For the upcoming ‘Hacked on Classics’ show being held as part of the Brighton Digital Festival in the UK this month, hacker Seb Lee-Delisle modified the classic NES’ Zapper accessory with LEDs, a green laser, the smoke-generating parts from an e-cigarette, and a small blower to create the convincing effect of a functional laser pistol.
All of the electronic elements added to the NES Zapper are perfectly timed to create the illusion of it firing actual laser blasts, including a quick puff of smoke to make the laser’s beam visible as it leaves the barrel. For the exploding burst that appears on the wall, a separate computer-controlled laser uses a camera to estimate where the Zapper is pointed, creating a simulated point of impact after the trigger has been pulled.
Don’t pretend for a second that you aren’t making “pew-pew” sound effects in your head while watching that video.
If you really want a little chill with your Netflix, the service just added a bunch of “slow TV” shows, things like long train rides through the countryside, relaxing views of canal rides, crackling fireplaces, quiet video of people knitting, and so on. They’re all things you can put on in the background while you work, focus, or just relax.
“Slow TV,” as Kottke describes here is just the airing of a completely ordinary event from start to finish (much like our own Facebook Live “Lunchtime Views” series.) Here’s what you can tune into if you’re looking for something maybe a little ASMR, or maybe just super chill and not-at-all-attention grabbing:
National Firewood Evening National Firewood Morning National Firewood Night National Knitting Evening National Knitting Morning National Knitting Night Northern Passage Northern Railway Salmon Fishing The Telemark Canal Train Ride Bergen to Oslo
If you’re noticing a Scandinavian thrust to some of these, it’s intentional—a lot of these programs really caught on in Norway, so that’s where Netflix is getting them from. Some of them aren’t exactly the same end-to-end shows that were originally aired, if you’re familiar with them, but they’re enough to help you relax a little after a long day. Hit the link below to read a bit more about them.
We’ve all had bad days at work, but most of us can just soldier through and move on. Unfortunately for Joshua Justice, Google Street View will never let him forget one particularly terrible shift.
Two months ago, Justice was working at Houston’s Flying Saucer Draught Emporium when he spilled “half a cleaning keg” on his pants. From there, it only got worse.
“Went outside to stand in the sun … as a Google maps car drove by,” wrote Justice on Facebook at time. “Look for me on Street View soon. I’ll be the guy that looks like he pissed himself.”
On Tuesday, Justice discovered that Google had recently updated Street View. Just as he predicted, him and his seemingly pissy pants were there for the whole world to see.
Of course, it’s possible Justice really did wet himself and concocted the elaborate tale to cover up the incident, but even if that’s true, hasn’t he suffered enough?
The next time you’re staring down a tough cleaning job—be it removing paint, rust, or lasagna off of a baking dish—don’t waste your time with harsh chemicals, sand paper, or scrubbers. Get yourself a 1,000-watt laser and blast away that filth and grime in just seconds.
Judging by this video, the first company to make a laser dishwasher that actually gets dishes clean, without pre-rinsing, is going to make a small fortune.
What is the greatest climb of them all? The new book, “On the Nose: A Lifelong Obsession with Yosemite’s Most Iconic Climb” explores the history of the route and Hans Florine, the climber who knows it best.
The enigmatic, stubborn, wildly romantic pioneer of climbing let cameras in to tell his story. Check out the sneak peek of the ‘Original American Dirtbag’ extended trailer.
National Parks offer some exceptional backcountry skiing. A new film by REI and Powder Magazine follows skiers as they explore some of America’s wilderness icons. Watch the trailer now!
If there’s a singular job that epitomizes working in the outdoors, it’s the mountain guide. We talked with IFMGA-certified guide Kris Erickson for some insight into an undeniably epic career.
A vast area of the Pacific Ocean will be added to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument around Hawaii, making it the world’s largest protected marine environment.
An extraordinary video was captured when Benny Johnson found himself in the right spot at the right time.
Johnson was in New York’s Penn Station when he noticed an elderly man named Ed standing in line for a train. Ed, who is 99-years-young and deaf, was sporting a sign around his neck explaining his handicap, but it was the message on his cap that caught the attention of a young Amtrak train operator.
USN (United States Navy) Armed Services, WWII Veteran.
Watch this young man give respect where respect is due: