Disc Golf Practice Target
Because this is only a pipe dream: and even this is a over my budget: I went and built this: Now I have no excuse for not practicing my disc golf skills. Time to work on my short game.
Some Graphics
I didn't end up using these headers for my consulting practice web site, but I liked the way they turned out.
What’s Good for the Goose, is Good for Her 7-Year-Old Brother
Since I made a wand for my oldest child when she became enraptured with all things Harry Potter, I knew it was only a matter of time before her brother was old enough to follow suit and I'd be making another one: For my daughter's wand, I actually included her mother's hair in the wand's core ("There's no stronger magic than a mother's love."). In this case, my wife was not available at the moment of assembly, so my own hair was substituted. We'll chalk it up to some kind of gender kinship and call it intentional. The whole affair is tied up with string, addressed according to wizard post standards, and will be delivered "by owl" tonight. I even have a (clean) feather to leave at the scene of…
Yet Another Media Consumption Device
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.
One Man’s Jumbo Monopoly Set Is Another Man’s New Computer
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…
Square Peg
A bit of artwork from an old project. I still feel this way most of the time.
Swing Revitalization
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.
Personal Viewing Device Mark 2
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.
Laziness: The Weird Uncle of Invention
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.
Spoofing Ollivander
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…