Ama TANSTAAFL58

[TANSTAAFL58]

I want to hear more about your woodworking! I’ve gotten into carving so I’d like to hear about that!

I started carving decoys years ago. I haven't done one recently but I have acquired a few blanks for this winter. I like "working" style decoys, similar to the type a hunter would have made a hundred years ago to put out on the water. The carving is in the general shape of the duck, and the details are painted on. I have done a loon, a cinnamon teal, a green winged teal and a curlew. I once did a ring-billed gull, which is the most common gull found on the Great Lakes. I think my next will be a Caspian Tern, another Great lakes gull. I intend to put it on a stone nest. Stone nests are more commonly used by Arctic Terns than Caspian Terns, but (DAD JOKE WARNING) I think I have to leave no Tern un-stoned.

 

[RaineDrops]

You'll laugh. When I was helping go through the stuff from my Mom's after we sold her house, I found the very first thing I ever made: it was a coaster with my initials on it in the shape of a hexagon (it was traced from a Molson Export Ale label). My Dad used it for years. I'm kind of amazed.

I made my nephew a rocking bear (instead of a rocking horse) when he was four.

This.

My dad made a rocking horse for my son a few years ago. A bear would be so awesome.

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

Just wanted to let you know, I love the new avatar picture. You're quite the attractive one. Longer hair is very becoming on you.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Just wanted to let you know, I love the new avatar picture. You're quite the attractive one. Longer hair is very becoming on you.

Off topic, but: speaking of avatar pictures, is that Eartha? Love her work.

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

Off topic, but: speaking of avatar pictures, is that Eartha? Love her work.

Yes. She was catwoman in the original series of Batman back in 1967. She was the only one to give the character a memorable purr when she used certain words with the letter r.

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

Yes. She was catwoman in the original series of Batman back in 1967. She was the only one to give the character a memorable purr when she used certain words with the letter r.

Eartha remains my favourite catwoman. She was 40 when she took that role, older than Michelle Pfieffer or Julie Newmar or Anne Hathaway or Halle Berry. She made ten year old me realise that Batman was in love with Catwoman. That purr in her voice still makes me shudder. And if you listen to her version of "Santa Baby" you will understand the singer's intent: the song is dripping with sex, and Santa is a lucky guy.

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

Eartha remains my favourite catwoman. She was 40 when she took that role, older than Michelle Pfieffer or Julie Newmar or Anne Hathaway or Halle Berry. She made ten year old me realise that Batman was in love with Catwoman. That purr in her voice still makes me shudder. And if you listen to her version of "Santa Baby" you will understand the singer's intent: the song is dripping with sex, and Santa is a lucky guy.

If you ask me, her versions of Catwoman and Santa Baby are most memorable. In Catwoman, it was iconic and the first time a Black actress was able to take over the role of a white actress and then made it better, in the states. Sadly, it also stigmatized Black women in the eyes of a lot of non-Black Americans because of such an awesome performance. For Santa Baby, in my opinion, Eartha Kitt has the best version of it. Learning about her in my youth was difficult because she was blacklisted for denouncing the Vietnam war. As an adult, I am encouraged in how she still thrived.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Eartha remains my favourite catwoman. She was 40 when she took that role, older than Michelle Pfieffer or Julie Newmar or Anne Hathaway or Halle Berry. She made ten year old me realise that Batman was in love with Catwoman. That purr in her voice still makes me shudder. And if you listen to her version of "Santa Baby" you will understand the singer's intent: the song is dripping with sex, and Santa is a lucky guy.

This was the first of hers that I heard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeRSqekHh1g

 

[Zionisacat]

Let's not over look the high light of her career; voicing the antagonist Yzma in Emperors New Groove.

 

[seela]

Do you struggle with darkness in winter? How do you cope?

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

Let's not over look the high light of her career; voicing the antagonist Yzma in Emperors New Groove.

...and as she got older, the purr just got sexier and sexier.

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

Do you struggle with darkness in winter? How do you cope?

As one northerner to another, yes I think we all do. (I recall you being much farther north than me; I am almost exactly 45°N, half-way between the equator and the pole). In December there are obvious distractions. Its that long run from The second of January to mid-March that's toughest. I cope in three ways:

Embrace it: Get out and enjoy the brisk weather and the snow. Snowshoeing is my preferred winter activity. I have XC skiis, but I can get deep in the bush in my old-school bearpaws.

Its been a while but I also go ice fishing, and winter camping. Camping in the winter in a tent is challenging but also rewarding. The local Provincial Park has Yurts that can be rented for short stays (saves the issues related to setting up, such as spreading straw as insulation under the tent). Stargazing in a dark area on a clear winter night is indescribable. Sometimes there are so many stars you can't see the constellations! (I will modestly add that outdoor sex in January may sound like a bad idea, but sex is never a bad idea).

There is a lake north of Toronto where you can rent an ice fishing hut for the weekend that has a stove, beds and even a TV so you don't have to miss the hockey game. They drive you out Friday evening or Saturday morning by snowmobile and pick you up Sunday morning.

Ignore it: Winter is a great time for woodworking. I have a couple of projects lined up for this winter already. Its also a great time to go to bed early. Yeah, that.

Leave it behind: I won't be doing that this year (I do not want to get on a plane yet), but I try to get away to somewhere warm every two or three years. I was thinking Trinidad next...

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

What is your biggest worry?

What is your biggest achievement as an engineer? It doesn't have to follow the regular rules of "biggest achievement" but what matters most to you.

What are the first things that come to mind about the qualities seen in your GS?

Now that you have assumed the role of consultant at work, can you spot those with serious potential or those to watch out for immediately?

 

[seela]

As one northerner to another, yes I think we all do. (I recall you being much farther north than me; I am almost exactly 45°N, half-way between the equator and the pole). In December there are obvious distractions. Its that long run from The second of January to mid-March that's toughest. I cope in three ways:

Embrace it: Get out and enjoy the brisk weather and the snow. Snowshoeing is my preferred winter activity. I have XC skiis, but I can get deep in the bush in my old-school bearpaws.

*pic snip to save space*

Its been a while but I also go ice fishing, and winter camping. Camping in the winter in a tent is challenging but also rewarding. The local Provincial Park has Yurts that can be rented for short stays (saves the issues related to setting up, such as spreading straw as insulation under the tent). Stargazing in a dark area on a clear winter night is indescribable. Sometimes there are so many stars you can't see the constellations! (I will modestly add that outdoor sex in January may sound like a bad idea, but sex is never a bad idea).

There is a lake north of Toronto where you can rent an ice fishing hut for the weekend that has a stove, beds and even a TV so you don't have to miss the hockey game. They drive you out Friday evening or Saturday morning by snowmobile and pick you up Sunday morning.

Ignore it: Winter is a great time for woodworking. I have a couple of projects lined up for this winter already. Its also a great time to go to bed early. Yeah, that.

Leave it behind: I won't be doing that this year (I do not want to get on a plane yet), but I try to get away to somewhere warm every two or three years. I was thinking Trinidad next...

I've often wondered how winter feels like somewhere in Canada/USA/Northern Japan. You get winter like what I'm used to weather wise, but there's all that light! It must be really magical. Maybe I'll get to experience it one year.

And yes, I'm a wee bit farther north still. Anchorage-ish.

 

[ultramarineblue]

What is your favorite woodworking tool you currently own and why? What would you like to add to your tools?

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

Have you ever thought of carving your own set of snowshoes? Designing them as you please?

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

What is your biggest worry?

Alien Invasion.

No, seriously: like most people, money. It should be health, but no.

What is your biggest achievement as an engineer? It doesn't have to follow the regular rules of "biggest achievement" but what matters most to you.

I helped write a Canadian National Standard a couple of years ago.

Now that you have assumed the role of consultant at work, can you spot those with serious potential or those to watch out for immediately?[/QUOTE]

I have acted as a mentor to young engineers for the last few years, so I have been doing just that for some time. I enjoy that aspect of the job more than any other. Its the thing I miss the most working from home: there is little direct contact with the people. That makes it more difficult. (Mostly this is a very informal thing; the company tried to create a formal mentorship program and it was a colossal failure)

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

What is your favorite woodworking tool you currently own and why? What would you like to add to your tools?

I own lots of tools. I am quite proud of a vintage Stanley plane I bought for $10 at a flea market (a new one of similar quality is $200-350), I have a few of my Dad's tools and even some I made. But my absolute favourite is an inexpensive 1-inch folding chisel. I keep it handy at all times when I am working, and although it is "scary sharp", I use it for everything from opening paint cans to cutting rope as well as a utility chisel. Here's a picture

I think I got mine on sale for like $15.

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

Have you ever thought of carving your own set of snowshoes? Designing them as you please?

I watched a survival demonstration years ago of a Cree man using a traditional method to make "emergency" snowshoes using a hand axe and belt knife and cedar and birch saplings and spruce root lashings. I actually have a book of detailed instructions of how to make snowshoes from various materials from ash wood and rawhide to aluminium. That's one of this "someday" jobs. I have done this sort of thing before; I have never bought a canoe paddle: I have always made my own. (I do own a store-bought paddle, but it was a gift).

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

I watched a survival demonstration years ago of a Cree man using a traditional method to make "emergency" snowshoes using a hand axe and belt knife and cedar and birch saplings and spruce root lashings. I actually have a book of detailed instructions of how to make snowshoes from various materials from ash wood and rawhide to aluminium. That's one of this "someday" jobs. I have done this sort of thing before; I have never bought a canoe paddle: I have always made my own. (I do own a store-bought paddle, but it was a gift).

Nice! What is a someday piece that turned into a reality out of need and necessity?

 

[TANSTAAFL58]

What is your biggest worry?

What is your biggest achievement as an engineer? It doesn't have to follow the regular rules of "biggest achievement" but what matters most to you.

What are the first things that come to mind about the qualities seen in your GS?

Now that you have assumed the role of consultant at work, can you spot those with serious potential or those to watch out for immediately?

Oops, I skipped one: that little guy has so much love in him. I worry that he's too gentle a soul to get by.

 

[BlackCaramelCreme]

Oops, I skipped one: that little guy has so much love in him. I worry that he's too gentle a soul to get by.

The only thing I can suggest is to expose him to life. Let him see the not so good parts. Let him see the nice neighborhoods and the not so nice ones. Let him see the dirt poor. Let him see that life is what you make of it and encourage him to talk about it. When you're able and feel safe, expose him to travel. Let him see life outside his bubble of protection. Be constant. Let him know you won't always be here...to always reach for the stars.

Has your grandson shared any of the innovative talents you possess? What is something you see in him that marvels you? From what you've shared, he possesses a true innocence. Encourage him using your engineering background to use that innocence to try something worthwhile and make a mere idea a reality. Or collaborate with him in his idea and your engineering prowess to build something better than you imagined. Take that softness and build upon it, encouraging a toughness. It may fail...at first, but never give up.

 

[ultramarineblue]

I own lots of tools. I am quite proud of a vintage Stanley plane I bought for $10 at a flea market (a new one of similar quality is $200-350), I have a few of my Dad's tools and even some I made. But my absolute favourite is an inexpensive 1-inch folding chisel. I keep it handy at all times when I am working, and although it is "scary sharp", I use it for everything from opening paint cans to cutting rope as well as a utility chisel. Here's a picture

I think I got mine on sale for like $15.

Those are really cool. I wish I knew more about woodworking. I absolutely love finding things at flea markets. I'm not always lucky though.

What do you think is the most important thing someone should know about you?

 

[cookiecat]

Do you hunt or fish?

Do you ever have a desire to live off the grid?

 

[midwestyankee]

Hockey. Surely you have preferences and strongly held opinions?