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Posts tagged Cube
Roger Von Oech’s Ball of Whacks Review
Jan 23, 2012
The other day I was walking through the mall and noticed that the Smithsonian Store was selling this interesting magnetic puzzle ball called Ball of Whacks. Being a sucker for these types of desk toys, I decided to pick it up and try it out. I was instantly hooked! The ball is made of 30 pyramid shaped magnets that can come apart. When you take this rhombic triacontahedron (a shape with 30 sides) apart, you will see that it’s easy to form other shapes including stars, spheres, blocks and even animals.
After reading through some of the 96-page booklet that came with the toy, it looks like this ball is supposed to expand your mind and get you into a creative mood. Even though this could spur up some great ideas, I also think it just makes a good fidgety toy for when you’re bored. The book could make a good reference but honestly I don’t think it’s necessary because once you get it in your hands you won’t care about what’s inside the pages.
When all the 30 pieces are assembled into the ball, it’s about the size and weight of a baseball. It has a nice feel to it and is made out high-quality plastic. When the pieces are taken apart however they feel a little cheap and flimsy. I don’t see the pieces ever breaking unless you try to break them or accidently drive over them. Although the ball is a lot of fun to play with, it’s a bit limiting due the the shapes and magnetic forces of the pieces. Yes you can make other shapes out of the pieces but they somehow always end up being the ball when all is said and done. Perhaps this was the intention of Mr. Von Oech.
Reading the reviews on Amazon.com, I see people saying that they play with the ball when stuck on a problem to find a creative solution. I can see how this could work for some people but I don’t see this solving any of my problems in the future. I’ve played with other desk toys such as BuckyBalls that have a more open-puzzle feel. Perhaps I just need to spend more time with my Ball of Whacks before I can unlock the power within. The Ball of Whacks comes in blue and red colors and can be had for around $25-$30. Overall I am pleased with this toy but it does leave some things to be desired.
Rubik's Mirror Blocks: Better Than The Cube
Sep 24, 2008
Rubik is at it again with Mirror Blocks. Now I’m a huge fan of the Rubik’s Cube even though I can’t solve it but this new toy is pretty sweet. Not only does the toy second as a way to see if you missed any spots shaving in the morning, but it seems to me like it would be more difficult than just matching colors.
I’m not really sure how the blocks even turn since they’re different sizes but it hurts my brain too much to think about it. I’ll let Mr. Rubik figure out the arthritic while I stare in awe at this awesome video:
Beijing National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube)
Aug 15, 2008
I’m usually not big into the Olympics or sports for that matter but when I saw Michael Phelps representing Baltimore tearing up the charts with gold medals and records, I had to see what all the fuss was about. The Olympics is a great way for all the world’s countries to show sportsmanship and respect for each through the competition of sports. It’s a beautiful thing. Another beautiful thing is the design behind the newly built Water Cube.
Breaking ground in 2003 and being completed more recently, the structure has a capacity of 17,000 during the Olympics. It is composed of steel space frame. The Swimming, Diving and Synchronized Swimming events are being held there during the Olympics. What makes the design so successful is the the outer wall which is based on the Weaire-Phelan structure and look like soap suds. The way the light shines through the outer wall is breathtaking.