All logic functions can be constructed using AND and NOT logic gates. Modern smartphones contain billions of logic gates. However, the LEGO machine I constructed today only has four AND and four NOT gates to perform binary addition on two single-bit binary numbers. As the signal propagates from the inputs on the left to the outputs on the right, the cumulative effect of joint play leads to unreliable output movements. I need to redesign the machine.
Category: Fails
Bugs, Bills, and Beer
Over a welcome beer at our local, Dwight described his time at the greenhouse battling pests and mold on these grapevines. Meanwhile, I’d been caught in a Catch-22, ping-ponging between a vendor and Amex over fraudulent charges. Eventually, Amex took responsibility and issued a refund, leaving me free to enjoy my beer.
Practical Physics
Downtown had its head in the clouds, it rained pretty much all day: time for LEGO. Instead of relying solely on a solid state gyroscope, I wanted to develop a better intuitive grasp of the physics involved. So, I built a test rig with an actual spinning flywheel. It flew apart, leaving my electronic robot…… Continue reading Practical Physics
Temple Plumbing 2022
I hiked to two temples of an 88-temple pilgrimage and photographed the plumbing.
Enhanced Gravy
Last Christmas, a bottle of red wine was corked, so I reduced the wine to an excellent syrup. Over the year, it’s added a fruity note to dressings and sauces. Today, a couple tablespoons added a pleasant dimension to the gravy.
Hanging by a Thread
While chasing down a rattle, Dwight discovered we’d probably driven from Up North with an important bolt missing from the roof bike rack. Replaced the bolt, grateful we didn’t do any hard stops followed by my bike running down the windshield. Note to self: check bolts.
The Impossible Takes a Little Longer
Now that we have our indoor gardens on wheels fully operational it was time to think of technical refinements. Maintaining a log of actual water usage suddenly seemed like a good idea. I could think of several benefits of measuring water usage, including: Learn how much water is optimal for each plant so we can…… Continue reading The Impossible Takes a Little Longer
A Tale of Two Falls
At the start of today’s hike in Northumberland, England, we came upon a hiker who had slipped and made a faceplant on the street. He was elderly, and his vision was sub-par. He was bleeding from cuts beside one eye and on his wrist.My brother-in-law had a surprising variety of wound dressings in his pack,…… Continue reading A Tale of Two Falls
Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
On a recent flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, I found a Canadian passport. The owner of the passport would have been in for a surprise when he reached for his passport at US Border Control. Maybe he had a NEXUS card, or maybe United Airlines would have to fly him back to Tokyo where he…… Continue reading Travel Gear: Wot, No Passport?
Lava: It’s Scientific Fun!
We walked on lava through fern forests down to two calderas. We rested on chunks of lava with steam rising around us.Our nephews (7 and 8) were in good spirits but they got a little bored towards the end. To distract I demonstrated how to make a whistle by clamping a grass leaf between the…… Continue reading Lava: It’s Scientific Fun!