doesn't look like a smattering of these sauces were produced, though, so you'd best phone your loyal friend(s) in Japan to head out and snag you one if you're so inclined, but for those holding off, be sure to hit the read link for a bevy of detailed pics.[Via Joystiq]Update: We wished we'd spent 30 seconds trying to remember what we learned in Japanese class in college, but our colleages at the Tokyo bureau were happy to school us. The product is a pun on the word "source," since "source" and "sauce" are pronounced roughly the same way (soh-soo) in Japanese.
Cake text printer doesn't speak Italian, pens errors instead
While we doubt we've seen every single computing error that could possibly occur, there's definitely been a fair amount to surface, and while this story may not take the proverbial cake, it's good for a hearty chuckle if nothing else. Apparently, a certain Aunt Elsa was supposed to receive a custom baked (and messaged) cake from Wegmans Grocery to celebrate her birthday, and as the part-English, part-Italian message was emailed into Wegmans presumably automated printing machine, a bit of miscommunication ensued. Sure, it makes sense that the machine might not have been ready (or programmed) to handle languages outside of English, but surely someone actually looked at this thing before sending it out, right? Nevertheless, Aunt Elsa was graced with a cake that just barely got the whole "birthday" message across, and we presume even the supportEmptyParas tasted mighty sweet going down.[Via BoingBoing]
Glide toaster gives breakfast bread a new flair
Sure, toasters have gotten bigger, more colorful, and more likely to burn down your house since its conception, but unlike refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves, this cooking utensil just hasn't gotten much attention over the years. Enter George Watson, a clever design guru with an engineering heart, who has crafted the best thing since sliced toasted bread, the Glide. This primarily white ceramic toast cooker boasts a simplified design, a single-feed toaster, and a V-shaped rack to hold the toast for use on the kitchen table. Twin hot plates heat the bread as the motorized unit pulls it through, and a handy button on the front increases or decreases the speed in which it passes -- you know, to satisfy those who like it warm, and those who like it black. Mr. Watson's invention looks to be part of a design competition, thus we're not exactly sure if GE or Kitchen-Aid has contacted him regarding a deal, but hopefully we'll soon see these things replacing those antiquated versions we're all forced to deal with now.[Via BoingBoing]
Inventor patents automatic, no-look cooking
In a patent filing that appears to belong to Philips, an inventor is attempting to lock down the secret to no-look cooking, giving hope to clueless culinarians everywhere. The patent focuses on a method for determining the very moment during the cooking process in which the food "has reached a ready state," and seeks to use precise scales in an oven to determine exactly how much water has left the foodstuff and converted into steam in order to determine just how dry, crisp, and / or ready to devour it is. Of course, this fellow isn't the first bloke to iron out the details of automatic cooking, and interestingly enough, it seems this idea itself may have already been in the works, so we'd highly recommend consulting the folks behind Daewoo's autonomous microwave (and the subsequent technology) before boasting too proudly.[Via NewScientistTech]
Samsung prepping RFID-enabled refrigerator
Sure, there's always that heated debate over whether or not RFID use in our everyday lives is beneficial or voyeuristic, but Samsung's forthcoming refrigerator most certainly falls in the former category. No, it doesn't sport a built-in LCD monitor, automatic thawing, pizza nook, or an invisibility cloak, but it does manage to keep a close on the amount of food remaining in your refrigerated containers. Moreover, this eagle-eyed fridge will purportedly be able to send a shopping list the owner's cellphone or directly to the supermarket when it detects your milk, juice, eggnog, or assortment of critical condiments are reaching dangerously low levels. As if this wasn't enough to lay down a pre-order, it will supposedly offer up recipes to users as well based on what's currently residing in your fridge. Of course, there's no (presumably lofty) pricetag attached to this pipedream just yet, but it is slated to hit retail floors "around 2008 or 2009," and maybe they'll enable it to physically visit the grocery store and shop for you in the meantime.[Via textually]
USB-powered drink chiller / warmer keeps beverages happy
If you're the type who spends more time in your computer chair than basically anywhere else, Brando's got a must-have coming your way. While the zany (and numerous) array of USB-powered gizmos we've seen is nothing short of overwhelming, the USB Chiller And Warmer actually ranks fairly high in the utility department. Sporting that oh-so-hip glossy white finish, the device is entirely USB-powered, rocks a built-in fan, and can keep your beverage cool or warm with the flip of a switch. Moreover, it claims to boost the temperature of your drink 29-degrees in 10 minutes, and chills 13-degrees in the same period of time. So if you're already surrounded by a mini fridge and espresso machine, be sure to throw down the $24 required to keep your rear planted (and drink temperature satisfactory) around the clock.
Morph a McDonald's iZ toy into an IR repeater
Apparently this is the season to give IR-less, inanimate objects a bit of infrared love, as we've now got yet another IR installation duty for you handle once you've mastered the chore of getting the connectivity in your PlayStation 3. For those mums and pops who frequent McDonald's all too frequently, you've probably got a satisfactory stash of iZ toys laying around like landmines in the kitchen floor. If you've already got a (partial) multiroom IR channeling setup going, there's always the need for more coverage, so that's where the relatively useless "orange iZ" comes in, along with an IR receiver, soldering gun, and a dash of DIY prowess. This engineering dad cracked open the critter, carefully inserted the repeater, and made sure to clean up the mess by routing the cables through a rear opening, producing an impressively clean result. So if you're looking to make something worthwhile out of those otherwise ineffectual Happy Meal toys, be sure to hit the read link for all your instructions, and click on through for the repeatin' in action.[Via MAKE]
Electrolux crowns champions in 2006 Design Lab contest
Electrolux has been known to crank out some wicked appliances (and other household gear) over the years, but now its getting a taste (ahem) of just how snazzy its lineup will be once these students hire in upon graduating. Engineering minds from all over the world submitted entries into the firm's 2006 Design Lab contest, and while props were (understandably) given to a plethora of participants, only three could claim top honors. Above all was the Nevale Food Carrier (pictured above), which rocks four separated layers for toting "different hot / cold meals" at once, and the digital screen atop its lid provides a real-time readout of the storage conditions while the built-in vacuum system keeps food "fresh and free from bacteria." The first runner up, dubbed The Organic Cook, puts a nasty right hook on Mr. Foreman's offering, as it touts "oil-free frying, grilling, and boiling using infrared technology and vacuum cooking." Taking home the bronze is VESSTO, a "sleekly-designed, portable cooker" that utilizes renewable energy as power via an "advanced version of the Stirling Engine," and also features touch-sensitive controls and a screen for displaying recipes. So if you're interested to know just how stylish your kitchen will look in just a few more years, be sure to click on for a few more snapshots, and hit the read link for the full rundown of spectacular contrivances.[Via Appliancist]
Jura-Capresso's Z-Series Cup Warmer preheats mugs for your enjoyment
If you're kicked back enjoying a cup of brew from your recently purchased Melitta ME1MSB coffeemaker, but just can't stop wishing your cold, uninspired coffee mug was a tad warmer on your palms, Williams-Sonoma has your solution. For folks who just need one more gizmo taking up space in the kitchen, the Jura-Capresso Z-Series Cup Warmer provides a heated storage bin for "up to 24 espresso cups or 16 coffee cups" that quickly brings cups to "the optimal serving temperature." The freestanding "accessory" was designed to work with the Impressa Z-series espresso machine, and boasts a convection heating system to get those mugs ready for company. While we're fine with the idea of a toasty cup on a cold, blustery morn, we'd rather rock the ole G-Gloves than throw down $999 for this contraption.[Via Appliancist]
Wonka offers up candy-packed WonkaZoid handheld
We've never been ones to need much motivation when it comes to wasting hours on end playing handheld games, but just in case you're down with doubling up on your fun, Wonka Candies has unveiled the WonkaZoid portable. With four renditions -- each sporting a built-in game, sweet (ahem) sticker packs to pimp out your machine, and its own variety of treats -- the device boasts massive side compartments perfect for stashing away stacks of SweeTarts or Nerds, not to mention providing a precision grip for your sure-to-be-sticky hands. You can get your game on with Shockball Showdown, Oompa Candy Flip, Nerds Hockey, and Freeze Tag, and provide loads of additional work for your dentist all the while. So if you missed your chance to snap up a next-generation console during the pre-order bonanza, and you're not exactly keen with quitting your job to wait in line (or pay a 500 percent markup on eBay), maybe these lil' $5 to $7 gizmos will numb the pain -- but we seriously doubt it.[Via CrunchGear]
Mensa Mobil software dishes out lunch menus
Mom might have had your middle school lunches well under control, but thanks to a new development by the student union of Dresden Technical University and Haase & Martin GbR, you can enjoy the upper hand in college. Fed up with not having the skinny on cafeteria offerings, the "Studentenwerk Dresden" has implemented a prototype system on campus that beams a fortnight's worth of upcoming food choices to your Bluetooth-enabled mobile. A hotspot system dubbed BlueBot disseminates the Mensa Mobil (that's "mobile menu," folks) software to any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone within "40 meters" of its tower. Should you choose to install it, you're granted updated access to the foods, pricing, and specific ingredients offered throughout the day at 15 different eateries around town. While the program is currently free, it's apparently becoming quite a hit around campus, and both developers are planning to expand the restaurant choices as well as add additional BlueBot download points should the locals get hungry for more.[Via Textually]
Better eating habits through gaming
Can gaming teach us healthier ways to eat? Nonsense! A recent Electronic Arts study concluded that commercial games can be effective teaching tools in the classroom. Last week, researchers at the University of Sydney found that automated dietary advice, similar to Amazon recommendations, reduced the amount of saturated fats in the goods purchased by the participants. The two studies are not necessarily mutually exclusive: imagine a 3D platformer where your enemies all shared a common thread of containing copious amounts of high fructose corn syrup. Would you subconscious start avoiding foods that contain HFCS, or at least check the nutrition labels?Yoshi's Fruit Cake? Veggie Burger Time? Scrumdiddly-umptious.See Also:W. Virginia to put DDR in all 765 public schoolsParent prefers kid dabbling in coke over playing video gamesRead - New tool helps online shoppers buy lower-fat food [Reuters, via Geek.com]Read - Video games have 'role in school' [BBC News]
Three-tiered Mario mushroom cake amazes
This incredible three-tiered Mario-themed wedding cake was the big surprise at Brent Gustafson's wedding. His bride-to-be planned the cake, keeping it a secret until just before its unveiling. The entire creation -- short of the cake toppers -- was entirely edible. That means piranha plants, mushroom, everything. While the cake toppers weren't edible, they weren't easy to come by. They're part of the "Mario Family" series from Club Nintendo in Japan, only available by redeeming points from Japanese Nintendo products.If they knew about our Gears of War contest, we're pretty sure the cake's Flickr entry would take the, uh ... you know. [Via Boing Boing]
Making some Westfall Stew in real-life
Earlier this evening I was checking out what the WoW Ladies over on livejournal had to say, and a few of them were chatting about how to make real-life Westfall Stew-- you know, the lowbie collecting quest in Westfall that gives you a cooking recipe and some food with a nice bonus.When I checked, they hadn't found the link yet, but now they have, and here it is: Real-Life Westfall Stew (Dave also dropped us a note on this one-- thanks, Dave!). They actually cheat a little bit-- they use chicken for vulture meat, and tomatoes for Murloc eyes. I don't know if you've ever had Murloc eyes in Westfall stew but let me tell you, if you substitute tomatoes, you're probably not going to get that tangy flavor that comes with the real thing! Or the pleasure of taking the eyes from the Murlocs in the first place. But I'm sure this faked stuff is pretty good, too.How soon until we see other great WoW dishes in real life? Who wouldn't want to try some Dusty "Crab" Cakes (who knows where Chef Grual gets those tasty crab legs from), some Cactus Apple Surprise, or some Dragonbreath Chili? And you can wash it all down with some tasty Thistle Tea (it'll get you all the energy you need) or, my favorite (even though you have to be 21 for this stuff), Noggenfogger Elixir. For dessert, a Savory Deviate Delight, of course. With all these great foods to choose from, a World of Warcraft Restaurant is only one Blizzard employee's crazy idea away..
