The SuperCap Battery…
Clever idea – use capacitors instead of batteries that could go dead in some devices – all in a 9volt form factor – “GoldCap capacitors offer an interesting alternative power source when compared to conventional disposable or even rechargeable batteries. They can be charged very rapidly and can also deliver a high peak output current. Their voltage however is quite low so a little electronic assistance is necessary to raise the output voltage to a more useful level.” [via] Link (PDF).
Great LEGO project, I’m hoping they release the code – “Introducing GameByEmail’s Dice-O-Matic. Made from Legos, a USB camera, and a bit of software, it’s a home-grown, dice-rolling monster. Don’t let it’s rickety looks deceive you; this puppy can easily crank out the 20,000 rolls a day consumed by GamesByEmail. In fact, at full speed it averages almost one roll a second, well over 80,000 a day!.” [
How to make the engine usually found in the 
Great article by Cory Doctorow in the NYTimes about FabLabs and beyond…“Plastic created the age of whimsical forms. Suddenly a radio could look like a moo cow. A chair could look like an egg. Toy ray guns could bulge and swoop. The exuberant designers of the golden age of plastic explored all the wacky, nonfunctional, decorative shapes that household objects could take. Now that same plasticity is coming to microcontrollers, the computer chips that act as brains for the chirping, dancing, listening and seeing devices that line our knickknack shelves and dashboards and fill our pockets.” 
I’ve always thought instant messaging was fast lightweight way to get information – often better than opening up a browser on your computer, or trying to use a phone to browse the web. So, we’re now in “beta” of a new way to get the latest from MAKE, it’s a little MAKE buddy you’ll be able to add to you buddy list on AIM/iChat. Right now you can get the latest posts, news, gadgets and events from MAKE, and have the little MAKE buddy message you when there are new posts if you choose. We’ll also add queries, for example you could type “How do I weld” and the buddy would send you a link. Here’s a screen shot of him now, once he’s ready for more testers I’ll let you know! Image – 