ProDesktop 3D CAD

Friday, August 15th, 2003
My friend and fellow robotics mentor, Rob Steele, and I have just completed a 3-day Solid Modelling (CAD) course for educators, sponsored by PTC, makers of ProDesktop and ProEngineer.  The course was held at California State University, at Northridge.  Once we complete our course assignments, we will be certified to teach ProDesktop to students. We plan to use this training to teach students in our U.S. FIRST robotics teams real-world CAD/CAM skills.

Here is an example of some of the basic solid models we worked on. The next step in this exercise is to render the materials to cover the surface of the model. I can't wait to show the kids how to take their concepts to design.  Eventually, I plan to teach the kids how to take their computer designs and machine them on a CNC mill and lathe using some of the equipment in my CNC Lab.
Image:ProDesktop 3D CAD

Beautiful & Spacious Skies

Wednesday, August 13th, 2003
All too often I forget to step outside and admire God's creation.  We are truly blessed.
Image:Beautiful & Spacious Skies
I took this photo from my back deck.  You can see a live photo from my weathercam.

My wife left me

Thursday, August 7th, 2003
My wife left me early this morning to join her sister at OsFest.  
Image:My wife left me

For the next four days, Kathy and her sister will be in Hollywood and then at the Universal Hilton, (Part of the Universal Studios complex) ,celebrating the unveiling of the latest star on the Hollywood walk of fame, dedicated to a leading entertainment family. The evenings will be filled with star-studded, white sequined jumpsuits, dinners, variety acts, possibly a surprise visit from Andy, and lots of home movies.

As for me, no such excitement. I get to stay home and really appreciate just how hard my wife works, day in and day out, tirelessly educating, cooking, and cleaning, and helping me with the business. She is truly an amazing woman.  Perhaps I should nominate her to run for governor of California.  

I miss her already, and it is only day one of four.  

Mr. Mom.