Oculas: the mod O-Pod

 

We’ve been thinking about selling the farm (well, the studio apartment) and living out our days in the confines of the Barbarella-pod that is the Oculas. It’s kind of like if the Chill Out Room was a place you’d actually want to spend some time in, or if you could trick out Metronaps and take it to the next level. You can customize your Oculas however your twisted heart desires, but you know the design team had serious visions when the standard interior options are suede or Scottish leather. Don’t forget to include all those needed items like an X-Box, multiple flat screens, retinal-scan entry system with electrical door riser, and massage chair. Awww, yeah.

[Thanks, Anthony][via Engadget]

The tricked-out toilet

 

That’s it. We’re done. We have reached tech nirvana, and there is nothing left to be designed, built, or even thought up. This high-tech throne of eternal happiness, first brought to us by the guys at Trick Anything, features drink holders, lumbar support, and a multi-positioned adjustable bowl (after all, some people are bigger than others). Unfortunately, there are no rockets to propel one to Mach five, but it does have a security system to alert you of any unauthorized poopers. Be sure to see what other madness has been committed by these guys – perhaps a gold-plated photo stick is more to your liking.

[Thanks, Skot][via Engadget]

Insect Origami

 

David Pescovitz: These origami insects and arthropods are incredibly beautiful. This 5" Acrocinus longimanus (Harlequin beetle) was folded from a single uncut square of paper. Master origami artist (and "origami mathematician") Robert Lang explains how it's done in a series of books. Link [via Boing Boing]

Virtual autopsies

 

David Pescovitz: In the new issue of Popular Science, Jessican Snyder Sachs has an interesting and well-written article about virtual autopsies as a permanent record for pathologists. Michael Thali and the Virtopsy research team at the University of Bern, Switzerland use computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create full-body scans of murder victims.

Besides being a bloodless approach to an otherwise messy job, the digitally preserved bodies of the Virtopsy Project have the added benefit of permanency. “Murder victims have the unfortunate habit of decomposing,” Thali notes.

[via  Boing Boing]

Tree of death

David Pescovitz: Capsula Mundi is a design for a biodegradable coffin made from starch plastic that holds the deceased in a fetal position. The stunning artwork was created by Italian designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel:

"Capsula Mundi is planted in the earth like a seed. Above it, to signal the presence of occupied space, is a shallow concave circle dug out of the ground. In the center of which, a tree is planted, the essence of it chosen in life by the dead one, the care of this tree is the responsibility of everyone. The aim is ecological burial, literally a more natural way to decay.

The cemetery will, then, acquire a new look. No longer the overpopulated urban environment with congested architecture, it will be a natural one in contact with the earth, enveloping expansive areas, entire hills consecrated to the cult of the dead. Summarizing, it is a different landscape devoted to the worship of our ancestry: a sacred forest."

Link (via Aeiou)

Update: BB reader Jacob Schnickel points out the striking similarity between the Capsula Mundii and Frida Kahlo's painting of Luther Burbank. (Link) [via Boing Boing]

Bubblegum Alley

David Pescovitz: For forty years, people passing through this narrow alley in San Luis Obispo, California have stuck their chewing gum on the walls. A pleasant stroll through Bubblegum Alley followed by a night at the Madonna Inn sounds like a perfect SLO vacation to me. Link (via RealityCarnival)[via Boing Boing]

Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U- Lock hacked by a Bic pen

 Now this is bothersome.  I hear something similar can be done to open the Kensington locks used for laptops computers. … Jeesh

Much to our surprise, we were able to hack our Kryptonite Evolution 2000 U- Lock with a ballpoint pen. This $50 lock is supposed to be one of the best for “toughest bicycle security in moderate to high crime areas”—unless the thief happens to have a Bic pen. We used to use these to lock up our bicycles, but we’re switching to something else ASAP. (Oh, and just to be trite, the pen is mightier than the lock.)

Click here to watch the video (WindowsMedia) [Via Metafilter][via Engadget]

The we-hope-it's-not-a-suppository Norika3

 

We’re not sure exactly how it, erm, gets in your system (we have a pretty good idea how it gets out), but apparently the Japanese have developed a micro-mini submarine endoscope all Innerspace style. It’s 9mm in diameter and 22mm long, has headlights, a camera, and apparently is radio controlled, though we’re not sure what kind of propulsion system this thing’s going to have. Make that, we’re not sure we want to know what kind of propulsion system this thing’s going to have. [via Engadget]

World's tallest cylindrical aquarium

 

The Aquadom is the world's largest cylindrical aquarium. It's in the lobby of a multi-use development, stretching 5 storeys up, with a glass elevator down the middle of it. Link (Thanks, kokogiak!)
[via Boing Boing]

theBase : Bizarre Product Warning Labels

...and this from The Base:

Bizarre Product Warning Labels
Posted by Slim, 8/28/00 at 4:55:30 PM.
Batman Costume - Warning: Cape does not enable user to fly.

European Camera - This camera will only work when film is inside.

Liquid Plummer - Warning: Do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.

Toilet Plunger - Caution: Do not use near power lines.

Little Ones Baby Lotion - Keep away from children

Hair Coloring - Do not use as an ice cream topping.

Boot's Children's Cough Medicine - Do not drive a car or run machinery.


theBase : Bizarre Product Warning Labels

MaDonal -- Iraq's Lovin' It

 

Mark Frauenfelder: Iraq has a phony McDonalds, called MaDonal. Reminds me of the 6-Elevens I saw in Rarotonga. [ via Boing Boing]