Bug Out Bag

In the case of emergency you need to have a plan. That's why you need a bug out bag. The contents of a bug out bag can vary, but this bag contains supplies for you to survive for 72 hours.  If there is a disaster, this bag gives you enough time to reach a safe place. This kit is not meant for survival, it's meant to get from point A to point B in three days.

Gain Free Time

Everyone wishes they had more free time. While no one can add hours to the day, you can use the time you have more effectively. The underlying factor is reducing stress. Doing so, will provide fringe benefits to your reputation and free time.

White Space is Not Dead Space

The popular theory is to cram as much information as possible into the smallest amount of space, whether onto a flyer, an email, or in a conversation. This simply isn't an effective way to communicate.

We feel the need to cram as much information 
as possible into the smallest amount of space.

After reading an article from tutsplus.com regarding white space in design, I took it a step further, applying the principles to communication.

The lack of white space obscures information.

Installing a Range Hood (or Why I Decided to Cut a Hole in my Roof)

My range hood finally died. I had been waiting for it to happen since we moved in. The hood was from the '70's and despite a white coat of paint to cover the awesome brown color, I still didn't like it and it didn't work well.

Before removal, I flipped the circuit breaker and confirmed the hood was not live by testing the light. Upon removal, I discovered that it was not vented properly. The first indication was the insulation that not only fell out of the opening, but was also stuck in the vent opening. I guess that explains why it never worked well.

Installed roof cap.

Installed range hood, now properly vented too.

Cardboard Box Projector

For a project I'm working on, I created a projector using my phone, a cardboard box, and a magnifying glass. I wanted to trace an image onto a larger canvas.
Granted, it's not the best projector in the world and I would have been better served to print out a bunch of letter size sheets and tape them together instead of tracing with this projector. Still, it's a fun, cheap, and quick project.

The cardboard box projector.

Your Bathroom Fan Should be Vented

Every bathroom should have a fan. The building code requires that the fan vents directly to the exterior. Even if the attic space is vented, the fan must vent to the exterior to prevent moisture accumulation. This is how you can vent your fan.

Installed soffit vents that duct bathroom fans to the exterior.

Build a Star Wars Jedi Light Saber

Jedi Light Saber
In a couple of days, you could build your own Star Wars inspired light saber. All you need is a few items from a home improvement or hardware store.