GeekBytes: We All Live In a Steampunk Submarine

GeekBytes is back! The Thanksgiving holiday may have come to an end, but the fun and interesting tech out there never stops, and GeekBytes will provide you with it. So without further ado, here are today's most interesting stories in short form:

Transform A Mint Tin Into An Alarm

It's always wise to carry a small personal alarm with you: it's one extra deterent for potential theives or worse. While most are inexpensive to get hold of, you may want to consider recycling an old mint tin and making one yourself. Instructables member "x2Ziggy" has a full set of instructions on how to make the mini alarm out of a battery, an LED, a toggle switch and a small siren. Check out the video to see the end result:

Get More Control Over Your Coffee With a Microcontroller

Cameron Charles is a big espresso fan, but he wanted more control over how his coffee machine created the uplifting drink. So he decided to add a microcontroller to his setup to adjust the temperature control. The controller keeps tabs on the heat, and will tell you to pour your espresso and steam when it reaches a particular temperature. Anything for the perfect pick-me-up!

Oakland Submarine Is More Than Just Cool Art

Oakland-based art collective the Five Ton Crane (5TC) have built a quirky-looking submarine. Sadly, it's not built to be submerged into the ocean, however it can do a few pretty awesome things. For starters, it guards itself with a water gun and its on-board music is controlled by an iPad. View the below video from Oakland North to see how art and technology were cleverly combined:

Have a Happy Geekmas With R2 Decor

Starting to gear up for Christmas but want to insert some of your geekiness? After you finish desinging and building your own Lego decorations, how about picking up some exclusive R2-Q5 and R2-A3 ornaments as well?

The detailed pair pictured are from Hallmark's collection, and all that red and gold still adds to the typical festive colors. However, you will have to part with $70 to get them. [Via GeekAlerts]

Today's GeekTech Must-Reads

• Geek Up Your Holiday With Lego Ornaments
• Researchers Crack Blu-Ray Encryption With Cheap Hardware
• Finally, Some Privacy! Cool LCD Monitor Hack Helps Keep Your Secrets