projects

by Winston Ash on Coding

Computer Education

So, 2017 is the year I take my learning to the next level.

I am fascinated by computers, the web, code, and the application of engineering, coding, and business to old problems. My goal: solve aold problems with new tech.

Think about it. Here are the parameters. The problem has to be labor intensive and equipment intensive.

Top problems I like:

  1. Recycling – How to get the most material out of the residue stream and into recycable material.
  2. Landscaping – How to reduce the need for labor intensive work by cost effectively allowing autonomus machines to do the work
  3. Transportation – Reducing the cost per mile through smart planning
  4. Repairs – Scheduling repairs instead of incurring the cost of unplanned downtime.

So, these problem are diverse, but all have a similar theme; elimination of waste. My goal is to do the right thing in the best way possible. And the only way to know that is to have internal tracking to show progress.

Great problems whose solution leads to better life on the planet. Yes, these are small problems. Yet, there solution is elegant and creates opportunity out of boring industries.

Let’s upturn the established order and do it better.

So, let’s start with Computer Education.

I need to be able to express my ideas and get traction in the world. So, marketing becomes my number one priority. To keep costs low. I want to learn as much about computers, coding, and websites as possible.

Computer Education:

  • Codecademy – Javascript, Learn Ruby on Rails, Deploy a Website – Basically everything on here is valuable to learn
  • Hootsuite Academy
  • Google Analytics Academy
  • Free Code Camp

This is the start. I’ll keep documenting my advances.

My portfolio of work is available for your viewing pleasure @ CodePen: http://codepen.io/webzkidd19/

 
by Winston Ash on #Maker

#Maker: Weekends are for Projects

 

Last weekend I finished my fire pit. It looks great and only took me about three weeks to complete. The problems being only working on it during weekends and the weather. But now it’s done and on to the next project.

After the fire pit, I tackled my favorite activity, organization. So, I started with a place i control completely, my garage. The workspace is mine and so is everything in it.

My plan is from two sources.

[Tweet “Benjamin Franklin, “A place for everything, everything in its place.””]

And the idea of first order of availability combined with 5S. I need to be able to access any tool without moving or opening anything. Also 5S stands for: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. I took both of these concepts from work and applied it to my garage.  

My theory on this is everything needs a label and identified visually.

Ok, that’s a little theory to the madness that ensued. I spent a whole weekend pulling all tools out, cleaning, labeling, and then shadow-boarding. Once finished it turned out amazing. And now I have a functional workspace to start my projects.

What’s up Next?   

Projects in Semi Order

  1. Bedroom to Walk-In Closet
    1. Build shelving
    2. Build Cabinets
    3. Build Clothes Racks
  2. Tackle Bathroom
    1. Replace Shower Head
    2. Repair Tile
    3. Fix Wall Radiator
  3. Ride-On Mower & Push Mower
    1. Get Working Again

These projects shouldn’t take too long. Plan is to get started on them this weekend and document as I go.

What Else?

On a completely different note, I am fascinated by the Maker Movement. I want to turn my garage into my own Makerspace / Workshop. There are a ton of things I want to learn and do.

Skills

  1. Electronics
    1. No Knowledge besides how not to get electrocuted.
  2. Woodworking
    1. Basic knowledge and have hand tools
  3. Metal
    1. I can weld and use a torch. I am comfortable around these and work has given me ample practice.