Posted by: frankie
on Feb 10, 2012
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"A person who works with his hands is a laborer. A person who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman. A person who works with his hands, his brain and his heart is an artist - Louis Nizer
A visit to the Joe Martin Foundation Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum gives great perspective to a wannabe inventor/craftsperson like me. Ever since I was a kid I was interested in how things work. Not just the on and off switch but what was inside and why couldn't I see it work? I guess that explains why,at age 6, I put my finger in the lamp socket to see how the electricity made the light bulb work.
Joe Martin is the president and owner of Sherline Products Inc. an American manufacturer of precision machine tools. He is also a model builder and toolmaker. As such he has had much experience with precision tools at both ends of the size range. The quote above, recalled from the shop wall of Joe Martin's uncle, sums up his belief that craftsmanship goes beyond mere technical quality. While good machinery can produce parts of great consistency and accuracy when properly operated, without the craftsman's touch the results will be acceptable but not noteworthy. Pieces that truly grab our attention and admiration go beyond the minimum of what is required to add what we can only call the "craftsman's touch." Anything from furniture to a stained glass window to a clock to a model steam engine that is made by a master of his craft is worthy of a special kind of admiration. This museum features works that represent the spirit and skill of individuals; not committees or manufacturing companies. These projects were built by people with skilled hands and brains, but, most importantly, they were built for the love of doing it. Coming from the hands, the brain and the heart, they should be judged not just as a collection of parts, but rather as art. Other forms of art, such as dance, painting, music and so on are sufficiently represented elsewhere, so this group of individuals are concentrating on small things made by hand by an artisan using the tools of his trade.
Posted by: frankie
on Feb 02, 2012
Toured one of Carlsbad's favorite hotels this morning, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel (http://www.carlsbadinn.com). Beautiful sunny day(63 degrees and clear!) and the view from the second floor rooms were fabulous! Also, the Library Room with a georgeous ocean view and cozy rock fireplace, is a perfect spot for a morning cup of your favorite brew.
Recently renovated, the hotel has a fresh vibrant feel decorated with island chic surroundings. Just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort & Hotel is a peaceful destination resort located in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The resort offers beautiful vacation rentals, condominiums, and boutique hotel accommodations for relaxing family vacations, romantic getaways, corporate trips and group retreats.
Will post photos later
Posted by: frankie
on Jan 19, 2012
Not only is the Force returning to LEGOLANDÒ California Resort this year, but a swashbuckling pirate adventure ride, Pirate Reef, awaits guests coming to the family theme park in Carlsbad. Announcing: Pirate Reef, a new LEGO® Star Wars™ Gallery, expansion of LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland and Claws at SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium.
ON March 29, Star Wars and LEGO fans alike will be delighted to find even more detail in each episode. For example, in the Naboo area, guests will discover an “underwater” scene featuring an opee sea killer as it pursues Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn and Jar Jar Binks as they try to reach the city of Theed. Other new LEGO models include a Jawa sandcrawler in the Tatooine scene; Rebels caught in a net trap set by Ewoks on Endor; and a new crystal tower standing more than 6-feet-tall on Christophsis.
Posted by: frankie
on May 27, 2011
April showers bring May Flowers and then all of the sudden it’s summer! Warmer weather, schools on summer break, all reasons to consider a vacation destination.
Posted by: frankie
on May 06, 2011
Spring is here, the birds are flying, and all is good for birding season
