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It’s art, but does it work?
By: Alan Duggan 1 March 2010
With the approach of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour (it happens in Cape Town on 14 March), I thought it would be fun to showcase a couple of groundbreaking two-wheeler concepts. Top of my list is a weird machine conceived and built by a Yale...
 
Backyard engineers rule
By: Sean Woods 1 March 2010
There’s nothing more satisfying than being able to “make a plan”. Take my buddy Kevin Thorpe for instance - this guy has to be one of the most lateral-thinking DIY-ers I know. In fact, whenever I get stuck on a home project he’s always my first port...
 
Time for shock tactics
By: Buzz 25 February 2010
Unless you have been asleep in the bathtub with the hairdryer on for the last two days, you will be aware of the outrageous new rise in our energy prices imposed on us by our government and the kind people of Eskom.
 
When too much is just enough
By: Anthony Doman 15 February 2010
While watching The Blues Brothers for what seemed like the 43rd time the other night, between mouthfuls of popcorn I wondered if any movie had beaten its record for most cars trashed. Google is your friend, so moments later I’d found the...
 
Is Plastiki destined to change the way we see plastic?
By: Sean Woods 15 February 2010
We need to stop viewing plastic as a problem and start seriously considering it as a viable renewable resource. At least, that’s the way David de Rothschild, leader of the Plastiki Expedition, sees it.
 
Can we trust robots?
By: Alan Duggan 12 February 2010
Many years ago, I wrote a column for the Sunday Times in which I revealed that I was invariably polite to machines of all descriptions – toasters, TVs, ATMs, even automated car booms – because one day, when the machines established a global...
 
The naked rider
By: Anthony Doman 8 February 2010
When I climbed on the bike, it felt ... well, not right. Like I was missing something. Somehow naked. That’s not surprising: I was heading off for a cycling workout without my trusty Garmin sports GPS on my wrist.
 
Life inside a tin can
By: Sean Woods 8 February 2010
After 35 days at sea, Atlantic rower Peter van Kets is nearing the halfway mark of his epic journey and is still going strong.
 
Off with their heads!
By: Buzz 8 February 2010
I have this recurring fantasy involving a stolen cellphone, a little blob of Semtex and a bit of clever software that results in the thief’s head being messily removed from his/her shoulders in a loud and extremely satisfying explosion. Analysts,...
 
A new South African design redefines the humble three-prong plug
By: Sean Woods 19 January 2010
The standard three-pin wall plug has remained largely unchanged for almost a century, so it makes perfect sense that there are moves afoot to improve on its bulky, antiquated design.
 
It’s that time of year again
By: Anthony Doman 18 January 2010
A bunch of losers? We wish
 
A touch of class. Not.
By: Alan Duggan 10 December 2009
Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying that the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is dodgy. Quite the contrary, in fact – it’s a lovely little car. Disconcertingly quick, with impressive handling and superb cornering ability, it’s the kind of car that...
 
Theatre of dreams
By: Anthony Doman 9 December 2009
The instructions to tour groups are few, and simple.
1. Stay together.
2. No cellphones.
3. Do not step on the grass. In fact, do not even touch the grass.
 
Augmented Reality – beauty or a beast?
By: Sean Woods 17 November 2009
Mention augmented reality to most people and their response is “What?”
 
Welcome to La-La Land
By: Alan Duggan 9 November 2009
What’s up with you, people? Have you been so battered by the economic meltdown that you’re willing to abandon all common sense and embrace anything that promises a quick buck? Just this week, I was told by someone who should know better that he was...

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