Protected: LED is a very hot cool light bulb.
Chicago landmarks challenged.
An Illinois appellate court has struck down the city of Chicago’s landmarks ordinance, saying it is unconstitutionally vague, putting in jeopardy the city’s protection of more than 250 buildings and 50 historic districts. [PR]
MoMA gets humble.
Looking back. Homage to mundane. MoMA gets humble. [PR]
Ten wind turbines.
If wind turbines are a turn-on for you… (more…)
ThisWay bicycle.
Description:
A comfortable pedal powered bicycle with weather protection.
Emphasis is made on automotive qualities in the design, to attract non-previous cyclists used to cars and motorcycles.
Another selling point to attract more people riding a bike (particularly here in Europe) is weather protection – ThisWay has a roof.
Built in composite materials (carbon or flax fiber) and some hydro-formed aluminum, this vehicle is very lightweight (approximately 11-12kg). It has built-in LED lights front and rear, powered by a rechargeable battery obtaining its power from roof mounted solar cells. For minimum maintenance ThisWay’s built-in belt drive is well protected and all cables are hidden within the frame.
The car-like ergonomics offers a riding position lower than a traditional bike to keep a low center of gravity and optimal aerodynamics.
The design has simple controls for ease of use; single hand brake lever and hub gears type Torpedo Duomatic providing Low and Hi gear.
The rear of the frame has a “luggage connector”, where the user plugs-in his/her luggage (e g briefcase, helmet box or rack for shopping bags). The design also benefits from flexibility and comfort for riders of different sizes, as the crankset and seat is adjustable in length/height.
A “hybrid” version (pedal power/electric motor) is possible and additional battery pack plugged-in into the luggage connector will extend the range further.
Although this design is more expensive to manufacture compared to its traditional rivals, it is still just a fraction of the price of a car and virtually zero in running costs…
Motivation:
There are roofed bikes out there on the market already such as rickshaws, recumbents, HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles)/velomobiles etc., so covered bikes do exist since a long time but the challenge is to design a functional and desirable bicycle that even appeals to non-previous cyclists.
It makes sense for a commuter bike here in Central and Northern Europe to offer some degree of weather protection for improved comfort. Instead of creating a totally enclosed design similar to other HPVs/velomobiles risking the user to feel isolated, a more open design will allow a higher degree of interaction with the surroundings.
Winner Bicycle Design “commuter bike for masses” design competition. See the Bicycle Design list of finalists .
Designer: Torkel Dohmers
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.
Aviator's survival pack.
Aviator’s survival pack designer, doug ritter. [PR]
Handy metal business cards.
Handy metal business cards. via BoingBoing [PR]
What will liquidated Circuit City look like?
What will liquidated Circuit City look like? via BoingBoing [PR]
Uzi-proof fashion.
Here’s a nice Valentine gift for that special person who likes casual, protection from the elements, and protection from Uzi’s & 44 magnums.
Plus it’s waterproof, with an optional stab-proof lining. It’s a bit pricier than one that protects you from bird shot. The sales rep wouldn’t say how much but our research guesses at about $10G’s USD. A less is more polo shirt is about $12G’s. Country of origin for bullet-proof apparel? You’re right! Columbia.
Designer: miguel caballero “The Armani of Armor”
Retailer: Harrods (London) and many other spots in Central America