Love and Rockets

Make Home Improvement

2012-02-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Makers! Love and Rockets is still alive and making!
We recently upgraded our rabbit's living quarters and I thought I would share her point of view about how you can get make-creative and make a happy-happy bunny.

Hello, my name is Sankanator. You may recognize me from many of the Rabbit posts published over at Chickenblog. I was named after a 4H pig who, like me, had one blue eye and one brown eye. Olivia is the girl who raised me, for her 4H project, and then she let me come home and be Maria's bunny.

Last week, when Geoff and Natalie were putting the finishing touches on my marvelous Bunny Casa, a reader asked for more pictures of my new digs, because her daughter is planning a 4H project.

Well, Stephanie, come on in!

I used to live in a standard hutch, and come out for lawn visits, so I could hop and stretch. The weather here is mild, and life was okay, but fortunately, my family saw some interesting options for my comfort and well being. So, I started spending weekends and vacations in an empty, raised garden bed. And I loved it! They covered the top with a trellis, and weighed that down with stuff, and I got to dig and tunnel and run around. Good stuff.

These are the other raised beds. They are on the tall side, and four feet by four feet square. The bottoms are lined with wire fabric, to keep gophers and moles from entering. I guess this is helpful for keeping me digging out, too, but I never dig all the way down, anyway.

So. Basically, what Natalie did, was take her old chicken coop and set it on top of the raised bed. The coop was an Ikea picnic table that she and Geoff modified with additional framing, a door, and chicken wire. It has served them well, but now all the chickens are together in the shark cage, and the coop was sitting around waiting for a new purpose.

Since the table is about six feet by three feet, there were open gaps, and an overhang. With scraps from around the yard, Natalie covered the gap, and the overhang. Geoff used wood screws to attach the wood pieces to the bottom framing of the chicken coop. This should help keep out unwanted visitors, and will make it easier to raise the whole top off when they want to move it, clean things... etc
Outside of the Bunny Casa, the scrap wood makes a nice shelf, where things can sit. The painted, blue shelf makes a ledge that I can hop up to, and enjoy a stretch in the sun. Sometimes I find treats there, like Timothy hay, carrots, and even a little popcorn. I love my lookout ledge.

I hope these pictures are helping. It's easy to see that this was pieced together, and not actually engineered with a design. Everything was convenient and on-hand, which is nice, and of course it has room for improvements. The table is slatted, and lets in light and air. When it rains a tarp is brought out, and I don't have to get soaked and muddy.

Inside, I have lots of room to hop, run a bit, and dig. I love the digging. It feels so good. I have special corners, and clever tunnels, and sometimes I fill in my tunnels and make new ones. It's pretty much awesome. I am happy.

The raised bed is very accessible, and makes it easy to welcome guests. I get plenty of visitors, and attention. I like that.

I imagine when summer is here, I will be cool and comfortable, too. And later, they can pop off the top and switch me to another bed, and plant new things in this bed. And then I will find roots and leftovers in my next home.

Rumor has it that tomorrow they are planting spinach between the strawberry rows. They have been busy devising ways of keep those neighbors of mine, the chicas, out of the garden beds.

Thanks for dropping by. If you have any questions, I am happy to let Natalie answer them. I have some questions... what are you doing for your garden? Turning the soil, shopping the seed catalogs? Starting seedlings? Building beds?

It's fun to MAKE!

Make Black-Out

2012-01-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

In allegiance with Google, and O'Reilly Media of Make Magazine, the free encyclopedia~ Wikipedia, bloggers, and millions of intelligent, expressive, free Americans, Love and Rockets~Make is on Blackout mode. Self-censored, to bring light to the rights and freedoms we are at risk of losing if Congress imposes SOPA~PIPPA on us.

No robots.
No inventions.
No music.
No creations.
No science.
No daring.
No chickens.
No cats.
No embroidery.
No recipes.
No FIRST.
No play.
No fun.

Please tell Congress: Don't Censor the Web

Make it In The Parade

2011-12-02T08:53:00.000-08:00

***Update: A post highlighting the parade and our float are at Chickenblog! Go see FIRST 2102 Team Paradox Make another Spirited and Inspiring success!***

Our favorite FIRST robotics team, with help from Love and Rockets, is gearing up for a second trip to the Encinitas Holiday Parade. Good times making new elements for Lavender, the moving robotic arm!

Fresh faces

Everything is just about set for this year's Holiday Parade! There have been many work parties, though it has definitely been less intense than last year, when FIRST 2102 Team Paradox was a freshmen team in the realm of parade floats and giant robot arms.

Engineers, artists, crafts people, dancers, painters, builders... !

Last year, Lavender had to be designed and constructed, then wired, from the ground up. She was so shiny! The arm rose up and down and the claw could open and close. Well, this year Lavender is new and improved and extra shiny! Her base is being updated to turn degrees, and notice her team colors face lift.

Remember the mini-bot element of last year's *FRC game, LogoMotion? Now our practice tower is enjoying a new purpose as the lit up tower-tree at the front of the float.

*Hey! Bill's Blog just posted hint #1 for FRC 2012... there are clues in the new components list. So excited for Team 2102 in 2012!!

The many branches of FIRST 2102 Team Paradox have been busier than ever before... since ~~September~~ ~~over summer~~ ~~since last spring~~ every single day! They have built new machines, learned new machine shop skills, mentored FIRST LEGO League teams, organized community service events, brought a whole new class of fresh faces up to speed, represented at the Street Fair, and they are preparing to host a FLL Food Factor event in their high school.

I think last night we had the most new team members show up, and they went straight to work... cutting foam and cardboard for giant batteries and gears, painting, and tossing glitter. Our float is representing the spirit and tools of our community's busy and dedicated student engineers.

Maria brought out our cupcake papers, which make a good material for snowflakes, right Sam?

When seventy high school students organize themselves to build robots, learn programming, design parade floats, raise funds for cancer research, mentor grade school students in FLL, mentor fellow FRC rookie teams, clean beaches and parks, write grant proposals, make videos, embrace science, technology, engineering, art, music, and math... I gotta say, they represent their community in a magnificent way.

Whew! That's Busy Town. Go robotics! Go Team Paradox!

And one more new element for this year's parade entry... Team Paradox Robo Dancers! Lonnie choreographed a techno-jingle routine, and last night was the first rehearsal...

Checklist:

trailer ✓
truck and driver ✓
robotic arm ✓
dancers ✓
lights ✓
decorations ✓
Team Spirit ✓
Passion FIRST ✓
Engineering Inspiration ✓
sturdy shoes ✓
a winning robotics team ✓

Go!

Make an Old Shirt New

2011-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Supplies:
A bleach pen... found ours at Tar-jay
Wax paper
Chalk
A dark shirt

Sunday was sunny, and my children voluntarily cleaned the living room and the kitchen, and I fainted. Then I came to, and thanked them. Their industry was inspiring, and it got me in the laundry room sorting out worn and outgrown clothing... am I meandering to my point? Yes. Yes, I think I am. Sorry. It might be this frackin' cold I picked up. It's making me all meandery and snuffy, and last night I felt absolutely super meh.

Uh.
Wha?

Oh, yeah. I found a clean sweatshirt that Max has out grown, and is probably much too big for Maria. I was about to add it to the donate pile when I remembered the artsy-craftsy project I'd been wanting to try for about a year. I even had the supplies on hand, and cleared space to jump in and go for it.

The wax paper is to put between the layers of the sweatshirt. The idea being to protect the back of the shirt in case the bleach seeps through. Protecting surfaces from wayward bleach is an important aspect of this project. One tutorial I read even suggested wearing gloves. I did not wear gloves, but I did put on an apron. Also, I did this outside and on a bleach safe surface.

The bleach pen has two tips, and I used the fine point. I wish it were finer. Remember to shake the pen, and be aware: there will be bubbles and clumps, and every drop will leave its mark. This may not be the ideal project for a perfectionist, or anyone, young or mature, who freaks out about "mistakes."

And now some thoughts about Control. I am not a control freak. (Yes, I am.) I am not selfish, and I do not horde my crafty supplies all for myself, to use on a magical artsy-craftsy day, when all of my sweet skills and marvelous visions will come to life. (I am, and I do.) Okay, so honestly, it's not the easiest thing in the world to be approached by a perky six year old who wants to intercept my artsy-craftsy plans and make them her own, but some six year olds are hard to deny, so I relinquished the chalk and let her draw her pictures, on what is now her custom and personalized sweatshirt.

She drew, and then I traced. The clumps get a bit frustrating, and I think big and simple images is definitely the way to go. I have seen some very sophisticated results, which could be fun to try. I am also thinking that a certain robotics team may want to employ this technique to label and personalize their team jackets... FIRST 2102 Team Paradox... names across the shoulders, gears, details? Could be fun!

Maria's pictures have lightened to a pale-pale pink. Next up we wash it separately and then Ta-Da! Her easy peasy bleach squeezy jacket will be ready to wear!

Making Costumes for Halloween

2011-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

And in honor of The Five Days of Halloween, we have five festive personas to share with you... and a warning: Some of these images may be disturbing, particularly if you are not a fan of Clive Barker, or the book series Abarat. You may also find some of this objectionable if you firmly believe "beauty is skin deep."

Maria came downstairs this morning about as dejected and crushed as can be. "No costumes on Halloween" is her school's policy. Which in my mind begs the question: Can she wear a costume after Halloween? She announced, forlornly, "School on Halloween makes no sense." Then she yawned, and dragged her feet to the dining table, sitting down next to Miss Utah. Seeing Suki, strange as it may seem, was not the least bit disturbing to Maria, who perked up and said, "You look great, Suki."

Geoff and I took Maria to a party at Patrick and Mashid's yesterday. Geoff was a welder, Maria was a party cat, and she wore the mask she painted. I donned my top hat and mask. We had a good time, especially enjoying Maria's delight in being at "a real Halloween party!"

And, this morning...

Max is a plague doctor. I like how it sounds in Dutch... pestmeester. Interesting history those pestmeesters have. With the black cloak Lucas lent him, and his beaked mask, I think Max looks great, and he was quite pleased to achieve this effective ensemble.

We have all read Clive Barker's books from the Abarat series. They are brilliantly disturbing, both literally and visually, as they are illustrated as well as written by Mr. Barker. One character of a certain appeal is Christopher Carrion... seen in this link. Alex is a young Christopher Carrion today.

Writhing and wriggling in the fluid circulating through and around Carrion's head, are his own nightmares. Goodness, I know.

And, brace yourselves... Suki as Miss Utah a beauty queen whose beauty, unfortunately, really is only skin deep.

"If I win, I will work tirelessly until Land Sharks are declared an endangered species! I think she has her campaign zipped-up and in the bag.

Shudders.

Well. If anyone is still reading Chickenblog, I can give you a peek into how these special effects were created. I am nothing less than awestruck and delighted by homemade costumes and creativity.

All of us were painting masks this weekend, which yielded some really great creations, and was a lot of fun. I found sprinkling that much glitter to be quite therapeutic. And my Día de los Muertos mascara looked dandy with my top hat and rebozo.

The cat's meow.
And without even planning this, she and Amira are both kitties for Halloween!
Maria completed her ensemble with a magenta tulle skirt, and a black, witch's hat.

Alex woke Suki around five in the morning, with a text message, and she replied "Ungghh uhhhggrr," but she made it downstairs to begin applying a regular zipper to her face.

Patience, a steady hand, and spirit gum. That does the trick.

It probably helps to have a sense of humor too.

William was helping Alex assemble the double layer of plastic to create the face aquarium that is Christopher Carrion's head. Tubing, epoxy, and lots and lots of sealant were used, as well as clamps to keep everything together while parts were drying. At five in the morning Alex was doing the first leak test.

It leaked. Big time. So more sealant was applied.

And while the mask dried, Alex applied his make-up.

And a flowing, ragged, black cloak.

Suki's face is all made up, and she is ready for the talent show part of the pageant!

Even without the fluid, I think the effect is remarkable.

Suki and Alex make a third leak check... and this time it's close. Really, really close.

So determined! We got some pictures, but there is still one, pesky, little leak. Have no fear! Alex went to school, without swimming nightmares, but he has a plan, and will make it work today, after school...

Yes, we have a nail biting cliffhanger!

Grant's Geodesic Burning Man Eye Dome

2011-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is a geodesic dome.

Also, known as a sculpture project designed, and built by Grant.

Grant and Suki came by last week with all the triangles, nuts and bolts to finish the geodesic dome. Oh, and they brought paint, because all those triangles needed to be painted. So everyone painted triangles in our driveway. Maria painted. Alex painted. Suki painted. Grant painted. And when the white paint ran out, they switched to blue, and that is how the geodesic dome became an eyeball-dome.

I could launch into a detailed description of the geometry and engineering aspects of this project, but really we should let Grant 'splain all that. I will comment on things like, how fun it was holding up walls, looking for bolts in the long grass, propping parts with shovels and brooms, imagining how cool it would be to sleep in the dome... you know, the technical parts.

With many willing residents at the Bird House, assembling the geodesic dome went fairly smoothly. I think. I cannot imagine one or two people trying to assemble all those panels, balancing walls, while stapling or turning nuts on bolts. But with friends on hand, almost any endeavor is going to go better.

Pentagons were assembled on the ground, and then those larger panels were added together to make the long "peal" that made the base wall.

Supplies include: cardboard, 2x2 boards, nuts, bolts, staples, and duct tape... of course there is duct tape.

It also takes confidence and humor. Confidence and humor are staple ingredients in almost any worthwhile project.

Right, Suki?

The dome has a door.

Hello?
Is anyone home?

A lot of the effort was about holding panels up while people were attaching them. I was holding a wall, and photographing. Actually, it made me feel very good to be so useful while standing and taking pictures.

Everyone was needed.

Maria was especially helpful when it came to passing parts, and finding parts.

If someone were to take a geodesic dome to say... Burning Man, that someone would have an artistic, shaded retreat that could last the week.

Suki is going to paint a pupil. I suggested a monocle in front of the eye,and Grant wants to add a top hat. Maybe those are obvious choices, but jolly good ones, I think.

And now we interrupt construction for shadow fun.
Can you guess who is who?
James
Max
Grant
William
Alex
Maria
Suki

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

G is tricky, because someone does amazing shadow effects!

Maria brought out the duct tape.
She loves to help,
and play,
and laugh.
She laughs a lot.

... and the top goes up...

... and Ta-da!

An eyeful.
A shelter.
A playhouse.
Art.
A cozy place to sit while eating figs.
A Geodesic Figgy House.

Flaming Sound Waves

2011-07-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

We made a Ruben's Tube! This movie shares some of our first two tests. We have things to work out, but I am loving what we have so far!

Make a Mini-Bot

2011-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

FIRST LogoMotion: Make a mini-robot, something under four pounds, to be deployed by the main robot, to climb an eight foot pole, triggering sensors. The race will be the end game for LogoMotion! Go Robotics! Go FIRST 2102 Team Paradox!

Make a T-Shirt Cannon!

2011-06-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Max and Geoff joined FIRST 2102 Team Paradox, working in their metal shop, and came home with this T-shirt cannon prototype! From the look on Max's face, I am guessing he thinks his efforts were worthwhile!

Making a Haunted House

2011-06-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

William is a master ~~stone~~ foam cutter. We are already rolling on the plans for the Haunted House... Victorian Mortuary, complete with the doctor's laboratory and an old cemetery! Friends are providing the house, and we are making. William is creative director, and he has some amazing plans for this ambitious endeavor.

William has done extensive research on 18th century-20th century tombstones, and with Internet pictures on hand, he takes a Sharpie to heavy duty construction foam and begins to free-hand a sketch of the headstone's shape, graphic images, and wording. Then he cuts out the headstone, and begins the carving.

His biggest obstacle? Cutting through the layer of paper that coats the surface of the foam. It is firmly affixed to the foam, covered in writing and very distracting. He has finally hit on the best way of getting rid of it, which is to shave it off, rather deeply, with a chisel. Labor intensive.

This is the tombstone for the doctor.

Does the doctor have a name yet?

After making a handful of these, I suggested to William that he try designing his own. None of the tombstones are exact copies of originals, but after a bit, William started making totally original designs, like the doctor's tombstone.

Following his Sharpied sketch, he chips and cuts at the foam, carving the name, date, and other decorative motifs. They look very good. The foam has nice properties that give the pieces substance and an authentic appearance. And William's artistic skills are shining in this three dimensional medium.

This is the first one he completed. Almost completed... next comes painting. He wants to get something dark into the recessed parts, then paint the whole piece in something that has the effect of old stone... maybe a bit mossy, definitely slightly creepified. He has thirteen cut and ready for the final touches.

Look out for more posts on what's Make-ing for the Haunted House!

Thinkers, Makers, Tinkers :: Maker Faire 2011

2011-05-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

As a Young Makers Club, Love and Rockets was interested in everything at Maker Faire, not only SteamPunk fun and adventures, but all of the thinkers, makers, and tinkerers. We love S.T.E.A.M.M.: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, and Music!

Love~Love~Love~Love~Love!

We also love to support, promote, encourage, facilitate, and celebrate other thinkers, makers, and tinkerers.

Sometimes we show our love by trying something dangerous.
Well, not actually dangerous... more like bad tasting.

But Gever Tulley does make a very good point about our perceptions of danger and what we should and should not do. It seems we have grown so accustomed to rules of "safety" that we have neglected our curiosity, and our ability to learn how to safely manage dangerous activities. A consequence of this is that we miss opportunities to play, explore, and learn. Play is very important, and learning just happens to be one of the many happy side effects from frequent and unstructured play.

Gever, would you say "running" is a dangerous activity? My daughter was on a field trip, at a park, and the teachers and aids kept reminding the children: "Don't run! Remember children, no running!" Did you know that running on Tom Sawyer's Island at Disneyland is against the rules? I hear "don't run" everywhere! We are allowing an entire generation of children to grow up without skinned knees, but more prone than ever to heart disease and diabetes. Seems like the real danger is that we are not using our minds and bodies as they were designed... to reason, to work, to be challenged, to learn, to excel.

I am so glad Gever Tulley is around, to remind me, and others, that we can be daring. We can explore and be curious, we can test ideas. We can even get hurt, which is a learning opportunity. With precautions, with mentoring, with proper tools, and good sense about physics, cause and effect... it is possible to safely do dangerous things.

Maria loves tools. She helped me assemble an entire Ikea cabinet. And I am talking about really using the tools and being genuinely helpful.

If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood
and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for
the endless immensity of the sea.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It takes patience, a letting go of control and worries, to give a child real freedom... to let them discover and own that sense of longing for the endless immensity of the sea. Gever has a gift for being in the moment, and sharing the wonder of "what's going to happen... let's see!"

Maker Faire is full of people who are curious, who want to see what happens when forces and materials come together, when ideas are tested, when childhood dreams are made to come true.

I have had an igloo fascination ever since my kindergarten teacher taught me: "I is for igloo." And this teacher, Katy Arrillaga, is actually making igloos. Or as I dubbed it: Jugloos!

11:00 am... These are coming together with hot glue and labor.

3:21 pm... I did not stick around to see it get assembled. This is what it looked like when I saw it again, later the same day.

And this... this is Princess Leia.
I know, she looks Absolutely Small, and completely adorable. The Force is totally with her.

Okay...now for something absolutely cool. We are talking flame tube, or a Ruben's tube. I first heard of this idea from Grant, who suggested it as a Love and Rockets project to bring to Maker Faire... only he has some cool and secret improvements, which, Grant: Let's do this thing!

So, this young man, from Menlo School, was demonstrating his Ruben's tube, which has propane running through a closed tube, and a speaker attached at one end. The music makes the flames rise and fall with the... hold on, Make::Projects can explain this: "When you play a constant-frequency tone into the Flame Tube, it displays a perfect sine wave of fire. Play music, and the flames make a wild display caused by big, air-moving bass beats, standing waves from resonant frequencies, and other acoustic phenomena. It’s inspiring, fun to watch, and good for heating up your garage or workshop on a cold day."

I have something like this in mind for Fourth of July fireworks!

Are you getting the idea... that this post... could go on forever?
It could. Go. on. forever.
We were there only one day. And I will never run out of amazing stories, memories and inspiration taken from this one day. But for now, I will share just one more thinker-maker-tinker project... a hovercraft.

Plywood. Some material to create a skirt around the base. A folding chair. And... an electric leaf blower. All together, able to hover across the floor, carrying as much as four hundred pounds.

In this case... about fifty pounds of happy, daring , playing, thinking, tinkering fun.

Thank you, Hands On Science for bringing physics lessons to life, and for making a hovercraft to share at Maker Faire.

Love and Rockets at Maker Faire 2011

2011-05-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

We were at Maker Faire, Bay Area!
Who?
Geoff, Natalie, William, Alex, Max, Maria, Eli, Suki, Michal, Helen, Grant, Isaac, Hannah, Zoe, Kevin, Dannie, Sean, Steve, Rick, and Amy caught up with us for dinner!

Whoa!
I know, right? So many friends gathered together. It was a dream come true. When we went last year, I knew that I wanted to convince as many people as possible to join us at Maker Faire in 2011, because the experience must be shared. My second wish was to become involved, to participate: One year later and we succeeded in making two dreams come true... we brought friends, and we are Love and Rockets~Art of Engineering :: Makers Club!

As you might imagine, I took some pictures. Seriously, not as many as I would like to have taken, but I am OK... given the choice between playing or taking pictures, I am happy to have chosen to play.

Today's post will reflect happily on the joy that is SteamPunk, our artful engineering.

Natalie, Suki, Maria, William, Alex, Max, Eli, Isaac, and Grant came to Maker Faire in some retro-futuristic-airship-Edwardian-Wellsian-Vernian-Victorian attire and accoutrement. Thrifted, crafted, stitched, and glued... our ensembles reflect the art of dress, the play of every day, the incarnation of literature and fantasy that makes our creative reality.

The moment we stepped out of our Green Goose Airship our enjoyment began in earnest. It is impossible to not find something pleasurable at Maker Faire. Whether you want to engage in a discussion about physics, or simply apply the laws of physics to play... you will find a way to enjoy the day!

Except for food, and merchandise, once you get in everything is free. Pay your admission, step in, and participate... touch, engage, play, interact, sample! I can't think of many places where the expectation is that you will be an active participant, that you will (in the words of a friend) think, make, tinker! People there want to share what they made, what they are thinking about, and they are as curious to learn about your projects, your creations, and ideas.

The San Francisco museum, the Exploratorium is a wonderful example of the hands-on attitude toward learning. The museum of science, art and human perception is a collaborator with The Young Makers Program. They had a great booth at the Faire, including this musical bench, whose notes were made by the contact of the occupants with each other, the seat and arms of the bench.

So, where do you begin?

Arriving at the Faire, we were overwhelmed with opportunities, but consensus was pretty high...our first stop would be beneath the trees where other SteamPunks were gathering.

And as soon as we arrived, we found Crackitus Potts was preparing the H.U.G., a net propulsion device, in case of zombies...

Some zombies can be, with appropriate restraints applied, relied upon to do service for the LEAGUE, but first the zombie must be captured, restrained, then trained...

And what?! Baron Von Fogel has spied a zombie in our very midst...

When a zombie is spotted, Crackitus grabs the net propulsion device, and prepares to do battle...

Look out Zombie-boy!

Nothing can stop the super accuracy and efficiency of Crackitus Potts and his H.U.G.

My children have interesting desires, and this turns out to be a dream come true for Alex, who, on his way to Maker Faire, was discussing his hope to be recognized as a zombie and captured by LEAUGUE of S.T.E.A.M.

Maria enjoyed the demonstration, but she was looking for someone in the crowd. She was looking for R.O.S.E.. Maria met R.O.S.E. last year, then was crushed when she missed her chance to say good-by. Luckily, she and R.O.S.E. were able to exchange emails. Of course a lot of anticipation had been building since last year, and Maria could not wait to see her friend again. It seems R.O.S.E. has taken a break from her duties as a Reanimate Optimized Search Engine.

Maria went directly to the St. Claire Aeronauts, so she could pen her friend a love letter. The good Captain St. Claire and his generous crew were there, and they provided all of the supplies and encouragement necessary for writing letters, making envelopes, and delivering messages at the Faire.

Suki took pen in hand, and wrote to her own true love.

Maria filled the page with her message to R.O.S.E., including a garden of flowers, and lots of pretty stamps.

And then Captain St. Claire himself, taught Maria and Suki the art of envelope making. Thank you St. Caire Aeronauts!

Captured and trained, Alex is put into service right away. The net must be properly stowed, and reloaded into the H.U.G. You never know when uncivilized zombies will come around, or when there might be some monkey business... ever have trouble with phantom monkeys?!

Sir Conrad Wright III knows the importance of keeping equipment in good condition... safety too concerns him, and for his particular specialty he dons protective clothing around his neck.

With a device more futuristic than retro Crackitus Potts and Baron Von Fogel are able to capture an image of Maria with her letter for R.O.S.E., instantly transdigiporting the message directly to R.O.S.E..

Hopefully R.O.S.E. got both the transdigiported image and Maria's actual love letter.

We certainly appreciate the sincere and gracious attention The LEAGUE of S.T.E.A.M. gave Maria, and she loves her special R.O.S.E. pin.

More friends arriving! Using my own futuristic hand held mobile device, I was keeping everyone posted on our movements, and that is how Isaac, Hannah, Zoe, Kevin and Dannie were able to track us down. Isaac came with his cousin, Hannah, and friend, Zoe. His own school project was on display at Maker Faire. Maybe he was writing to Grant about the CalSol UC Berkely Solar Vehicle. Kevin and Dannie rode over from Davis... it was looking a bit like a FIRST 2102 Team Paradox reunion!

Or maybe like a Sky Consortium Ball!

The LEAGUE of S.T.E.A.M. with Love and Rockets, this is a special occasion indeed.

With one hundred thousand people in attendance, it's no surprise it was a while before we caught up with Grant! Well worth the wait. Maria had more hugs to dispense than minutes in a day, and she made Suki and Grant solemnly vow that the three of them were buds for life!

Hugs!

Many of us met at Saphira, the fire breathing dragon from a Bay Area Young Makers Club. We were also introduced to a new Young Makers Club project, Fire Jam... more on that in a later post!

Twelve hours of amazing sights, artful attractions, and engineering marvels, and a lifetime of great memories. I think Max's favorite moment may have been the Arc Attack concert, when Alex shouted to the band a request for the theme from Doctor Who. An electrifying performance, best enjoyed in person.

Is it any wonder we spent the ten hour drive home talking about next year?

This is What I Love

2011-05-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

I love STEAM... a new acronym some bright and dedicated students taught me. STEM is a big buzz word in the media these days, and it refers to Science-Technology-Engineering-Math...
Links:
Connect a Million Minds
STEM Coalition
STEM on Wikipedia
FIRST... Robotics

STEAM is a more evolved, inclusive nod to whole learning, to the diversity that makes us stronger, brighter, smarter, cooler, and more passionate. STEAM is: Science~Technology~Engineering~Art~Math. FIRST 2102 Team Paradox is full of STEAM. I think of them as STEAM Paradox.

Maker Faire is also where I get my STEAM.

I love Maker Faire.

I love Love and Rockets~Art of Engineering, our Young Makers Club.

I love that we are going to enjoy another opportunity to visit all of the other Bay Area Young Makers Clubs, see what they have been up to since last year!

I love that we are going to see people of all ages come together to explore and share science, technology, engineering, art, and math... that it will be a hands-on experience, a happy experience!

I love that Maker Faire recognizes the many creative, and diverse skills there are for making... crafts, robots, music, innovation, performance, FIRST Robotics, photography, STEAMPunk... the list goes on and on!

I love that we made new friends, like R.O.S.E., and that we will see each other again, soon!

I love that I can have a celebrity moment with people that inspire me, like Gever Tulley. He is spreading the word about how learning really works, and taking back our right to be curious, daring, intelligent risk takers!

I love that we will see art that makes us question the values and ideas that we are subjected to... art that turns those messages around and asks us to look deeper.

I love that we will see art that is kinetic, dynamic, almost paradoxical, until you learn more, understand the relationships between forces and substances. I love that I will learn more.

I love that we are going to come home with new ideas, new plans! And also confidence and encouragement to test old plans, to move forward with ideas that have been waiting for their chance to be made into reality.

Just to hear the MondoSpider walking will make this trip worthwhile! Our movie-slide show highlights a bit of that power walk.

It is a unique and uplifting experience to be among hundreds, thousands of people that want to tinker, play, make, design, engineer, share, be engaged in what they do, and be engaged in what you do. Makes my heart and mind go boingboing with happiness.

And as members of FIRST 2102 Team Paradox Robotics we are certainly looking forward to meeting up with FIRST 1868 Space Cookies!

Will you be at Maker Faire? Are you inspired to go next year, or to find a Maker Faire, or Mini Maker Faire in your area?

You can meet artists, like Anthony Hicks.

Possibly you will learn what a Wimshurst machine is from Jake Von Slatt.

We will definitely be catching a performance or two of Arc Attack. Tesla Coils and Music... yes, and yes.

I love Maker Faire because of what I cannot expect, because of what will surprise me.

I love Maker Faire, because this year we are going to be sharing the unexpected, the science, technology, engineering, art, and math with a whole lot of friends... not too much could make it any better.

One Tree. One Rope. Make Fun.

2011-05-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

Visiting a favorite spot with some young makers.

*Update: On FB, Fifty Dangerous Things answered Lady Betty Orpington's inquiry about the dangers of stepping off rooftops and swinging on a rope. Gever Tulley covers both of these dangerous things in his book: Topics #16, and #44! We are on track!

Wear at The Faire...

2011-05-10T21:19:00.001-07:00

My parasol! Isn't it lovely? Yes, it is.
This was one gift from my children on Mother's Day. It will be the crowning touch to my Maker Faire ensemble. It inspired Maria to immediately compose a letter to Santa... the first of this year. "Dear Santa, may I please have a parasol, and a Mary Poppin's hat, just like mommy's?"

My own mommy is in Corvalis, with Ronnie, who is busy with dragonflies. Delia has been calling me regarding our Maker Faire plans and attire. She found goggles, which may replace the ones broken on the flight home (insert sad face for Alex.) She found a skirt, and some kind of a bodice or blouse, and also fabric which she is sure could be made into something lovely. She wants me to look for feathered birds, which perched on a hat would be steamy indeed. This has gotten me very excited, because it's nice to have a girlfriend to chat with about these creative fancies, these artful flights.

Here is the skirt, mommy. The one I told you I made last year. I wore it to a Chrononauts' event. I think it is less shiny in person... hmmm the flash is playing with the gold a bit much too. I should have been patient and waited for daylight.

This is a better representation. I am thinking of cinching up the hem, and letting a lacy petticoat show...

So, check out my thrifted lace stash! It was still in the thrift shop wrapping, and I finally broke it open tonight. I was happy when I thought it was one bundle of wide eyelet trim, but there are six different and generous lengths of lacy, vintage looking trimmings, and I paid 4.95$! Oh! Bargains are so. much. fun.

Maria wants to trim this tiny straw hat, then affix it to a headband... a darling idea. She has her dress all picked out, and plenty of hats to choose from. I need to settle on a top, and whether or not to lace up in a corset... a look that I love, but time (and nerve) may not be on my side. Hat, or fascinator? Feathers, or a bird? A band of flowers? I do want my rebozo, a touch of Adelita. Hmmmm... know where I can get a bandolera?! I could load it with chocolates, or other treasures.

Mommy, thank you. Even from afar, you have given me inspiration, and rekindled my play. You knew I needed that, didn't you? I love you.

ArtfulEngineering :: SteamPunk

2011-05-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't call it a fashion, a trend, or a hobby. I wouldn't suggest it can even be clearly defined or neatly categorized. SteamPunk can be described, discussed, and shared, and it can be enjoyed by anyone that knows how to blur the lines between play and work, dreams and reality. I think SteamPunk is Victorian futurism, artful engineering that captures a bygone era with modern fantasy. SteamPunk is repurposing treasures, thrifted bits and romantic touches to make Edwardian and Victorian era fashions, with an eye toward science fiction, and to make new inventions, and old inventions. Think of H.G. Wells, dirigibles, Jules Verne, and steam powered engines, Mary Shelley, airships, bow ties, goggles, skirts, and waistcoats, top hats, bloomers, candlelight and steam engine trains.

William says SteamPunk is... "a creative re-imagining of points in the past in which steam power was widely used." Alex, Max, and William love to discuss and debate the genres and sub-genres of SteamPunk. Whether you agree that it should include diesel age engines and "SkyCaptain" retro futurism, or should remain strictly pre-WWI in style, art, and technology, I think everyone would agree SteamPunk is about do it yourself creativity, and fantasy, with high regards for expression and scientific romance.

And, if "SteamPunk" is ever packaged and shelved at W@lmart, please walk away. It is about making. It's about playing and creating, but mass production, retail sales in big box stores is definitely not SteamPunk.

Never mind.
I mostly just know that I like it. I like the creative, talented, generous people that gather and consort, that enjoy turning junk in to treasures, love reading and writing, inventing and playing. And I like romantic clothes, and what-if robots were steam powered and we wore brass jet packs to tea parties in rose gardens.. kind of dreams. What if the looking glass is in our own imaginations... then we could visit a wonderland every day...

... then we might have as much fun as The League of S.T.E.A.M. It seems that they aren't always working on supernatural and troublesome ectoplasmic apparitions management. Sometimes they invent things that are simply too beautiful for those kind of adventures. Rose, for instance. Professor Jager introduced his lovely creation. Rose sang and danced, and made a fast friend of Maria.

Rose, or Reanimate Optimized Search Engine, was created for "use in high risk situations" but I think her best skills are enchantment and charm.

Alex, William, and Max have been admirers of the League for quite some time, and seeing them and all their creations and great outfits at Maker Faire was a great treat. It was good for me too... putting all those names and faces and inventions in order in my mind... thumb up.

Maria was deciphering the mystery of the Phantom Monkey. It made a monkey-load of noise, but it never made an appearance. She found this quite interesting.

And here... I believe this is the very same net launching cannon that was used to catch the phantom monkey. Ingenious.

I think Jasper and Baron Von Fogel are retelling the monkey's tale here...

Crackitus Potts. Nice goggles. Reminds me of the goggles Alex enhanced for the Sky Consortium Ball.

Speaking of enhancements and building... Alex had a nice visit with Anthony of Anthony Hicks Illustration. His artwork and SteamPunk sculptures were on display and he was more than generous about sharing his inventions and thoughts.

I am not going to give away any of Anthony's secrets for making repurposed treasures, and retro-futuristic weaponry.

Anthony's illustrations and Tinplate Studio creations can be found at Maker Faire, and in his Etsy shop. And they are well worth the visit.

We were welcomed to Maker Faire by the Crew of the HMS St Clair, and their cleverly creative airship mail delivery program.

Visitors were invited to dip a nib in to the inkwell and pen a letter. Captain St Clair himself taught Alex how to make an envelope, and Alex had it hand stamped, before it was delivered by airship at the Faire.

Someone asked Alex, "Who are you?" A question you might hear at Halloween, at a costume party. Alex hasn't completely developed his look, but he answered, "A baron." It never occurred to me to ask who he is supposed to be. Black gloves, a vest, bow tie, dress shirt, goggles, and a fez, fedora, or newsboy cap... it's just Alex, every day, except at FRC... and even there he wears the goggles, gloves and fez!

League of STEAM have all manner of tools and accessories...

Ah... the Short-Range Jump Pack. I may see about having some of these made for school mornings when driving four directions at once is too much for me.

Alex and Jake Von Slatt.

If "The Steampunk Workshop" were a university I think Alex would start on his application and essay today. In fact, after seeing his Steampunked bus, I think even I would go back to school to learn some of those make skills.

He dumpster dives! How cool is that? I wonder if he's read Gever's Book?... #33

I know a lot can be accomplished when fishing around for cool stuff that someone's castoff... Alex made a point of proving that in his first science fair project.

Sigh.

I am happy to recall all of these wonderful moments, creations, and people from Maker Faire, and I am also left awestruck and inspired. Next year... I cannot wait for next year. I wonder what we will make?

Originally published in Chickenblog. Re-published here with permission.

Fashion Runway for Water

2011-04-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

The corset is finished!
Almost.

Alex's first collection, practically his first big venture in sewing anything, is finished. He very recently joined his school's Fashion and Design Guild, and now he has completed his first collection. He made a corset, tutored by Natalie, who was also learning as she went! And he made a blouse to go with the corset. Though he was following patterns, he was also adding his signature touches and modifications. In the end, the two pieces were definitely, uniquely, his own.

Taking a page from his own art, Alex designed a corset to fit an automaton, or autonomous robot.

Using eyelets, Alex added reinforced pieces that would serve to lace and hold the worm geared turn key he designed and machined from aluminum. The turn key is designed to pull the laces of the corset, and was made to sit on the back of the corset giving the model the appearance of an automaton, or wind up figure. Very SteamPunk.

It was a relief to see all the parts complete. It would have been a bigger relief if there was a model to try it on, or time to test the key with the laces... but time was running out.

Alex was still machining parts during his lunch break. Eli had to shine some light on the subject, as everyone was scrambling to be ready for the fashion show.

With the band setting up, Tatiana doing sound and video checks, and everyone contributing in some way, Lonnie took the time to teach each model how to walk the runway. Ticket sales, food and drinks, even the raffle proceeds were going to raise money for a charity that provides drinking water to countries in Africa.

An emcee, the very funny Wilson, and the event organizer, club president and talented designer, Claire. I love her dress.

Six swing dancers, and I recognize five of them from FIRST 2102 Team Paradox! Robotics club members are talented, dedicated, and enjoy a wide range of activities.

I think Maria felt right at home among all the familiar faces at her brother's school. And she certainly looked like a mini-fashionista in her boa, and home-sewn gown.

In fact she even had a moment in the spotlight, when audience members were invited to walk the runway. Her dress is a couple of seasons old, but it is an original design, thank you very much!

One. Only one, barely acceptable picture. I am still learning how to use the new camera, and the lighting was a challenge, not to mention those fast walking super models. Okay... enough with the excuses. Lonnie modeled Alex's designs. Then, like the other designers, he walked the runway too, which was Maria's favorite moment, mine too. He was the only male designer in the guild. He is already working on improvements and upgrades for his concept... something he hopes to unveil when we are at Maker Faire!

Not to end a sad note, but I really am bummed about the quality of the pictures I took. I would have loved to include more images from Claire's, and Suki's collections. I really wanted to include pictures of Tatiana at the control board, and Suki in the black formal gown, which she was totally rocking. Hopefully, the event was successful in achieving Claire's ultimate goal: bringing fresh, safe drinking water to places where clean water is far too rare.

We Are 5 for 5: Big Finish

2011-04-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I was enjoying a TED link put up by Turkey Feathers... it was a great talk given by Elizabeth Gilbert, of Eat, Talk, Pray fame, which reminded me that I still haven't read the book my mom sent me, but happily I found it in my sewing room, and then it reminded me that I really do love TED, which is why I have their link in my sidebar; they have such brilliant and succinct speakers, none of whom would write a sentence like this. One thing led to another and I discovered Gever Tulley and 5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do. I fancied myself a brilliant Mother, because I can roughly claim that I am letting my children do all 5 dangerous things. Don't Panic: Gever Tulley uses a provocative title to illustrate a point about safety. Denying that danger exists or fearfully avoiding it, does not protect us or our children.

Gever Tulley wants to remind us that we are safer when we learn how to handle sharp objects and responsibly explore the elements, tools and heavy machinery that exist in our world. Knowledge is power, yeah? I think so, and I've written about fire and then I covered sharp things.

To illustrate my story I went through lots of photo archives looking for examples of us playing with fire, knives, and throwing things, and I tried to find good examples of us taking stuff apart and handling heavy machinery, and I have to say it's been kind of hard to find pictures. The 3 boys have knives and they use them, but I haven't taken pictures. We did have campfire pictures...cool.

4. Deconstruct Appliances

The children are welcome to take things apart. We haven't handed over any large appliances, yet, because we repair them or trade them in, but there are several VCRs and toasters that have been disassembled in their hands. Last year Geoff and William took apart 2 broken laptops swapped parts, added new ones and then gave my mom and Geoff's grandma functioning laptops. And there was the built from the ground up computer that the boys built with their dad in early 2004. But I don't have pictures of any of this. I love to capture "everyday" life, but somehow these activities seemed so blandly everyday I missed documenting them. One of Tulley's points is that children should be encouraged to explore, and with a hands on approach learn how things work, how they are made and perhaps they will discover how to make them work better.

I decided to include the picture of Maria stringing beads... very tiny, choking hazard, hard to manipulate beads. She sat on her daddy's lap and spent 2 hours patiently and deftly slipping beads over the string and marveling at how they stacked up. Discovery and perseverance, these experiences are super valuable, and I know this because of that look. I know, it's not exactly a scientific statement, but the look is valid, it's good. When children solve problems, unravel mysteries, accomplish new tasks... they enjoy a sense of self and an awareness of their own abilities. Maria was keenly aware that she was doing a big girl activity and she was devoted to meeting the challenge and responsibility.

I love the look. I just know there are serious neuron-synapse-muscle memory-motor function-eye-hand coordination, joy things going on, and that thrills me.

And I think the outdoors can provide a similar opportunity... taking things apart and figuring-out doesn't have to be limited to manufactured, material things. When Max asked to cross the creek and climb a fallen tree, I was aware that we were trying uncharted territory, that we were risking a fall, wet clothes, mud, maybe some scrapes; I considered the weather, the depth of the creek, the current, the height of the tree, and in 3 seconds I said, "Go for it!" We ought to spend more time taking nature apart, getting dirty, sweating on a trail and crossing creeks. I am a long way from hiking the back country with a compass and a stick, but I am willing to get wet at low tide, try a new trail, and discover new ways of relating to the world, and finding new bridges to cross.

5. Break The DMCA- Drive A Car

Years ago, again in Mexico, I let my boys drive our Big Blue Whale. No takers. I repeated the offer when we returned in 2003, and they were still not interested. Our family land in Mexico is ideal for underage driving... most days there is zero traffic and there are plenty of wide open, even cow-free, spaces. My boys have internalized values and a strong sense of right from wrong. They keep me honest and sometimes they say, "No." I love it when they say no, when they show their own resolve and willingness to express their internalized values. They have driven tractors and Alex tried his Grandpa Corm's riding mower, but they declined underage driving. Maybe this is why I am so comfortable about letting them do the 5 Dangerous Things... maybe it's because they instinctually want to be careful and safe, and I agree with Jennifer, that when we take away the mystery, then the allure-the unknown attraction is diminished.

Eva left an interesting comment on the first post, and she asks, "but do you think there (are) things in life everyone would be wise to be afraid of? like drugs, for one. or is fear inappropriate even here?"

Yes, we are wise to be fearful or aware, respectful.
Bungee jumping, driving under the influence of alcohol, sexu@l promiscuity, feeding bears, texting while driving... there are a lot of things that people choose to do that can have very dangerous consequences, that have risks not just to the one trying a behavior, but to others as well. Drunk driving and bear feeding are not included in my list of dangerous things I let my children try. The risks are too great.

I find that often times risky behaviors that are not worth pursuing have a natural way of weeding themselves out... let the bears feed themselves and never operate anything when your senses are impaired, because it is a foolish thing to do. Period. Other things are tempting or alluring when they are not understood. I am not afraid of drugs, but I have no interest in using drugs. I know they have good and bad effects, but on careful consideration, I believe the risks far outweigh the benefits. I could not limit myself to, "Just say no," when discussing drugs with my children, not as they mature and have an ability to reason, to be curious. Neither will I act as though they are free to experiment or imply that I am cool with whatever. I will not hesitate to show them what happens to cr@ck addicts, or calculate for them the cost of a smoking habit.

At some point they will have to make choices and when that time comes, I hope they are educated, informed, and sure enough of their own beliefs and convictions that they will say "No" to those risks that jeopardize their dignity, health and intelligence. I agree, Eva, we can learn respect without fear, and I hope you can find a safe, comfortable opportunity to learn to start a fire...

This has been fun and interesting to ponder, and it has all been especially meaningful and interesting because of your comments. So, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. Maybe the 6th dangerous thing would be "Saying what you think, out loud."

We Are 5 For 5:: #2 and #3

2011-04-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do.

My first post on this topic covered fire. I really feel like I put myself in the line of fire, so to speak, by admitting that I let very young children hold hot sticks and burn leaves, but I think it's important to create an environment for safe danger, for careful risks. We learn when we go outside of our comfort zone, by experiencing physical actions and objects, so we know hot from cold, sharp from dull. I am not trying to preach... it's more like being defensive, because I believe in my methods, but I know some people will think I am nuts. I really cannot fathom parenting without carefully, rationally, attentively providing real life experiences for my children, and real life can be dangerous.

2. Own a Pocketknife

Knives are sharp. Good knives are very sharp. I have never met a single person who has not cut themselves. Young, old, expert, novice... who has not cut themselves? Even just a little bit. Hopefully not fatally. I worked in a bakery and cut myself at least twice when slicing bagels. Geoff worked in fast food and did nasty things while prepping food and cooking burgers... you don't even want to know. But before he was injuring himself in a professional setting he was a kid with knives and Exacto tools and he cut himself then too.

Hold on. Funny story: When my brothers and I were little squirts, we got to buy pocket knives in Mexico and they were mostly a novelty because they were ridiculously small. Closed, the knives were not bigger than 1"... they were seriously tiny and really kind of cute and we loved them. One day we were visiting the mall and the ~~knife~~ cutlery store was advertising free sharpening for all pocket knives. Cool! We stepped in to the very professional boutique, with the samurai swords, katana and coats of arms on the walls and presented the clerk with our pocketknives. He scoffed. He ridiculed and scoffed some more. He was so mocking and dismissive about our knives that he refused to sharpen them, but we insisted. He said they could not be sharpened, because they were 'just toys' and as he was saying this he opened one up, and to demonstrate their toyness he dragged his thumb across the 1/2" blade. He would have done less damage if he had not dragged so much of his thumb, so vigorously, but he was evidently not that clever. He slit his thumb wide open and sent us away with one duller, bloody little knife. Incidentally, we never hurt ourselves with those knives.

So what to do? Banish all sharp things? No scissors, no pins? With some possible exceptions, I think children can be trusted to learn that sharp things must be used with care and respect. I think adults can take the time to instruct and observe, and facilitate opportunities to teach children how to use all kinds of tools, including knives and scissors. Maria has been sitting beside me and cutting fabric since she was 3 years old... no cuts. She has been loading and unloading the pincushion since she was 2 years old... not more than 2 pokes. And when we were camping at El Capitan State Beach 2 years ago, I let her help chop the veggies. When Max was 3, and showed an interest I taught him how to hold a knife and sat with him while he worked. He loved peeling and chopping garlic. LOVED it. I taught William. I taught Alex. They keep their fingers out of the way. They know to be attentive and patient. They know to use the right tool for the job. A dull dinner knife can do a lot more damage than a sharp paring knife; if the knife cannot slice efficiently it will slip and do damage. Sharp knives work.

I have to admit, this one, owning pocketknives got me in to trouble. It was 4 years ago when Alex says, "I was walking down the street when all of a sudden a bunch of Ninjas flipped out and tried to kill me, but then we realized that we were equally matched and we went our separate ways" and in the melee he cut something, a little bit. We cannot remember what he cut (finger?) I vividly recall how mad the doctor was, at me. Alex needed a tetanus shot, but no stitches or butterfly bandages. And apparently I needed a parenting lecture from the peds doctor about children and pocketknives. She told me to 'take the knife from him and to never let children play with knives, and that if I didn't take it away he was sure to get cut again, or worse.' She was very mad at me, very finger wagging-incredulous, you bad mother mad. He was almost 11 years old, extremely responsible and well-behaved, not in the least bit stupid, reckless, blind, ignorant, or self destructive. I imagined this small cut, the memory of it and all it entailed would make a suitable and instructive impression, so that I need not ever worry about his next cut. And, there will be a next cut, because we use tools.

3. Throw A Spear

I am claiming this on a technicality. We do not have spears, but if we did, we would totally throw them. We do have bows and arrows and I think the danger/learning opportunity is comparable to spear throwing. When we were Jolly Green Rancheros, living on our 2 acres of El Rancho goodness, I bought the boys a bow and arrows. 3 boys: 1 bow... a safe ratio, when the only target will be a straw bale. Hand-eye coordination... when I Googled this I mostly found articles on improving the connection between what we see and how we can physically control and guide our movements. I recall from university courses and reading about child development, language acquisition, and fine motor development... hand-eye coordination is important. Gever Tulley goes in to some of the specifics about how throwing things strengthens coordination, improves 3-D and structural problem solving. Brain stuff working in conjunction with body stuff... it's good stuff!

We never once had a single bad incident with the bow and arrows. Alex took great interest in the activity and it led to a deeper appreciation for Medieval history, a subject he is very well read on, and it greatly improved his coordination and visual acuity. I wonder if target practice with the bow and arrows is what gave him such remarkable skills in rendering his ideas into elaborate and detailed designs and illustrations... yeah, I think so. Max also embraced the activity and he spent hours a day practicing when we moved to the Treehouse. He had to develop strength and coordination to manage the sizable bow. He had to overcome the frustration of not being as skilled as his brothers, and he worked very hard to successfully close the gap. Somewhere in our garage is a book that Max made, papers stapled together, and it is full of numbers... hundreds and hundreds of numbers and tallies, reflecting Max's scorekeeping. He's a numbers guy. He logged every score made on their homemade targets, so that bow and arrow time was physical and academic for Max.

We miss having a yard big and safe enough for the bow and arrow. We look forward to being some place where we can take aim at a bulls-eye or straw bale, pull back on the string and hit the spot we aim for. I know from personal experience that hitting what we aim for is deeply satisfying. And, now that I have thought about it, I think we might see about making some spears.

Coming up:

4. Deconstruct Appliances
5. Break The DMCA- Drive A Car

Five Dangerous Things :: #1 Play With Fire

2011-04-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do.
Is this alarming? I wondered where we would stand, how our list of dangerous things would compare with Gever Tulley's list of dangerous things and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. It's not that I relish the idea of implicating myself as a careless, reckless, negligent parent. On the contrary, incorporating these 5 dangerous things in to our lives, I believe, demonstrates our careful, rational, attentive parenting skills.

1. Play With Fire
It's primal. It's the gathering place. It's practical. Fire is good. As a grown-up I have never hesitated to build a backyard campfire... in a sandpit, in a tin can. I remember when I was about 10 years old my mother observed that I could not light a match and she made me learn. She really had to make me do it, because I had a fear of fire and heat and getting burned and I would not light a match. I think I was crying and protesting, but she broke through my fear and gave me a skill. It was a beautiful exchange of ignorance and anxiety, for knowledge and ability. I offer that same opportunity to my children as soon as they seek it. I do not withhold fire and they do not glorify it or fear it. They understand its virtues and its risks.

And they understand that I will let them experiment with fire and test it, under supervision. So, when we went camping Maria could not resist cooking the onions she chopped (see Dangerous thing #2) in the candle. She could feel the heat, and she observed that she needed a tool to extend her reach and she learned that candles have a weak flame, easily snuffed out by too many onions. The worst result of this experiment was a delayed dinner, because I was by her side and ready to intervene.

Fire takes patience. It takes practice and fire needs our full attention. Patience, practice, and full attention are also very helpful in raising children. I keep my expectations high and my patience higher. I accept that there will be injuries and there will be messes. Lots and lots of messes. I consider messes a certain indicator of intelligence and creativity. I consider cleaning messes a certain indicator of training, intelligence and maturity. I tend to value creativity more than training, but there is room for practice in all areas.

I wish I had photographs of the first trip I made with the boys to El Valle, Mexico. It was in February of 2001... so, William was almost 10, Alex was 6 and Max was 2. It was on this adventure to the remotest corner of Sonora that the boys fell in love with fire. We cooked with fire, we warmed the house and water with fire. We played with fire. Yes. I know "play" sounds so irresponsible and wrong. Playing with fire rocks. Too often we think that play is trivial and that it minimizes responsibility. Play is the work of explorers, of learners, and work is the play of the inspired, the motivated. We can play and work and it can be both responsible and fun.

They observed the open fire where we were cooking meals, they watched their bisabuelo keep the fire lit for the water heater, and they became aware of this element as a tool and a resource, and a source of something to do in a place where there was no television, bookstore, theme parks, toy chests, or playgrounds. So they gathered wood and kindling to help keep the cooking fire going. Then they burned sticks and observed the transference of heat from wood to sticks, from coals to leaves, from stones to fingertips... and they learned about burns to skin... sufficiently to avoid serious injury.

An element of danger is present everywhere and I cannot see the point of avoiding experiences for the sake of avoiding pain, confusion or disorder. They learned, not from a book or cartoons, about what fire is and what it can do and why it matters and how it can behave. There is sufficient evidence that this kind of learning is hugely beneficial and lasting. Also, they learned that I trust them... I trust their intelligence and ability to gather information, I trust their judgment and sense of responsibility and fairness, I trust their intuition to act in accordance with sound principles... these are not experiences to be acquired from any book or video.

Coming up:

2. Own A Pocketknife
3. Throw A Spear
4. Deconstruct Appliances
5. Break The DMCA- Drive A Car

**Originally posted at Chickenblog, February 2009. Re-posted here with permission.

Stitching in the Ditch?

2011-04-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

We have our tickets to Maker Faire! We have room reservations! We have club members riding with us, and club members meeting us there! We even have an opportunity to display projects at the Faire!

We even have an opportunity to display projects at the Faire!
If you are a member of Love and Rockets or Art of Engineering, and you want to share a project at Maker Faire, then please come to today's meeting, and please review this online application.

Meeting Today: 4:30 PM
Online Application

Alex should seriously consider bringing his latest project to Maker Faire. He designed a corset, with a turn key he made in metal shop, and he is learning new skills, like pattern reading, fabric cutting, and stuff at the sewing machine. Stitch in the ditch, anyone? Natalie is mentoring this project, while also learning about the intricacies of sewing corsets. So far... it's going surprisingly well, of course there is still the boning to install, and about fifty eyelets to place.

Nice fabric choices, Alex. Can't wait to see it completed!

Make Ours SteamPunk

2011-04-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

Thirty-nine days and fourteen hours from now, we will be at Maker Faire. As a Young Makers Club, we had hoped to bring our projects with us, but we still have some details to organize, and so we have next year to look forward to for that. This year we will simply arrive as ourselves. Our SteamPunk selves, and our creations and expressions, the things we make will be with us, and on us. From bowler hats to bow ties, with modified goggles, and our signature details... we hope to Make this a faire to remember!

We love a good thrift shop, second-hand opportunity, and do-it-yourself occasions, and last week Eli introduced us to a brand new treasure trove of thrifty-ness... new to us, anyway. We struck the mother lode at their tent sale. A coat from London, a leather jacket, and drop waist wool dress, and several vests... Now Maria has her very own bow tie. I have pretty hats, and shoes that make me want to lift my skirt and pretend I know a clever little dance. We may switch the buttons on the dress, and the hats need fresh tulle, a flower, or trim. Eli's new cane is perfect, but he has a knack for making perfect things even better.

Alex and I will be rummaging through our fabric stash, in search of something for a blouse and corset he designed. He is in another club, for fashion and design, and they will be putting on a show soon. I am happy to do a little sewing room mentoring, and this will give us more opportunity to complete our Maker Faire ensembles. Oh! And also, William has a Halloween event that Love and Rockets will be making for, so all of this thrifting, sewing, and Making is sure to keep us happily occupied for months to come!

FIRST is Cool

2011-04-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I am almost done reading The New Cool, and I gotta say it is pretty cool, but there ain't nothin' new about Geek Cool. I think I am just lucky, because I have known, for a very long time, that when young people have opportunities and support, when learning is motivated by curiosity, when students are respected for what they can do and how much they will learn... then improbable things will happen, and impossible things will be within reach.

Some people think that for science, technology and math to be respected, for the students who choose books over malls, learning over zoning out, to be cool, that we have to drop the nerd, lose the silly-goofyness that pegs us as uncool and amateurish.

I say, we are cool. Period. In a bow tie. In a fez. With painted faces, and pocket protectors. Dancing our dances, chanting our chants, and doing the math: We are cool, and always have been. It is about being genuine, and feeling free to be your true self. Respectful, and true.

I am not naive. I understand that to raise interest and money, to market ourselves to the corporate banks and deep pockets, we have to claim our rightful place among the legitimate, pros, and we have to don the suits of their cultural values. But, I will always know that we were cool first, when no one cared, when no one was looking, and I will not surrender my spirit to satisfy the ideals of the same crowd that is tracking the antics of Charlie Sheen, or using their math to figure out how to avoid paying taxes to the very government that serves to protect them.

The New Cool, it's been a fun read, somewhat like watching yourself from a remote camera, because I recognize so very much of what teams, like FIRST 1717, have accomplished, and how they got it done. There are a lot of flavors in FIRST, every team, every member has something special to bring to the world... this isn't a unique circumstance, but one that I like to acknowledge, and sometimes have to remind myself to appreciate. The diversity is a blessing, and a challenge.

I am thankful that Alex is on a team that comes from an exceptional school, with exceptional peers and teachers. FIRST 2102 Team Paradox is composed of an incredibly diverse, talented, and dedicated group of people, and while not everyone is equally capable of lathing a wheel, calculating torque, or writing up a business plan, everyone on the team is equally capable of contributing something. The team is elite, but it is not elitist. And that is very cool. I am thankful that the team is not asking everyone to drop their quirks and flavors, their individual skills, in favor of something homogenized and glossy. It is cool to be yourself, and to bring that self to the team, for the team.

FIRST, Dean Kamen, robotics, science, technology, math, the students, the mentors, the build shops, the events... it is all amazingly cool. And I feel as though I cannot shout or whisper, or jump up and down long enough, or hard enough to get this belief out there... but I want to. I want millions of people to stop what they are doing and learn more about FIRST. I want a million people to plan their weekend around FIRST Championships, watch live coverage and cheer for students and their robots. I want a million people to mentor, or volunteer, or make a contribution to a team. It's so easy. It's so cool. It's so very, very important... I promise you, the stronger FIRST becomes, the more we give to our children of our time, faith and passion, the more they will have to give us of their time, faith, and passion, and they will achieve the improbable.

All of your comments are loved and appreciated, and your names are going in the fez. Tomorrow, Lady Betty Orpington will pluck a name from the fez for the winner of The New Cool.

Thank you.

Oh... and how is this for cool?

High Speed Camera Work

2011-04-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

This was a long time coming... finally learning how to get these movies edited and on the Internet, so we can share them with friends! We are especially happy to be sharing this with fellow Young Makers Club "Central Marin Young Makers," who built Saphira, the Fire Breathing Dragon!

For Love and Rockets

2011-04-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

We will be attending our second Maker Faire, this coming May. I cannot wait. And I cannot wait to bring more people with us, to share the experience. We knew from our first visit that we would love to participate in Maker Faire, and now we have Love and Rockets! It's such a natural progression for us, a family that loves to design things, invent stuff, make things, fiddle around, tinker, take apart, reconstruct, experiment... we felt like we belonged to a larger family of like minded people when we were at the Maker Faire.

As much fun as we have making robots, sewing costumes, modifying NERF guns, building chicken coops, constructing sets, making optical effects with mirrors and lights, painting, modeling planets in 3D Studio, building giant theater screens, playing with yarn, and generally keeping everyone in stitches with good humor and love... yes, as much as we love all that, we also love seeing what all the other creative, talented and inspiring Make people are up to...

We cannot wait to meet new friends.

We are excited about the music, and the outfits, the unexpected sights around every corner.

I want to go back, so I can ride on this!
Totally.

At Maker Faire we can participate in FabMo's plan to re-purpose designer fabrics, because "It's really true that one person's trash is another person's treasure."

For Arc Attack! And who wouldn't want to witness a rockin' Tesla coil visual musical concert?!

Would you like to hear me play the Doctor Who theme?

We want to meet up with fellow Young Makers Clubs members, like Tony DeRose...

and the Young Makers who designed and built Saphira! The fire breathing dragon.

I want to see Maria touch an Electric Giraffe!

The electric giraffe (aka 'Rave Raffe') is a shy, nocturnal creature of the Playa. It can sometimes be found roaming the streets of suburbia where it elicits awe amongst the spectators. Native of Southern California, the 'Raffe' can sometimes be coaxed further afield for special occasions. We hope you will be at Maker Faire, Raffe!

We hope R.O.S.E. will be at the Faire. Maria and her friend, the Reanimate Optimized Search Engine, had a very good time together. The League of S.T.E.A.M. are masterful in the art of creative play.

Perhaps we will have another visit with fellow SteamPunk artist and gentleman, Anthony Hicks.

Throughout the Maker Faire we found wonderful opportunities to meet and talk with talented, generous artists, inventors, tinkerers... like Jake von Slatt, of the Steampunk Workshop.

Look! It's ~~a ping-pong~~ an Original Egg-Bot! We will never run out of amazing projects and ideas we can aspire to try!

Last year we saw nearly everything... no, not really, but we tried.
The good thing is that however much we saw, we enjoyed it all. It's a pleasure to share in people's joy, in their pride for what they have made. It was never dull. There was no stress or pressure... just happy discoveries and inspiration wherever you look.

New perspectives. Fanciful expression. Grassroots energy. Green energy. High energy. Family fun. Legit.

And even a chance to enjoy our other Passion: FIRST Robotics, and FIRST 2102 Team Paradox! We met FIRST 1868 Space Cookies!

And hopefully, when we meet them in St Louis, we will be in the same alliance. You see, like FIRST 2102 Team Paradox, the Space Cookies are also Regional Engineering Inspiration Award winners! Go Space Cookies! Go Paradox!

Maria fell in love with a spacecraft. With The Hermes Space Shuttle. I love it when girls find a passion for science, math, and technology... for space exploration.

I love it when anyone finds inspiration, and support, to pursue their dreams, to play, think, make, explore... even to watch in wonder, and that is why we are returning to the Maker Faire.

We are going to Maker Faire, for Love

... and Rockets!

Long Live Maker Faire! Yes, More Maker Faire!

2011-04-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

**Originally posted at Chickenblog. Re-posted here with permission.**

I promise, Love and Rockets will have original posts, but in the meantime, we have great material ready to be shared, so please enjoy some of the inspiration for our Young Makers Club!

I truly and sincerely love Maker Faire and all the great people we met there... and I want to share as much of their good works as I possibly can.

And I do this for free, for the love of education, science, art, family, expression, and sharing. I do not get paid. I do not advertise. This is Chickenblog, and I am just enthusiastic about stuff. And my house is a mess because of it, so please leave a comment, so my family will find this incredibly worthwhile and forgive me for neglecting them and our Bird House.

Hey, look it's Dave. He's got one of those funny "Herbie Mouse Bots from Solarbotics. The sensor in Herbie's nose leads him, like a mouse to cheese, toward light. Flashlight fun. Maker Faire fun.

Now really, I don't think I will ever recover from the amusement of seeing frosted cupcakes driving around, but what about the cake?

That's right, I went under the frosting to see what makes a cupcake move. And I will support any member of my family willing to design and build a cupcake mobile. They are too sweet.

I also approve of fire breathing dragons.
Somewhere at Maker Faire we saw the phrase: "Fun first. Safety third."
Okay. Just kidding.
But also, funny.
But seriously: Safety first.

When Saphira raised her head and did her fire thing, Sam de Rose and Alex Jacobson definitely had safety first in mind, and they kept everyone clear of Saphira's hot breath. As for us observers, it was totally fun!

At the controls, and monitoring the programming. I have so much faith in young people, students. They got it going on.

Geoff has some great slow-motion footage of Saphira breathing fire. We are going to post video soon.

Video will be great, because my words alone do little to describe the awesomeness of MondoSpider tap dancing her 1,200 pounds of steel across the fairgrounds. The mass. The coordination. The sound of her eight steel feet hitting the ground... marvelous! She really is a large, improbable, mechanical structure, built to explore our human relationship with energy.

"True to its mandate of "Energy Awareness Through Art", the eatART crew has implemented an electric drive-train in the Spider, making it the WORLD'S FIRST WALKING ELECTRIC VEHICLE!"
Plus, they were at Burning Man.

Brilliant.

DIY?
Do you like Do-It-Yourself?
Doing it your way, learning a new way?

If you need a plan, if you can share a plan, you may want to visit instructables They are an online community of do-it-yourself enthusiasts sharing ideas for making everything from a burger, to a moveable carport garden.

This is DIY-Awesome!

Also, it looks like they are hiring. Be sure to let us know if anything comes of this. Chickenblog has never found someone a job... it would be a cool first.

Long Live Maker Faire (And Maker Faire Posts!)

2011-04-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

**Originally posted for Chickenblog. Re-posted here with permission.

I took six hundred photographs at the San Mateo Maker Faire. Geoff had his own camera. We were only there for one day. We spent more time driving there, than at the Faire, and then we had the long drive home. But it was so worthwhile, every SteamPunking-Cupcake car-ArcAttack-Maker moment was truly awesome.

So, can you blame me for wanting to share more Maker Faire magic?

Breathlessly, with a wide grin, I told William, "I am going to have about a hundred new things to post about on Chickenblog." I consider William one of my editors. He gently, thoughtfully suggests ideas for posts, and says encouraging things to me, like when 54% of the people taking this week's poll say they do not read Chickenblog, and are not sure where they are.

We are pretty close to updating the look of our 2003 Odyssey. I find inspiration everywhere. Maybe it's time to get the Lego bricks out of the van, and put them on the van.

Look, here it is... Maker Faire is beautiful, because it is a place full of imaginative, creative people, and those same people are enthused about what they imagine and create, so they share, and they teach, and they laugh out loud. It is amazing spending time in this kind of environment. It is encouraging and affirming. It erases fear and cynicism. It is genuine ingenuity, and patriotism, and it is the real kind of initiative that can keep our country great, and make the world a better place.

So, long live Maker Faire!
And long live Dorklandia!

We felt like ice cream... jajaja

Seriously, this ice cream cart, loaded with felt ice cream plushies, was adorable.

And long live Blinky Bugs!

Enchanted by the Blinky Bugs.

Ken Murphy was in the Make Shed, demonstrating how to make Blinky Bugs, and he showed me his kit-book, which is available for pre-order.

I felt like I was from Dorklandia, greeting and meeting every artist, author, scientist and geek, with my usual enthusiasm and zeal. Makers and Thinkers and Tinkers are my heroes.

Long live cycles... large, small, many wheels, mini-wheels, many pedals, new and old, all of 'em!

Out for a ride.

Tiger ride? He can swish his tail, of course.

This. is. my. swing.
I want this real bad.
'cause it looks real good.
I would even settle for it without the patterned shower of water that rains down from the top.
Weeeee!

They make music at the Faire.

They make it look fun.

Speaking of fun, you don't have to build a walking, talking giraffe, or plug an oil leak to contribute at the Maker Faire. You can be as craftily creative as you please, which is what makes it fun for young, and mature, immature, and unsure, for all.

Which is why I loved meeting Binka in theTeacher's Lounge-Educational Outreach space. She sent me ideas and links for our family plans for future Maker Faire-Maker Club-Science Sunday ventures.

Still with me?
Hello?
Even if you just look at the pictures, and cannot bear to read one more enthusiastic-geek-zealous word, you gotta admit, this is pretty cool stuff.

It's cool stuff, made by cool people, like the students from the You Made It! Jamboree.

Please visit their website. They are doing great stuff. Children are learning. It's beautiful.

Look at what Dylan made! This is awesome.

And look!
Look at what these kids have done!
We met these boys in Sequoia Hall, and they were demonstrating and selling the science and project kits made by them.

I brought home the circuit kit and a crossbow kit. I love reading their story, with the list of tools and machines they used to make their creations.

Having spent plenty of time designing and building in a metal shop, Alex was both impressed and encouraging. I think his FIRST experiences give him insight and appreciation for fellow science and technology enthusiasts. He knows FIRST outreach is a respectful exchange within his team, and between his team and his community.

I can keep going. Dare me?

This was a missed opportunity: I should have bought Mark Frauenfelder's book in the Maker Shed. I can still get the book, but it would have been so cool to get it signed. I loved the things he was sharing, and thumbing through "Made By Hand", talking about backyard chickens... I soon realized I was chatting with another kindred spirit. I love that he covers the "joy" and "frustration" of a family going for a Do-It-Yourself life.

Plus: He is playing a cigar box guitar. He made it himself. There is meaning in that.

Long live the Tour de Maker!

Permission to Play:: Think:: Make:: Tinker:: Go!

2011-04-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are home from the Bay Area Maker Faire, and I don't think our family could have found a better place to play, learn, and ... to celebrate the Chickenblogiversary :: Eight Years of Deep Thoughts and Other Musings! To celebrate our passions for art, engineering, DIY, SteamPunk, robots, crafts, expression, and learning. It really was "like finding our people, our hearts, our Geek brothers and sisters, our Steampunk Counsins, our DIY mentors," to quote Me. Actually, I am not sure why we came home. I feel like we could have runaway and joined the Maker Faire.

There is too much to share, too much to announce, for sentences and paragraphs, and so I am going to revert to the blurt post... a quick shout-out and run down of Chcikenblogiversary announcements and Maker Faire highlights.

Ready?
Set.
Go!

1. Thank you! Everyone that left a comment made me smile and laugh and reflect and get happy. I plan to visit your blogs, and hear your stories very soon.

2. And from the fez I drew two names...

drumroll please

For a Geektastic goody assortment, we have Warren and his very cool family of kitty rescuing, bee keeping, strawberry picking, patent holding Geeks! You will find Warren et al living in their Home Among The Hills.

And for the winner of the I Heart California goody assortment we pulled Susan's name out of the fez. She is the lovely, reflective, cooking, gardening, reading, happy grandmother, loving life on her mini-farm in Ohio. You will find Susan's beautiful reflections at Bear Swamp Reflections.

3. I met Gever Tulley.
Him, of the TED talk that I have so frequently linked too.

I was sitting in the middle of the Make Shed, nursing my bruised, scraped, and bloody leg, when I see a T-shirt walk by... "Think, Make, Tinker..." and I think: I know that guy! And I get his friend's attention, who taps Gever, and I suppress my geek celebrity sighting spazness just long enough to confirm that he is He... the Gever Tulley of Think, Make, Tinker! The TinkeringSchool, and it is!

hold on a sec... I have to catch my breath... I am almost as spaztic now, recalling this awesome encounter, as I was meeting him.

4. He signed Alex's notebook.

5. He denied being "a celebrity."

6. I confirmed to him that he is indeed a celebrity, because anyone that appears on TED (twice!), teaches, tinkers, makes, and thinks is heroic.

7. I bought his book(s).

8. He signed all my copies.

9. Warren is getting one!

10. I thought we were doing great with our "Five for Five Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do," but it turns out there are "Fifty Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do."

I covered our experiences in three posts:
a. Fire

b. Own A Pocketknife

c. Throw A Spear

d. Deconstruct Appliances

e. Break The DMCA- Drive A Car

11. Alex hung out with SteamPunk legend and artful engineer, Jake von Slatt, and he saw the amazing Wimshurst Spark Generator.

12. Maria hung out with Rose of The League of S.T.E.A.M.

13. We were Paradoxians and visited with FLL, FTC, and FRC teams, including those wonders of FIRST Robotics: 1868 Space Cookies!

14. We also crossed paths with La Jolla HS Robotics, at the Electric Giraffe.

15. Cupcakes.

16. eatART and Mondospider!

17. Saphira... fire breathing robo-dragon!

18. Lego Jeep!

19. Hermes Remote Cockpit. Maria loves this space craft.

20. We are going back!

21. Chickenblog is Geek-Craft-Farm-Cook-Think-Make-Tinker-Write-Go!

**This post was originally published in Chickenblog, May 24, 2010. Used here by permission from Chickenblog.**