Rick’s Rants and Raves

When my company issued me a laptop, I also got the corporate standard black laptop bag. The bag is perfectly functional–lots of pockets and padding, padded straps, pen holders, etc. It works well. Unfortunately, it is the exact same bag everyone else has. Meetings and business trips are frequently marked with confusion over whose bag is whose. I wanted something more unique.

But, I’m also cheap frugal. So a $100 aluminum brief case or a $150 leather messenger bag were out of the question. Everything in my price range was just like the standard issue black nylon bag I already had.

So I decided to try for a retro look. I bought a “vintage?” Samsonite briefcase on eBay for $20 with shipping, and added appropriate cushioning so that my laptop would be reasonably protected.

The first design decision I made was that I didn’t want to mar the inside of the briefcase. In retrospect, I’m not sure why this mattered to me. I think I wanted to do a proof-of-concept that could be applied to any briefcase, and if it didn’t work, I wanted to be able to unload the briefcase easily.

The inside of the brief case was appropriately 1970s (I’m guessing) spartan.

My materials: cardboard, packing foam (closed cell polystyene??) and some hot glue.

My next task was to aquire firm but giving foam to hold the laptop in place. I went scrounging in the shipping department at work. They have a bin full of scrap packing foam. The stuff I chose was used to cushion a laptop in a shipping box, I think.

I cut the foam into six square pieces about three inches square, by 2 inches tall. I then cut a cube from one corner of each square piece. I then stacked two of these foam pieces on top of each other twice to form the supports at the briefcase hinges, using hotglue to secure them.

I cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom of the briefcase snuggly. Then using the laptop as a guide, I hotglued all the pieces in place.

Here is a closeup of the supports near the hinge.

The laptop fits inside the back supports, and lays on top of the front supports, with plenty of room on the side for my power supply.

At first I was concerned that the hot-glue on cardboard method wouldn’t hold up. I’ve been using this daily for 3 and 1/2 months, and it has worked like a champ. I haven’t had to replace or reglue anything.

See also:

• 42 GB Hard Drive Mirror
• Table-Top Hard Drive clock

OK, everyone has seen the dude who made an LED POV (persistence of vision) clock out of a hard drive, and we’re all very impressed (no, seriously). But not all of us have those skills. This is a hard drive clock that requires only a power drill and some basic hand tools. No electronics knowledge is necessary. Total project time: 60-90 minutes.
Supplies:

• Old hard drive (duh). I happened to find a 5.25″ model. Smaller or bigger drives could be just as fun.
• A clock movement from your local craft&hobby store. Get the one with the longest shaft you can. Mine was 3/4″ and it fit perfectly.
• I used a bit of old IDE cable to help support the bottom of the clock. You may need to get creative to get yours to hang parrallel to the wall.
• A six pack of your favorite beverage to celebrate your cool looking clock.

Tools:

• Hand drill with bits up to the size of the clock movement shaft. I needed a 5/16″ hole for mine.
• Various screw drivers, perhaps with hex or torx bits, depending on the model of your drive.
• A hammer
• If you do the IDE cable trick I describe, you’ll need a utility knife (or sturdy scissors) and some hot glue.

Step 1: Remove the cover from the hard drive. Your model will vary. Look under the “Warranty void if label removed” labels to find hidden screws and nuts.

Step the second: Remove the screws holding the platters in place. Be very careful to not touch the surface of the platters–finger prints will look pretty crappy. Hold them only by their edges.

In my drive, the top platter came off easily after the screws had been removed and the armature pushed aside.

However, to get the second platter off, I had to partially dissassemble the actuator.

The magnets holding this part together are incredibly strong, so don’t be suprised if it takes a bit of force to remove one after the screws have been removed. I then jammed the arms all the way down into the circuit board so that I could remove the second platter. Depending on your drive, you may have to remove the arms.

Step C: Pry off the rotor (cover for the motor in the center of the platters). I found a couple of screw drivers did the trick pretty quickly.

Once the rotor is off, you can see the coils beneath.

Step IX: Punch the bearings out of the rotor. I put the rotor on top of my vice, with the jaws about an inch apart. I then put a philips screwdriver on the bearings, and tapped them out with the hammer. This took a couple of tries, but eventually they came out.

Step 9: Now it is time to drill through the center of the motor mount in the back of the case. I spent a great deal too much time attempting this because there was a small steel column that I’m guessing the motor rotated on top of–it was the center spindle that I needed to get through. My crappy drill bits just weren’t making much progress. Finally I turned the drive over, and tapped on the spindle with a punch (a philips screw driver would suffice) and a hammer. It came right out. After that, enlarging the hole in the aluminum was incredibly quick. So, my lesson here is: if you think you have to drill, try something else. If you are drilling steel, it will take forever, especially if you have crappy drill bits (like me).

I was so excited when I widened the hole an got wood from the work bench, I shot the picture right then and there, without removing the debris.

The Next Step: Reassemble the platters and the spindle rotor. Let them sit in place in the center of the drive, but they won’t stay there very well. Put the magnets back together for the drive arms and put them back between the platters.

Fit the clock shaft up through the hole in the center of the platters. The hole left in the rotor after removing the bearings was bigger than the nut and washer supplied with the clock movement, so I had to add another washer. Fortunately, it is almost impossible to tell.

Step -i: Follow the instructions provided by the clock movement for putting the hands on the clock.

Step M: Now, looking at the back, the body of the clock movement sticks out, and so we need something at the bottom to brace it agains the wall (I’m hanging mine). If you choose to stand yours on a desk, well, good luck with that.

So here’s where that IDE cable came in for me. I took an old cable, and cut off the end that fit the drive along with about 6 inches of cable. I plugged the cable into the bottom of the drive, and hot glued the tail against the back, just under the movement body, leaving a bit of a loop in the wire. In this way, the IDE cable holds the bottom of the drive body away from the wall about as much as the movement body does.

So, here is the finished product, hanging on a wall in my den.

You can see a bit of the IDE loop at the bottom to get an idea of what I mean.

Step 6 Pack: Time to enjoy a cold beverage, admiring your wicked cool White & Nerdy harddrive clock.

I’ve always wanted to see what a hard drive looks like while it is working. I recently took one apart (an old 400MB “Big Foot”), attached it to my test box. It worked suprisingly easily. Here is the video:

I swear people should not be allowed to use e-mail until they have passed a licensing exam. Yesterday a message went out to (I’m guessing) about 5000 people at work regarding our expense reporting system. This is pretty normal, and I would license the folks who sent this e-mail.

Then someone replies to all with a very specific question about an expense report that they submitted a month ago. This person’s license should be flagged as suspect, but I’ll allow them a bit of leniency as it could have been an honest mistake.

Then it gets crazy–in 20 minutes 40 people reply to all. What follows is an excerpt of their responses… All totaled, the messages in my inbox consumed over 200KB; multiplied by 5000, thats a GIGABYTE of stupid e-mail.

You be the judge of how many should have their e-mail priveldges revoked.

—–Original Message—–
From: GMB-CWI-T&E Department
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 1:03 PM
To: G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement
Importance: High

TRAVEL AND EXPENSE ADDRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

…snip…

—–Original Message—–
From: Dave
Sent: Wed Oct 18 18:17:37 2006
To: GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

I sent an envelope to you on 10/13/06 expense # …snip…
—–Original Message—–
From: Bruce
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:23 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

I have no idea why I was copied on this email. As far as I can tell it does not involve me or any of my reports???????????

—–Original Message—–
From: Mike J (Corp Sol)
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:24 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Not sure why you sent this to me but I thought you should know that it didn’t get to the right person.

—–Original Message—–
From: Kim
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:23 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement
Importance: High

Why did I receive this email?

Thanks
—–Original Message—–
From: Amy B.
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:30 PM
To: Mike J (Corp Sol); Oliverio, Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department;
G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Likewise.

Hi Mike!
—–Original Message—–
From: Marisa
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:30 PM
To: Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please stop copying all on responses
—–Original Message—–
From: Kimberly
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:30 PM
To: Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please do not ‘Reply to All’ just the sender!!

Kimberly
—–Original Message—–
From: Kris
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Because Dave responded not only to the T& E center, but also to everyone set up on Gelco…… Now don’t you feel famous Dave…..oops

All good things to you,
—–Original Message—–
From: Gerald
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Amy B.; Mike J (Corp Sol); Dave;
GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

via “reply all” we get to listen in on conversations
—–Original Message—–
From: Tracy
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:31 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Why am I getting these messages (got for multiple folks). I’m a sales rep … don’t work in expense dept.
—–Original Message—–
From: Pat
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:32 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

ALL,

Just to let you know, Dave sent this to everyone instead of just the T&E department.

—–Original Message—–
From: John
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:32 PM
To: Dmitry; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

I’m sorry, Dmitry, but I have no knowledge of this matter.
—–Original Message—–
From: Ray
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:34 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

It is a company wide announcement !!!

—–Original Message—–
From: Susan
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

okay we get it…a mistake..Please do not rely to all
—–Original Message—–
From: Bob
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:32 PM
To: Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please remove me from any further communications; thanks!

—–Original Message—–
From: Joey
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:41 PM
To: Edith; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please stop reply all!
————————–
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

—–Original Message—–
From: Kimberly
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Because everyone is ‘Replying to All’ so all T&E users are getting copied. Please only reply to the original sender, Dave.

—–Original Message—–
From: Eric
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:43 PM
To: Kris; Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E
Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please let me off this ride I’m feeling dizzy
—–Original Message—–
From: Douglas
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:36 PM
To: Amy B.; Mike J (Corp Sol); Dave;
GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

PLEASE STOP THE MADNESS!

—–Original Message—–
From: Palmida
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:32 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

I too would like to know, who are you asking?

—–Original Message—–
From: Dario
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

You’re all receiving the email because you all keep responding to ‘all’

Please stop.
—–Original Message—–
From: Thomas
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:39 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Would everyone please quit responding to all.

If you do not then we will all have choked emails. If you need to respond then please do so only to the DEPT. Not All Travel and Expense Users.
—–Original Message—–
From: Dick
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:42 PM
To: Marisa; Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department;
G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

There must be something wrong with the mail address. I’m also getting these mails but I think it’s the G-All Travel&ExpenseUsers which is almost everyone!!
—–Original Message—–
From: Jason
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:50 PM
To: Marisa; Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department;
G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

That’s no fun, we all need more in our inboxes

—–Original Message—–
From: Eric
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:33 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Stop replying to all.

—–Original Message—–
From: Robert
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:50 PM
To: Kimberly; Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E
Department; G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

But you just did!!
:-p
—–Original Message—–
From: Dempsey
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:32 PM
To: Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please only respond to sender we are busy THANKs
————————–
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

—–Original Message—–
From: Nicolas
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:45 PM
To: Pat; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

REMOVE
—–Original Message—–
From: Brian
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:28 PM
To: Mike J (Corp Sol); Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department;
G-All Travel & Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Do Not reply to all
—–Original Message—–
From: April
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:30 PM
To: Bruce; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Not sure why I got this either. ??
—–Original Message—–
From: Dean
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:39 PM
To: Edith; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please take me off this list.

Hi Valerie!
—–Original Message—–
From: Christopher
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:35 PM
To: Kim; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel &
Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please stop replying to all.
—–Original Message—–
From: Del
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:40 PM
To: Edith; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: Re: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

—–Original Message—–
From: Carla
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 6:39 PM
To: Edith; Dave; GMB-CWI-T&E Department; G-All Travel
& Expense Users
Subject: RE: Travel and Expense Receipt Address Announcement

Please stop copying me. I don’t travel, I have not expenses, and I can’t add anything to your messages.
Thanks

Will you all STOP replyind to ALL