It’s rare that you find a director who is behind more than one or two films that you consider to be your favorites. For me, there are a handful of directors responsible for more than one film in my collection. Terry Gilliam is a personal favorite, having directed four films in my collection: “12 Monkeys,” “Brazil,” “Fisher King,” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” (“Time Bandits” is on my wish list.) I own seven of Spielberg’s films: “Duel,” “Raider of the Lost Ark,” “Hook,” “Jaws,” “Schindler’s List,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “War of the Worlds.” Oh, I also own the Night Gallery pilot of which Spielberg directed one of the segments. I own four of Robert Rodriguez’s films: “Spy Kids (1, 2, and 3),” and “The Adventures of Shark-boy and Lava-girl.” My kids love those movies. Or how about Christopher Nolan’s work, “Batman Begins,” “The Dark Knight,” “Memento,” and “The Prestige,” of which I own three and have a fourth on my wish list.
But how often is it that you own several of a director’s works, admire and wish to own several others of his catalog, and not even know the guys name or realize you liked his work? I discovered such a director this week and am ashamed to have not been aware earlier of this master’s volume of work. Maybe it’s because most of his work was for television?
John Llewellyn Moxey has 92 directorial credits on IMDB dating from 1955 to 1991. Some of those credits are for numerous episodes in a series. So in reality, he has well over 100 director credits. He has directed nearly 20 episodes of “Murder She Wrote,” six episodes of “Magnum P.I.,” 10 episodes of “Mannix,” (one of my all-time favorite series, by the way), seven episodes of “Mission Impossible,” (another favorite), seven episodes of “The Saint,” and one or two episodes for numerous other television series including, “Hawaii Five-O,” “Charlies Angels,” “Jake and the Fatman,” “Matlock,” and “Miami Vice.” There are many others, too many to mention here, but if you are interested, check out his IMDB entry.
I am certain that I’ve seen several of the episodes he’s directed. In fact, I’m collecting the “Mission Impossible” series. But it’s not his serial work that has drawn my admiration. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, we had some great Saturday afternoon movies, many of them old sci-fi movies. I have only recently discovered that several of those great movies – movies I either now own on DVD or am looking to purchase on DVD – are the work of Mr. Moxey.
In 1971, American households were entertained with the ABC Movie of the Week. There were some great movies that came out of this – all discussion for another entry. But one of them was a film called, “The Last Child,” starring Michael Cole of “Mod Squad” fame. This Moxley-directed story is about a fascist America in the near-future where families are limited to one child per household. A young couple is pregnant with their second child – the first having died – and they are on the run from the authorities. “The Last Child” is a great film in the tradition of all great sci-fi chase movies. I am desperate to find this on DVD somewhere.
The following year, Moxey was credited with directing the fantastic television pilot movie, “The Night Stalker.” This remains an all-time classic featuring Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, the unrelenting reporter who stumbles across the most bizarre and creepy stories imaginable. The pilot has Kolchak in Las Vegas where he follows the clues to discover a real live vampire preying on the young women of Vegas. I own this on DVD.
Moxey's next directorial milestone was 1973’s Genesis II, a new Gene Roddenberry production about a scientist preserved in suspended animation who awakes in the distant future. There he discovers two warring cultures, each claiming to be the good guy. It’s up to him to discover which side truly holds the hope for Earth’s future, and which hopes to enslave Earth’s remaining inhabitants. I own this on a bootleg DVD and I hope, someday, it will be released professionally.
Another favorite directed by Moxey, that I also own on DVD, is “Where Have All The People Gone?,” a great sci-fi film made in 1974, starring Peter Graves, best known for his role as Jim Phelps on “Mission Impossible.” In this film, a family on a camping trip is protected from a cosmic event while exploring a cave. The unexplained event kills most of humanity, and the family is left to investigate what happened while they try to get home. Along the way are gruesome discoveries, crazed survivors, and ravenous wild dogs. It’s just great!
So, in terms of my level of appreciation for his directorial work, Moxey’s a guy who’s right up there with Spielberg, Gilliam, Rodriguez, and Nolan. I already own three of his films, several of his television episodes, and seek to own more if I can find them. I’m also going to go back and see which of his other films I can find on Netflix, etc. It is very likely that I will discover some other films he’s directed that I will like as much as the one’s I’ve already seen and own, or desire to own.
Before yesterday, I never knew Moxey's name or had any idea that he had directed so many of my all-time favorite films. I’ve had hours of enjoyment watching the product of his work and have never been able to acknowledge him – until now.
Thanks, Mr. Moxey, for your great film work.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Inspired by Facebook
I was on Facebook this morning when I noticed an old friend had written something very interesting on someone's wall. My friends said that he felt he should rename Facebook, "Pastbook," as it had allowed him to re-connect with so many old friends or acquaintances.
That very same friend was the drummer in my first band, my college roommate, my housemate - my very best friend in the whole world. But as it tends to do, life got in the way and before I knew it, 6 or 7 years had gone by since we'd last spoken.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't that I hadn't tried to get in touch with him. I had moved to Phoenix, AZ, and he'd moved to a small town in the Poconos. I was busy with a growing career and building a family. He was busy with the things in his life, too, and without intending to, we just lost touch.
Until I signed onto Facebook, that is. Facebook had allowed me to reconnect with my friend from the past.
In general, I think the whole social networking thing is a waste of time. But our company is exploring new ways to leverage social networking as a new revenue channel or mechanism to increase traffic through out existing channels. So, I signed up on Facebook to become aware of what it was offering. I was afraid Facebook would be as convoluted a mess as MySpace is, but to my delight, I found Facebook was a much more elegant and - for lack of a better word - mature experience.
In addition to my "research" though, I've begun connecting with old friends and keeping better tabs on my more current friends. Connecting with those old friends has stirred a lot of memories. I've often threatened to write a book about all the crazy things that have happened in my life and with the stirring that has happened, I am even more encouraged to do so.
But then it occurred to me, I could just start telling all those old stories here, on my blog.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Finally arriving.
For some time now, I've been trying to come up with a theme for a blog that will encourage and compel me to write more often. The problem is, my interest in one thing or another waxes and wanes. And once my interest in a particular topic has waned, I find it difficult to return to that blog and write new entries.
At first, I started with a blog that centered around my ideas about certain passages of Scripture in the Bible. And as much as I am intrigued by the Bible, I found myself frustrated when - with one or two exceptions for which I am grateful - my wife and sister seemed to be the only ones reading it. My ideas are legitimate and worthy of discussion, I'm sure, but just because you build a blog, that doesn't mean anyone will come. (Thanks for nothing, Costner.)
Then I started a blog about the little restuarants around my work place where I go for lunch. I thought I'd review their menus, service, etc. After all, I love food and what could be better to write about. Then the economy took a bit of a down-turn. We tightened our belts a bit to pay off some debt and I started packing my lunch. Humph. There goes that idea.
I thought a blog about home repair might be the ticket. I spent all that time working in a home center, going to home and hardware trade shows, selling hardware wholesale, and remodeling two - no, make that three - houses. This is something I know about! But I just don't have the time to dedicate to becoming THE online authority on hardware.
I then created a blog to reach out to Kevin Spacey (yeah, that's right, the actor) and ask him to read a screenplay I'd written for him. Surely, this is the best way to reach him, right? Sigh. My phone still isn't ringing, nor my email inbox a-stuffing.
So I figured, I'm just gonna start a blog and write about whatever I'm in the mood to write about on any given day. No theme, except Bobby's ramblings, rants, ponderings, annoyances, etc. Surely, someone will take interest in that. This is, after all, ME that I'm talking about ;)
Let me anticipate one of your first questions: Why the name, "Big Nasty Brain?" It's an inside joke.
Two years before we were married, I had taken Krista - my then fiance - to meet the clan: my Dad, Stepmother, and my brother and his family. That was no small feat as my brother lived on the Keewenaw penninsula on Michigan's famous Upper Penninsula (UP).
So as to not retrace the path by which we had come entirely, I plotted a return course to Pennsylvania that went through Sault Ste. Marie, MI, across the border into Canada, along the northern shore of the Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron) and across the Manitoulin Island to the small town of South Baymouth. Once there, the trek continued across the bay on the Chi-CheeMaun ferry to Tobermory, ON. From there, we traveled to Niagara Falls, and back into the U.S. near Buffalo.
In 1995, we were married, and my wife Krista and I honeymooned on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was a blast, and on our first anniversary, in 1996, we asked some friends, Mike and Laura D., to stay on Mackinac Island and then travel with us to visit some of the great places we'd been to during that first trip to Michigan.
We'd spent 3 or 4 days on Mackinac Island with the D's and decided to head north from there to Whitefish Point and visit the shipwreck museum there. That afternoon, we travelled to Sault Ste. Marie (our joyous day interupted only by a speeding ticket) and we discovered the Lockview restaurant across the street from the Soo Locks. It was a Friday evening and their special was all-you-can-eat whitefish, prepared however you like: broiled, pan fired, batter dipped, or cajun. We've been back many times since.
The Lockview Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
After an amazing meal, we wandered to our hotel on the Canadian side. Once we were checked in, we decided to play Scrabble before bed. I was tired and feared that I wouldn't play well, but everyone was up for it, so who am I to say no?
Now, I do fancy myself a fairly good Scrabble player. I love word games, like Boggle, etc. But I rarely find an opportunity to use all my letters in a single turn and get a Bingo. So when it does happen, I am rather pleased. That night I was able to spell out 'Podiatry.' Michael looked at it and sounded out, 'Poh-dee-at-ree.' "Hunh?" he asked. I explained what podiatry was - and how it was pronounced- and was awarded a butt-load of points.
Being tired, not of the game, but from the day, I leaned back and sighed, closed my eyes for a moment and ran my fingers through my hair. And that's when someone - I'm pretty sure it was my wisenheimer wife - responded to the word I had played and my subsequent actions with, "Awww, is the big nasty brain tired." All with a perfectly sarcastic and patronizing tone.
After a howl and a good laugh from the others, it instantly became my nickname. Bnb, for short.
So there it is. The story behind the name of this blog. Let's hope this one sticks and I'll actually write something once in a while.
At first, I started with a blog that centered around my ideas about certain passages of Scripture in the Bible. And as much as I am intrigued by the Bible, I found myself frustrated when - with one or two exceptions for which I am grateful - my wife and sister seemed to be the only ones reading it. My ideas are legitimate and worthy of discussion, I'm sure, but just because you build a blog, that doesn't mean anyone will come. (Thanks for nothing, Costner.)
Then I started a blog about the little restuarants around my work place where I go for lunch. I thought I'd review their menus, service, etc. After all, I love food and what could be better to write about. Then the economy took a bit of a down-turn. We tightened our belts a bit to pay off some debt and I started packing my lunch. Humph. There goes that idea.
I thought a blog about home repair might be the ticket. I spent all that time working in a home center, going to home and hardware trade shows, selling hardware wholesale, and remodeling two - no, make that three - houses. This is something I know about! But I just don't have the time to dedicate to becoming THE online authority on hardware.
I then created a blog to reach out to Kevin Spacey (yeah, that's right, the actor) and ask him to read a screenplay I'd written for him. Surely, this is the best way to reach him, right? Sigh. My phone still isn't ringing, nor my email inbox a-stuffing.
So I figured, I'm just gonna start a blog and write about whatever I'm in the mood to write about on any given day. No theme, except Bobby's ramblings, rants, ponderings, annoyances, etc. Surely, someone will take interest in that. This is, after all, ME that I'm talking about ;)
Let me anticipate one of your first questions: Why the name, "Big Nasty Brain?" It's an inside joke.
Two years before we were married, I had taken Krista - my then fiance - to meet the clan: my Dad, Stepmother, and my brother and his family. That was no small feat as my brother lived on the Keewenaw penninsula on Michigan's famous Upper Penninsula (UP).
So as to not retrace the path by which we had come entirely, I plotted a return course to Pennsylvania that went through Sault Ste. Marie, MI, across the border into Canada, along the northern shore of the Georgian Bay (part of Lake Huron) and across the Manitoulin Island to the small town of South Baymouth. Once there, the trek continued across the bay on the Chi-CheeMaun ferry to Tobermory, ON. From there, we traveled to Niagara Falls, and back into the U.S. near Buffalo.
In 1995, we were married, and my wife Krista and I honeymooned on Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was a blast, and on our first anniversary, in 1996, we asked some friends, Mike and Laura D., to stay on Mackinac Island and then travel with us to visit some of the great places we'd been to during that first trip to Michigan.
We'd spent 3 or 4 days on Mackinac Island with the D's and decided to head north from there to Whitefish Point and visit the shipwreck museum there. That afternoon, we travelled to Sault Ste. Marie (our joyous day interupted only by a speeding ticket) and we discovered the Lockview restaurant across the street from the Soo Locks. It was a Friday evening and their special was all-you-can-eat whitefish, prepared however you like: broiled, pan fired, batter dipped, or cajun. We've been back many times since.
The Lockview Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie, MI
After an amazing meal, we wandered to our hotel on the Canadian side. Once we were checked in, we decided to play Scrabble before bed. I was tired and feared that I wouldn't play well, but everyone was up for it, so who am I to say no?
Now, I do fancy myself a fairly good Scrabble player. I love word games, like Boggle, etc. But I rarely find an opportunity to use all my letters in a single turn and get a Bingo. So when it does happen, I am rather pleased. That night I was able to spell out 'Podiatry.' Michael looked at it and sounded out, 'Poh-dee-at-ree.' "Hunh?" he asked. I explained what podiatry was - and how it was pronounced- and was awarded a butt-load of points.
Being tired, not of the game, but from the day, I leaned back and sighed, closed my eyes for a moment and ran my fingers through my hair. And that's when someone - I'm pretty sure it was my wisenheimer wife - responded to the word I had played and my subsequent actions with, "Awww, is the big nasty brain tired." All with a perfectly sarcastic and patronizing tone.
After a howl and a good laugh from the others, it instantly became my nickname. Bnb, for short.
So there it is. The story behind the name of this blog. Let's hope this one sticks and I'll actually write something once in a while.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Gettng Started - A Basic Toolbox: Part 3
A post from an earlier blog, Handy Dandy Man
Flashlight. Two schools of thought here: get one that you can set down and shine where you need it, great if your under sinks, etc. or one that you can hold in your teeth. Or do what I've done and get a few - one for each occasion.
Circuit Tester. If you plan to do electrical work, this is a must. You can get a simple two-pronged tester that you stick into an outlet to see if the outlet is hot or not for about $2-$3. Of course, I prefer something more like the Fluke 1-AC11 Volt Alert. This great little tester can sense a live line even through the wire insulation. Just touch the tip to a wire, outlet, etc. and it will alert you to a live line. Great for trying to figure out which wires are live when you have a bundle of lines.
Hacksaw. Essential for cutting metal plumbing pipes and cutting any kind of metal rod or channel. What matters more here is the blade you use. I prefer Lenox brand blades for my hacksaws.
Adjustable Utility Knife. There are many out there: ergonomically designed, quick blade changing features, etc. A good one will run you about $4-$6. No need to go nuts here. Just make sure it's decent quality and that your blades are very good. Dull or cheap blades won't cut, just adding to your frustration and the likely-hood you might have an accident with the knife. ALWAYS cut away from your body.
File and Rasp. I keep what's called a 4-in-hand 10" rasp that is flat on one side and rounded on the other- rough on one end and finer on the other. I may not use it often, but it's good to have around when you need to take off "just a little bit."
Awl. Great for starting screws, marking drill holes, and starting drill holes so the bit won't slide. Also good for digging at or chipping things when necessary.
Torpedo Level. At the very least, you should have torpedo level for being certain that pictures hang evenly, etc. I have 4 levels: * A torpedo level * 2' level * 4' level * Line level Buying tip: Spend the extra money to buy the aluminum level. Plastic levels can warp and twist, causing thelevel to become useless.
Try Square. Any time you need to draw a straight line that is square or to check square on a piece that has been cut, or to be certain a corner is square, you'll want to have a try square. If you have the budget, a framing square can be valuable as well.
Miter Box and Miter Saw. If you plan to do any mitered cuts- baseboard, corner round, any molding, or picture frames, etc., then a miterbox and a good miter saw is important to have. You don't need anything incredibly expensive, but solidly built with a decent saw.
Caulk Gun/Caulk. I use a hex-rod caulk gun with a tip cutter and a hole puncher. I also keep a tube or two of latex-based caulk with silicone in both white and clear, and several tubes of Liquid Nails on hand.
Collection of Fasteners. This includes some 6d nails, 1-1/4" coarse drywall screws, 2" x #10 pan-head metal screws, tacks, 4d brads, and a few 1/4" lag screws. I also have an assortment of #8-32 and #10-24 screws.
I recommend an assortment of drywall anchors. If you can find them, Toggler makes an assortment that I highly recommend.
Picture Hanging Hardware. My favorite is harware by OOK.
Duct Tape. If you can't fix it with duct tape, it can't be fixed. ;) Keep a roll on hand. Again, don't be tempted to buy the cheap stuff. If you can get it, Duck brand is good stuff.
Electrical Tape. A must for electrical work.
Teflon Tape (Plumbing). It's necessary to tape any joint where water will be running under pressure. This stuff is very inexpensive ($.50), so keep a roll or two on hand at all times.
A keyhole saw
3/8" Socket wrench and ratchet set.
Oh, and uh, a Toolbox. Make sure you get one large enough to accomodate all your tools. You may want to consider a tote of sorts in which you can carry a subset of your tools- just the ones you need for a particular job.
Flashlight. Two schools of thought here: get one that you can set down and shine where you need it, great if your under sinks, etc. or one that you can hold in your teeth. Or do what I've done and get a few - one for each occasion.
Circuit Tester. If you plan to do electrical work, this is a must. You can get a simple two-pronged tester that you stick into an outlet to see if the outlet is hot or not for about $2-$3. Of course, I prefer something more like the Fluke 1-AC11 Volt Alert. This great little tester can sense a live line even through the wire insulation. Just touch the tip to a wire, outlet, etc. and it will alert you to a live line. Great for trying to figure out which wires are live when you have a bundle of lines.
Hacksaw. Essential for cutting metal plumbing pipes and cutting any kind of metal rod or channel. What matters more here is the blade you use. I prefer Lenox brand blades for my hacksaws.
Adjustable Utility Knife. There are many out there: ergonomically designed, quick blade changing features, etc. A good one will run you about $4-$6. No need to go nuts here. Just make sure it's decent quality and that your blades are very good. Dull or cheap blades won't cut, just adding to your frustration and the likely-hood you might have an accident with the knife. ALWAYS cut away from your body.
File and Rasp. I keep what's called a 4-in-hand 10" rasp that is flat on one side and rounded on the other- rough on one end and finer on the other. I may not use it often, but it's good to have around when you need to take off "just a little bit."
Awl. Great for starting screws, marking drill holes, and starting drill holes so the bit won't slide. Also good for digging at or chipping things when necessary.
Torpedo Level. At the very least, you should have torpedo level for being certain that pictures hang evenly, etc. I have 4 levels: * A torpedo level * 2' level * 4' level * Line level Buying tip: Spend the extra money to buy the aluminum level. Plastic levels can warp and twist, causing thelevel to become useless.
Try Square. Any time you need to draw a straight line that is square or to check square on a piece that has been cut, or to be certain a corner is square, you'll want to have a try square. If you have the budget, a framing square can be valuable as well.
Miter Box and Miter Saw. If you plan to do any mitered cuts- baseboard, corner round, any molding, or picture frames, etc., then a miterbox and a good miter saw is important to have. You don't need anything incredibly expensive, but solidly built with a decent saw.
Caulk Gun/Caulk. I use a hex-rod caulk gun with a tip cutter and a hole puncher. I also keep a tube or two of latex-based caulk with silicone in both white and clear, and several tubes of Liquid Nails on hand.
Collection of Fasteners. This includes some 6d nails, 1-1/4" coarse drywall screws, 2" x #10 pan-head metal screws, tacks, 4d brads, and a few 1/4" lag screws. I also have an assortment of #8-32 and #10-24 screws.
I recommend an assortment of drywall anchors. If you can find them, Toggler makes an assortment that I highly recommend.
Picture Hanging Hardware. My favorite is harware by OOK.
Duct Tape. If you can't fix it with duct tape, it can't be fixed. ;) Keep a roll on hand. Again, don't be tempted to buy the cheap stuff. If you can get it, Duck brand is good stuff.
Electrical Tape. A must for electrical work.
Teflon Tape (Plumbing). It's necessary to tape any joint where water will be running under pressure. This stuff is very inexpensive ($.50), so keep a roll or two on hand at all times.
A keyhole saw
3/8" Socket wrench and ratchet set.
Oh, and uh, a Toolbox. Make sure you get one large enough to accomodate all your tools. You may want to consider a tote of sorts in which you can carry a subset of your tools- just the ones you need for a particular job.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Getting Started - A Basic Toolbox: Part 2
A post from my earlier blog, The Handy Dandy Man.
Screwdrivers. Yes, that's right, plural. At the very least you will need two: a slotted screwdriver and a #2 Phillips-head screwdriver. I have over a dozen screwdrivers and could use more. At the very least, you should have the ones I've recommended here. I commonly use:
O.K., Here we go. Part 2 of putting together the basic toolbox.
Screwdrivers. Yes, that's right, plural. At the very least you will need two: a slotted screwdriver and a #2 Phillips-head screwdriver. I have over a dozen screwdrivers and could use more. At the very least, you should have the ones I've recommended here. I commonly use:
- 4" x 3/16" slotted driver (recommended)
- 4" x 1/4" slotted driver(recommended)
- Stubby 3/16" slotted driver
- 2" 3/32 slotted driver
- 4" #2 Phillips-head driver (recommended)
- 4" #1 Phillips-head driver (recommended)
- Stubby #2 Phillips-head driver
- 2" #0 Phillips-head driver
- A set of 6 jewelers screwdrivers: 4 slotted; 2 Phillips-head
Cordless Drill/Screwdriver. You will most likely use this tool more than you can imagine. If not, you're probably not using it for everything you could.
Get a good one. I have two. Thanks to my brother, I now own a Makita 18v Lithium-Ion 1/2" Driver Drill (BDF452HW). I'd be lost without this tool- the most-often used tool in my collection.
O.K., Here we go. Part 2 of putting together the basic toolbox.
Don't settle for less than professional on this tool. I recommend Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, or Rigid. Tools by Black & Decker, Ryobi, or Skil tend to be more affordable, but lack the same power and durability of the names I mentioned earlier.
Remember, if you buy an inexpensive tool designed for the homeowner who will use it only occassionaly, it may not last as long or perform as well as a more expensive tool designed for the professional. You may end up spending your money twice. Spend your money right the first time and buy a better tool. Trust me, you won't regret this decision.
For quick small jobs, I also own a small, inexpensive, 3-position, electric screwdriver (Black & Decker Model 9078).
Set of Drillbits and Drivers. Get a small set of drill bits- usually 1/16" through 3/8" is enough, but if you can, get a set that has a 1/2" with a 3/8" shaft. You may also want to consider a set of paddle bits for doing larger holes, up to 1" or more.
In regards to drivers, I have a "Speed-Lok" set of drivers and bits that allows me to quickly change between drill bits and screwdriver bits (Craftsman Model #26144).
Slip-joint or "alligator" pliers. These are essential for holding and gripping...whatever. They're ideal for tightening or loosening various sizes of nuts or other threaded connectors. They can also be used to grip and remove things, such as pulling out small nails, tacks, or staples. They are truly a multi-purpose tool that is essential to any toolbox.
Needle-nose pliers are essential for doing electrical work (bending wires to fit around the switch or duplex screws) and for getting into any tight space where you need to grip something. Some come with side cutters which are very convenient to have if doing a lot of wiring.
Tongue-and-groove pliers. Often called "Channellocks" after a popular manufacturer of the tool, these are great for doing plumbing work as they can often open wide enough to fit around 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" drain pipes. Again, though, this tool has many uses.
Adjustable Wrench. If you ever intend to turn nuts or similarly-shaped items (e.g. water and gas connectors), you gotta have at least one of these. I have a set of 4 - different sizes for different jobs. It's often difficult to get into a tight space with a large adjustable wrench, and smaller ones don't open wide enough to accomodate larger turning surfaces. I recommend at least two- a larger one and a smaller one.
Diagonal Cutters. Not just for electrical work, these can also be used to cut through small brads, nails, staples, etc. You will find ways to use these. They are ideal for pulling staples out after removing flooring or carpet.
Vise-Grips or locking pliers. If you need to hold something and wish you had that third hand- that's what locking pliers are for. While I don't use these often, a small set (usually 2 or three) will cover jsut about all of your needs.
Allen or hex wrench set. Seems you can't buy anything today that doesn't utilize an Allen or hex screw, especially ready-to-assemble furniture. A small set isn't all that expensive and you'll be glad you have them when the need arises. Here's a tip: Buy a set that is both SAE (Standard American Equivalent) and metric. Many of the RTA furniture makers are Asian or European and they tend to use metric fasteners.
Set of combination wrenches. There are times when having a closed or box wrench is just necessary. Where a plier or adjustable wrench is just too cumbersome or keeps slipping off the nut or hex bolt, nothing is better than a box wrench. An adequate set is about $25-$35.
Stay tuned for Part 3, Knives, Saws, Tapes, etc.
Getting Started – A Basic Toolbox: Part 1
A previous post on my blog, The Handy Dandy Man
Every homeowner who plans to tackle projects around the home should have a basic toolbox. Each homeowner's toolbox is likely to vary from one to the next based on the type and size of the projects you hope to take on.
There's a saying – one among many in the fix-it business – about having the right tool for the job. Nothing could be more vital to your success with home improvement projects than having the tools you need and knowing what tools or materials are available to help you succeed.
This isn't something you'll learn overnight. There are thousands of tools out there- variations on variations - and some are highly-specific in nature. Don't be scared off. Ninety percent of what you'll want to do around the house can be done with a modest set of tools that you can find in any good hardware store or home center.
Don't skimp on quality when buying tools. While you may not need the absolute best tool, you should buy a reliable tool that will last you a lifetime. Wherever possible, buy tools that carry a life-time warranty and are made with the best materials and crafmanship. In terms of hand tools, some of the brands you can trust are Stanley, Craftsman, True Value Master Mechanic Line, Irwin, and Channellock. If you can afford it, Snap-on and Mac are other great professional-quality tools.
Let's start with the tools every toolbox should have.
A Hammer. It doesn't get more basic than that. A good 16 oz. claw-hammer will do. The claw refers to the split, back-end of the hammer that is used to pull out nails. I prefer a one-piece all-metal drop forged hammer that has a rubber or leather grip. (I use an Estwing Model E16C leather grip hammer.)
There is an advantage to an all-metal hammer over a hammer with a wooden or fiberglass handle in that it will never break. It is possible to break a two-piece hammer if the handle is struck with force against a stationary object- which can happen if you swing and miss. And, I've seen poorly made wooden-handle hammers break under normal use. Again, don't skimp and buy cheap stuff.
Whatever you choose, most importantly, get a hammer that feels comfortable in your grip. Nothing can kill your DIY buzz like a hammer that hurts to use.
Safety Goggles. Everytime you use that hammer - or any tool that can result in flyng debris, like a saw, or chisel - wear those goggles.
25' Tape Measure. Another one of those sayings: Measure twice, cut once. Buy a reliable tape measure that has a nice stiff blade, one that will stand straight when extended to 8 or more feet. There are all kinds of tapes out there to choose from. Two features you might consider: a rubberized edge that won't cause any damage to marterials if it's dropped; a bright color so your tape is easily seen on the job site. You'd be surprised how many times I've looked for my tape and forgotten where I set it down. A bright yellow or orange tape is easy to see.
Check back soon for part 2 when we add screwdrivers and wrenches.
Every homeowner who plans to tackle projects around the home should have a basic toolbox. Each homeowner's toolbox is likely to vary from one to the next based on the type and size of the projects you hope to take on.
There's a saying – one among many in the fix-it business – about having the right tool for the job. Nothing could be more vital to your success with home improvement projects than having the tools you need and knowing what tools or materials are available to help you succeed.
This isn't something you'll learn overnight. There are thousands of tools out there- variations on variations - and some are highly-specific in nature. Don't be scared off. Ninety percent of what you'll want to do around the house can be done with a modest set of tools that you can find in any good hardware store or home center.
Don't skimp on quality when buying tools. While you may not need the absolute best tool, you should buy a reliable tool that will last you a lifetime. Wherever possible, buy tools that carry a life-time warranty and are made with the best materials and crafmanship. In terms of hand tools, some of the brands you can trust are Stanley, Craftsman, True Value Master Mechanic Line, Irwin, and Channellock. If you can afford it, Snap-on and Mac are other great professional-quality tools.
Let's start with the tools every toolbox should have.
A Hammer. It doesn't get more basic than that. A good 16 oz. claw-hammer will do. The claw refers to the split, back-end of the hammer that is used to pull out nails. I prefer a one-piece all-metal drop forged hammer that has a rubber or leather grip. (I use an Estwing Model E16C leather grip hammer.)
There is an advantage to an all-metal hammer over a hammer with a wooden or fiberglass handle in that it will never break. It is possible to break a two-piece hammer if the handle is struck with force against a stationary object- which can happen if you swing and miss. And, I've seen poorly made wooden-handle hammers break under normal use. Again, don't skimp and buy cheap stuff.
Whatever you choose, most importantly, get a hammer that feels comfortable in your grip. Nothing can kill your DIY buzz like a hammer that hurts to use.
Safety Goggles. Everytime you use that hammer - or any tool that can result in flyng debris, like a saw, or chisel - wear those goggles.
25' Tape Measure. Another one of those sayings: Measure twice, cut once. Buy a reliable tape measure that has a nice stiff blade, one that will stand straight when extended to 8 or more feet. There are all kinds of tapes out there to choose from. Two features you might consider: a rubberized edge that won't cause any damage to marterials if it's dropped; a bright color so your tape is easily seen on the job site. You'd be surprised how many times I've looked for my tape and forgotten where I set it down. A bright yellow or orange tape is easy to see.
Check back soon for part 2 when we add screwdrivers and wrenches.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Monuments and Milestones.
This post is from my previous blog, Ear to the Heavens. Enjoy.
I recently was asked by my 7-year old daughter what it meant to hear from God. She wanted to know what his voice sounded like. Could I actually hear his voice?
Let me say first, in all humility, that it is rare that I hear from God. His word is for me, as it is for most of His children, sufficient enough. The only time I really hear from the Lord is when, in my own stiff-neckedness, I have reached an impass and I need to hear His voice to nudge me beyond it.
So, I tried to explain to her that I don't actually hear a voice, but rather, deep inside, a thought comes to me in a small still voice that I recognize as not being my own. Usually it's only a few words, and with those words comes a deep and complete understanding of God's will in the issue.
I am humbled when I think about the prophets of the old testament and how often God spoke to them. Even moreso when I think about how little and rarely He spoke to some of them - for God to speak to me at all is amazing.
I was trying to provide my daughter with an example, and to my shame, I struggled to recall some of those moments. How could I not remember???
It was then that I recalled the monuments that the patriarchs laid to revisit and recall the great things that God had done. One, because we forget, and two, because the enemy seeks to distort the truth and will make us doubt that which we should be sure of because God as approved it with great and mighty acts.
When God has spoken to us, that event should be so great in our minds and so remembered that we never fall into the same trap we were in when He spoke to us.
So, with that in mind I have decided to start a record of the times and things God has shown me and spoken to me to reaffirm His will and His love.
I recently was asked by my 7-year old daughter what it meant to hear from God. She wanted to know what his voice sounded like. Could I actually hear his voice?
Let me say first, in all humility, that it is rare that I hear from God. His word is for me, as it is for most of His children, sufficient enough. The only time I really hear from the Lord is when, in my own stiff-neckedness, I have reached an impass and I need to hear His voice to nudge me beyond it.
So, I tried to explain to her that I don't actually hear a voice, but rather, deep inside, a thought comes to me in a small still voice that I recognize as not being my own. Usually it's only a few words, and with those words comes a deep and complete understanding of God's will in the issue.
I am humbled when I think about the prophets of the old testament and how often God spoke to them. Even moreso when I think about how little and rarely He spoke to some of them - for God to speak to me at all is amazing.
I was trying to provide my daughter with an example, and to my shame, I struggled to recall some of those moments. How could I not remember???
It was then that I recalled the monuments that the patriarchs laid to revisit and recall the great things that God had done. One, because we forget, and two, because the enemy seeks to distort the truth and will make us doubt that which we should be sure of because God as approved it with great and mighty acts.
When God has spoken to us, that event should be so great in our minds and so remembered that we never fall into the same trap we were in when He spoke to us.
So, with that in mind I have decided to start a record of the times and things God has shown me and spoken to me to reaffirm His will and His love.
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