Compare commits
1
Commits
| Author | SHA1 | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
 nicholas
|
fb1ac8ca89 |
@@ -1,35 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["build","plants"]
|
||||
tags = ["plants"]
|
||||
date = 2025-08-08T08:00:00-05:00
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "2025-08-08-plant-cart-upgrade"
|
||||
title = "🛒 Plant Cart Upgrade"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
I need to upsize the plant cart. The current cart is undersized so I will replace it with a very large wire shelving unit.
|
||||
|
||||
## Overview
|
||||
I use cable ties to affix the shop lights to the underside of the wire shelves. There are now three light units:
|
||||
- 4 ft shop light (2)
|
||||
- 2 ft shop light
|
||||
|
||||
The 2 ft shop light was meant for the old smaller plant cart. New lights are 4 ft long, matching the length of the shelving unit.The lights are powered by a power strip with a 6 ft cord. It is attached to the side of the wire shelf with yet more cable ties. I also removed the overhead EMT conduit-mounted spotlights since they have been replaced by a shop light. It is a cleaner look.
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## Images
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image src="images/members-mark-6-tier-wire-shelving.png" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image src="images/braun-10000-lumen-LED-shop-light.png" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image src="images/shop-light-mounted.JPG" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image src="images/plant-cart.JPG" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
✅ Done.
|
||||
@@ -1,36 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["food"]
|
||||
date = 2025-12-07T09:00:00Z
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "2025-12-07-mod-pizza-crust-par-bake"
|
||||
title = "🫓 Par-baking Pizza Crusts"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
It is winter time. We live on the third and top floor of an apartment complex, top of the thermal strata. My downstairs neighbors' gas heaters, 250 W of plant lights, a server rack of computer equipment (which I have made some effort to make energy efficient for summertime), and various other, now 100% efficient heat-making household electrical appliances are all that are needed to heat our apartment, even at sustained temperatures as low as ~20°F.
|
||||
|
||||
This is the perfect time to batch-par-bake a few pizza crusts. No waste heat!
|
||||
|
||||
We made the dough on Saturday night, cold-fermented it in the fridge overnight in little pizza dough proofing pans. A half size sheet pan would not fit in the refrigerator. I moved them to a parchment-lined half size sheet pan to come up to room temperature the following day.
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## Process
|
||||
The process is:
|
||||
- mix dough
|
||||
- divide
|
||||
- shape into balls
|
||||
- cold ferment 24-72 hr
|
||||
- allow to warm to room temperature
|
||||
- preheat baking steel 45 min @ 500° F
|
||||
- roll out to size (in this case, 14″)
|
||||
- load onto parchment paper
|
||||
- dock dough, thoroughly
|
||||
- launch onto baking steel
|
||||
- bake ≈ 1 min
|
||||
- invert, cool on rack ≈ 10 min
|
||||
- freeze immediately
|
||||
|
||||
## Images
|
||||
|
||||
{{< gallerynew name="par-bake-pizza-dough-gallery" >}}
|
||||
-16
@@ -1,16 +0,0 @@
|
||||
images:
|
||||
- src: "images/dough-in-proofing-pan.JPG"
|
||||
alt: "Dough in proofing pan"
|
||||
caption: "Dough in proofing pan"
|
||||
- src: "images/dough-in-proofing-box.JPG"
|
||||
alt: "Dough in proofing box"
|
||||
caption: "Dough in proofing box"
|
||||
- src: "images/dough-rolled-circle.JPG"
|
||||
alt: "Dough rolled flat into a circle"
|
||||
caption: "Dough rolled flat into a circle"
|
||||
- src: "images/doughs-rolled-circle.JPG"
|
||||
alt: "Many dough rolled into circle"
|
||||
caption: "Many dough rolled into circle"
|
||||
- src: "images/par-baked-crusts.JPG"
|
||||
alt: "Par-baked pizza crusts"
|
||||
caption: "Par-baked pizza crusts"
|
||||
@@ -1,32 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["build"]
|
||||
date = 2025-12-10T20:03:00-06:00
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "2025-12-10-cable-management"
|
||||
title = "🔌 Cable Managing"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
My computer rack would benefit from some better cable management. To facilitate this I need to make some modifications to the rack:
|
||||
|
||||
- Extend the rack to ≈30 in, up from ≈24 in. This wil give me more space at the rear to route cables.
|
||||
- Move server chassis down for 0U gap. This will give me more space at the top.
|
||||
- Put wheels back on the rack. This will allow me to roll out the entire rack from the wall for better access.
|
||||
|
||||
I purchased these server rack tie bars to give me something to fasten the cables to. I use hook-and-loop straps for this.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/server-rack-tie-bar-amazon.png"
|
||||
alt="Screenshot of Amazon product Server rack tie bar"
|
||||
caption="Tie bar" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
Computer desk needs tidying cables too. I attached a spare wire shelf to the underside of the desk using magnetic hooks. The hook base attaches to the desk's metal support rails.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/under-desk-cable-management.JPG"
|
||||
alt="View under desk" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
## Images
|
||||
{{< gallerynew name="server-rack-gallery" >}}
|
||||
@@ -1,28 +0,0 @@
|
||||
images:
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-attach-wheels-half-1.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-attach-wheels-half-2.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-assembled-hardware.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-rear-high.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-rear-eye-level.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-roll-out-landscape.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/server-rack-roll-out-portrait.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/under-desk-cable-management.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
- src: "images/cable-management-result.JPG"
|
||||
alt: ""
|
||||
caption: ""
|
||||
@@ -1,63 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["christmas"]
|
||||
date = 2025-10-28T16:00:00Z
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "2025-christmas"
|
||||
title = "🎄 Christmas 2025"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
We need Christmas decorations. The most important holiday. Late October is not too soon. How many Christmases do we get in a life? I do not want to think of it.
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## ✨ Lights
|
||||
I attached standard Christmas string lights to the plant cart, a little haphazardly. It will do. I am not sure I will ever take these down. I used maybe 50 cable ties and it will a little tedious to remove them all. Also, it looks not explicitly Christmasy in the mean time, and the room could use more light, although they seem to exhibit a kind of flickering which I read is due to cheap half-wave rectified LED drivers. 60 Hz flickering.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/plant-cart-christmas-lights.JPG"
|
||||
caption="Plant cart Christmas lights" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
## 🌲 Tree
|
||||
The tree is 3 ft tall unlit tree, ($15 at Hobby Lobby). I cannot trust that built-in LEDs on such disposable trees will survive long, so I outfit the tree with removable fairy lights.
|
||||
|
||||
A tree skirt covers the private parts of the tree. Also, battery-powered mini Christmas lights.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/christmas-tree-night.JPG"
|
||||
caption="Christmas tree glowing at night" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
## 🍃 Wreath
|
||||
Bailey made a wreath a very long time ago and it continues to decay each year. It will be a shame when it is no longer with us because it is beautiful. We hang this on the front door.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/wreath-day.JPG"
|
||||
caption="Wreath" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/wreath-night.JPG"
|
||||
caption="Wreath glowing at night" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
## 🎁 Gifts for Me
|
||||
Increasing dietary fiber could be a good thing for us, but the process of preparing digestible beans is annoying so I bought us a pressure cooker (**Instant Pot® Pro™ 6QT**). I made rice and it took 5 minutes. Incredible. Apparently legumes can be finished in something like 30 minutes. Wow.
|
||||
|
||||
I can play audio through the monitor, but of course they remind me of being on public transportation. Even these very cheap, small bookshelf speakers (**Micca MB42X G2**) are way overpowered for PC speakers, but I had a 50 W stereo amplifier (**SMSL-SA50**) from a very long time ago which can drive them, so I put it to good use.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/amazon-orders.png"
|
||||
caption="Christmas gifts on the way" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
## 🎁 Gifts for Thee
|
||||
Christmas ended up getting CANCELED. Too many illnesses. Now there is a pile of largely empty gift-wrapped boxes arranged merrily in the spare storage bedroom.
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/gift-stack.JPG"
|
||||
caption="Gifts" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/baileys-sourdough.JPG"
|
||||
caption="mini sourdough loaves" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/baileys-cookies.JPG"
|
||||
caption="pistachio shortbread cookies, ginger molasses cookies, earl grey macarons" >}}
|
||||
@@ -1,24 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["vehicle"]
|
||||
date = 2026-03-31T03:58:00-05:00
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "2026-03-31-car-maintenance"
|
||||
title = "🚗 Car Issue"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
Car Issue
|
||||
|
||||
## Symptoms
|
||||
- Issue begins after refueling
|
||||
- Engine sputters/rough idle when stopped (idle, park, red lights)
|
||||
- Vehicle lurches while stopped
|
||||
- Occurs without pressing gas pedal
|
||||
- No sputtering while driving / under throttle
|
||||
- Intermittent throttle non-response (pressing gas sometimes has no effect)
|
||||
|
||||
## Diagnosing
|
||||
|
||||
## Fix
|
||||
Replace Vapor Canister Purge Solenoid Valve
|
||||
@@ -1,59 +0,0 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["food"]
|
||||
tags = ["reverse-engineer","arbys","sauce"]
|
||||
date = 2025-10-04T13:00:00-05:00
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "arbys-bronco-berry-sauce"
|
||||
title = "🐎 Arby's Bronco Berry Sauce"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
In this fast food reverse engineering post, I reference two documents:
|
||||
- [Arby's Ingredients](files/arbys-bronco-berry-ingredient-list.pdf)
|
||||
- [Arby's Nutrition](files/arbys-bronco-berry-nutrition.pdf)
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
## 📋 Ingredient List
|
||||
Surpringly, the sauce contains absolutely no berries. In fact, it looks a lot like a basic **sweet and sour sauce**:
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/arbys-bronco-berry-sauce-ingredient-list.png"
|
||||
caption="Arby's bronco berry sauce ingredient list" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Bell Pepper, Distilled Vinegar, Modified Corn Starch, Jalapeno Pepper, Vegetable Juice Concentrate (color), Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate (preservatives), Onion (dehydrated), Salt, Spice, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Acetic Acid.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
Compare this to *La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce*. Curious....
|
||||
|
||||
{{< image
|
||||
src="images/La-Choy-Sweet-and-Sour-Stir-Fry-Sauce.avif"
|
||||
caption="La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce" >}}
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
```
|
||||
Water, Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Modified Corn Starch, LESS THAN 2% OF: Salt, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Dried Red Bell Peppers, Oleoresin Paprika.
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
Just look at the overlap. It's essence is a sweet and sour sauce:
|
||||
|
||||
| Ingredient | Arby's Bronco Berry | La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce |
|
||||
|---|---|---|
|
||||
| Water | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| Distilled Vinegar | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| Modified Corn Starch | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| Salt | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| HFCS / Sugar | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| Bell Pepper | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
| Jalapeno Pepper | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Pineapple Juice Concentrate | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Onion (dehydrated) | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Xanthan Gum | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Citric Acid | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Acetic Acid | ✅ | |
|
||||
| Spice / Oleoresin Paprika | ✅ | ✅ |
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
✅ Good enough.
|
||||
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
|
||||
+++
|
||||
categories = ["build"]
|
||||
tags = []
|
||||
date = 2025-10-28T16:31:00Z
|
||||
description = ""
|
||||
draft = false
|
||||
slug = "truck-bed-rails-repair"
|
||||
title = "🛻 Truck Bed Rails Repair"
|
||||
author = "nicholas"
|
||||
+++
|
||||
|
||||
## Problem
|
||||
I removed the ladder rack from my truck bed. It left behind scratched paint, bolt holes, and some rust.
|
||||
|
||||
## Parts / Equipment
|
||||
-
|
||||
|
||||
## Steps
|
||||
- wire brush away rust
|
||||
- clean with isopropyl alcohol
|
||||
- apply primer
|
||||
- apply top coat (opt)
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
✅ Done.
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user