My Hovel

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Originally Posted by MM_QFC!

hey Mimi...didn't Lance use it several times (along with UW's wind tunnel too)? I had a friend/avid cyclist/BigB employee who remarked on it a few years ago. I'm guessing that he had Nike, Giro product folks on his "TT improvement team" with him too.
Also, while he was up here, he did lots of rides in the area and a group of us spotted him (I'd recognize those calves anywhere, even covered up in gunky, cold weather!) while we were riding the LW loop...he was headed in the opposite direction with another rider and gave a friendly wave.

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I think Lance was here maybe once or twice, but most of the wind tunnel testing was actually done with a body double - no joke! One of the guys who was on my husbands team a couple years ago was paid to be Lance's body double for most of the really tedious wind tunnel testing stuff. He was the right size and shape - even down to the slight hump in the back. Very nice guy - he was studying Oriental medicine and I think the body double gig was needed cash (he was the one who told me I could get $25 massages at the school!). I believe he's finished up school now and has gone on to bigger and better things.

Jeremy otherwise didn't actually look like LA, but there is a guy around here who totally does. I know its not really him, but there was this guy who'd show up to the Thursday crits at Seward park (dressed completely in solid black too) who looked so much like Lance it made a lot of people look twice.

Interesting about the body double...didn't know that, however LA needed to ride while here, so a former pro-rider I know said his friend (a Seattle local) was contacted to be Lance's training ride buddy during his visit (mainly to show him western WA routes) and he had some good stories about Lance powering up his after-burners and leaving him in the dust on some area loops.

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Originally Posted by Regina

I work in boring cubicle-land on the 13th floor (yeah, I know, an unlucky floor - but it's really the 16th story, if you count the plaza and 2 mezzanine levels below the 1st, so it sort of confounds the bad juju of 13!) in the middle of a city. Nothing worth taking a picture of. Think "Dilbert".
But....I had this cute visitor outside my window today. I think it's a kestrel, but it was all wet from the rain, and busy preening. This was taken with my cell phone through a triple-pane window, so it's not great....

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We have a crow that likes to peck at upper level windows, I tried to take a pic one day, but they flew to a tree limb and then flew away. little stinker. Jenn :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by SheFly

Zip ties. I used this trick in my home office to try to keep things semi-under control. Just zip tie all of the wires together, and it looks a "little" less messy.

SheFly

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There are some velcro like zip ties that you can get at the hardware store, they make moving wires easier if you change your office around. I like mine :) jenn

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Originally Posted by Flybye

Silver - I love your tri pendant - what about doing a cycling pendant for us weenies who can't run and/or don't want to get wet?


Carry on as usual and forget the hi-jack. :o

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continued hi-jack and my apologies to Queen:

thanks,gals!

I do have a traditional cycle pendant charm that I get from my supplier, but I've never tried to make a stylistic one.....maybe I'll give it a tri.....I mean...a try. ;)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...g/100_0996.jpg

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Originally Posted by silver

Yes, I am! That's wonderful that you are studying Metalsmithing. I would have loved the opportunity to study. I'm mostly self taught. I did take a course at the Memphis College of Art. My work is very hand made looking and borders on folk art (I'd say) Most of my work is custom make. People who can't find what they are looking for come to me and ask me to make it.

here's an example of a shield that I made for a father to give to his sons:

(my picture taking leaves something to be desired)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...g/100_0585.jpg

I started with a very few tools and have added little by little. There are always more tools and equipment that I'd like to get. I don't have a polishing cabinet and have a little dremel set up. I've burned through 4 dremels this way.

My website is http://www.etsterling.com/

steinspinne, do you have pictures of your work?

Lisa S. H. You must be really proud of your daughter. Having a masters will be great! I'm envious of those who have the opportunity to study the craft/art/science. I wish I'd known it was my calling when I was younger and not wasted my education on that accounting degree. :rolleyes:

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Hey Silver~
Have you tried a flex shaft? They last much longer than a Dremel and they're more powerful, too.
:)

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Originally Posted by 3weight

Hey Silver~
Have you tried a flex shaft? They last much longer than a Dremel and they're more powerful, too.
:)

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no, I haven't. I really need a polishing hood too. problem is I tend to not want to spend much money on tools and equipment. But as it's ended up I've spent more in the long run. :o
what kind of work do you do? Do you have a pic of your workshop?

Flex shafts are pricey but WELL worth the money. I'm sure you can find them on ebay (Foredom is a really good brand). In the long run, a good flex shaft will save you loads of time and money.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of my studio.
:)

Maybe you've seen the ad with AT&T service reps all dressed in fashionable suits in squeaky clean bright office, our wireless bluetooth headsets peering out from our $70 haircuts, flat screen computers, everything's pure white, metal and lots of glass.

But my friend T.s desk looks like .... and this is just the front. The collection winds and expands all around his cubical. :cool: :rolleyes: I kid him that he could probably buy 5 bikes with the collection :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by silver

no, I haven't. I really need a polishing hood too. problem is I tend to not want to spend much money on tools and equipment. But as it's ended up I've spent more in the long run. :o
what kind of work do you do? Do you have a pic of your workshop?

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Just the hood or do you need a bench motor too?

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Originally Posted by Trek420

Maybe you've seen the ad with AT&T service reps all dressed in fashionable suits in squeaky clean bright office, our wireless bluetooth headsets peering out from our $70 haircuts, flat screen computers, everything's pure white, metal and lots of glass.

But my friend T.s desk looks like .... and this is just the front. The collection winds and expands all around his cubical. :cool: :rolleyes: I kid him that he could probably buy 5 bikes with the collection :rolleyes:

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I have a co-worker with a desk like that, he's pretty weird about it too. I needed a book from his desk and bumped one of his "action figures" out of it's normal place...you'd have thought I committed a hate crime. He whined and scolded and generally got his boxers in a HUGE bunch...weirdo. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Queen

I have a co-worker with a desk like that, he's pretty weird about it too. I needed a book from his desk and bumped one of his "action figures" out of it's normal place...you'd have thought I committed a hate crime. He whined and scolded and generally got his boxers in a HUGE bunch...weirdo. :rolleyes:

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T is not like that at all. He's a great Dad of 3 cute kids, a union steward, patient, funny and smart. Sure the comic book and action figure collection is quirky but then I'm sure my coworkers think I'm weird ("she rides to work, from Hayweird") But the figures are great art. :D

I'm respectful of his collection. I would not pick one up without asking him first any more than I'd just run over and lift someones bike without asking them. But when he gets a new one he shows me. "Look, look at the detail here", he knows I appreciate the art.

I showed him the black Electra Townie with flames down the tubes and he went "ooooooooooh". We may have a cyclist. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Flybye

I'd share mine but I am a Social Worker and the homes I go into require a hazmat suit and an incredible stomach to handle the stench :eek:

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Yeah, I remember those days. Velveeta dripping off a ceiling fan.....chickens running in and out of the front door.....wait! There is NO front door!

:eek: oh my fb & sundial...:eek:

c

This is such a great thread. I really enjoy seeing the interesting jobs TE'ers have. Here's a glimpse of my little world:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...ew/gallery.jpg

This is the gallery I used to have on the historic square of our little town.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...tudiospace.jpg

This is my new studio space built above the garage.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...ew/studio3.jpg

Another view of my studio.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...ew/studio1.jpg

WOW! Sundial, that is AWESOME!!!

Thanks Sandra! :)

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Originally Posted by sundial

Yeah, I remember those days. Velveeta dripping off a ceiling fan.....chickens running in and out of the front door.....wait! There is NO front door!

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Ha! Now I KNOW you're from Arkansas!!

:eek: :D

Karen

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Originally Posted by sundial

Yeah, I remember those days. Velveeta dripping off a ceiling fan.....chickens running in and out of the front door.....wait! There is NO front door!

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I always enjoyed opening the refrigerator door and having a cascade of cockroaches spill out. Or having to tip toe amongst the dog poop on the floor, or... Have I mentioned I LOVE the Library? :D


Sundial - Gorgeous space!

Sundial - what fantastic paintings!!!

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Originally Posted by Queen

I always enjoyed opening the refrigerator door and having a cascade of cockroaches spill out. Or having to tip toe amongst the dog poop on the floor, or...

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Hmmm...my fond childhood memories.... :o


Sundial- I wish I could see more of your paintings- they are wonderful!!! Do you have any online for us to see? I had paintings and sculpture in galleries for many years before I turned to technical illustration for a living. Your paintings look really good from what little I can see.
What a gorgeous workspace!

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Originally Posted by sundial

Yeah, I remember those days. Velveeta dripping off a ceiling fan.....chickens running in and out of the front door.....wait! There is NO front door!

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Thanks for the laugh! Velveeta on the ceiling fan? Okay, there is a story behind that!?!


For me there was the house that smelled like there MUST be a dead body rotting in the basement. It is so nice to sit lady like on the outermost edge of a hard back chair and hope that no fleas find my legs. All this whilst smiling and asking questions.

Then there was the man with Schizophrenia who lived in a camper (the kind that generally sits on the back of a truck) and ran an extension cord to the neighbors outside outlet and had a light bulb hooked up to the end in the camper. The light bulb was placed in a metal mailbox and wrapped with blankets and put in bed with the dear old man to keep him warm - the entire winter :eek: He bathed in simple green to save the environment. How can you possibly pass up an invitation to come in to the "man camper" and have a cup of TEA??????? :eek:

Well, the trip down memory lane!

Thanks to the good Lord above, I no longer work for child protection and the majority of people now can come to my office. I only do home visits now when it is a necessary part of the assessment - ie) a kid is involved.

I will try to snap a shot of my office this week.

Sundial - fantastic studio. We need to see more pictures! It sure has been fun to see where everyone works!

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Originally Posted by snapdragen

Just the hood or do you need a bench motor too?

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both....do have one for sale?

Silver: Beautiful work! And self-taught, too! Unfortunately no, I don't have any pictures of my work (or new bike, or new apartment, etc.). My camera was lost in the move. Not to mention the fact that almost anything worth seeing has been relocated to my parent's house.

I'm about to get started working on Christmas presents, though, so closer to the holidays I should be able to post some pictures. (Surely the camera isn't lost forever.)

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Ha! Now I KNOW you're from Arkansas!! Karen

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Yep, we're from the state known as Our Land of Perpetual Chicken.

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I always enjoyed opening the refrigerator door and having a cascade of cockroaches spill out. Or having to tip toe amongst the dog poop on the floor, or... Have I mentioned I LOVE the Library?

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See, all that social do-good got you a nice, clean, normal work environment. The worst you have to worry about is mold on the bindings. ;)

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Sundial - what fantastic paintings!!!

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Thanks UK! I enjoy flinging paint.

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Sundial- I wish I could see more of your paintings- they are wonderful!!! Do you have any online for us to see?

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Thanks so much. I just updated my website. www.cathyburge.com

Silver and Steinspinne I would love to see more of your work. Silver, your pendants are gorgeous! You are very talented!!

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Originally Posted by silver

both....do have one for sale?

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Possibly...I haven't done any metalwork in about 5 years. I'm having a tough time deciding if I'll ever start up my jewelry work again.

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Originally Posted by Flybye

Then there was the man with Schizophrenia who......

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His invention--HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

I don't understand why you wouldn't want to share a cup of green tea. ;) :D

Ok, here's one from the wanderings. I went to see a family who were known to be hill people. For you northerners, hill people are like hillbillies. Anywho, I went in to talk with the family. As I tentatively sit in the living room, my eyes wander over to the corner of the room and I see a huge hornets nest that is strategically placed as an accent piece. And then I see another. Did I just see....? Oh man, she caught me looking and now she wants to take me on a tour of their 2 room house. Meanwhile, *Betty Joe* (not her real name) is fingering and wiggling her loose tooth. Her son, *Billy Joe*, is coming from the woods. Is that a rifle in his hands? A squirrel? What the...? Too late, Billy Joe sees me and comes in to announce we will have squirrel for supper. And won't I stay to et? Meanwhile, Betty Joe announces, "I did it! My tooth came out! Billy Joe, will you pass this over to her to show her." Yes, I had to handle her tooth. She was beaming with pride!

Sundial - Your galleries are wonderful! I love your work.

Sundial!!!!!!!!!!!! Your work is amazing!!!!!!! I absolutely love it. I'm particularly in love with Banff and the Masuchi (sp?) sunrise. wow! thank you for sharing them.

Thanks Queen. :) And Silver, those 2 paintings are my favorite of the earlier works. Musashi's Sunrise was purchased by a wonderful person who hikes the mountains in Peru. He really likes the intense reds, purples, and yellows as it is so prevalent in that culture.

Queen, what kind of neato things are at your desk? Any collectibles? Do you get to sneak in a quick read every now and then?

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Originally Posted by sundial

Queen, what kind of neato things are at your desk? Any collectibles? Do you get to sneak in a quick read every now and then?

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This Library has a massive Rare Book collection but it's kept in a different part of the Stacks. Mainly I deal with things from 1850 to the present. Things don't stay on my desk too long as that keeps them from being available to the patrons.

Weird thing...I don't read here at work at all, too busy and since I don't let my student shelvers do it I'd be setting a bad example. :p

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Originally Posted by sundial

Ok, here's one from the wanderings. I went to see a family who were known to be hill people. For you northerners, hill people are like hillbillies. Anywho, I went in to talk with the family. As I tentatively sit in the living room, my eyes wander over to the corner of the room and I see a huge hornets nest that is strategically placed as an accent piece. And then I see another. Did I just see....? Oh man, she caught me looking and now she wants to take me on a tour of their 2 room house. Meanwhile, *Betty Joe* (not her real name) is fingering and wiggling her loose tooth. Her son, *Billy Joe*, is coming from the woods. Is that a rifle in his hands? A squirrel? What the...? Too late, Billy Joe sees me and comes in to announce we will have squirrel for supper. And won't I stay to et? Meanwhile, Betty Joe announces, "I did it! My tooth came out! Billy Joe, will you pass this over to her to show her." Yes, I had to handle her tooth. She was beaming with pride!

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Maybe I'm weird, but none of this actually seems odd to me. They sound like friendly people I'd enjoy meeting! Me and my other women friends around here have done lots of interesting things like bring home beautiful dead insects or empty wasp nests we find to display on a shelf, shot possum with a rifle, caught, cooked and eaten snapping turtle...just part of life in the country. Sometimes you don't even need hills to be hill people. ;)
Sundial, your paintings are wonderful!

reminds me of my own DH (and son), the deer hunter. He rides his kill around in his truck to show the community before he cleans it. :D