DIY

I have mentioned my desire to set up my own web server a number of times in the past, now I am going to make good on my plans and actually do something about it. The web server will be a cheap build that I created from some budget parts.

The specifications are as follows:

• MicroATX motherboard
• Intel P4 3.0 GHz Processor
• 1GB of DDR2 800
• 40GB HDD
• DVD-Multi drive

It is a lightweight system, but it should have all the grunt that it needs to handle Ubuntu and the applications that I need for the task. This is going to be more of a communications device than a computer. The objectives that it needs to accomplish are the following:

• Host a website using Apache.
• Run a POP mail server
  
• Run Skype and other messenging clients
• Run custom-built XML parsing software
  
• Be remotely accessible
• Have a low energy footprint

P4 chips are not exactly energy-efficient, but they are cheap and by opting for onboard graphics as opposed to a discreet card it keeps the footprint down a little. If it all works out, I will likely be doing a rebuild with some more robust components. Fingers crossed, because as soon as my monitor is repaired, I am going to be devoting my weekends to getting this thing working.

If you don't have much cash and are in need of a digital camera, here is an awesome trick you can try. With a bit of technical wizardry you can makea single-use digital camera reusable. Check out the video:

Digital Camera Hack! Secret The Stores Don't Want You To Know! - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

Source: Metacafe

Here is a cool video that shows you how to make your own popcorn maker from an aluminum can with a craft knife and a bit of sand paper. I am going to try it out next weekend.

Sources: DIY Happy, Hacked Gadgets

A mechanical pencil, even a cheap one I am guessing, is a fairly complex device to make.  The trouble is not the parts, but hte precision that is required.  Someone that can make their own clearly has skills that regular folks do not and will never possess.  This is a work of art that Nonentity should be very proud of him or her self for producing. You can read more about the design process on the Nonentity website.  The metal came from a steel rod that was removed from a copier.

Nonentity does do freelance work, so if you are feeling like you absolutely must have one of these for your self, why not make an offer?  A tip, be polite and make it a good offer, things like this take a lot of time and effort to produce.  If you are buying somebody's time, it is always best to pay well.

Source: Hacked Gadgets

So, you want your own lightsaber but not some crappy off the shelf version, you want to build it yourself like a real Jedi. Where do you start? Think Geek has made the answer to that question really easy with a DIY Lightsaber kit. It contains all of the parts you need to build your own and it produces some nifty effects to make it all that much better. If you are a complete geek that loves telling your friends to "use the force," you might just have to go ahead and buy one of these.

• Features:
  • Glowing blades ignites with realistic power-up/down effects (not as bright as other Force FX blades, but still awesome)!
  • Authentic sound effects digitally recorded from the movie.
  • Features four motion sensor controlled sound effects, Power-up, idle hum, clash, and power-down
  • Sturdy blade is permanently attached to the hilt
  • Tri-Color Blade (switch between: red, green, and blue)
  • Over 1,000 possible assembly combinations
• Includes: Main saber unit, battery compartment, 3 metal pommels, 3 plastic handles, 3 plastic

switches, 3 plastic upper sections, 3 metal emitter housings, and 6 accessory screws

• Power: Uses 3 AAA batteries (not included)

Price: About $100, not cheap but a small price to pay for your own lightsaber.

Source: Think Geek

Image: NSInternational

Henry Marsh, British neuro-surgeon and medical consultant travels to the Ukraine twice a year to perform free operations on patients at a clinic run by Ukrainian surgeon Igor Petrovich.  Budgetary constraints have meant that Mr. Marsh has not had access to medical equipment which is standard issue elsewhere.  He has made use of a battery powered Bosch drill for many of his operations which are performed with his patients fully awake.

The battery powered Bosch drill (which has gone flat during surgery on more than one occasion) was the idea of Igor Petrovich and apparently works similarly to the $60,000 drill that Marsh uses in England.  His Ukraine surgeries are performed under local anesthetic due to a lack of trained anesthesiologists in the region in which he is operating.  Working with local anesthetic has at least one advantage, Marsh can talk to his patients while he is drilling.  In this way he can be certain that he is not causing damage.

Source: The Times Online

I have a confession to make. I watch movies on an old 70-centimeter NEC CRT. I suffer in silence because it was free and it would pain me to discard a perfectly good LCD when I eventually do return home. My audio-visual stoicism has seen me make do with some old equipment, but it pales in comparison to that which a man who would prefer to be known only as Rick has exhibited. Rick, you see, has built a home theater around a pair of JBL Century L-100 speakers; the same speakers that he has owned since 1972.

Of the favorite part of his system, Rick remarked, "“They will play very loud without distortion and are efficient. Coupled with the SVS 900-watt dual 12-inch subwoofer the system is very dynamic." Rick has balanced price with performance in his home but one should face facts. He makes use of good mid-high end equipment, rather than astronomically expensive audiophile grade technology.

The equipment list is an interesting mélange of technology that has been strapped together to form a system that is overall, very good:

I have a ton of free time coming up and assuming that I do not have too much on, I will be endeavoring to set up my own Ubuntu web server.  I have a fair idea about how to accomplish this, the only trouble that I foresee myself as having involves configuring my router to allow the connection.  I know how to configure a router; what I don't know is how to configure a router in Japanese.  If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions on this matter, I would love to hear them.

Bloxes are cardboard building panels that you can build into just about any configuration imaginable. By folding them in different ways, you can build platforms, shelves, walls and tables with incredible strength. The only problem that I have with bloxes is that they are not too easy on the eyes. For want of a better word, they look pretty damned ugly.

Source: DVICE