After a few weeks of experimentation, I think I can now write sensible notes on how to cut and tune the chimes for a glockenspiel (metal xylophone) out of metal conduit. This is the first step of my Robotic Glockenspiel project, which I hope to end with a network-connected, Arduino-controlled set of chimes that can play Christmas carols.
Continue reading Cutting and Tuning Robotic Glockenspiel ChimesNerd Christmas Tree
I’ve successfully assembled my second soldering kit: The Velleman MK130 ‘3D’ Christmas Tree. It’s a set of blinking LEDs that sit atop a 9V battery… or you can add some long wires and hang it as a Christmas ornament.
At any rate, it was good practice for soldering, and the result is kinda cute. See my YouTube Video of the Kit for the whole experience.
I figure I’m ready to build an Arduino proto Shield next!
Ah, the Lovely Incense of (Lead Free) Solder
Since I’ve been doing Arduino work, I’ve accumulated a few board and Shield kits that I need to put together. I haven’t soldered since college, so I decided to brush up on my rusty skills by buying one of those little electronics project kits: a Velleman MK102 Flashing LEDs kit.
Continue reading Ah, the Lovely Incense of (Lead Free) SolderTim Hunkin: Brilliant Artist, Engineer, and Maker
I first heard of Tim Hunkin when I watched his TV series The Secret Life of Machines: a whimsical but thorough explanation of how various devices, from elevators to fax machines, work. I was hooked.
Continue reading Tim Hunkin: Brilliant Artist, Engineer, and MakerThe Definitive Mad Science
My definition of Mad Science:
- It must be based on actual technology, vs. pseudo science.
- It must be provocative, causing an initial reaction of horror or revulsion.
- The horror or revulsion must be based on the concept rather than being simply disgusting.
- It must have an artistic element, vs. being just science.
The Oregon Chorale on Tour in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
In the summer of 2008, the Oregon Chorale toured Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The best party of the trip was the banquet at Bunratty Castle, with dining, drinking, and singing together.
Continue reading The Oregon Chorale on Tour in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
At it Again, in Guys and Dolls
In June and July of 2001, we were back on the boards, in Stage One’s production of Guys and Dolls, as a fundraiser for Hillsboro (Oregon) area high schools’ performing arts departments. It was so much fun to perform together, and with such a talented cast!
Continue reading At it Again, in Guys and Dolls
The Co-Presidents in Britain
In the fall of 2000, the co-presidents spent a month in Wales and England. For Linda it was a research trip into English king Edward’s medieval castles (built to crush the Welsh), and into various Victorian museums covering everything from candy to coal. For Brad, it was time to be a tourist: once every seven years at Intel, you get a block of 8 weeks off to reacquaint yourself with the world, so Brad spent half of his 8 weeks on tour.
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The Co-Presidents Reuinite in Fiddler On the Roof
In June and July 2000, the Co-Presidents were reunited on stage for the first time in 18 years (too long!): Linda played Golde, Tevye’s wife, and Brad played Lazar Wolf, the butcher, in Stage One’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. Stage One is a fundraising organization for the Hillsboro area high schools’ performing arts departments.
Continue reading The Co-Presidents Reuinite in Fiddler On the Roof
What Exactly is Singing “In Tune”?
I’ve sung most of my life, yet only recently have I started to ask the question “How do unaccompanied vocalists stay in tune?” The process sounds simple enough at first: vocalists stay in tune because they have good relative or absolute pitch memory — they remember what the 5th of the scale sounds like, and can sing it whenever they like. This explanation works at some level, but a few nagging questions remain.
Continue reading What Exactly is Singing “In Tune”?