Check out this interview with Simon Monk, who has been using open source technology, like the Arduino, as the basis for a series of Evil Genius books for aspirant evil geniuses and other people who want to get building open source based gadgetry.

Here’s a highlight from the interview!

The H: The essential evil genius question. If you were building a secret base, monorail or golf carts?

SM: Monorail. Minions are notoriously clumsy and given golf carts, will invariably crash them. They are also somewhat slow when being chased by a homicidal secret agent.

Check out our new Pinterest page here: http://pinterest.com/tabbooks/

yorkehsd:

50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius The fun, hands-on way to learn about rocket science. Yes, as a matter of fact, is IS rocket science! And because this book is written for the popular Evil Genius format, it means you can learn about this fascinating and growing hobby while having run creating 50 great projects. You will find a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions.    * Projects include a camera rocket, video camera rocket, hydrogen-fueled rocket, UFO, and more    * Projects start out basic and gradually become more sophisticated    * Perfect for science fairs and school projects Take Action! Get it immediately!!

mcgrawhillcompanies:

McGraw-Hill Professional continues to publish top content in a variety of technical fields. The latest example of this prowess came yesterday when the Association of American Publishers presented The Diffusion Handbook: Applied Solutions for Engineers with its most prestigious award the R.R. Hawkins Award. Congratulations to author R.K. Michael Thambynayagam and the entire team at McGraw-Hill Professional for their great work on this book and on receiving this high honor for the first time in McGraw-Hill history.

For additional details, check out the official press release.

In December, The Economist published an insightful article about the maker movement…

More than just digital quilting 

Technology and society: The “maker” movement could change how science is taught and boost innovation. It may even herald a new industrial revolution. 

Should you get that extended warranty? Michael Jay Geier, author of the bestseller HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX EVERYTHING ELECTRONIC, discussing extended warranties and electronics repair with CBS Money Watch.

The Eureka Method: How to Think Like an Inventor
by Dr. John Hershey

“In my experience, the passion to invent is stirred by two things: dissatisfaction with an existing product or service, or a dream and desire to create something entirely new. Over my career I have developed a process for identifying consumer needs and creating unique, patentable solutions that are relevant in the marketplace. I call this the Eureka Method. The Eureka Method is a mental discipline that can be learned and practiced to help you produce a Eureka! moment. You may call it an epiphany or a flash of insight, brilliance, or creative genius. It’s that moment when an inventive solution finally crystallizes in your imagination.” 

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Check out the awesome GeekDad review from Wired of the latest edition of Gordon McComb’s Robot Builder’s Bonanza…

Robot Builder’s Bonanza by Gordon McComb makes no assumptions, and that’s what I love about this kind of book. It’s an all-encompassing book that literally starts by defining what a robot is (and isn’t), defines its parts, explains what’s available in kit form and what’s available in terms of components and new technologies. This is the 4th Edition, and it’s been updated to include the latest tech and tricks available to hobbyists. It’s a monster of a book, I kid you not — 48 chapters and 4 appendices. But after reading the entire book, I am convinced that this is THE book that anyone wanting to learn to build and program robots must have on their shelves.”

Click here to read the full review!

GEEKDAD review of Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos on Wired.com! Check it out… 

“The author, Thomas Willeford, is an inventor and owner of Brute Force Studies…and he’s done a great job here of sharing a significant number of his tricks and methods that will allow you to create some fun and interesting props of your own.”

Visit Simon Monk’s website for a free copy of Arduino “Quickstart” - a sample chapter from his bestseller 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius. There are also lots of projects, downloads, videos, and more on the site for the aspiring Arduino Evil Genius.

Welcome to the wondrous world of Thomas Willeford, aka Lord Archibald “Feathers” Featherstone.  Welcome to an anywhen of Mad Scientists and daring Skyway Robbers, a neverwhere in which Airship Pirates play a deadly game of cat and mouse with Air Admirals of Her Majesty’s Royal Aeronautical Corps – a Victorian(ish) Era that could have happened had history taken a different turn. Welcome to Steampunk.

“Apple’s Leader has died at the age of 56, having recently stepped down as Apple’s CEO. He wasn’t trained as a designer or an engineer. But he was one of the greatest users of technology ever. That was his secret asset.”