The One True Keyboard!

I found a 1987 IBM model M keyboard in the back of my parents' closet! It was missing the Esc, ~, 2, Y, and both Ctrl keys. I found Esc in the closet, but couldn't find the rest. I ordered replacements from clickykeyboards.com, along with some extra springs (the numpad enter key spring was partially collapsed and it worked, but didn't click like the rest). I took off the front cover and all the keycaps and cleaned them.

This thing feels much nicer than modern rubber dome keyboards, but it is so loud that I didn't feel like I should use it at my office. So, I'll use this one at home and I ordered a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX red switches for the office. The most amazing thing is that I actually miss the start button. I didn't realize I used it. Whatever, I don't miss it that much.

The other amazing thing is that I found what appeared to be a rubber dome keyboard that actually felt okay. It was also in the closet. Maybe it had springs under the rubber? The spacebar was broken, though.

Here's what the model M looked like at first:

Electrolysis and Fire!

This is part of a series on cleaning cast iron with electrolysis.

I couldn't resist any longer and I decided to try to light the hydrogen on fire.

The cake is not a lie!

I tried to upload a picture of my birthday cake, which looks very much like the cake from portal, but the upload froze repeatedly and I gave up.


So, I guess the cake is a lie, after all.

Electrolysis Continued

Please read earlier safety warnings before attempting this.

It has now been 6.5 hours total running time with the current on. However, I've had a busy week and the skillet has spent plenty of time sitting in the water with nothing happening. I think the rust sediments settled on it because it looks a bit browner than before.

The wire mesh I was using as an anode has disintegrated and is now useless. No more current through that. I have replaced it with a stainless steel kitchen rack thing from IKEA. The new rack does not reach as deep down into the skillet, so I am concerned that I am going to get most current flowing through the rim and not as much cleaning down at the bottom.

Cleaning cast iron with electrolysis part 3

This is part of a series on seasoning cast iron cookware.

SAFETY WARNING: This process (electrolysis of water) generates extremely flammable hydrogen gas. Use adequate ventilation, keep away from flame, spark, children, and idiots. There is also a possibility of electrical shock. Read all safety warnings and take appropriate precautions or do not attempt.

At 180 minutes, current had dropped to ~5A (down for 10A @ 135 minutes). The charger was turned off and the skillet was removed for inspection.

Cleaning cast iron with electrolysis part 2

This is part of a series on seasoning cast iron cookware.
SAFETY WARNING: This process (electrolysis of water) generates extremely flammable hydrogen gas. Use adequate ventilation, keep away from flame, spark, children, and idiots. There is also a possibility of electrical shock. Read all safety warnings and take appropriate precautions or do not attempt.

Checked on setup at 135 minutes.

Seasoning cast iron cookware

This is the start of what should become a series of posts about my progress in seasoning cast iron cookware.

Objective: achieve a high quality surface on a cast iron skillet.
Summary of intended procedure: clean current skillet with electrolysis then season with flax oil at high temperature.

Phase 1: Electrolysis.
SAFETY WARNING: This process generates extremely flammable hydrogen gas. Use adequate ventilation, keep away from flame, spark, children, and idiots. There is also a possibility of electrical shock. Read all safety warnings and take appropriate precautions or do not attempt.

Inappropriate Wrist Strength

As the waiter gathered the used plates, quoth my mother, "you must have really strong wrists". I told her it could be inappropriate to tell a man how strong his wrists must be. She did not understand. I've decided that it's better that way.

Fitness website!

fitocracy.com

This website tracks your exercise and awards points. I find it to be a very helpful motivational tool.

Fitness Sandwich!

This is a nice sandwich to go with your workout. It works best if you pick a healthy whole grain bread with low sugar.

• Bread
• Peanut Butter
• Sliced banana
• Cinnamon
• Psyllium Husk

Fitness smootie!

Put the following into a blender:

• A big handfull of frozen blueberries
• A small handfull of frozen spinach
• A peeled banana
• A big sprinkle of psyllium husk (it doesn't taste like anything, and fiber is good for you. Pour in as much as you dare)
• One or two scoops of protein powder. I use a vanilla flavored whey protein. I recommend something on the order of 30g of protein.
• Any powdered vitamins or supplements you'd like to add.
• Milk or soy milk. Pour it in until it starts to wet any powder at the top. The final consistency should be a thick liquid.

The final product will have a good amount of protein and fiber. It tastes pretty good, too. I think it's better with soy milk.

How many US states have you shit in?

I've put my mark on Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, and Utah. Maybe Alaska, but I can't remember if I did my dumping exclusively on the ship or not.

Crossing the Double Yellow Line Into the Carpool Lane

The double yellow line means do not cross. It is not okay for you to cross it, even if it's convenient. Drivers in the carpool lane are often going faster and it is the difference in speed which is dangerous. That's why there's a line that you're not allowed to cross.

Enter and exit the carpool lane only at designated points!