Blake Kincheloe’s labor of love began with a simple idea: to breathe new life into his grandfather Richard Kincheloe’s beloved 1954 International Harvester pickup truck, affectionately named “Cannonball.” The truck, originally purchased by Richard’s mother for “50 dollars and a hog,” had been a significant part of his life until it broke down, and spent the next 40 years as a decaying relic on his property. Blake, who cherished childhood memories of the old red pickup, decided it was time to transform Cannonball from a rusting, spider-infested shell into a fully functional vehicle. Taking the truck to C&J’s Classic Cars, Blake initially aimed for a simple brake update but soon found himself immersed in a comprehensive restoration project. This included everything from installing modern brake lights to improvising with a bathroom door latch to replace the unsalvageable door handle. Continue reading “Grandson Surprises Grandpa by Restoring 1954 Pickup Sitting Broken for 40 Years: ‘I never thought I’d live to see that’” »
Isaiah Hofer’s farm in Manitoba produced a record-breaking bumper crop, resulting in an unprecedented surplus of 12 million pounds of potatoes. After meeting his regular delivery commitments, Hofer faced a dilemma with the excess potatoes. The options were bleak: allowing them to rot, converting them to animal feed, or selling them at a minimal profit. However, inspired by a letter from the Keystone Potato Producers Association and the Farmlink Project—a US food charity that connects surplus farm produce with food banks—Hofer decided to donate the surplus to those in need. With the help of fellow farmers, Hofer offered Farmlink 12 million pounds of potatoes for distribution. Continue reading “A Canadian Farmer Had Millions of Surplus Potatoes and Worked Overtime to Give Them All Away” »
Exhaustion is a widespread issue affecting 62% of adults worldwide, significantly impacting both health and productivity. Addressing this challenge, the Power Nap Chair emerges as a revolutionary solution designed to facilitate quick and effective power naps at work. Conceptualized by Martin Tsankov and inspired by his business partner Milen Kisov, who experienced a productivity boost from power naps, this chair integrates scientific insights into its design. Short naps of 15-30 minutes are known to enhance cognitive function, memory, and cardiovascular health. Unlike bulky and expensive sleeping pods, the Power Nap Chair is sleek and comfortable, providing a dedicated space for naps within office environments. Its innovative design includes a hood that offers privacy, allowing users to disconnect and relax fully. This feature makes it suitable for both open-plan offices and smaller workspaces.
Sustainability is a key aspect of the Power Nap Chair, with its construction emphasizing environmentally friendly materials. The chair comprises a metal frame, an upholstered wooden body, and a foldable hood, each component meticulously crafted. The frame is made from powder-coated carbon steel profiles, ensuring durability, while the body consists of 104 CNC-milled birch plywood triangles, hand-sanded and finished with non-toxic linseed oil. These triangles are then encased in biodegradable memory foam and upholstered in woolen fabric. The hood, also made from this fabric, is designed for easy storage and essential privacy. Tsankov aims to shift societal views on workplace rest with this modern, productivity-enhancing product. Winning the A’ Design Award and exhibiting the final prototype at the Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2024, the Power Nap Chair promises a blend of comfort, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, awaiting mass production.
In the privileged corners of the world, it’s easy to take for granted the amenities that define modern life—consistent electricity, reliable refrigeration, and an abundance of technological conveniences. However, a significant portion of the global population struggles to access what many consider necessities. This disparity underscores a broader issue: our comforts, powered by unsustainable practices, contribute to long-term environmental degradation. EasyFreeze finds a good balance between the two, embracing more sustainable alternatives, which is not just a nod to the past but a necessary step toward a viable future. Imagine living in Lagos, Nigeria, where daily power outages can last for hours. In such conditions, a conventional refrigerator is nearly useless, and consequently, very few people own one. However, Amped Innovation, a forward-thinking startup, has developed a game-changing solution: the EasyFreeze, a solar-powered fridge designed to operate efficiently even with an unreliable grid or completely off-grid. This innovation is particularly transformative for regions rich in solar energy but poor in infrastructure. Continue reading “Solar-Powered Fridge Doesn’t Require Electricity and Can Run for 40 Hours Without Power” »
If you’ve been captivated by the homesteading trend on social media, the idea of raising chickens might have already piqued your interest. The investment in time and resources to care for livestock can be substantial, but the rewards often outweigh the challenges. Chickens are known to be delightful pets and, once you start enjoying fresh, home-laid eggs, you might never go back to the store-bought variety. Adding to the appeal, Costco now offers a starter chicken coop at an enticing price of under $440, making it easier than ever to dive into your farm era.
Laura from the popular Instagram account Costco Hot Finds recently highlighted this deal, showcasing a chicken house that features two nesting bays, a free-range door, a durable PVC roof, and enough space for up to eight chickens. However, seasoned chicken owners suggest that for optimal comfort, it’s best to house just two or three chickens in the coop to ensure they have ample space to roam. While this starter coop is perfect for beginners, many note that as your hens grow, a larger coop may be necessary. This coop, which is also sold at Tractor Supply for nearly $700, presents a great bargain at Costco, and some imaginative users even propose using it as a “catio” for indoor cats. Priced at $432.99, this coop provides an accessible entry point into the joys of backyard farming.
Add a touch of sunny sparkle to your home with this beautiful Chickenwire Suncatcher. Crafted with high-quality beaded wire, this suncatcher is the perfect addition to any room it will brighten up any space in your home. Continue reading “How to Make a Chicken Wire Sun Catcher!” »
In late April, a heartwarming rescue unfolded in Australia’s vast Outback when helicopter pilot Jack Poplawski located a missing dog in a seemingly impossible search. Jamie Rooney’s American Staffordshire terrier, Rocky, had vanished near a creek in the remote Pilbara region while on a brief swim. Despite Rooney’s desperate attempts to locate his beloved pet by driving along trails and calling out from his truck, Rocky remained out of sight. Faced with the enormity of the task and fearing the worst, Rooney turned to an unconventional yet promising solution—seeking the assistance of a helicopter pilot he had seen earlier that day. Continue reading “Helicopter Herder Follows a Dog’s Tracks from the Air to a Miracle Rescue” »
Electronics accessory brand Casetify has unveiled a series of public art installations in five cities around the globe, utilizing recycled phone cases as the primary material. This initiative is part of Casetify’s 2024 Earth Month campaign, “Journey to Re/Birth,” which invites local artists from the US, South Korea, China, Australia, and Thailand to create unique art and design pieces from discarded phone cases collected through the brand’s Re/Casetify upcycling program. These installations are a testament to Casetify’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring that old phone cases can find new life in creative and impactful ways. Notably, New York-based studio Wade and Leta transformed 12,000 recycled phone cases into a table and stools at Brooklyn’s Devoción Cafe, featuring a vibrant, textured finish created by mixing granulated plastic case pieces with water-based plaster. Continue reading “Casetify Launches Global Installations Made Out of Recycled Phone Cases” »
Launching today in the US and Canada, Quilt’s new heat pump system merges high functionality with aesthetic appeal, aiming to entice homeowners to transition to low-carbon heating and cooling. Designed by Studio Mike and Maaike in collaboration with the California start-up Quilt, the system features both outdoor and indoor units that emphasize modern, architectural aesthetics. The outdoor unit boasts a sleek, matte black design, while the indoor unit resembles built-in cabinetry, complete with a paintable front panel and integrated lighting. Accompanying these units is the Quilt Dial, a room thermostat, and a user-friendly app for comprehensive control and energy tracking. The overall design ensures the system is not only efficient but also a visually pleasing addition to any home.
Co-founder and CEO Paul Lambert highlights the company’s commitment to thoughtful design and a seamless user experience, a sentiment echoed by Mike Simonian of Mike and Maaike. Simonian noted that previous slow adoption rates of heat pumps in the US were partly due to uninspired designs and complex user interfaces. In response, their studio focused on creating an intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and cohesive system that integrates effortlessly into home environments. The design includes an architectural outdoor unit that blends with its surroundings and customizable indoor units, available in oak veneer or paintable white covers, to match various interior decors. Additionally, the Quilt Dial’s angled screen enhances readability, and the use of advanced technology like millimeter wave radar sensors ensures optimal energy use. This design-led approach positions Quilt as a pioneering force in the transition to sustainable home climate solutions.
