Category Archives: Colbert Report

Were Back From New York City!

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Americone Dream, Hold the Nuts

We have returned safe and sound from Maker Faire New York City and this was without a doubt, the best trip I have ever taken in my life.

I managed to check off many items on my personal bucket-list.  Here’s a quick recap and I will be posting more details over the next few days:

  • Visited New York City
  • Saw a taping of the Colbert Report
  • Visited Downtown Manhattan
  • Rode the NYC Subways, trains, buses and taxi/limos.
  • Attended Maker Faire NYC
  • Had a Frivolous table at Maker Faire and demonstrated the Ultimate Useless Machine.

 

Marshall at our table at Maker Faire NYC

We met and spoke with:  Makers, Craftspeople, Artists, Engineers, Designers, Teachers, Enthusiasts and saw more humanity than I have ever seen in my life.  And not once did we encounter any of the bad things they warn you about when visiting a big city like New York.

The only negative encounters were a price gouging taxi driver when we arrived at the airport and some aggressive central park bicycle rentals men.

I only wish we had been more prepared and had more time because there was so much we didn’t get to do.  I’m already looking forward to next year.

So a big thank you goes out to everyone who has helped us go on a trip of a lifetime:   Make Magazine/Maker Shed including but not limited to Michael Castor, Mark Frauenfelder, Dale Dougherty, and Amy who got us the tickets to see Stephen Colbert  and The Colbert Report!

And an even bigger thank you goes out to our customers who ultimately funded this incredible adventure, the  Individual Makers who we’ve met online and now in person, and especially all of the fantastic people that visited us at our table at Maker Faire.

Here’s the CR Interview

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Colbert ponders the Useless Machine

Colbert ponders the Useless Machine

Here’s the episode of The Colbert Report where Stephen interviews Mark Frauenfelder and operates the Useless Machine.  Mark built his machine using my plans that were published in  Make Magazine.  Stephen was so taken with the machine that Mark gave it to him.

  • In Canada you can view it here.
  • If you’re in the States click here.

If you’re not in either location, try to imagine how cool it was!  You can look at the other Colbert posts and then head over to my instructions so you can Make one yourself.

Useless Machine on The Colbert Report!!!!

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I am now officially blown away.

I’m a regular viewer of the CR and tonight I tuned in knowing that Make Magazine‘s editor-in-chief, Mark Frauenfelder would be on promoting his new book.  Imagine my surprise when he brought out the Useless Machine.

After letting Colbert try the machine, Mark explains that it’s only function is to turn itself off.  The audience laughs and Colbert says “I’ll tell you what it does Mark…it breaks my heart.”

I guess I should mention that the machine will be featured in the next MAKE magazine and that was why Mark brought one on the show!

Mark had sent me a heads-up, letting me know he had showed the machine to Colbert, but I didn’t receive it until after watching the show.  Glad I didn’t check my mail and ruin the surprise.

Here’s what Mark said in an update:  “Stephen was running all around the place showing the box to everyone he could corner. He couldn’t stop talking about it. And he was interested in the Claude Shannon pedigree, too. He’s a nice guy. Thanks again for making something so cool!”

Mark also apologized for not giving me credit, he was very nervous.  Not a problem though, I don’t crave the limelight.

Thanks Mark!