Rob Rich

New York

Columnist and Exploits Games Editor at Unwinnable

(he/him) Designer, amateur toy art critic, goofball. News Reporter for @slashgear, Columnist and Exploits Games Editor at @Unwinnable.

Articles

How Did WW1 Planes Avoid Shooting Their Own Propellers?

1 week ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Aerial combat is very complicated on its face, when you think about it. Two or more large metal husks basically have to defy gravity, while also attempting to fire weapons at each other. Accurately. Seems like it shouldn't be possible, right? AdvertisementWell, beyond the basic ideas of aerodynamics and maneuvering, planes in World War I had another pretty significant hurdle to clear: Actually shooting at each other.
Can You Tow An Automatic Car In Neutral?

1 week ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

It doesn't happen all the time, but every now and then your car may need to be towed. The thing is, regardless of whether you got stuck, ran out of gas, or had a fender bender, the rules are a bit different if you're driving a car with an automatic transmission. AdvertisementThat's because towing can indeed damage an automatic transmission if it's not done right. This is because the way automatic transmissions work calls for cooling and lubrication from transmission fluids while in motion.
Inside Namiro Sushi’s Exclusive Ribbon-Cutting & Cocktail Celebration in Southampton

2 weeks ago | hamptons.com | Rob Rich

NAMIRO made its Southampton debut in style on May 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP cocktail preview, joined by Mayor Manger. Guests enjoyed signature bites and high-energy vibes at this invite-only event. Conceptualized by music and hospitality heavyweights, NAMIRO Sushi is more than a restaurant—it’s where sleek design, elevated Asian cuisine, and nightly celebration collide.
Why Is Highway 50 Called The Loneliest Road In America And Where Is It Located?

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

U.S. Route 50 is a country-spanning roadway that will take those with the patience and fortitude to make the drive from the east coast to the west — or west to east, depending on whether you want to start in Ocean City, MD (east) or Sacramento, CA (west). It's also one of the longest highways in the United States. Highway 50, which has come to be known as "The Loneliest Road in America," makes up a comparatively small chunk of this.
9 Of The Most Absurd Car Recalls In Automotive History

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

If you own, have owned, or know someone who owns or has owned a car or truck, you know about recalls. It's fairly common these days for manufacturers to ask owners to bring their vehicles in for complimentary servicing due to something being prone to problems. Sometimes it's caused by the mundane, sometimes the problem is extremely dangerous, and sometimes the situation is just plain bizarre.
What Is The Ideal Temperature Range For Solar Panels & Can They Get Too Hot?

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Switching a home to solar power (or, at least, installing solar panels to help offset some of your grid usage) can be a worthwhile endeavor. It can also be kind of a headache, with several common myths to dispel, a number of pros and cons that you'll need to weigh, and several types of consumer panels and companies to choose from. AdvertisementOn top of all of that, you do indeed also need to think about the heat.
Are Red Bags Really Loaded First On Airplanes? Why The Claim Doesn't Make Sense

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Back in April of 2024, a TikTok video went viral. And to quote the late, great, Douglas Adams: "This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move." It's not the first time — and certainly won't be the last — that a video went viral without facts behind it, as most social media platforms are full of unsubstantiated rumors, QAnon conspiracies, baseless theories, and flat-out lies. Like getting a free Dodge Hellcat by joining the Army, for example.
Why Do Rockets Have Fins, And How Do They Affect Their Flight?

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Whether in the real world, depicted in cartoons, or in a hobbyist's back yard, rockets always seem to have fins. Or if not fins, at least some other kind of protrusions along the outside — they're never just a featureless straight tube, you know? AdvertisementTo a degree, I think I can understand why that might seem unnecessary, or at least somewhat puzzling — like how NASA always launches rockets from Florida.
What Happens If Lightning Strikes A Plane?

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Flying is usually not an enjoyable experience at the best of times, but it can be downright scary for some of us. Especially when worrying about potential hazards or spending too much time reading up on some of the worst accidents in aviation history. You're not going to actually have to worry about a gremlin on the wing of the plane or anything like that, but something like a lightning strike is a very realistic and understandable concern.
Do Power Lines Emit EMFs? Here's What You Need To Know

1 month ago | slashgear.com | Rob Rich

Among the things some people worry about is living near power lines. Not just because of the obvious danger if a live wire were to break and fall into a yard or on a house, but because they're concerned that electromagnetic fields radiating from the lines could affect a person's health. Not all that different from that big myth about cell phones causing cancer, really.