Do you have a wood shop or hobby area? Most people locate theirs in the garage, basement, or external building. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that is never any lack of tips to improve your work flow and end product. Here, in no particular order are some of my favorites.
Know your lumber grades. Too many people over-spend needlessly. The go-to guys in the industry is the National Hardwood Lumber Association.
Make a water level. This simple device does things that a four or two foot level can’t do, like transferring benchmarks around corners.
Use the right wood glue for the job. They’re not all the same. They are very specialized today.
Explore the wide world of metal and hardwood for woodworking jigs. There are a million jigs out there to make your projects easier, safer, and more accurate.
Learn about all the methods of woodworking joinery. Some work better than others for specific job. Some are more decorative than others. One of my favorites is the dovetail joint.
These are just a few wood shop tips to make your projects more enjoyable and productive. Got any of your own? Share them in the comment section!
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Hungry Venezuelans queue up for food scraps after socialist government collapse.
This article was updated on 10/09/20.
Bernie Sanders was a strong contender for the Democrat party nomination during the last presidential election. In fact, there is much (well-deserved) speculation that he only got edged out by Hillary Clinton and the DNC’s dirty tricks.
Bernie’s issue with middle America was that he is a Democratic Socialist. Most folks in flyover country don’t want free stuff; they want jobs. Of course the youth want free college and forgiveness of student loans but for those of us that actually have to foot the bills, that is not such a promising prospect. In what world does it make sense to fund someone else’s children’s higher education? K-12 is one thing; that is good for society at large, but college? No.
Bernie Sanders is not alone in his desire to control every aspect of our lives and sweep the Constitution away like so much rubbish. Upstart first-term congressperson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (aka AOC) is busy making waves. Her antics and lack of knowledge about all things economic and otherwise are beginning to rankle even her fellow Democrats. The first term is supposed to be about learning from established colleagues but she will have none of it.
Her outlandish ideas are exemplified by her proposed “Green New Deal” which aims to allow the government to regulate bovine flatulence (cow farts), eliminating air travel (although she doesn’t mind using it herself), and a government-enforced retrofit to her green standards of all buildings across the country. That’s right; the property owner doesn’t get a say. This, people, is what Democratic Socialism has in store for you.
What is Socialism?
Socialism is defined as a range of economic and social systems that are characterized by social ownership and worker’s self-management of the various means of production as well as the political theories and the movements that are associated with them.
Social ownership is a broad term. It may refer to forms of public, collective, or cooperative ownership, or to citizen ownership of equity There are a number of varieties of Socialism and there exists no single definition encapsulating all of them, however, social ownership is the common thread woven throughout its various forms. The problem is human nature. Why should I work hard if most of the resulting gains are to be distributed to those less disposed to do so? The incentive is removed; society stagnates. Entrepreneurs and visionaries fade away. All that’s left is a glut of worker-bots and government central planners.
Socialism vs Capitalism
Welcome to Venezuela
A recent Foxnews report tells us that, “a new nationwide survey shows that in the past year nearly 75 percent of the population lost an average of 19 pounds for lack of food.”
This in a country that should be enjoying riches from its oil reserves. But looking deeper there are two issues. First, and most problematic, is that Venezuela has a fondness for socialism rather than a free market.
Yes, free stuff works fine when the oil is flowing but basing your economy on just one commodity is dangerous, nay, it is suicidal. The problem with their oil, as abundant as it is, is that it is extremely sour crude. This simply means that the sulfur content is so high that hardly any refineries will process it. It just costs too much to refine and the extracted sulfur itself is dangerous and difficult to dispose of.
It’s Simple Economics
It is no secret that the market today is flush with sweeter crude due to shale sands, fracking, and other technologies. So why import and refine Venezuelan crude at higher prices? The issue will only get worse since President Trump approved the Keystone Pipeline. There is no prospect for any improvement for the common Venezuelan citizen. People will starve and medical care will stay on its downward spiral.
So there you have it. Socialism, a reclusive and closed country, a reluctance to develop agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism; it is simply a recipe for disaster. The common people suffer. We see it not only in Venezuela but also in countries such as North Korea. Socialism has only worked in one place as far as I know. That would be the Panama Canal Zone before President Carter gave it away. Ironically, it was a federal agency run by that bastion of free enterprise, the USA. So yes Bernie, you were wrong from the get-go.
“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” — Winston Churchill
But the problem is that Bernie is a Utopian. He sincerely believes socialism is the way to “govern” society. Here’s his take in his own words:
Bernie wants to mold America after the (former) Soviet Union and the impoverished Cuba. Both are failed states, which is a fact that he will not acknowledge. Democratic Socialism in America would be no different.
How Socialism Destroys Societies
By its very nature socialism destroys society; no intent is needed. This has been proven over and over. Unfortunately, zealots such as Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and AOC always say they can make it work. The fact is that it is all a mad thirst for power and riches. The previous attempts just didn’t do it the way Karl Marx envisioned it. But, history has proven that…
It destroys economic growth. It penalizes success and rewards failure. When the government confiscates money from successful people and redistributes it to the less successful, the successful have no incentive to build businesses and create jobs. Why should they? Just look at Greece today. Once socialism bottomed them out, rather than rethink their economic system, they simply turned to the European Union to keep them afloat. An entire country asking for redistribution from the EU. That might be called macro-socialism.
Free speech goes out the door. Just look at the extreme speech codes in Canada. Speak out against the government in China and you are going to jail. Socialist governments can’t abide honest, informed debate about its merits between citizens (or, comrades if you will) who are free to choose or reject it. So they stifle it with regulation.
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Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.
I just happened to see an interview with this alt-left looney toon some time ago. It is simply impossible to get any more left-coast than this. Yvette Felarca is a public middle-school teacher in California and self-avowed antifascist activist.
She is the leader and spokesperson for the anti-fascist group By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) and a middle school teacher in Berkeley and has been accused of inciting and participating in a riot in 2016 between white nationalist groups and counter-protesters.
The assault charge was filed after a video captured her hitting Nigel Walker, a member of the Traditionalist Worker Party, and calling a man a Nazi before repeatedly punching him in the stomach while shouting “get the f— off our streets.”
Breitbart.com reports, “In 2016 the educator and two of her radical pals were arrested and charged with several crimes, including felony assault, for inciting a riot in Sacramento. Felarca was captured on video calling a man a Nazi and punching him in the stomach repeatedly while shouting obscenities at him. More than a dozen people were injured in the riot, at least 10 with stab wounds, and the capitol grounds suffered thousands of dollars in property damage. In 2017 Judicial Watch filed a California Public Records Act request seeking records about Felarca’s Antifa activism and its effect on the Berkeley Unified School District that employs her. She sued to stop the school district from furnishing the records and a federal judge determined that it was an entirely frivolous lawsuit and ordered her to pay Judicial Watch’s legal fees.”1
Why on earth is this woman allowed to teach middle-school children? Oh right, California. That’s where when a person incites a riot, commits assault on another citizen, and whose actions lead to damaged property, the courts protect her. That’s the country we live in now. Why bother to de-fund the police? The state has already taken away their man-cards.
Her Activist Mission
It seems that her mission in life is to take on the mantle of police for humanity. Anyone she deems a “fascist,” she said, must be silenced by “any means necessary.” So when someone near her says something that she doesn’t personally agree with, hey, that’s license to just beat the crap out of them on the spot. First amendment be damned.
Democratic Socialist playbook
She particularly focuses her laser beam of violence on Milo Yiannopoulos, surprisingly. She is cool with the fact that he is openly gay but how dare he expose the ugly hypocrisy of her and the non-inclusive alt-left.
Felarca’s Hypocrisy is Overwhelming and Utterly Transparent
She justifies her hypocrisy by defining a target fascist this way, “It is someone who is committing violence and someone who is trying to organize other people to commit violence.” Teacher Felarca said, “And Milo Yiannopoulos is a fascist.”
Oh, but it is OK when she whips her students up into a California style Bezerkley leftist frenzy and and physically assaults peaceful demonstrators that don’t agree with her very narrow view of reality. Oh, that’s what an antifascist activist is. She’s in good company with violent Antifa thugs. Good to know. Kind of reminds me of those Islamic police that wander around the Iranian streets measuring beards and inspecting burkas.
What a world we live in when a woman like this is allowed to teach the youth of a country that used to honor the First Amendment of the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Only when she approves of it I suppose. Everyone else is a fascist and deserves the business end of a baseball bat. Because she says so. Harrumpf!
So When is the Anti-Fascist the Fascist?
Her definition, from a FOX news interview is, “A fascist is someone who is organizing a mass movement that’s attacking women, immigrants, black people, other minority groups, and a movement of genocide. That’s what a fascist is. It’s someone who’s committing violence or organizing other people to commit violence.”
So, let’s interject a bit of reality here. Her organization BAMN, with Felarca as the spearhead, incites riots and attacks non-violent protesters who are exercising their first amendment rights and then she and her followers destroy property. Now tell me again, who is the brown-shirt fascist here?
It is a sad state of affairs when an individual like Yvette Felarca, an Antifa style operative and a purveyor of violence not only gets a pass from the mainstream media and the very authorities who are sworn to maintain the laws and Constitutional mandates. But that’s now the state of the Union. Dis-Union. Dark days are ahead of us indeed.
Tom Fitton, Breitbart.com, Antifa Militant Who Praises Cop Killers Gets Cash Settlement, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/06/01/antifa-militant-who-praises-cop-killers-gets-cash-settlement/
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Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.
Of course, fiberglass insulation is the most common insulation in existing homes and new construction. It doesn’t require any special equipment to install and it’s more economical than spray foam. In fact, it is one of the easiest (although itchy) DIY projects to increase your home’s energy-efficiency.
What’s up with Soy Spray Foam Insulation?
Nope, not a joke. If you’re familiar with the fact that soy beans are an easy to grow crop and do well in many climates, you’ll understand why it makes such a green and sustainable building material.
Soy spray foam insulation is sprayed on as a liquid which quickly expands and fills all voids, making a very air-tight building. You might hear it called a tight envelope. And it’s water-based so there’s no questionable chemicals.
Now is the Time To Beef Up Attic Insulation
If your home is already built and occupied, insulating walls can be problematic to do yourself, but installing attic insulation is a snap. And it’s not always so hot up there to make it a miserable job if you do it in the spring or fall.
But that stuff is itchy! That’s because the tiny fiberglass fibers stick into the pores on your skin. There are ways to handle it, though. You can wipe your arms down with fingernail polish remover. The active ingredient is acetone. Save big bucks by buying a can of it at the home improvement store.
I used to install a lot of the stuff in the summer when I was installing suspended acoustical ceilings and framing walls and hanging drywall. I lived in an apartment at the time. After work I’d just slip into my swimming suit and hop in the pool.
That took care of it. I suspect that it just washed off, although logically, it seems like the cool water would tighten up the pores. Whatever. It worked
Rockwool: the Insulation From Hell
Rockwool is the worst, no doubt about it. It’s also a fiber kind of construction material. It also has some glass-like chunks of stuff I can’t even speculate about. I just know they would dull the blade of a utility knife quicker than anything I’ve ever seen.
How Much is Enough?
Good question. It’s tempting to say as much as you can stuff up there, but there is a point of diminishing returns. Owens-Corning (the pink panther people) tell us “The amount of insulation to add depends on two factors – the amount and type of insulation already in place and the recommended R-value for your location.” Well, duh.
The minimum in the US depends of where you live but the average maximum that the government recommends is R-60. In the south, the minimum is R-30. It increases as you go north, finally getting to a minimum of R-48 if you live in, say, Nebraska or Minnesota.
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Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.
Given the recent blizzard on the U.S. east coast (February 2017) you might not be inclined to be thinking about home improvements; there’s too much to do digging out from under the snow.
But the fact of the matter is that this is the perfect time to be in the planning stage for such things. Homeowners are generally interested in at least three things: building home equity, becoming more energy efficient, and just being comfortable.
So what are some things to consider in this planning stage while waiting for that federal income tax refund?
Priorities. Make a list of “wants” and “needs.” It is always nice when these things coincide but reality often dictates otherwise. If you have to choose between a new granite counter top and a much-needed roof, you know what to do.
Get realistic about your budget. In the end this will dictate what you can really do. Keep in mind that the more work you can do instead of hiring someone, the further your dollars will go.
Spend time checking out any contractors you might use. Make sure they are insured and bonded and not going to put you on the losing end of a mechanics lien. Angie’s list is a great way to narrow your list.
Good Candidates for Home Improvement Projects
There are many considerations for projects; here are a few that I like:
Iran conducted another ballistic missile test on Wednesday 2/8/2017 defying the U.N. yet once again. Of course like most United Nations actions, this resolution has no testicles. It’s merely their way of saying, “pretty please.”
This test occurred at the Semnan launch pad and the missile traveled approximately 35 miles before crashing. This is not the first time a test has been conducted at this facility.
Of course the liberals that follow the same terrorist sympathy mindset as ex-President Obama similarly lack a pair of stones. For example, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., called Iran’s recent ballistic missile launch “very dangerous” and said the launch “should not have happened.” I’m sure that has them shaking in their sandals.
These same liberals generally reason that since we conduct tests, people that live in terrorist hotbeds should enjoy the same right. The difference is that they want to use ordinance to kill Israel and we don’t.
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A texture roller, from the paint section of Home Depot; photo copyright 2020 Kelly R Smith
This article was updated on 07/31/20.
There is nothing quite so plain as an un-textured wall or ceiling; do you agree? Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pro or spend a lot of money to get exceptional results. Drywall texturing techniques for remodeling and original home construction are well withing the reach of anybody that indulges in the occasional DIY project. Here we list some of the most common ways to go about this DIY particular task.
Common Texturing Methods
The paint roller method. This one is most likely the easiest and most frugal because… it just uses a paint roller (see it in the photo above)! For instructions on any of these methods, reference the links below.
The knockdown texture method. This involves a bit more work but the results are impressive. This involves applying drywall mud to the surface with a tool, pulling the tool off to form ridges, and then dragging a wide floating knife across to “knock down” the ridges. Use a crow’s foot brush or see my instructions to make your own unique texture knockdown tool. I made mine to match a client’s existing texture during repairs and I’ve been using it ever since.
Orange peel, eggshell, or splatter texture. This is the one most frequently used by contractors. For this method you will need a compressor and a hopper, both of which you can rent. You can buy those little spray cans at Home Depot for minor repairs but they are very expensive, and in my opinion, render less-than-favorable results.
Knowing and using these drywall techniques for remodeling will help give your home that unique look to differentiate it from all the other contractor-grade homes on the block. Go ahead; have some fun with it.
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Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.
I saw an interesting article this morning. Lena Dunham was touting her recent weight loss. She attributes her latest eating disorder to Donald Trump being elected president. She puts it this way, “Donald Trump became president and I stopped being able to eat food,” she told Stern after he complimented her look. “Everyone’s been asking like, ‘What have you been doing?’ And I’m like, ‘Try soul-crushing pain and devastation and hopelessness and you, too, will lose weight.”
Now, like many Hollywood crybabies, she promised to move to Canada if Trump won. Isn’t it time to put up or shut up? Please, take your carbon credits and just go already. If they’ll take you.
On the Howard Stern show she actually said of Hillary Clinton, “The most qualified candidate we’ve ever had.” If that is not the textbook definition of a mental disorder, I don’t know what is.
Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at 
Kelly R. Smith is an Air Force veteran and was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation, financial, and energy-trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at 
