I just read an article in New Scientist about software MIT has developed called Scratch. It is based on how Legos are a intuitive building system and allows kids to make their own games. The developers are worried that we will become a culture dependent on computers but only able to chat and ..er.. blog. The projects on the site are awesome- Princess Dolphin has contests where kids make anime people, then she puts them in chapter plays. Scratchgirl27's project lets you Build a Robot. Don't forget to love it!

Scott on 08/07/08#

I debuted a new feature today on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog called Special Topics in Calamity Business.

Periodically, I will be asking successful indie entrepreneurs to share some tips & tricks with readers on how to run an indie business. When starting any new endeavor it’s important to remember to not reinvent the wheel, but find mentors and other informational sources to help you with those things that others have already figured out. To that end, Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club shares some advice on free marketing opportunities.

If you run an indie biz and would like to share some tips for Special Topics in Calamity Business just shoot me an email.

Indie Fixx on 07/30/08#

Another Creative Time project - this one by David Byrne. Get to the Battery Maritime Building before August 24th to play the building!

helena on 07/28/08#

I have long been a fan of Creative Time, a New York based organization that presents "innovative art in the public realm" so I was very happy to hear they'd be bringing a production to my neighborhood in Oakland. Mark Tribe's Port Huron Project has been on my radar for some time now as well so I'm doubly excited for this particular CT production.

helena on 07/28/08#

This little film uses stop animation and pedestrian materials to great effect. Thanks Brett.

Scott on 07/13/08#

When I was little my parents converted a school-bus into a mobile-home. We lived on the bus through one Wisconsin winter (bus insulated by hay bales) before moving it and us to a commune in Tennessee. Though California was not one of our stops along the way, my parents and our handcrafted home were part of a movement that started in San Francisco an rippled out across the country. Artists Heather & Ivan Morison import this DIY tradition for their contribution to the 2008 inaugural Folkestone Triennial. The couple has constructed a 'Science Fiction library in the style of a 1970s Californian House Truck.' If you happen to live near or be visiting the South East Coast of England check out their rolling homage to H.G. Wells as well as what looks to be an incredible lineup of temporary public projects by other international superstars. June 14 - September 14.

helena on 07/02/08#

...by swaddling icons of the American agricultural landscape with recycled fabrics as bandages. I heart Catherine Bouzide and Danny Mansmith! 'Tis fiber fireworks!

Abigail on 07/02/08#

Most crafters don't make a whole lot of money from their products. This is very sad. And some people are working to change that. Meanwhile however, here's an instant business plan for the crafty. Buy sunglasses, on Canal Street, Santee Alley, Ebay or Goodwill. Modify to turn into a) anti-paparazzi sunglasses or b) anti-cctv sunglasses. Sell to a) hollywood b) crazy/paranoid/prescient people. Here's the how-to. Thanks Boing Boing!

Kirsten on 06/27/08#

I love this: The Third Coast International Audio Festival is teaming with the Prelinger Library in San Francisco for its 2008 "audio challenge," called "Radio Ephemera," which invites the public to produce short audio stories inspired by some of the delightfully weird old books from the Prelinger collection.

There are just under two months left to submit to this challenge, and producers of winning entries will receive a trip to Chicago for the 2008 Third Coast Festival Conference!

Tsia on 06/26/08#

My friend Jeff loves pie. He loves making them and eating them and sharing them with friends. About nine months ago I came across the Pie of the Month Club by Sue Anne Zollinger and have been waiting all year to give it to Jeff for his birthday. The time has finally come! For only $30 he will receive 1 pie recipe card each month for a year, an awesome pie t-shirt, and a membership pin. Sue Anne's site has other fun features like this Pie Map. AND she makes these awesome Mini Pie World sculptures in jars. Amazing.

Anna on 06/25/08#