The Latest

CEO and author Mark Hatch thinks that the world’s next industrial revolution is on its way

Illustration by Mike L. Perry The Makers are Coming Interview by Heather Shayne Blakeslee Fifty years ago, factories were busily producing products that America was exporting around the world. Since then, we’ve outsourced much of our making and doing. “Makerspace” is a catch-all term for places where inventors, tinkerers and hackers—makers all—can gather. These collaborative

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6 mins read

American handcrafted jeans with Norman Porter Co.

A Stitch in Time by William Beisley With garment manufacturing in Philadelphia at an all-time low, a brand like Norman Porter Co. appears like a denim-clad apparition from the past.  The company’s jeans and other products have all been designed and produced with an almost bygone craftsman approach. Michael and David Stampler, brothers and co-owners

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1 min read

Your hybrid car isn’t good for the environment

Illustration by Kathleen White Car Culture Calculus by Jerry Silberman Question: What is best for the environment—a fuel-efficient internal combustion car, hybrid, or electric car? The Right Question: Is driving, regardless of the car, the biggest threat to the environment? When it comes to evaluating a car, we tend to look at how much gasoline

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2 mins read

Grid’s Picks for Fall Trips

by Hannah Waters As the November chill sets in, it’s tempting to turn on the heat, lock the doors and curl up under a blanket for the long winter ahead. The reasons to go into an early hibernation practically invent themselves: it’s too cold; bundling up is too burdensome; the couch cushions are too alluring.

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6 mins read

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Go Away

An Italian cheese plate from DiBruno Bros Everyone can appreciate a thoughtful gift—especially when it doesn’t take up permanent residence in the apartment. If you live in the city (or you’re pondering a gift for someone who does), try these small luxuries on for size: a winter facial or some handcrafted incense if someone needs

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3 mins read

Holiday Gift Guide: Starter Kits

Photo by Jeff Sheldon The winter months are great for learning and tinkering while we wait out the weather. For the maker or doer in your life, Grid has compiled some starter kits and DIY gift baskets that will serve as inspiration as you craft the perfect gift. Maybe there’s a foodie who wants to

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3 mins read

Holiday Gift Guide: Experiences

Meredith Klein, director of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, and Pablo Garcia Gomez, an Argentine native, dance at Love Park during a performance to welcome Pope Francis There are thousands of things to do and learn in the Philadelphia region, and every one of them could be a great gift. This year, create some memories:

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4 mins read
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We need more girls who believe they can be makers

Illustration by Corey Brickley Hack the Gender Gap by Georgia Guthrie “Wow, that seems very complicated. I don’t think I would be able to do that.” “I just started learning myself, and believe me, if I can do it, you can, too!”  I heard this snippet of conversation during the Drop In + Do, the

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3 mins read
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The Singularity, and the next industrial revolution

Populist Mechanics by Heather Shayne Blakeslee Followers of advances in artificial intelligence are waiting for a tipping point they call the “Singularity.” It’s the moment in time when the computers and machines that we’ve designed are smart enough to design better versions of themselves, an event that would trigger a cascade of exponential improvement—as well

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2 mins read
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