Hello there World

Why Do Cats Purr?

2012-02-14T01:26:00.000-05:00

Why are there no voting buttons? Ohai, Cheezfrends! As we mentioned last week, we have temporarily removed voting buttons from our front pages. However, voting will be back (and better than ever) in the near future! Read more about the changes here.

LoL by: Unknown

Via: Fake Science

Effort

2012-02-14T01:24:00.000-05:00

Effort:

It would probably make everyone happy if I gave some examples of each category, but it’ll take a lot less effort not to. -Will

Fascinating Matchbook Art

2012-02-14T01:23:00.001-05:00

Fascinating Matchbook Art:

"QUANTUM SHOT" #754
Link - article by Simon Rose and Avi Abrams

Always Striking! Classic Matchbook Art

Matches have been part of our lives for well over a hundred years. Everyone is familiar with matchbooks, where the match must be torn away to strike it and the matchbox, where the matches are loosely packed in a cardboard tray. The outer covers of both of these can be decorated with the manufacturers logo or with advertising. Matchbooks were at their peak in the 1940’s and 50’s, when they were popular souvenir items, but they have made something of a comeback recently due to the public interest in retro advertising.

(images via 1, 2, 3)

The collecting of matchboxes, matchbooks, match labels and other match-related items is called phillumeny and is, like the collecting of stamps, a specialized field of interest. Peculiar Postage, which previously appeared here on Dark Roasted Blend, was not intended as a detailed study of stamps, merely a look at some of the more curious examples. Similarly, this article examines some of the most fascinating matchboxes and match covers from years gone by, from around the world.

This box from 1880 contains Bryant and May’s flaming fusees, apparently guaranteed to ignite even in wind or pouring rain. The fusee was a large-headed type of match for lighting pipes or cigars, presumably when out in the open:

(right: Science Museum London, images via 1, 2)

From around a century later, these matches could perhaps even be described as supersonic, being formerly available to passengers on Concorde flights:

(image courtesy Concorde Site, via)

Also from an aircraft, this matchbook bearing the US Presidential seal is from Air Force One during the Truman administration:

(images via 1, 2)

How about this Fritokid, inviting you to meet him in Disneyland? -

(images via 1, 2)

This one from Poland encourages people to shower after returning home from work (left, below)... and a crazy character on an East Germany match cover (right, below):

(images via 1, 2)

Also from Germany, this one appears to be advertising getting milk directly from the source (left), and on the right: different kind of beverage and a clearly happy customer.

(images via)

This lady appears to be so delighted with her washing machine that she forgot to get dressed before hanging the clothes out to dry (left). ON the right: "All Men Are Beasts?!" -

(images via 1, 2)

Here’s a couple from the USSR, commemorating Soviet achievements in space exploration. Traveling on board Sputnik II, the dog Laika became the first living Earth creature to be placed in orbit in November 1957 (left):

(images via 1, 2)

Right image above: Sputnik 4 was launched in 1961 and involved a test flight of the Vostok spacecraft that was being prepared for manned missions into space.

Another Soviet era cover, this matchbox decorated with a Soviet armoured personnel carrier dates from the Cold War (left below). The one on the right depicts a monument in Donetsk, Ukraine, dedicated to the commander who liberated the city from the Germans in 1943:

(images via 1, 2)

Here a much earlier war is recalled, depicting the Russian battle against Napoleon at Borodino in 1812:

(images credit: left via, right photo by Alex Slogis via)

This Hungarian lady’s just been shopping on her scooter by the looks of things (left); Also from Hungary, an advertisement for insuring your pig (right):

(images via 1, 2)

Don’t light a campfire in the Lithuanian forest, or else this angry tree will be sure to get you:

(image via)

This Czech example advises people against heavy drinking, reminding them of all the things they might have to sacrifice if they develop a problem with alcohol (left below). While the Czech one on the right implores the public not to abuse emergency services for what may be trivial injuries:

(images via 1, 2)

These great examples are all from Japan. This robot certainly appears pretty friendly (left); the one on the right is a little odd, but very dramatic, nonetheless:

(images via 1, 2)

The first one dates from 1910 and the second one from 1920:

(images via)

Here’s a great picture from 1935 with a Samurai warrior and a tiger:

(images via)

From China, how about these superhero themed matchbox covers (left). And the one on the right is just great, a collection of shadow puppet demonstrations, also from China:

(images via 1, 2)

This one on the laft below is from Thailand (a lot more covers here). The platypus on the right is a little unusual, from India in 1930:

(images via 1, 2)

Here are some great Flickr sets of matchbox covers - here and here.

And finally, from Belgium in 1950, an undoubtedly frequent buyer of matches, based on his smoking a cigarette, cigar and pipe at the same time;

(image via)

BONUS: this is a light-hearted look at the hard life of burning matches:

(right: "Burning love". Made by Nikolay Yanchukov, via, bottom left via)

Bottom left image is the t-shirt design "Burnout" by Mohammad F. Haque.

Here is a match stick sculpture by Claes Oldenburg & Coosje Van Bruggen in Barcelona (more info):

(images credit: 1, 2)

Burning matches can be made into a very creative art:

(original unknown)

CONTINUE TO "UNUSUAL STAMPS"! ->

ALSO READ: FASCINATING CURRENCY (MONEY BILLS)

ALSO READ: EXTRAORDINARY EX LIBRIS ART ->

See More in our VINTAGE Category ->

Avi Abrams is the creator, writer, and owner of Dark Roasted Blend;
Simon Rose is the author of science fiction and fantasy novels for children, including The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic's Tomb and The Doomsday Mask and The Time Camera.

WIN!: Ultimate Laziness WIN

2012-02-14T01:23:00.000-05:00

WIN!: Ultimate Laziness WIN:

Parenting Fails: FINALLY

2012-02-14T01:22:00.001-05:00

Parenting Fails: FINALLY:

They’re really narrowing the focus of this show lately.

Music FAILS: Less Is More

2012-02-14T01:22:00.000-05:00

Music FAILS: Less Is More:

Rock out with FAIL Blog’s newest site, Music FAILS!

Ugliest Tattoos: And if you’re a white guy with a tribal arm band you’re just a douche.

2012-02-14T01:21:00.002-05:00

Ugliest Tattoos: And if you’re a white guy with a tribal arm band you’re just a douche.:

And of course the misspelled inspirational quote that says “3rd grade was as far as I got.”

There I Fixed It: Natural Emissions

2012-02-14T01:21:00.001-05:00

There I Fixed It: Natural Emissions:

Swiss man Pascal Prokop picked himself up a permit to install a wood-fired stove. And he installed it in his 1990 Volvo Station wagon. He did give any sort of reason for this, but one can assume it has something to do with his haircut.

Submitted by: Unknown

Via: MSNBC

Failbook: Wut?

2012-02-14T01:21:00.000-05:00

Failbook: Wut?:

Engrish Funny: No bonfire allowed on top of car

2012-02-14T01:20:00.001-05:00

Engrish Funny: No bonfire allowed on top of car:

Massages from submitter to:

I assumed it’s not allowed to have a bonfire on the roof of your car. Or afterburners not allowed

Autocowrecks: Excuses Excuses

2012-02-14T01:20:00.000-05:00

Autocowrecks: Excuses Excuses:

FAIL Nation: Quit Bragging FAIL

2012-02-14T01:19:00.001-05:00

FAIL Nation: Quit Bragging FAIL:

NASA pulls the plug on the mainframe computer era

2012-02-14T01:19:00.000-05:00

NASA pulls the plug on the mainframe computer era:

It's the end of another era at NASA, although this one was perhaps more inevitable than others. Chief Information Officer Linda Cureton announced in a blog post over the weekend that the agency's last mainframe computer was shut down this month, marking an end to decades of room-filling computers. Of course, that last mainframe was considerably more recent than that pictured above. It was an IBM Z9 (pictured at the source link below), still quite a behemoth and useful for certain applications, but deemed unnecessary by NASA in the face of other more flexible alternatives. Feeling nostalgic or curious about those days gone by? You can find a bit of mainframe history at the links below.

NASA pulls the plug on the mainframe computer era originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bed Snail

2012-02-14T01:18:00.000-05:00

Bed Snail:

Submitted by:

soypio

To: My Precious

2012-02-14T01:17:00.001-05:00

To: My Precious:

Submitted by: Unknown

Granny Joined Army

2012-02-14T01:17:00.000-05:00

Granny Joined Army:

Submitted by:

butterflyperception

Jonathan Swift

2012-02-14T01:16:00.004-05:00

Jonathan Swift: "When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."

Google makes 'next gen personal communications device,' is testing it in employee abodes

2012-02-14T01:16:00.003-05:00

Google makes 'next gen personal communications device,' is testing it in employee abodes:

We first heard about Google's foray into home-based hardware late last week, when it asked the FCC for Special Temporary Authority (STA) to have employees test an "entertainment device" in their homes (as opposed to a lab). According to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, it's rumored to be a Sonos-like device related to the Android@Home Tungsten hub we saw at Google I/O last year. It appears, however, that's not all Google's got in store, as some information has trickled out about another Google-branded gadget. Apparently, it's a "next generation personal communication device," and Mountain View has asked the FCC for another STA to test 102 of them in the same cities as the aforementioned entertainment box: Mountain View, LA, New York and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Why? Well, Google wants to track its Bluetooth performance and evaluate "the throughput and stability of the home WiFi networks that will support the device" in a real-world setting. Other details about the device are scant, but we do know that testing on this second Google-made gadget is ongoing through July 15th, so here's hoping we can get a glimpse of one between now and then. Check out the FCC docs for both devices at the source below, and feel free to sound off on what you think Google's got in store in the comments after.

Google makes 'next gen personal communications device,' is testing it in employee abodes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Ars Technica | FCC (1), (2) | Email this | Comments

Lego-built robotic arm will pour you a drink, collapse under pressure (video)

2012-02-14T01:16:00.002-05:00

Lego-built robotic arm will pour you a drink, collapse under pressure (video):

We've seen countless robotics projects made either partly or entirely out of Lego, but this pneumatic arm built by Max Sheppard has to rank among the most impressive. As you can see in the video above, while it may be a bit on the slow side, the arm's range of motion is remarkably life-like (even by non-Lego standards). It's also able to grip objects of different sizes, and with enough precision to pour water out of a cup, although Sheppard says it can't lift anything more than a couple of pounds. No word if he has any plans to attach the arm to something.

Lego-built robotic arm will pour you a drink, collapse under pressure (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Make | Tinkernology | Email this | Comments

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), offers Ice Cream Sandwich on a seven-inch platter (Updated: video)

2012-02-14T01:16:00.001-05:00

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), offers Ice Cream Sandwich on a seven-inch platter (Updated: video):

It looks like Samsung has just taken the wraps off its latest tablet offerings, with the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) -- an ICS-laced follow-up to the company's original seven-incher. Available in both 3G and WiFi varieties, this redux doesn't mark a huge departure from its predecessor, packing a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 1024 x 600 LCD. The big changes, however, come in the software department, with the Galaxy Tab 2 shipping with Android 4.0 straight out of the box. Other than that, you'll find a three-megapixel rear-facing camera, a VGA shooter up front, Bluetooth capabilities, and HSPA+ connectivity. No word yet on pricing or availability, but it's worth noting that we first saw this announcement hit Samsung's RSS feed earlier this morning, and it appears to have been pulled since then. It all looks awfully official to us, but when it becomes officially official, we'll be sure to update this post accordingly. Until then, be sure to head past the break for a shot of its backside.

Update: Samsung has just issued an official press release for today's announcement, specifying that the device will launch first in the UK, beginning in March. Price remains a mystery, but you can find more information in the full release, after the break.

Update 2: After the break, you'll also find the keynote announcement as recorded by dotekmánie.

Continue reading Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), offers Ice Cream Sandwich on a seven-inch platter (Updated: video)

Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), offers Ice Cream Sandwich on a seven-inch platter (Updated: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear | Sammyhub | Email this | Comments

White Galaxy Nexus hands-on: a taste of vanilla-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich (video)

2012-02-14T01:16:00.000-05:00

White Galaxy Nexus hands-on: a taste of vanilla-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich (video):

When it rains it pours. Hot on the heels of last week's fabulous white Nokia N9, we just received Samsung's freshly minted "chic white" Galaxy Nexus thanks to our friends at Negri Electronics. This handsome phone -- which is spec-wise identical to the HSPA+ version we reviewed last year -- sheds the default gunmetal gray skin for a lovely satin white finish. Further differences include a chrome camera pod (instead of black) and a much smaller dot-pattern on the textured battery cover. The handset, which is running Android 4.0.2, goes by the name "yakjuxw", meaning that unlike its official "yakju" cousin, it won't be getting software updates directly from Google. Still, the bootloader is unlocked, making it relatively painless to switch ROMs. What's most intriguing about this particular unit, however, is that it shipped with a North American charger instead of the expected UK adapter. Is this an unannounced US / Canadian market device? Go ahead and ponder that while you savor a taste of vanilla-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich in our gallery below, then watch our unboxing video after the break.

Gallery: White Samsung Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ overview

Continue reading White Galaxy Nexus hands-on: a taste of vanilla-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich (video)

White Galaxy Nexus hands-on: a taste of vanilla-flavored Ice Cream Sandwich (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita review

2012-02-14T01:15:00.003-05:00

PlayStation Vita review:

Look familiar? It should: that's the PlayStation Vita, Sony's up-and-coming challenger to the mobile gaming throne. It's made the rounds a few times before, from E3, to Tokyo Game Show, to San Francisco's Vita Hill Social Club, and it even took an early pass through Engadget's review gauntlet -- courtesy of the Land of the Rising Sun, of course. After a strong start in its homeland (followed by a quick holiday slump), the budding portable hit the books, brushed up on its English and barreled its way back into Engadget's game room, demanding another review. And why not? We're happy to oblige.

And here it is, an extremely familiar looking slab of plastic, glass and electronics that calls itself the North American 3G / WiFi PlayStation Vita. Sony's new region-free tradition ensures that it won't be too different than Japan's native model, but we're diving in for a more detailed look anyway. Read on for a peek at its content management system, backward compatibility, the particulars of its fancy new thumbsticks, the latest firmware update's contribution to the platform and much more.

Gallery: PlayStation Vita review

Continue reading PlayStation Vita review

PlayStation Vita review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iCade 8-Bitty hands-on (video)

2012-02-14T01:15:00.002-05:00

iCade 8-Bitty hands-on (video):

It's still about two months out, but when the 8-bitty hits shelves it might just become our favorite member of the iCade family. At the moment the Bluetooth gamepad is little more than a hand-made prototype with some AA batteries taped to the underside and a sticker printed on the office InkJet slapped on the front. As a production quality controller, though, it should be the perfect handheld button mashers for those of you with a taste for the retro. The boxy, rectangular 8-bitty may be wireless and the final version will likely sport six buttons -- still, you can't help but be whisked back to your days spent blowing into dusty Contra cartridges and tapping out the Konami code. We gave the early prototype a quick try and the D-pad and red buttons feel just like their '80s inspiration. Unfortunately they're not quite as responsive yet, but we're figuring there's still some kinks to be worked out before it ships this Spring. The 8-bitty should be launching exclusively with ThinkGeek for between $25 and $30. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break.

Gallery: iCade 8-Bitty hands-on

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading iCade 8-Bitty hands-on (video)

iCade 8-Bitty hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle Machines hands-on (video)

2012-02-14T01:15:00.001-05:00

Battle Machines hands-on (video):

When Jada invited us up to its private show room at Toy Fair to do "battle" we were a little concerned -- last we checked we'd done nothing to offend the company. Thankfully, it just wanted to challenge us to a duel with its Battle Machines line of RC toys. A couple of years back the company debuted the line with a pair of cars that drive around playing laser tag with each other. Then, last year, things got really interesting Air vs. Land -- an RC chopper and turret that duked it for IR-equipped superiority. This year the company is expanding the line with Battle Quads (laser-wielding ATVs complete with rider) and Battle Heli (essentially one half of the Air vs. Land package, but programmed to perform rotor-powered dog fights). Neither of the new products were quite ready for a test run yet, but we did give the turret and copter combo a try... just for the heck of it. The toys are complete with blaster noises and, when shot down, an internal IC takes over the helicopter and does a little aerial death dance. After about 15 minutes we finally started to get the hang of piloting the aircraft but, by then, the Jada rep had us plummeting from the sky. Both the Battle Heli and the Battle Quads should be hitting shelves in August for $30 and $60, respectively. Check out the video and PR after the break.

Gallery: Battle Machines

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

Continue reading Battle Machines hands-on (video)

Battle Machines hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates

2012-02-14T01:15:00.000-05:00

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates:

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.

Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.

In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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