Martin Joiner's Blog Writing about software development, climbing and life.
2 August 2010

Solar Power Photovoltaic DIY Project

I am proud to say my very first solar power project is a success.  A few domestic items in my home such as my bedside lamp and my electric fan are now running from a battery that is charged from solar power collected during the day. The bulk of the work was building the actual […]… Read more »
Category: Art
10 June 2010

Chilli seedlings move to Autopot

I re-potted this year's chilli crop into a brand new autopot twinpot system with 47 litre tank today.  The clever Australian designed system keeps the pots sitting in a constant shallow pool of nutrient solution, never allowing them to flood or dry out.  All gravity operated and completely reusable the tank is filled weekly with water and […]… Read more »
Category: Art
9 June 2010

Sunrise Celebration 2010

Hard to choose an image that sums up Sunrise Celebration 2010.  But to sum up the element that was most inspiring to me personally is slightly easier.  The fantastic British inventors who are producing tomorrow's energy solutions in their sheds were fantastic.  To see more visit http://www.ianmoore.org/… Read more »
Category: Art
17 May 2010

Steam Bending Experiment 2 – Success

I write this as I sip a beer in celebration.  My second steam box was a success, but only after some mid-steam additions. I bought some flexible ducting from a reclamation yard for £10, strapped it down to a study stretcher and blanked off the ends.  I steamed a few strips of 2x1 pine and maple for […]… Read more »
Category: Art
5 May 2010

A good piece of art at the Brewhouse in Taunton

I popped into the Brewhouse on my way home from town today and found this wicked piece of cardboard sculpture on show in the gallery.  It's free to go in so take the time to check it out next time you're passing by.… Read more »
Category: Art
26 April 2010

Why cyclists break the law and hosepipe bans save water

Cyclists have an emotional connection to the energy needed to travel at speed.  Acceleration on a bike involves sensations of heat, tension, moisture, movement and exhaustion.  In contrast, a car driver's communication with the use of stored energy is muted and abstracted.  It comes from this strange liquid fuel hidden from sight in a tank.  In […]… Read more »
Category: Life Tagged as:
24 April 2010

Krishnan Guru-Murthy’s tie supplier found! (follow-up post)

After posting this blog last night I emailed Channel 4.  They replied this morning with this to say that Krishnan gets his suits and ties from Gresham Blake.  I contacted their Brighton shop and they confirmed it was them who supplied the pink cherub with AK47 tie to Krishnan and yes she does have one left […]… Read more »
Category: Life Tagged as:
23 April 2010

Krishnan Fashion Guru-Murthy’s Cool Pink Cherub Tie

After watching tonight's Channel 4 debate show on the political campaigns it is clear that a lot of people will be left asking one question... Where did Krishnan Guru-Murthy get his super cool tie from?! Now this may be my imagination playing tricks on me but isn't that a cherub holding an AK-47?  A funky […]… Read more »
Category: Life Tagged as:
12 April 2010

Cosmopolitan Taunton? Yeah whatever.

This may sound hard to believe but Taunton town centre was buzzing on Saturday afternoon.  There was a vegan food fair, rival groups of political campaigners and Elementz Street Dance Crew all taking advantage of the gorgeous weather.  I had a great day just wondering around mingling with my fellow Tauntonians.  Here's a few shots […]… Read more »
Category: Art Tagged as:
2 April 2010

Additional Colour Options Added to Taunton Mural Project Proposal

After gathering feedback on the initial mural project idea, one recurring thought is that local community may object to the bright Yellow and Red colours of the design more than anything else.  Jamie Corbett explained that when he works as a painter-decorator on council maintained properties he is given guidelines on colour scheme.  James P […]… Read more »
Category: Art
 « Newer Entries  Older Entries »