Crazy DIYers
Okay, I thought I’d heard it all when I learned about Sailboat Arcadia. I mean, some guy building a boat in his backyard?? Well, I came across something equally hardcore today…
Tell me, have you heard of David J. Gingery? Yeah, neither had I. Well, this crazy nutjob, who was, to quote Wikipedia, “an inventor, writer, and machinist”, wrote a series of books on how to build machine tools. Not too remarkable, right? Well, what makes this so unbelievable is that he didn’t do it by buying parts from hardware stores and so forth. Oh no, that would be too easy. Instead, he figured out how to build his own Foundry in his back yard, capable of melting aluminum and zinc alloys. Then, using Green_sand molds, he casted the parts he needed and built his devices from scratch.
But it doesn’t end there. After figuring all this out, he wrote a series of books which, in simple, clear language, describe how to build a metal working shop. The first book covers the construction of a charcoal foundry, and the remaining volumes describe how to build various metal working equipment from recycled scrap metal, including, believe it or not, a lathe and a drill press. And all this can be done without the need for power tools or other expensive gear.
Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “does he really plan to build a metal working shop??” In short, no. :) After completing such a project, I honestly have no idea what I’d do with it. But you must admit, it’s pretty damned amazing.
A Nice Day On The Lake
Okay, this was just too damned funny not to share:
Note, this came from here… hopefully the original owner isn’t too upset with my plagiarism. :) But a straight link just didn’t seem to do it justice…
Helloooooo Deck Railing!
Alright alright, I finally have pictures of the new railing up. Keep in mind, though, that there’s still work to be done. First, there’s a small rail that I need to install on the upper tier near the window well. Second, I need to install something in front of the window well on the lower tier (probably a railing, maybe a bench or something). Third, the stair to the ground still needs to be built. However, much of that will probably be put off for a week or two… I really need a break.
So, here we go:
As you can see, I’ve got the railing and the stair between the two levels completed. Looks pretty nice, if you ask me. ;)
Honeywell Wanted My Soul Today
So I just had the weirdest salesman/door-to-door guy bother me. This wasn’t the usual hard sell thing, as I first expected. Instead, what they wanted to do was place a sign on our property to advertise Honeywell (specifically, their home security products), and in exchange they would pay us. How could I possibly say no?? Well, you see, the problem is I’m already pissed enough at the sheer ubiquity of advertising, and the last thing I wanted was my house to turn into a glorified billboard. Not to mention the fact that I think home security systems are largely overrated (it’s not like it would take more than ten minutes to break one of our windows and steal a bunch of valuables) and are nothing more than a way for companies to cash in on fear.
So, unsurprisingly, I said “fuck that”… though in somewhat more polite language. But the best part was the guy’s reaction. “But… we’re gonna pay you.” he replied, as if the price of my soul, not to mention my values and dignity, were so easily purchased. He seemed genuinely puzzled, not to mention a little put off, that I didn’t want to become a Honeywell marketing tool.
Well, to Mr. Marketing guy and to Honeywell, I say it again: fuck that. I already have to constantly put up with advertisements. Everytime I browse the web, turn on the TV (after I’ve already paid for cable), or go to the theatre (with a ticket I already paid for), I’m bathed in advertisements and product spots. Why would I want to pollute my nice little neighbourhood with even more?
