Glad tidings! Your favorite fake news outlet just loaded up its store with BRAND NEW merch, and it’s all guaranteed 100% tariff free.
Get ready to be high-fived by every guy in Buc-ee’s as you stroll in with your "Gulf Of America" t-shirt. Let the world know it’s our gulf, and look great while doing it.
Picture yourself, sipping coffee out of a Bee mug, looking more attractive than you have in years after donning our new "Babylon Bee" script t-shirt. You may not even recognize yourself in the mirror you’ll be so good-looking.
Most of you probably weren’t born when these cartoons and commercials originally aired. Still, whether you’re here for nostalgia or to see what your parents watched when they were kids, this compilation is packed with great retro goodies, from Fat Albert to Jonny Quest to the “hanker for a hunk of cheese” guy.
In this post I’ll show you how Dewalt used to build select cordless drills in the USA.
10 years ago Dewalt held one of their last new tool media events inside a distribution center that was partially converted into a cordless power tool assembly facility.
On one side they were assembling 18V cordless power tools, and on the other select 20V Max brushless tools, such as their 3-speed premium hammer drill.
In the middle, aside from the tool demonstrations setup for the media event, they had a couple of stations where brushless motors were being wound and balanced.
Part of the media event involved a “build your own Dewalt drill” interactive experience where we had a hand in assembling our own DCD995 20V Max XR brushless hammer drill.
Step 1: Grab Some Parts
None of the parts that went into the cordless drill were made on-site; all of the components and subassemblies were imported from US and overseas factories.
This is the brushless motor for the XR cordless hammer drill, and it arrived assembled like this.
This is the electronics package. All of the white space-filling plastic is potting, and it serves to protect the electronics and power components from physical shock and vibrations.
Step 2: Connect the Drill Electronics Together
The brushless motor and switch assembly are connected together.
There’s a fixturing jig for that.
The power wires were soldered to the motor, and data communications are done via quick connector.
A single (sensor?) component received heat shrink tubing.
Step 3: Assemble the Drill Housing
Once the main internals have been assembled, it’s time to attach the shell.
The two halves of the cordless drill housing are made elsewhere and shipped together.
A plastic jig holds half of the drill housing in place, and the top piece travels with it on a lower shelf.
This is where the gear box, torque clutch, and drill chuck assembly is added in.
The motor and electronics assembly is then added.
If you look closely, you can see metal pins that have been added to the housing. These presumably help with alignment.
Here’s what everything should look like once everything is assembled. It’s important to keep track of wire positions, not only to make sure everything is where they should be, but to avoid anything getting pinched when the two sides of the drill housing are fastened together.
Everything settles into place.
Torque screwdrivers are used to fasten the two halves of the drill together. The gearbox is also secured to the housing, and here you can see how the assembly jig allows for proper positioning of the parts.
Finishing the drill assembly involved 4 screws placed in the side, 4 screws placed in the front through the gearbox assembly, and then 4 more screws placed in the side. All of the fasteners are installed in a specific order to ensure uniform tightness and consistency.
Step 4: Programming and Testing the Drills
This is where the assembled drills are programmed.
It’s a pretty neat contraption. The drills are programmed through the battery connection, which I never would have guessed.
Here’s the testing station where basic functionality and operated parameters are checked.
There are finger-detecting interlocks and pneumatically-activated drop-down plastic shields.
This station tests various functions, such as the drill’s speed, power draw, LED operation, and thermal shut-off thermistor.
It wasn’t clear to me whether every drill was tested at both stations, or if this station was for spot checks.
Step 5: Kitting and Labeling
After labels are applied, they’re checked by a computer for proper placement. This is also the point at which each drill is given a date code. There are also markings added to the inside of the battery connector housing to show that the drill has passed quality control testing.
Each drill in this line was then kitted with a side handle, charger, batteries, and carrying case, which received a matching serial number.
And that’s how the Dewalt 20V Max XR series cordless hammer drill was built in the USA.
This was all 10 years ago. I’m not sure if Dewalt still assembles any of their cordless power tools in the USA.
Still, I thought you’d enjoy a look at what they at least used to do. Seeing the process was a wonderful experience that I enjoying revisiting.
Bonus: Brushed Motor Drill Assembly
Dewalt was also assembling brushed motor cordless drills at the same facility.
I found it interesting that the drills went through a different assembly process.
20th Century Studios has finally released a teaser trailer for Prey director Dan Trachtenberg’s next Predator film, Predator: Badlands, starring Elle Fanning.
The trailer, which was first shown at Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon a couple of weeks ago, keeps much of its high-tech battles, brutal takedowns, and unexpectedly aggressive flora shrouded in mystery. While the plot specifics remain unclear, one thing stands out —Trachtenberg’s follow-up film is set on an alien planet (not that Alien) that will set the stage for Fanning’s character to join forces with a formidable “yautja” warrior.
In classic Predator fashion, we’re treated to a glimpse of the yautja’s trophy room—a nod to Predator 2. This time, instead of a Xenomorph skull mounted on the wall, there’s a T. rex head on display. Seems like Xenomorphs weren’t yet part of their big-game hunting catalog.
Elsewhere, Fanning’s character is shown riding across a vast desert landscape on a speeder, and tapping into some mysterious space magic while being pursued by a relentless militia. Meanwhile, the Predator engages in a variety of battles, from escaping poisonous smoke plumes from plants to clashing with a mysterious foe wielding a glowing sword. Towards the end of the trailer, we see the Predator square off against a colossal furry kaiju and even fight off aggressive tree vines eager to join the fray—all while Fanning’s character provides a narrative overlay about the Predator’s hunt, hinting at an eventual alliance. There’s tons of green blood, brief looks at gnarly amputated arms, folks getting kicked off cliff faces, and aura farming shots of the Predator looking cool in its armor.
While there is a lot of mystery surrounding Fanning’s character, this very site has previously reported that she may play multiple roles in the film. Fanning and Trachtenberg have both teased that this might be the case. Speaking with Empire Magazine last November, Trachtenberg characterized Fanning’s role in the film as one where she “faced intense challenges on this movie” in ways both “dramatically, physically” and “logistically.”
At CinemaCon, Fanning further teased her role, saying, “Something unprecedented happens in this movie.” While she does follow it up by confirming her character will, in fact, team up with the predator, as if that’s the unprecedented something—which wouldn’t be true in the slightest for those who watched Alien vs. Predator—there’s enough bread crumbs to safely assume that she’s playing double duty in this film, possibly as the Predator somehow.
Putting that theory-crafting aside, in Empire, Trachtenberg offered a nugget of insight into what fans can expect from his film, primarily explaining why this film will center on the Predator as its central character.
“The creature is front and center, leading the charge. He’s still badass, but there’s something there that touches you emotionally, too,” Trachtenberg said. “Creating a character you connect with, but are also super-intimidated by, has been challenging. But exciting.”
He continued, adding that, the reason the Predator will play the role of protagonist instead of antagonist this time around was to “find another essential piece of cinema that does what Prey did spiritually—pushing the franchise’s boundaries, letting us root for a hero we rarely get to root for—but in a different way. And that transformed into this big idea of rooting for the Predator.”
Hopefully, the film will be another exciting venture into the expansive world of the Predator, paving a new path for different avenues of telling its tale while not feeling too constricted by referencing its past films and losing the essence that made Prey such a standout along the way.
Predator: Badlands is set to release in theaters November 7.
YETI heard folks were using its dog bowls as ice cream dishes and knew it needed to act. Its latest reveal, the YETI Rambler Bowls, arrives after fans consistently asked for human-oriented bowl options to match the rest of its YETI collection. YETI launched two versions of its Rambler Bowls: Standard and Low. The brand uses the same technology as its Rambler Mugs (and, yes, the Boomer Dog Bowls).
“Bowls felt like a natural fit in the evolution of our Rambler family of products,” YETI’s Head of Food and Beverage, Hannah Mara, told GearJunkie. “We can’t wait to see how our fans put them to use.”
Whether you want the three-piece set or to choose just one, each bowl claims the same insulating properties as YETI’s famous drinkware. It also includes matching and sealing lids.
YETI Rambler Bowls: Key Features
YETI Standard Rambler Bowls; (photo/YETI)
Every bowl utilizes kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel for puncture and rust resistance. YETI said it uses the same double-wall vacuum insulation as its Rambler Mugs in the Rambler Bowls. It claims this insulation should keep salads crisp and cold or stews piping hot.
The press-on lid utilizes the same clear plastic and gasket as its mugs to help lock in temperatures. Keeping critters out is an added bonus if you’re storing food.
We weren’t able to get a temperature guarantee or time-test results for these bowls. However, YETI promised that the new bowls passed the same performance and durability standards as its Rambler Drinkware.
These bowls and lids can stack or nest, depending on size, so they shouldn’t crowd your cabinet space. And yes, YETI said, every piece is dishwasher safe.
Standard vs. Low Models
Nesting Rambler Standard Bowls and Lids; (photo/YETI)
We wanted to know why YETI chose to launch two versions of its new bowls simultaneously. With this dual launch, we also asked what the perks of each model might be.
“The simple answer is versatility,” Mara said. “We wanted to come to market with a full family of Rambler Bowls to meet the needs of just about any occasion.”
She explained that Standard Bowls offer a deeper profile for prepping and mixing. The shorter-profile Low Bowls make for easier scooping at the table during a family-style meal.
She said both sets are built with organization at the forefront. That’s thanks to stackable designs and nesting lids.
Rambler Standard Bowls: Serve Up More
YETI Rambler Standard Bowls on left, Rambler Low Bowls on right; (photo/YETI)
The Three Course Set starts at $135. It includes all three sizes of the Standard models: 1 Quart, 2 Quart, and 4.5 Quart. The set also includes a press-on lid for each size. If you want to mix and match colors for each bowl, you can choose from several color options. Seasonal colors include an orange Papaya or tan Cape Taupe, or core colors Navy or White.
Each bowl can also be purchased separately if your kitchen needs just one specific size. The 1 Quart goes for $35, the 2 Quart for $45, and the 4.5 Quart retails for $70 on its own.
(Photo/YETI)
Rambler Low Bowls: Share More Easily
YETI claims that the Rambler Low Bowls, designed with a lower profile for easier scooping and sharing, hold just a bit less than its Standard model siblings. However, they’re also slightly cheaper.
The Hungry for More Set starts at $120, including the 0.7 Quart, 1.6 Quart, and 3.6 Quart sizes of the Low Bowls. Be warned: some colors are already out of stock in the Low Bowls models.
You can purchase separately, as well, to match how you’d like. The 0.7 Quart retails for $30, while the 1.6 Quart is available for $40, and the 3.6 Quart goes for $60.
YETI Rambler Bowls: Available Now
YETI Rambler Standard Bowls; (photo/YETI)
The YETI Rambler Bowls are available now online with early access for account holders. To bring one home to your own kitchen, you just need to create a free YETI account and log in. If you don’t have an account, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer until YETI releases them for standard sale on its site.
Your cold snacks, hot meals, and the dog who wants his water bowl back will probably thank you. GearJunkie’s testers just got their hands on a set of these bowls and will report back soon on how these bowls perform.
Minecraft players know that you can craft swords from materials including wood, gold, stone, iron, diamond, and netherite. The team from Mini Katana challenged themselves to make real-world versions of each sword, then asked fans to vote on their creations. They had to cheat for the more expensive materials, but they still look cool. Which sword is your favorite?
Even before we first saw a trailer or learned about its cast, expectations for James Gunn’s Supermanmovie were sky-high. As the starting point for a new slate of DC projects, and the first solo movie for the superhero in over a decade, everyone knows there’s a lot of pressure here.
To help celebrate Superman Day—the character debuted April 18, 1938 in Action Comics #1—and to build up hype, Warner Bros. released a featurette for the upcoming film. If you’re invested in the movie’s production, the video is worth looking at, but its bigger point is to show how much the cast and producer Peter Safran believe in Gunn. Rachel Brosnahan, Lois Lane herself, saying “In James Gunn we trust!” at the end couldn’t be any clearer and is already a sentiment in some spaces.
Just about everyone’s coming into Superman with excitement or some curiosity about Gunn’s aims. For its stars, this movie gave them the opportunity to work with a filmmaker who they’ve teamed with previously or whose output they just enjoy: both Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner) and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) praised Gunn’s writing and the “heart” found in his earlier movies. Others signed on because they’re fans of Superman himself and dig whatever Gunn’s got cooking now or in the future. Fillion, Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific), and Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.) talk up its potential greatness, with Grillo proudly predicting it will be a “game changer.”
We’ll see if Superman achieves that status when it hits theaters on July 11.
It looks like that long-rumored remake of Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is actually real, according to a report by Eurogamer. There are actual screenshots of the game in action that were published on developer Virtuos’ website. Even cooler? Eurogamer suggests that the game will be shadow-dropped next week for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The same report also indicates it’ll be available on Game Pass.
Fans on Reddit and elsewhere began poking around on the developer’s website and reportedly found a treasure trove of in-game images, which included comparison screenshots to the original game from 2006. Eurogamer has collected these images on imgur to preserve them for posterity. It has also been corroborated that the screenshots do come from Virtuos’ server. We’ve reached out to Bethesda and will update this post when we hear back.
Virtuos
This remake has been bouncing around the rumor mill since 2020. Initial reports pegged it as a simple remaster, but a former Virtuos employee claimed it was a full remake back in 2023. It’s reportedly being built using Unreal Engine 5. That same employee also suggested that several gameplay systems have been completely reworked, including stamina, archery, sneaking, blocking and hit reaction. The HUD has also supposedly been remade.
All we can do now is wait for next week and see if Microsoft does indeed surprise-drop the game. If not, there’s an Xbox summer showcase on June 8. Maybe we’ll get some clarity at that event.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-elder-scrolls-4-oblivion-remake-is-real-according-to-developer-screenshots-151955341.html?src=rssEngadget
Discover how Laravel’s getRawSql method transforms database debugging by providing complete SQL queries with all bindings integrated, helping developers quickly identify and resolve database errors in their applications.
The colonial victory against the British in the American Revolutionary War was far from a predetermined outcome. In addition to good strategy and the timely appearance of key allies like the French, Continental soldiers relied on several key technological innovations in weaponry. But just how accurate is an 18th-century musket when it comes to hitting a target? Did the rifle really determine the outcome of the war? And just how much damage did cannon inflict? A team of military weapons experts and re-enactors set about testing some of those questions in a new NOVA documentary, Revolutionary War Weapons.
The documentary examines the firing range and accuracy of Brown Bess muskets and long rifles used by both the British and the Continental Army during the Battles of Lexington and Concord; the effectiveness of Native American tomahawks for close combat (no, they were usually not thrown as depicted in so many popular films, but there are modern throwing competitions today); and the effectiveness of cannons against the gabions and other defenses employed to protect the British fortress during the pivotal Siege of Yorktown. There is even a fascinating segment on the first military submarine, dubbed "the Turtle," created by American inventor David Bushnell.
To capture all the high-speed ballistics action, director Stuart Powell relied upon a range of high-speed cameras called the Phantom Range. "It is like a supercomputer," Powell told Ars. "It is a camera, but it doesn’t feel like a camera. You need to be really well-coordinated on the day when you’re using it because it bursts for, like, 10 seconds. It doesn’t record constantly because it’s taking so much data. Depending on what the frame rate is, you only get a certain amount of time. So you’re trying to coordinate that with someone trying to fire a 250-year-old piece of technology. If the gun doesn’t go off, if something goes wrong on set, you’ll miss it. Then it takes five minutes to reboot and get ready for the new shot. So a lot of the shoot revolves around the camera; that’s not normally the case."
