Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Bandsaw-Related Topics

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Metric Threads and Anatomy of the Eye

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Drill Press, Method for Drilling Radial Holes, and Partial Map of Phoenix

Geeks Contemplate Mystery Object

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Fire Starter and Rocket Stove

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Bitcoins and Shakesperean Logic

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse

Slide Rule of the Week for 28 March 2017

Slide Rule of the Week for 21 March 2017

Slide Rule of the Week for 14 Mar 2017 (Pi Day!)

Geeks Marvel at Keurig Innards

Making coffee these days is more complicated that you'd think.

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Shoe Cubbie Design

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Nomograms and Dead Bug IC Mounting

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Copper Extraction, Balsa Wood Conservation, and Burning Bridges

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Dimmer Wiring, Small Engine Maintenance, and Heat Shrink Tubing

Geeks Scribble on Scratch Paper - Magnetic Levitation and Doggie Door Repair

Notice

When a man says he'll do something, he'll do it.  There's no sense in reminding him every six months.

Geek Turns 90

On February 12 (a non-Tuesday), Tom had his 90th birthday.  On February 14th (a Tuesday), Mark and Phyllis threw him a big birthday party with a fancy tablecloth and cake and candles and everything.  Oh, and (thankfully) just one silly hat for Tom himself.  Click here for lots more pictures.

In case there's any doubt, a good time was had by all.

Geeks Adopt a Ballpoint Pen

Notwithstanding the strict and official rules regarding the geeks' use of #2 lead pencils, they also have a ballpoint pen. Just one, though. Here's the scoop:

And here's the pen itself, a very nice pen indeed, as you can see:

Geek Redefines COBOL

Man.  Even though there's documentation and everything, nobody's still quite sure what to make of this.

Almost

Seven people came to the supplemental meeting today.  If only one more had shown up, there would have been eight.

Geeks Solve Mystery of Life

Well, one of them, anyway.

In the aftermath of Phyllis's infamous Pencil Rant of 2011, the geeks conducted a totally subjective and unscientific test wherein Phyllis graciously agreed to evaluate thirteen randomly selected lead pencils for hardness, smoothness, and overall good pencilhood.  She assigned each test pencil a score ranging from 1 ("Not Acceptable - No Good") to 5 ("Great - I want one").  She then compared the three pencils with scores of 5 to select an overall winner.

WHEREAS, the geeks are generally a peaceful group, seeking only to make their way in the world without a lot of fuss, and
WHEREAS, the previous state of uncertainty about lead pencil selection did result in some fuss that could have been avoided had we only known at the time which pencils were best, and
WHEREAS, as a result of the recent test, we now know without any doubt which pencils are best, and
WHEREAS, it seems like if we used just that one kind of pencil, at least on Tuesdays, we could possibly avoid some measure of future fuss, at least where lead pencil selection is concerned but maybe not in other areas;
NOW THEREFORE, let it be proclaimed that the Official Lead Pencil of Geek Pizza is henceforth and forever the Staples #2 Yellow Pencil, available in boxes of twelve as Model 10504-CC, online or in Staples stores nationwide.  Accordingly, all future Geek Pizza documents shall be drafted, executed, and maintained using Staples #2 Yellow Pencils. Further, geeks with some tragic character flaw that leads them to prefer some other kind of pencil should just try to keep quiet about it.

Geek Models Reflective Eyewear

If just being a geek isn't flashy enough for you, maybe these glasses will help.  Then again, maybe they won't.

Geeks Experience Thermal Shock

The geeks underwent an unplanned and abrupt thermal shock as a freak hail storm hit during the regular meeting on October 5, 2010. With the geeks temporarily trapped inside Barro's by the raging tempest, the temperature outdoors dropped from normal October levels to a brisk 63 degrees F as registered by the thermometer in Russ G's truck immediately after the furor subsided. Most of the hail in the vicinity was around a half inch in diameter, although a few bigger stones fell as well.

The geeks observed drifts of hail and rare ground fog in the violent storm's aftermath.

Geeks Use Algebra As Needed

The August 31 meeting saw a minor debate about the value of algebra in everyday life. Although a couple of the geeks claimed that they actually use algebra once in a while, nobody could come up with a concrete example on the spot. It was a pretty dismal performance on the part of said geeks, to say the least.

In order to partially rectify (now that's a funny word!) the situation, here's a real problem from the real life of a real geek:

A geek wants to put four drawers one on top of the other into his workbench. He wants to make each drawer 15% taller than the one above it. The total available vertical space is 27 inches. How tall should he make each of the four drawers?

One way to solve this problem involves basic algebra. Are there other ways that don't? Please comment if you have one.