Tag Archives: Useless

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!

The Most Useless App Ever!

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For a mere 99 cents you too can have a virtual Useless Machine with this  iPhone app .  I’m not endorsing nor am I affiliated with this.  Plus, I don’t own an iPhone so I haven’t tried it out, either.  If anyone out there has tried this app I’d really like to hear what your thoughts are.

Hey Steve Jobs, can you send me an iPhone so I can try out the Useless Machine app?  I’ll trade you a Useless Executive Toy…