We were thrilled to attend Maker Faire, in San Mateo, California, last weekend. It is an amazingly educational and inspirational gathering, and I highly recommend it, if you ever have the opportunity. (Maker Faire events are also held in Newcastle, England and in Austin, Texas.) These annual events, sponsored by Makezine, bring together an eclectic and often wacky group of creative geniuses. Among the huge roster of exhibitors, I saw lots of practical displays and demonstrations there that have applicability to preparedness–including steam engines, gasifier experimenter kits (GEKs), umpteen human-powered machines (including a way-cool pedal-powered rail car, made with box beam construction), PV panels in profusion, and three different groups of ham radio wizards. Even those famous guys in lab jackets that create Diet Coke fountains with Mentos were there, and they put on a live demonstration before a cheering crowd. (Two of my kids were up front, getting soaked.) To get a taste of what the event is like, see this video from the 2008 Maker Faire.
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Administration to Reveal Plans For Katrina Housing Transition. It’s been 4-1/2 years! And they are now just getting a “plan”?
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Don’t miss these useful rifle marksmanship training films, circa 1943. These public domain films were posted courtesy of the RWVA.
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From reader WW: Government to sell FEMA trailers to Hurricane Katrina victims for $1 or $5