[SEL] Gearheads with kids, or immature gearheads

[Rob Skinner]

A while back I was running an engine in the garage and some dude and  
his kid wandered up.  I had never seen them before, but they seemed  
nice, so I gave them the tour.  The dad said the engine reminded him  
of a game that he bought for his son, "Crazy Machines."  It sounded  
fun, but not so fun that I bothered to go out and buy it.  After all,  
if it's fun for a five year old, I would probably only challenge me  
for a couple months.

Fast forward to last week:  I noticed an app called "Crazy Machines"  
at the iTune Store.  For $2.99, I couldn't resist.  Well... that's  
what I've been doing for the past week when I have a few minutes to  
kill.  It's pretty cool, and a steal for the price.

The premise is that you are supposed to complete a task using a  
variety of devices you have at your disposal.  Devices can be boards,  
bricks, levers, balls, flashlight, candle, torch, steam engine,  
pulleys, belts, wires, etc.  The finished system is a Rube Goldberg  
contraption.  You push the "start" button, and then you see if your  
contraption actually works.

I think the recommended age is 3+.  Besides the iPhone, it's also  
available for Nintendo DS, PC and Mac.

http://www.crazymachines-game.com for Nintento and iPhone

http://www.crazymachinesgame.com for PC and Mac


	
Rob Skinner
Antique Stationary Engines
La Habra, California

rob at rustyiron.com
www.rustyiron.com