Epilog News

Last spring I had a major problem with the laser and had Jim ready to load it on the uHaul and take it back to Golden. Eventually I managed to talk to a tech who thought he might know the problem and he walked me through the process of cleaning the encoder strip. It worked.
I was called the next day by the regular tech and he said I shouldprobably not have done that myself and that its a rare scenario. I disagreed and suggested it find its way into the manual as a maintenance item. I was told that if it did I would know and -- well I am pleased to report that it has now been added to the tech notes on the website -- and there is even an instructional video.
Please note that the directions are for ALL models and it is now recommended that this procedure be carried out once a month.

I guess I should not be surprised that the new drivers address the tickle problem that resulted in extended wait times if the laser wasn't used daily. This was another 'isolated' problem with my machine.

I built a computer

Yesterday I built the computer -- then I built the cabinet -- and, well... just kept going. Now if I could get it to talk to the laser life would be good.

Getting the Shop in Shop shape

A tour of the garage -- starting in the southwest corner


the laser area

storage area (a girl can never have too many clamps)

wood working area and benches

the southeast corner

and last but not least -- the view into the house through the open door

Through Red Mountain Pass

I believe this was just coming out of Ouray heading south (might have been above Ridgeway)but what inspired the photo was the way the trees in the foreground mimicked the distant mountains.

My 15 Minutes of Fame

At the End of the Desert...: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Box Building

With the help of some of our recent house guests we finished off a large box order this week.

These are our standard photo boxes with personalization.

Artist Creates Giant Rendition of Purple Heart Medal

"Field artist Roger Baker mowed this representation of a modern Purple Heart Medal into a field in Orange County, N.Y. Photo by Anthony M. Puopolo, used by permission


Artist Creates Giant Rendition of Purple Heart Medal
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2007 – When Gen. George Washington created the Purple Heart Medal in 1872, he probably never envisioned it would be so huge. Literally.


Artist Roger Baker mowed a 1,000-foot long rendition of the medal, covering 850,000 square feet, into a field at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamtonburgh, N.Y., near the town where the first awards were presented to Revolutionary War soldiers. Baker said his creation is a “gift of art” to the American public.

The art work was unveiled Aug. 5, two days before the medal’s 75th anniversary. The park is in the same county as The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, near where the medal was initially established."

DefenseLink News Article: Artist Creates Giant Rendition of Purple Heart Medal:

New Item -- Forest Clock

16 x 20 inch walnut plaque with assorted engraved wood veneers. Clock.

How to Write an Autobiography

"Whether you've enjoyed a life well-lived or suffered through a life of hardships and mistakes, you probably have an interesting tale to tell. Writing an autobiography is an ideal way to capture the stories of your life and the times you’ve lived in, and unless you're famous, an autobiography or memoirs may be the only way those stories get preserved intact. If you are famous, an autobiography may be the only way to tell your side of the story and defend your legacy against those infamous 'unauthorized biographies.' Regardless of your situation, there's no time like the present to start writing about your past."
More...How to Write an Autobiography - wikiHow:

Project photos on webshots

Uploading photos of projects on webshots


My Creations

Google Buys Feedburner for $100 Million: Expect more Monetization Options

Google Buys Feedburner for $100 Million: Expect more Monetization Options: "According to TechCrunch, Google has just acquired Feedburner, a web feed management company for $100 million. This was previously a rumor but now has been confirmed by Michael Arrington, who says that the deal mostly involves upfront cash payment by Google.
Interesting news for publishers currently running Feedburner’s advertising program because it’s likely that Google might integrate its Adsense contextual ad network with Feedburner.
Feedburner has a large inventory of publishers currently using their services and it would make sense for Google to tap these current users instead of relaunching or promoting Adsense for Feeds, Google’s RSS advertising program which has been in a perpetual closed beta since 2005.
Current Adsense publishers will also have the option of experimenting with feed based monetization. The integration with Adsense might also result in a lower barrier of entry (subscription level) for publishers.
Not to mention that Google will finally be stepping head-on into the RSS advertising industry by allowing it’s Adwords advertisers to purchase feed-based ad campaigns through Feedburner’s current setup.
It’ll be very interesting to see what changes are made in the near future."

New Priority Mail Packaging

MAIL INTERNATIONALLY, DOMESTICALLY WITH ONE PACKAGE

New design eliminates confusion, adds convenience for Postal Service customers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shipping just became a lot easier for U.S. Postal Service customers. For the first time since 1995, the Postal Service's familiar and trusted products for shipping domestically and internationally will have a new look.

With a focus on convenience, the Postal Service has redesigned all Priority Mail and Express Mail packages and envelopes, including the popular Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. Mailers can use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging whether they are shipping within the United States or to another country, beginning May 14.

The design has a fresher, crisper look. The Postal Service logo is prominent alongside international symbols for use by foreign posts. The new design has ample space for required forms, labels and Intelligent Mail® barcodes. The new packaging is expected to begin arriving in Post Offices across the country this week. All packaging also is available online at USPS.com.

Nick Barranca stressed that the Postal Service will continue to accept all existing international and domestic Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging. Barranca is vice president of product development for the Postal Service. "Customers should continue to use what they have in stock without worry," Barranca said. "We promise the same quality, dependable service no matter which packaging is used."

Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes remain available free of charge — as does package pickup. Customers can take advantage of the personal convenience and service of having packages picked up at no extra charge at their home, saving a trip to the Post Office. Unlike other shipping companies, there is no fee for the service. Carrier Pickup is available for packages being sent by Express Mail or Priority Mail — domestic or international. There is no limit to the number of packages that can be picked up. Packages must include postage and be ready for shipment before the letter carrier arrives.

Print professional shipping labels and pay for postage using any major credit card with Click-N-Ship at USPS.com. Calculate and compare postage and purchase insurance without leaving the comfort of home. The Postal Service has taken additional steps to adding convenience for international mailers, simplifying the eight main International Mail products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International.

"Across town or across the world, the Postal Service is reaching out to make shipping easier for its customers," Barranca said.

Unfinished?

Its been over a month since I've even viewed this blog, let alone posted. It seemed kind of humorous to read the description mentioning unfinished projects. Currently -- this blog is one of those. My current sculpture project is a huge one -- a little over an acre of high desert ground. Its starting to respond to my persistance though and I'm winning on the landscaping challenges.

Travel Toys