I've played around with Plasma, 3D Studio Max, and TrueSpace with some success (let's face it, mastering ANY 3D modeling / animation software takes a lot of time), but I'm thinking about going open source and trying Blender. It seems to have a rich toolset and excellent rendering abilities....plus, it's free!
Sick of those behemoth monster RVs tooling down the highway? How about a step back to the simpler days of motoring with this little beaut....towable by most vehicles and available with enough options to make it livable for those weekend trips. (especially when some folks don't like winter camping....)
Common Errors in English Usage - the web version of a book that corrects (and hopefully prevents) daily inaccuracies in the English language. Bravo!
An online (scanned) copy of both the 1971 and the 1971 edition of How It Works: The Computer. Watch in amazement as it describes the inner workings of the Magnetic Drum (for storage), the original punchcard systems, and more!
New Scientist has compiled their list of interesting, fun, and (sometimes) scientific gifts for Christmas. Check them out!
Features - features.engadget.com
Engadget features a solid eclectic and modern range of tech gadgets, musical equipment from the past, and other odd pieces of tech voodoo. One thing that caught my eye, was the Fairlight CMI Synthesizer, circa mid 1980s(?) - a $50,000 programmable keyboard that was lightyears ahead of its time.
Also of note is the Nixie tube wristwatch which is built by one of the guys on the Nixie list that I'm a part of...cool!
A nice selection of robotic / computer controlled pieces of artwork. One of the most interesting is his complex method of actuation using fine steel cable assemblies that are routed through joints and rotational assemblies.