How does one make a chair out of cardboard that is strong and table enough to use?

designboom has a few interesting prototypes including diagrams and models.

Its not a new idea, or even a new idea to get passed around blogs. Earlier this year there was some chatter about an artist making FedEx Furniture and FedEx not being happy about it. (and unfortunately, the site seems to be down now). Bad lawyers, bad.

Also at designboom—a call for entries for a Shelter in a cart design competition.

design a cart that can provide shelter and storage.

urban homeless use carts to carry their possessions and to collect goods (like bottles, cardboard, etc.) that they then return to various recyclers in exchange for cash. this provides a small and valuable income. it is essential that your cart design not only accommodates all these functions but that it is affordable (for production and for private parties or charity organisations who wish to donate them).

I’m looking forward to the results, should be interesting.

[Via BoingBoing & Make]

Its that time of year again where voting is up for the annual Weblog Awards. Josh Katinger, a friend from my time at RIT, sent around the following request which I’m happy to endorse and pass to you all:

The auto racing weblog that I started in 2003 and that I now run with the help of a bunch of other people, www.FastMachines.com, is up for an award — “Best Sports Blog.” This particular honor is bestowed via popular vote. Anyone can vote once inside a 24 hour window (from a particular computer — i.e. home AND work computer). The voting is from December 5th - 15th.

We would really appreciate it if you would support us in this effort by clicking the link below and giving us a vote. We're the only racing blog in the category and we would LOVE to beat out all the other “ball sports” blogs.

Thanks in advance! Here's the link: http://weblogawards.org/2005/12/best_sports_blog.php

Notably absent from that list are HockeyBird, PuckUpdate, Battle of Ontario or any other hockey blog worth reading. All the more reason to throw your vote Josh’s and FastMachine’s way.

It seems I’m always the last one in on these trendy things. Family members are on it. Bands are on it. Even Slashdot has covered the explosion in its use (and you know you’re losing touch when Slashdot gets there first).

But the last straw came today when I learned that even crazy Whitehouse fence jumpers are on MySpace.

[AP on the incident]

Dean Edwards Drew McLellan has launched the web geek’s version of the advent calendar at 24ways.

I'm excited to announce one of the things that's been keeping me busy lately. 24 ways to impress your friends is a festive blog designed to act a bit like a seasonal advent calendar. Instead of counting down the days to Christmas with little cardboard doors, allow me to present 24 web development tips and tricks from myself and my good friends.

Each day from now until 24th December, we'll be publishing a new short article or tip designed to teach you something that perhaps you didn't know, and in turn can share with your friends. It's a holiday thing — share the lovin'.

Behind the first door: Easy Ajax with Prototype by Drew himself.

Behind the second door: An Explanation of Ems by Richard Rutter.

Behind the third door? You’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.

And no peeking!

You know its the first of the month when you open your inbox and see half a dozen automated messages reminding you of the mailman mailing lists you’ve subscried to.