Square Stop Signs

I'm going to try something new. If you know me, then you know that I've always got a lot to say, and frankly a lot of it could be best described by Mitch Hedberg's "That tree is very far away," bit. But for whatever reason, I feel like I have to share it. So instead of puking that stream of crazy thoughts to the blog or to twitter, and scare everyone off... I decided to start a Tumblr, just for that.

Square Stop Signs

That Tree is Far Away

Version 2 is finally here!

So after a long wait(for some of you... sorry), The Gripnerd 1- Step Laddercam Clamp Version 2 has arrived! After some R&D and a couple of failed redesigns, I present you with 2.0!

Click to see it much, much bigger!

Check out that sweet hardware!

Now it still functions just like the old one did, only this one is much sleeker, sexier, and smaller! In case you forgot how it operates:

And just like before, they are available now for only $50. If you live in the greater LA area, I personally deliver, and if you live farther I can ship it just as well.

My Own Private Scrapheap Challenge

The Whole AssemblyRecently, I've been completely absorbed in the world of Scrapheap Challenge(UK title, in the US it was Junkyard Wars). After watching two episodes in a row with my spiffy monitor mount swiveled to the side so I could watch it in bed, I went to rotate my monitor back around to normal when it just fell off the mount. The cheap Fry's quality mount had obviously reached the end of it's short lifespan. Then it struck me... I can build my own, and I can do it by bodging together the parts of the original mount that still work with some metal scraps from the shop. Well after a long day of Detail of the VESA plate. The cylinder up top is the mount for portrait mode.distractions and other projects, I've got one pretty bad mamma jamma monitor mount. I kept the original desk clamp and riser pole from the original clamp, but after that I fabricated everything else. I lost the ability to tilt the monitor up and down, but that's something I never did anyway, and I lost the ability to simply spin the monitor to portrait mode. Instead you lift the monitor off the arm and turn it 90 degrees and drop it on the other reciever. But I gained in reach what I lost in flexibility. Previously I could extend the monitor from fully retracted at Two 3/8" bolts on the back side lock the height, and yes, it's a little crooked, so it's shimmed with a C-47.the back of the desk to full extension at about 14" away from the back. Now, the monitor reaches the entire way across the desk and almost past the near edge, almost 30"! And, the best part of any project like this, I gained a great sense of accomplishment and self reliance!

And as a side note... if you are getting into welding like I am... if you are working on welding something hollow and it's getting to hot to work on... don't quench it in water... or at least if you do, make sure you empty all the water out before you seal up the cavity inside... otherwise this might happen:

Bags, Bags, Bags

Most of you know that I'm a helpless gear junkie with a weak spot for bags. Messenger, backpack, sling, duffle, bail out bag, you name it, I'm into it. A friend of mine just tipped me off to this first company and I'm pretty excited about what they're cooking up. I've also included a short description of some of my other favorite bag companies.

Brightline Bags Flex System

Well there is a new name on the scene, Brightline Bags. These guys max a series of bags called the Flex System. Major nerd out factor with these bags is that they are completely configurable. Do you want a laptop bag with room for some accessories? Do you want a duffle bag with room for a couple changes of clothes? do you want a day bag with enough room for your laptop and some snacks, but don't want a huge bag? They've got you covered. It's a modular system that allows you to keep each module packed how you like it and you can add and remove the modules at your whim. It's a tweakers dream and it's got some other nifty features too. Color coded zippers help you remember what is in what pocket and removable pouches for the sides help you keep your vital gear close at hand. I haven't laid hands on them yet, but the potential downside to the system is that your carry options are limited to a big beefy handle on top, or a standard laptop bag style shoulder strap that is contoured to fit your shoulder, but I'd like to see some more thought put into the ergonomics of it.

All in all though, their site is definitely worth a look and their 15 min overview of the system is pretty watchable.

Maxpedition

These guys are pros when it comes to ergo bags that are extremely functional and usually have enough PALS webbing to let you customize to your liking. My personal favorite is the Sitka Gearslinger. It's a sling style bag with some killer features. As you can see in the animation, it's meant to be swung around in front of you for quick access. All of the pockets on the back are oriented so they open up when the bag is in front of you. It's been serving me well for quite some time now.

5.11 Tactical

These guys also make a ton of other tactical clothing and accessories for everyone from law enforcement, military, and paramedic professionals. Their bag selection isn't that diverse, but their Rush series of bags are pretty serious PALS webbing platforms and they work with their MOAB series to create a main bag with detachable day bag kind of setup. The MOAB series is actually a lot like the Sitka Gearslinger, but I didn't find it as ergo as the Sitka.

CountyComm

Along with all of the other awesome widgets and knick knacks that they sell on their slightly disorganized site, CountyComm has a few pretty decent bags. They are made by a company called Maratac and they have a really solid quality record. My personal favorite is their Bail Out Bag both the XL and regular. While still being super cheap bags, they are really nice duffle style bags.

My Office for the Day: Historical Edition!(529 days ago)

That's right.... 529 days ago... I was working on Red State with Kevin Smith. Still one of my greatest memories from my very short career. This picture is from the behind the scenes extras on the Red State (Amazon Link).

Thanks to Kelly Herrin for spotting me and sending me the pic!