The American electric grid averages 90-214 minutes of blackout time per customer, per year. And that's not counting blackouts caused by natural disasters. Meanwhile, between 2000 and 2006, the electricity industry put less than 2/10 of 1% of revenues into research and development. (You can read more about this in a BoingBoing feature I wrote last year.) Yesterday, the White House released a report calling for increased spending to upgrade and overhaul this aging — but incredible important — infrastructure.
Obama: It's time to invest in our electric grid
How to filter sediment from muddy water with a paper towel and some cups
In this cool video, we learn the survival skill of filtering sediment from muddy water with a paper towel and some cups. The way this is done is by draping… READ THE REST
The legend of 3M's invisible electrostatic wall
Giant polypropylene rollers at the 3M factory generated so much static electricity that it formed a strange "invisible wall" that would alarm and impede employees there. William Beatty, citing David… READ THE REST
Can this robotic exoskeleton help pianists break their training ceiling?
Anyone who has played a sport or musical instrument has experienced the dreaded plateau, or "ceiling effect," when they cannot progress further. A study published in Science Robotics has found… READ THE REST
Kids can build their own Smartwatch
TL;DR: Kids can build their own Smartwatch and virtual pet with the CircuitMess DIY Wearable Bundle, now $199 (reg. $214). Kids are surrounded by technology, but that doesn't necessarily mean they understand… READ THE REST
Goodbye TikTok, hello brainscrolling
TL;DR: Stop wasting time scrolling and start learning—Pearls Premium gives you lifetime access to bite-sized, 15-minute summaries of bestsellers for just $29.99. TikTok might get banned, and while it may feel… READ THE REST
Find the perfect color match every time with this handy dandy sensor
TL;DR: Match any color like a pro with the Nix Mini 3 — the go-to gadget for $69.97 until February 9. Ever stared at a wall and wondered, What shade of blue… READ THE REST
