Around the Corner is a great 1930s video that clearly describes how the differential gear works and why we need them in our cars. Bonus: motorcycles ride in formation to victorious band music. 

h/t Kottke.

If you’ve ever wanted a cabinet with secret compartments — and we’re talking about a lot of secret compartments here — then you’re going to like videos from the Extravagant Inventions: The Princely Furniture of the Roentgens exhibit that was at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (October 30, 2012–January 27, 2013).

One of the finest achievements of European furniture making, this cabinet is the most important product from Abraham (1711—1793) and David Roentgen’s (1743—1807) workshop. A writing cabinet crowned with a chiming clock, it features finely designed marquetry panels and elaborate mechanisms that allow for doors and drawers to be opened automatically at the touch of a button. Owned by King Frederick William II, the Berlin cabinet is uniquely remarkable for its ornate decoration, mechanical complexity, and sheer size.

In addition to the Secretary Cabinet above, there’s also a writing desk, a rolltop desk, and an automated Marie Antoinette music player.

via Doobybrain.

This made-for-kids video, Circuit Playground “A is for Ampere” – Episode 1, isn’t your everyday made-for-kids video. DIY electronics shop Adafruit, led by MIT engineer and Adafruit Founder Limor Fried (in the pink hair), has launched a puppet-filled web show to teach kids about electronics. Adults may pick up a thing or two, too. 

via BoingBoing. Thanks, @b1g0af.

From National Geographic’s I Didn’t Know That, this flexible, concrete-laced canvas can be put up by two people and ready to use as shelter within 24 hours. It’s essentially a building in a bag. With water to activate the concrete and air to inflate it into shape, the concrete hardens into a solid structure that resists fire and water. It can even become a sterile, hospital-like environment, an essential need in humanitarian crisis situations.

via Viral Viral Videos.

Paper doesn’t require any special equipment—“All you have to do is sit down, cut paper out, and score it, bend it, and glue it.” 

A beautiful Herman Miller interview with designer (and paper engineer/artist/sculptor) Irving Harper. As design director for the Nelson Office in the 1950s and ’60s, he created and collaborated on iconic furniture, products and textiles in midcentury design.

While working on the Chrysler Pavilion for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, he began making sculptures in his off hours to relieve stress. Some 50 years and roughly 500 pieces later, almost every surface of his Rye, New York home is besieged by evidence of his remarkable skill and creativity.

Irving Harper’s book, Irving Harper: Works in Paper, chronicles his intricate sculptures of paper, toothpicks and other household items. Excellent DIY inspiration.

via Design*Sponge.