Obama’s speech rivited the crowd at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, but what exactly did he say? Thanks to the latest in interwebz technology, you cans see exactly what was said in terms of proportion, thanks to this wordcloud of obama’s speech. Check it: Promise is a big word. Surprised? I know I’m not.

Yes, American boors - a mint-choclate-chip-cheese actually does exist. And - according to some reports coming from our allies in the east Atlantic, the mint-flavored cheese is actually appetizing, or at least edible. Don’t forget! It expires December 15th… SHITE!

So this one-wheeled motorcycle - yes, one actually exists - was invented by 18-year old science geek, Ben J. Poss Gulak. It weighs in at about 120 lbs but packs a big wallop. Though it was recently featured at the National Motorcycle show in Toronto this year - and it also operates on a complicated gyro-stabilization system, much like the Segway - the Uno is far from being widely available.

One nice thing: To go forward you just lean in!

Uno. The bike recently turned heads at the 2008 National Motorcycle Show in Toronto, probably because no one could actually figure out what the hell it was. Rather than the usual front and back wheel configuration, the Uno uses two, side-by-side wheels, rear footpegs and a much smaller chassis.

[via: Motorcycle Mojo Magazine]

The coke bottle in this picture is not real. It’s not optical illusion, and the image is entirely flat - an airbrushed painting on the sidewalk. Incredible!

Three-dimensional coke bottle image courtesy RosalindHughes

Steam Powered Robot Detail
Originally uploaded by bbum

This is most excellent. If anybody here knows of the phenomenon of steampunk, then this little gadget will look familiar (or perhaps not?)

The steam powered centipede uses 2 Wilesco D49 Marine Double Piston Steam Engines and its fuel of choice is alcohol.

For more iformation, see Crabfu Steamworks.

This employee time card puncher was part of Bethlehem Steel’s “Basement” collection.

The time clock was a relatively recent innovation in 1896. The first time clock was invented in November 20, 1888, by Willard Bundy, a jeweler in Auburn, New York.

Originally uploaded by TunnelBug

This strange little roadwork contraption seems to be a pavement striper. Never seen anything like it in my life!

Special thanks to OldOnliner for capturing it!

This from Clopin on flickr. Thanks, Clopin, but I have no idea how to work this stapler. Know the old expression, “They don’t make things like they used to?”

… They suuuure don’t.