05Apr 2011 by jay No Comments

Care and Feeding of Your Introvert

Musings
Originally published as a contribution to The Secret Lair titled Geek Husbandry – Care and Feeding of Yourself and Your Minions Part 1 – Myths About Introverts I was recently in need of some educational credits for work, and I decided to check out a book about introverted leadership. To my dismay, I quickly discovered that the book was written by an extrovert. I gave up about halfway through the small tome, feeling ickier and more ill-used than usual. After stewing on the issue for a while and writing a scathing review on Amazon, I decided to set the record straight regarding those whom society has judged based on their personality types. I have a personal hypothesis that geeky pursuits tend to appeal more towards introverts for a number of…
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09Mar 2011 by jay No Comments

Crackpot Scheme #763, or Why MMOs Suck

Ideas & Designs, Musings
This was an earlier contribution to The Secret Lair and can be read in context here. I confess. I am a wannabe junky for Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs).  I say wannabe, because I have yet to find the right game that scratches my itch for the MMO experience. Perhaps the closest I have ever come to that level of passion and devotion was when playing the original Everquest.  That experience ended with the birth of our first child, when my wife said to me “I don’t think you realize the extent to which this child has changed our life.”  She was right, of course. Being a dad is a lot more important (and fun) than camping for another <generic creature> to kill and acquire another <generic material> to make another…
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04Jan 2011 by jay 2 Comments

Yet Another Media Consumption Device

Projects
Behold - the exercise bike iPad stand! Ideal for sweating to Netflix Streaming. Personally, I think PVC pipe is a perfect project building material, especially for quick and sloppy craftsmen like me. Measurements can sometimes be approximate, and you always end up with perfect angles and joints.
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01Jan 2011 by jay 3 Comments

One Man’s Jumbo Monopoly Set Is Another Man’s New Computer

Musings, Projects
The general rule for getting new toys at my house is that I must purchase the new and shiny using the proceeds from the sale of older toys. This allows me to buy fun things without guilt and generally keeps me from collecting too much crap.  The downside is that most of my toys involve technology in some way and decrease in value over time.  This leaves me with a general shortage of fun money when the urge to buy kicks in. Enter the need for a new computer. My workhorse PC is now 8 years old and due for replacement.  A modest new computer would be totally appropriate to purchase out of normal household expenses. However, if the next one has to last another 8 years, then I want…
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09Oct 2010 by jay No Comments

Swing Revitalization

Projects
The latest backyard project: Repair a great old yard swing that still had a great frame, but its cushion was rotting apart. We were prepared to replace the swing, an option that would cost several hundred dollars.  I chewed on the problem for weeks, until I had a minor epiphany.  The following solution should last for years and only cost around $100. The original swing: Remove the old cushion: Build a new wooden frame to sit on the existing frame: Finish by laying the cross pieces: Overall, I'm pleased with the results.  I'll probably seal it with some kind of polyurethane to extend its life.  Hopefully, we'll be able to enjoy it for quite some time.
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05Jun 2010 by jay 3 Comments

Personal Viewing Device Mark 2

Projects
As if I didn't get enough abuse with the Mark 1 version of the Kingfish Personal iPod Touch Video Viewer (patent pending), I had to improve the design. Actually, the Mark 1 didn't pass the endurance tests. Introducing the Mark 2: New and improved features include: Telescoping Side Rails for Depth Adjustment Adjustable Tilt Controls A Sliding Rail for Horizontal Adjustment A Snap-On iPod Touch Holder Performance trials will begin soon.
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25Feb 2010 by jay

Laziness: The Weird Uncle of Invention

Projects
OK, this may rank up there with some of my more ridiculous schemes, but I get tired of holding my ipod touch while watching movies.  This allows me to relax more effectively, which is, of course, the real priority. Conclusion: It's a little too springy, so you have to sit pretty still while watching. Another generation of development may be in order. On the whole, however, it functions as designed. I used it laying down in bed last night and was quite satisfied with the results. As usual, my wife laughed at me. Genius is never truly appreciated.
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17Feb 2010 by jay No Comments

Love Dr. Strange or: How I Learned To Stop Waiting for DC and Love Marvel

Reviews
As a part of my function as Minister of Crackpot Schemes and Unfortunate Synergies at The Secret Lair, I have the opportunity to contribute to their growing library of reviews and writings.  My first contribution is a review of the animated show Super Hero Squad, which I think is one of the best shows for kids and adults on television today.  It rarely fails to elicit a chuckle or guffaw from me while I'm watching "with the kids." Enjoy
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14Jan 2010 by jay 8 Comments

Spoofing Ollivander

Projects
My daughter's birthday is here, and I thought I'd surprise her with a custom made Ollivander's wand a la Harry Potter.  After all, it's my fault she's a devoted fan of the novels.  It was good to be doing something creative again, especially something kind of crafty.  Despite the fact that I didn't bother to set up a proper light box for the photos, here are the results: The Box I really enjoyed the box, with its taped edges and replica Ollivander's label (properly aged with tea).  On the end I included the typical Ollivander's wand description "Purple Heart, Walnut, 12½ in., Mother's Hair Core:" and inside, resting on tissue paper, The Wand itself: I love the tropical hardwood purple heart, and I am still finding uses for scraps from…
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