On the Mind of Chuck Reynolds

On the Mind of Chuck Reynolds http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com Personal stuff and shorts that don't run on rYnoweb posterous.com Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:29:00 -0700 This site has moved, Check out UpChuck http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/the-has-moved-check-out-upchuck http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/the-has-moved-check-out-upchuck

I've moved this blog and its content over to UpChuck.us. Why? I had too many sites that were neglected so I've combined most of them and dumped the rest and put all new content over there. The post explaining all of the details on the move to upchuck is here.

I won't be posting here anymore. So just a heads up :) Aloha.

Upchuck

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:34:00 -0800 The Middle Class is Disappearing http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/the-middle-class-is-disappearing http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/the-middle-class-is-disappearing

Caught news of an interesting video of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Couple of quotes to think about:

The top 1% of income earners in USA earn 23.5% of ALL income, more than the entire bottom 50%.
The top 1/10th of 1% of income earners earn 12¢ of every dollar
Between 1980 and 2005, 80% of all income went to the top 1% in America.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:35:00 -0800 Horrible Logos does rYnoweb http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/horrible-logos-does-rynoweb http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/horrible-logos-does-rynoweb

I found out about this cool little deal that for five of your hard earned dollars you can get a guy to randomly sketch a 'Horrible Logo' for you or your brand. I saw a few funny ones come out for my friends at Forty agency so I wanted to play too. Here's what he came up with:

Horrible-logos-rynoweb

Typical to get a rhino for 'rynoweb' but at least there was no web involved lol...

Get your Horrible Logo at horriblelogos.com - he also does horriblejingles.com too - some funny ones there too (like the one he did for Gangplank). Enjoy.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:46:00 -0700 Audio Recording for a Gangplank ASU Project http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/audio-recording-for-a-gangplank-asu-project http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/audio-recording-for-a-gangplank-asu-project

So let me set this up first - because this is odd. So we have a whole Architecture class from ASU spending time at Gangplank and learning about the environment and how us anchor companies use the space and what our daily lives are in the space. Their final project is on us - ya weird, but interesting because I'm wanting to see the final product they complete. I think they're redesigning the space for optimal use and probably going balls out on super expensive remodels and stuff we'll never probably implement but if anything there should be some cool concepts coming out of it.

Getting to this audio thing - one of them wanted each of us to record the 'quote' we have on the Gangplank Board / Staff page so they can use it in their project...

“I like the underlying principle of collaboration that exists at Gangplank – getting great minds together, talking and working to create better products and solutions.”

Well here it goes.

chuckreynolds-gangplank-quote.mp3 Listen on Posterous

I can't say I'll be getting many voice over contracts after this but I figured it was funny to post anyways so... there ya go.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:20:00 -0700 Won a Dick Butkus Jersey Today http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/won-a-dick-butkus-jersey-today http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/won-a-dick-butkus-jersey-today

Today started off trying to find a better location to watch the Bears game with other Chicago Bears fans because the Cardinals game was on at the same time and I didn't want to watch one muted tv. We had eaten previously at Jimmy's of Chicago in the past and decided to stop by. There was a big banner outside about raffling off jerseys during the games and inside was fillin up with Chicago natives... Yup my kinda place - mi familia.

Photo_2

So the raffle worked like this: every item you buy you get a raffle ticket. Well both Amy and I had breakfast then a few beers each and then some lunch later on. Needless to say we had accumulated a few tickets. First quarter raffle goes down, we win a set of six Stella Artois glasses! Nice! Yeah we won that too :)

The Bears ended up winning and the final raffle was called... a moment passes and Amy screams! I'll be damned... We won a Bears jersey!! Choices were two throwback jerseys, Payton and Butkus and an orange Peppers jersey. Went OG Grid Iron style and chose the Dick Butkus jersey. I mean come on, he's one of the Greats, one of the best that ever played the game. Payton, love you too man but gotta go with the 51 on that call.

Photo_3

But the ultimate win here is this: The Bears won 27-20 against the Cowboys IN Dallas and for the fact that tomorrow is our 2nd Anniversary (awwwhh).

Overall it was a good Sunday. Go Bears! And Thanks again to Jimmy's of Chicago in Gilbert Az!

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:07:00 -0700 Custom Xterra MTB Mount http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/custom-xterra-mtb-mount http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/custom-xterra-mtb-mount

I've wanted a better way to transport my mountain bike in my xterra and have so forth been using a quilt to wrap it up so it doesn't get scratched and so I can have a second bike in there; Sloppy but it worked. I decided to take some measurements and build a mounted system to where I could stand the bikes up and have room for a toolbox and riding gear etc. I've seen one out in the wild from Thule I think but it was like $400 and I'm not into that horse-hockey. So below is what I built and it works exceptionally well. I can get both bikes standing with the front wheels off and I have plenty of room in there (my dog Jinx as the stand-in model there).

Two-mtb-dog

Two-mtb

Single-mtb-tire

Single-mtb

Rear-tire-clearance

Mtb-truck-mount-schematic

Chuck-mtb-dog-inside

See the full gallery on Posterous

Basic information you'd need to know to build one:

- the tracks are 36" on/center and I made the board 3" longer on each edge just cause

- the fork mounts were on sale at Performance Bike for $10 but are $20 normally: link: XPORT Universal Bike Mount

- my bike is a large and I have to take off the seatpost. The handle bars clear the top by about 1.5" and I have a 5" travel bike

So I consider this done, at least to the point of I'll improve it when I get more time. I wanted some hand-tightened things for the main board but didn't find anything great to solve that so currently going with a 6mm threaded bolt into the stock Xterra track mounts.

Also I'm going to build something to mount the two front tires as well that will also bolt down to the right track but for now I'm just wrapping them with a bungee cord and hanging from the hooks. It doesn't swing around at all so it works for now.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:17:42 -0700 Backyard Sod Laid http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-sod-laid http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-sod-laid

Backyard-new-sod

The sod is laid and sprinkler system going 4 times a day to keep it green and to allow it to take root. I haven't been on it much but the dog likes crapping on it so that's good news right? lol.

Already looking at xeriscape-able plants for the yard so I can get those in and do the rest of the drip irrigation and maybe run some low-voltage wire for future lights. All in time...

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:27:10 -0700 Designing in-Truck Bike Mount with my Best Friend http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/designing-in-truck-bike-mount-with-my-best-fr http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/designing-in-truck-bike-mount-with-my-best-fr

Jinx is helping me design a in-truck mountain bike mounting system. That board is temporary as I'm currently taking measurements for a 1 and 2 bike system and maybe something to hold the front wheels and seat posts I had to take off to make them fit. Need somewhere to fit the toolbox too for races. Truck is an Xterra for those of you that don't know. I am aware of some retail kits available but they're really expensive and I think I can make one more versatile anyways.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:40:20 -0700 My Furry Distraction while Working at Home http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/my-furry-distraction-while-working-at-home http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/my-furry-distraction-while-working-at-home

About five o'clock every day I'm home working I get Jinx laying her head on my leg every 15 minutes. Those are the start of my last hours to work until late at night because the girl comes home and gotta make dinner and do the spend time thing. Dog just don't understand man... lol.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:24:00 -0700 Issue Resolve and +10 Whuffie for @WeReward http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/issue-resolve-and-10-whuffie-for-wereward http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/issue-resolve-and-10-whuffie-for-wereward

A couple of days ago I posted about how I had an issue with a location-based reward app on the iphone called WeReward. That post is here. Within a few hours after that post went up I got a tweet from the CEO Ted Murphy saying they saw my post and were on it and he commented on the post directly explaining that he was notified his team and that the app is still in beta and that they know they have issues and are still ironing out details. I understand that all too well :) So pretty quickly I got a response and an apology (not that it was needed) from the CEO - Awesome!

Ted-murphy-tweet

Another day later I got this push notification saying I was rewarded the 504pts in game...

Wereward-504

Hi Five! So I'm happy, they're happy they took care of a customer and evangelist and everybody wins. Thanks WeReward. Thanks Ted and Thanks Daniel too for helping out :)

If you don't know what WeReward is and/or want to learn more - check it out here (aff link)

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:38:00 -0700 Ikea Hack: Monitor and Speaker Desk Platform http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/ikea-hack-monitor-and-speaker-desk-platform http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/ikea-hack-monitor-and-speaker-desk-platform

Ikea-shelf-hack

Materials Used:

- Ekby Jarpen (46"x11") Birch Veneer

- Capita (4")

Description:

Not too difficult to understand here but I wanted to get my monitor above my laptop and lift the monitor speakers off the desk level as well for better acoustics. Originally I had planned on buying the smaller desktop and ripping it in half with a table saw but spotted the Ekby Jarpen shelf displayed in the kitchen area displays and decided to use that instead. 11" is the perfect depth for the Rokit 5 monitors and allows for the plug and cables to drop without hitting the wall. The Capita's come in 4, 6, and 8 inch, and chose the 4 as the 6's were out of stock, but in turn it was a better choice as it's not too high to be awkward looking but elevates everything perfectly leaving some space underneath for small trays for storage.

Assembly is easy. I used the package as the width guide to place the leg plates from the edges and eyeballed the distance from the front and rear of the shelf to about 1/2". In retrospect I would probably move the front ones back to about 1.5" overhang as if I get my eyes down lower I can start the see the screw heads in the plate, but it's hardly noticeable.

Cost: $27.31 after uncle sam

EDIT: This was Featured on Ikea Hacker!

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:40:03 -0700 Backyard Ready for Sod and Rock http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-ready-for-sod-and-rock http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-ready-for-sod-and-rock After spending half the day yesterday adjusting some of the sprinkler head locations and grading and cleaning up overhanging trees from neighbors and picking up more nails and concrete pieces... This is where we sit!

Next week sod goes in and I'm still looking for good price on the rock we need. Need about 9ton of 3/4" Jessie Red. Was quoted $47/ton but I know I cam do better than that. LMK if you have any connections. And LMK what you think of the progress! Thx!

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:24:00 -0700 Lost @WeReward Points Due to App Crash http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/lost-wereward-points-due-to-app-crash http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/lost-wereward-points-due-to-app-crash

One of the recent tasks in WeReward has been to go into BestBuy and take a picture with yourself and an employee holding the Eye-Fi product and share it via my social media connections. The task was worth 504 points which, in game, directly relates to $5.04 - not much but it's not about the money. The app crashed during the share and because of the way it works, I can't upload an image, you have to accept the task, take the pic, and claim it (when it uploads). The app is occasionally unstable and crashes but this time the timing was really bad.

How it all went down. I needed a product, in this case was a new DOCSYS 3.0 cable modem. I figured since Best Buy had the WeReward task, I might as well go into the local BB to buy the modem instead of ordering it online as I normally would. I went in, got my modem and looked at some other stuff but found my way to the camera section and grabbed the Eye-Fi and found an employee in the next isle stocking some stuff. I asked him "can I ask you a weird question.... other than this one?" He laughed and said sure... I explained briefly what the task at hand was and he suggested we take the pic in front of their Eye-Fi display. Very nice guy by the way. The following picture is the result:

Upon thanking him I began my exit and moved to the register to buy my modem... while waiting for the claim to upload the image. Walking out of the store, I realized the WeReward app had crashed. I opened it up and realized that it didn't upload, claim or anything... it just died. I wasn't about to go back in, bug the guy working AGAIN and set up the whole shot... SO... this is my post and open letter to WeReward and Ted Murphy to help me out here and hopefully do the right thing and fix the situation?

Worst case I lost the time and effort by the nice guy at Best Buy and I lose the in-game points but figured it's worth a shot. Currently I have a point balance of 914, which is from 52 different rewards, so I use it quite often and like the mechanics of the app and how/why businesses interact with the consumer (me) through it. I like LBS (location-based services) and WR is pushing it into a good direction. It was just the largest reward I've seen and I wanted in on it...

If you don't know what WeReward is and/or want to learn more - check it out here (aff link)

EDIT (23 Aug)

As you can see in the comments the WeReward team got on this pretty quick. Updated post about resolution posted "Issue Resolved and +10 Whuffie for WeReward"

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:29:56 -0700 DVR Paradox http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/dvr-paradox http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/dvr-paradox Why is it that when I'm watching shows on the DVR I forget about my
ability to fast forward through commercials and yet when I'm watching
shows live all I can think of is how I wish I could fast forward
through the commercials?

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sat, 07 Aug 2010 10:50:00 -0700 San Tan Mtn Loop Ride http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/san-tan-mtn-loop-ride http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/san-tan-mtn-loop-ride

Does it get any better than that pic? Wish Amy was here to enjoy it but we'll get her out next time.
Perfect day, new trail (for me) and I'm gassed. GPS tracked ride at 4.52 miles. Short ride but fun.

EveryTrail Trip Info

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:55:38 -0700 I HAD a new loaf of bread, damn dog http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/i-had-a-new-loaf-of-bread-damn-dog http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/i-had-a-new-loaf-of-bread-damn-dog

That is the empty bag of what was a BRAND NEW loaf of bread. Notice it was ripped open from the wrong end? It was laying next to the Dog's bed with her cowering outside when we got home. She obviously knew what she did was wrong.

Also gone was a full bowl of water. Haha, I suppose I'd be extremely thirsty if I wolfed down an entire loaf of bread too. Her stomach is distended and she looks as wide as a small bus lol. Ah the fun of owning a pooch.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Sun, 13 Jun 2010 22:44:00 -0700 Spotted: An authentic General Lee http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/spotted-an-authentic-general-lee http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/spotted-an-authentic-general-lee

The shop I was at working on my truck today had some sweet dirt track cars, bunch of race motors, a sweet sounding Maverick - you know typical race shop type of stuff. But when the back door came up - there she was... a frickin real 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee up on a lift. I've never seen one in person. Instantly I was brought back to being a kid repeatedly watching the Dukes of Hazzard.

The motor was out for rebuild but I think they said it had the 383 not the 440. She needs a lot of work but you do know there are only like 25 of these in the country, right?!!

There's still a big part of me that would give anything to drive the General Lee.

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Wed, 26 May 2010 09:49:04 -0700 Backyard Project - Concrete Phase Complete http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-project-concrete-phase-complete http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-project-concrete-phase-complete

Continuing with the backyard project concrete phase where the first post showed the layout and the concrete forms, this post wraps up the concrete phase with shots of the competed concrete patio and side-yard pads.

I've been asked why we chose to break up the patio into parts; it's simply to keep the original feel the home builder started on the front patio with 4" gaps with gravel to break up the slab and not have one big piece of concrete so in our designs (with help from Boyd at Coleman Design Group) we wanted to carry that feel through the side-yard and into the back-yard as well.

Here are the finished concrete shots with forms pulled. We went with a broom-finish; gravel will be inlayed later on. Still lots of work to do for the complete project. Let me know what you think in the comments! Thanks!

Front Side Yard Concrete Done

Side Yard Garbage Bin Pad and Grading

Backyard Patio Concrete

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Mon, 24 May 2010 13:05:59 -0700 Backyard Project - Concrete Phase http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-project-concrete-phase http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/backyard-project-concrete-phase

Continuing with the backyard project we have had the plans drawn up and revised a few times (Thanks Boyd Coleman) and now have the crew in today forming and grading and tomorrow pouring concrete. A few shots of the setup right now.

New Backyard Patio

I'm standing in what will continue to be grass (nicer later obviously) but looking at what is going to be the new patio segments.
Again keeping with the concrete design from the front we designed a few pads with about 4" in between that will later consist of rock that will match the borders where plants will be.
Opposite side of the patio is another slab where the grill and prep area will be.

Front Side-Yard

Side of the house from the driveway into the back yard we're keeping similar design with the already built front sidewalk part of the house and making 5 pads going into the side-yard where there will be another pad off the the right for garbage cans.
Having a drainage line put in and had that and the side-yard area graded as we had pooling issues prior.

Again I'd like to thank Boyd (Coleman Design Group) Coleman for helping with the major landscape architecture portion and the main backyard design and layout and I need to thank Google's Sketchup for allowing me to accurately design my ideas for the architect and to design the front side-yard setup myself for the guys to form :)

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds Thu, 20 May 2010 12:46:57 -0700 A Jinx in a Box http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/a-jinx-in-a-box http://chuck-reynolds.posterous.com/a-jinx-in-a-box

LOL this was fun. Got her Hale doggie door delivered today and I wanted to see if I could get her to tunnel into the box. Took a few training treats but she did it a few times now and doesn't seem to be scared of it anymore. Overcome your fears puppy!

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/19605/chuck_tysonphotography_168k.jpg http://posterous.com/users/bjfcghGs2 Chuck Reynolds rYnoweb Chuck Reynolds