Space Derby

Every October our ward does a pine wood derby. Since we have virtually no boy scouts it becomes an entire ward free for all. There are no rules, limitations or restrictions! This year we did a space derby. Given the structural design of my rocket I thought it fitting to christen it "Skeletor."

I've learned two key points about space derbies from this experience. To win you need 1. a good rocket design, 2. a good feel for winding the rubber bands. My first run blew the propeller off my opponent. The second run I wound the propeller the same number of times, but the elastics had stretched, thus producing less thrust. Unfortunately I lost.

However, having learned this lesson in a single elimination tourney, I decided afterwards to race the #1 and #2 rockets. Turns out that the cause of my loss was in no way attributed to a poor design. I rocked their socks.

Next year ...

(I'm lazy when it comes to creating these videos so there are many pictures that I should have not included, but the "automovie" option is just so enticing)

The Canon in the Hall of the Mountain King

Back in middle school and into high school I was interested in learning the guitar for several reasons. One major reason was because I thought girls digged it. After getting married the guitar started to gather dust. Now that Nat is learning the guitar for her music program it has rekindled my desire to play the guitar again.

In my younger years I was mostly interested in playing covers of the popular rock songs. Stairway to Heaven, Tears in Heaven, Nothing Else Matters, etc were my common genre. Nowadays I'm learning that I really enjoy playing classical finger picking songs. Here are a couple songs I've picked up this year. I don't really strive for perfection, just enjoyment as you'll notice.

Canon in D

In the Hall of the Mountain King