Category: MakerBlock

All things MakerBlock: RepRap, MakerBot, Cupcake CNC, open source, and plastic building toys!

I still think it’s a good idea

A few weeks ago, I forget when or where, I was someplace where someone was talking and then finished with, “Any questions?”

I said, “Yes!  Why hasn’t anyone else invented a papasan / beanbag chair?”  No one answered, just cold stares. 123

Seriously, wouldn’t that be cool?

  1. I suppose more people might take my questions seriously if I were actually part of the initial conversation. [↩]
  2. Or fully clothed. [↩]
  3. Or not covered in rubber ducky stickers. [↩]

Happy Birthday to me!

On December 15, 2009 I purchased this domain name and started blogging about my MakerBot, “Bender.” 1

It has been a fun, wild year of blogging.  I started off pelting everyone on the MakerBot Operators’ group with questions, then started posting here a bit, then started posting here A LOT.

As I’ve mentioned, I don’t have any tech background at all.  I just try to make up for that with enthusiasm and a willingness to (let’s say, aptitude for) making a fool of myself.  I was gushing about 3D printing the other day and one of my co-workers asked why I don’t work in some some kind of tech field.  My response was that my real dream job would be to get paid to make and do cool, awesome, and clever things all the time.  2

I’ve had a really great time blogging here for the last year and over at MakerBot for the last three and a half months. 3  I get to write about all the stupid things I’ve done (and warn people how not to ) and the all awesome and cool things other people are doing.  The comments have been especially awesome – with people offering insight, advice, and <cringe> corrections. 4

So!  Thank you for your advice and suggestions and encouragement!  With a little luck, we’ll see another post like this next year!

  1. You may notice a few posts from just before that date.  That happened because I had originally purchased a different domain name and blogged there before settling on MakerBlock.com. [↩]
  2. Mind, doing clever things is my dream job.  In reality, I’d try to do clever things and end up doing silly entertaining things. [↩]
  3. I hope you’ve enjoyed it too! [↩]
  4. It’s basically been my dream job.  :) [↩]

Packing for time travel

I suppose a more adventurous sort would just leap into a time machine heedless of the consequences. I tend to be more deliberative. Here’s what I’m planning to take in my foray into the past:

  • A small netbook.  My itty bitty red Dell Mini 10.  Zero battery life, bad resolution, super light weight.
  • An analog notebook.  It’s made of paper.  AKA my “big book of ideas.”  This is actually my fifth such book.  The last four are sitting on a shelf.  Unlike prior versions this is entirely homemade from recycled print paper and a grocery bag.
  • A camera smartphone.
  • At least two varieties of USB cables for charging bluetooth and charging/tethering phone.
  • Maybe a book.  I haven’t decided which one.  I’ve been meaning to reread The Diamond Age.
  • A backpack and a satchel.  I say satchel, but I’ll readily admit it’s a manpurse. 1

What am I missing?

  1. Don’t ever fight who you are. [↩]

What do astronauts use for their computer’s wallpaper?

What do astronauts use for their computer's wallpaper?
What do astronauts use for their computer's wallpaper?

Commander Scott Kelly provides a tour of the super small personal spaces on the ISS. Like every other kid with a computer, at some point I’ve used a variety of skyscapes or spacescapes as my computer’s wallpaper. What does Commander Kelly use? Green earth fields. I love it.

Real conversation from work yesterday

Co-worker: <Demands Christmas present for some flippant remark I made.>  Wait, do you celebrate Christmas?

MakerBlock: Well, I don’t have any Christmas stuff up in my office, so… I suppose not.  Well, I do have a picture of an Easter Bunny.  But, that’s because I believe in bunnies.  I believe in bunnies but not Easter, teeth but not fairies, and claws but not Santas.

Aren’t you glad we don’t work together?  You would have to put up with this kind of nonsense all the time.

Why would anyone want a vortex manipulator?

Vortex Manipulator and Sonic Screwdriver
Vortex Manipulator and Sonic Screwdriver

Answer: It’s a lot more convenient than strapping a TARDIS to your wrist.

Ever since seeing the season 5 finale of Doctor Who I’ve wanted my own printed vortex manipulator.  I have a feeling Nick Starno’s pocket watch case for the MakerBot Watch would be a good place to start.

Just another random thing in my list of stuff I want to make.