@srx said:

I suggest to watch this movie first. If your government let you.
https://youtu.be/ywdtmpK_AP0

SRX, thanks for the link. I managed to watch the full video even with a few breakups along the way. Don't know if this is being caused or just my broadband.

I have been an admirer of Oliver Stone's work for some years, particularly the work he did on the JFK assassination. His work just provides hard provable facts and lets the viewer/listener make up their own mind.

This work, Ukraine on Fire (2016) is no different. He provides a lot of background and historic information on Ukraine which I was not aware of. I'm glad I viewed as it has broadened my perspective.

My opinion remains the same however, powers, not just political powers, outside Ukraine are at work steering a sought devastation of the country in order to progress an agenda of probable total World hegemony.

The only update that is needed to the video is in relation the the Doomsday Clock. At the time of production the clock was at 3 minutes (180 seconds) to midnight. That figure now stands at 100 seconds and I imagine that figure is decreasing as each day of carnage unfolds.

One thought that struck me while watching was the fact that Ukraine has two predominant languages, Ukrainian, the official language and Russian in much to the Eastern and Southern parts. Even though it was sought to have Russian recognised as an official language in Ukraine this did not happen.

I firmly believe that a language can be the single most uniting factor in a country. It makes for common sense if one thinks about it. People instantly understand each other which in turn leads to common ground and peaceful existence.

Countries that have different language speakers are always prone to disagreements and misunderstands. They simply are not a natural grouping. Maybe the best result for Ukraine would be a split into two semi autonomous sections, a Ukrainian speaking section and a Russian speaking section possibly with a joint executive for mutual cooperation. Probably a pipe dream!

Really great to have you back posting again Paul.

I enjoyed reading through the comments and your informative answers. This post is tantamount to a mini Master Class in how to get this sort of work done perfectly.

Maybe you might consider actually doing a Master Class video which could be hosted here? It would help many of our members out and at the same time promote your services.

Keep up the great work

Mike

I wonder how made letters were hand written on the years on the original!

I see the Democrats have managed to 'decouple' relief for its own citizens in relation to Covid, from its proxy war funding! The figures involved are huge, $40 billion plus! It seems the reason for taking this action is that they want the proxy war to have priority and move through quickly!

This smacks of Imperialism at its worst and is pushing things towards inevitable nuclear brinkmanship. All it will take is a slip of the finger by man or machine and it's game over for life on Earth with the exception of a few cockroaches which will probably evolve into something more intelligent than current humans.

I used to be a Democrat supporter dating back to JFK but that position has changed in recent years since the Democrats more and more seem to be serving the Military Industrial Complex et al.

I think it's a great pity that Trump is not sitting in the White House at present. Whether one likes him or not, I think most will agree that he at least he would have made every effort to meet personally with Putin and tried to sort out some form of an acceptable 'deal' for all with the exception of the Military Industrial Complex.

I hope, probably in vain, he takes the 'bull by the horns' and makes his own arrangements to meet with Putin quickly even if protocol doesn't condone same. He should be able to do it with his own personal, tried and tested, security that he trusts.

What Putin has done is simply WRONG but the West's leaders are making no serious efforts, with the exception of Macron, who unfortunately has no major support, to open pathways to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

I still live in hope!

It looks like Putin didn't have much to say at the 9th May parade. The Western media has been playing up a possible 'thunder and lighting' speech and I now imagine they are very disappointed with what he actually said which was very controlled.

Noam Chomsky’s take on things is worth listening to. BTW, begrudgingly gives credit to Trump for coming up with a solution to much of the conflicts in the world. One thing I will say for Trump is that he was capable of rolling up his sleeves and meeting his adversaries with a view to reaching 'deal' which could result in a peaceful solution to conflicts. One instance of his approach comes to mind, his meeting with Kim! I also think that if Trump was currently in power he would have had a meeting with Putin possibly before the invasion took place and we would now be in a happier situation.

Noam Chomsky on the Russia-Ukraine war, The Media, Propaganda, Orwell, Newspeak and Language
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YeRX6ZYXH0

You are right Mike.

Well, I woke up this morning not under a 500m high tsunami so was thankful for that. It plays on the mind as it was intended to do was. My daughter in NZ is following all this and told me to get my arse out there as soon as possible but I told her that if thing go pear shape its all the same where we are located.

I listened to / watched a very practical and sensible man late night, Senator Richard Black and what he said made a lot of sense. He is a senior with vast military service and experience and shoots from the hip.

He recognised that the West are as much to blame for the current situation as Putin is and he also believes / wants to see a serious replacement for the UN

Col. Richard Black: U.S. Leading World to Nuclear War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcp0TYx_eUI

One thing has crossed my mind that might help to bring the matter to a sensible and peaceful conclusion. I think there may be a possibility for China to get serious with Putin and take a lead that would put the West in the shadows. China are more interested in doing business rather than war! If Putin proceeds with his threats there will be no business done in the world with the exception of some bartering beans for bread!

Just got a very disturbing news feed. 'Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called on Russian State TV to apologise for airing a clip which shows how Ireland would be completely destroyed by an underwater nuclear drone launched by one of its navy’s submarines'.

It reads, 'A Russian State TV programme, which is presented by Dmitry Kiselyov, showed a simulation of a nuclear attack on Europe, which it claims would decimate Ireland and the UK.
It claims an explosion from the 100 megatonne warhead would cause a “gigantic tsunami wave up to 500m high”.'

To date I have never thought about a nuke attack coming in the form of a 500m high tsunami radio active wave over my home! I have now!!!!



Over the weekend I was preparing the Tool Paths and Layouts for the CNC. This process is a pain trying to squeeze the various parts into the 1220x2440 sheets with 25mm (min) margins.

[attachment=6:142bus7d]<!-- ia6 -->StitSeat Extended & Adjustable Work Top A.jpg<!-- ia6 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]

I managed to get the StitSeat Combo (Workstation and Roll Out)into 3 Sheets. The StitSeat took up a half sheet. However the guys that provide the service provide full sheets so I thought about how I might fill the remaining half sheet. I decided on providing an extension to the StitSeat and a small Adjustable Work Top. The work top can be set up from 900 to 980mm over floor level.

This gives the option of just CNCing a single sheet that provides a basic Workstation, StitSeat and Work Top.

Here are some pics of what I have come up with.

[attachment=5:142bus7d]<!-- ia5 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 01.jpeg<!-- ia5 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]
[attachment=4:142bus7d]<!-- ia4 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 02.jpeg<!-- ia4 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]
[attachment=3:142bus7d]<!-- ia3 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 03.jpeg<!-- ia3 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]
[attachment=2:142bus7d]<!-- ia2 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 04.jpeg<!-- ia2 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]
[attachment=1:142bus7d]<!-- ia1 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 05.jpeg<!-- ia1 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]
[attachment=0:142bus7d]<!-- ia0 -->StitSeat Extended &. Adjustable Work Top 06.jpeg<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:142bus7d]

The military rise of China looks to me to have been facilitated by the West through their switching of manufacturing to China on a HUGE scale and at the cost of JOBS AT HOME!

This is a major fault in our type of Democracy. It can be adjusted and there are some great formulas to hand that work.

I recommend listening to Prof Richard Wolff talk about how ruinous hardcore capitalism might be brought to heal with a sprinkling of socialism. He talks about the Mondragon Cooperatives and the huge amount of success they have had in Northern Spain. One stat that stuck in my head was that the salary manager of any coop was topped at eight times the salary of the least paid worker in the coop. This still puts the manager's salary at an average of €240,000, reasonable I feel and if the manager wants more all he has to do is get the lowest paid worker's salary up. For every €1 their salary increases, his can increase by €8!

Richard Wolff on the Mondragon cooperatives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKbukSeZ29o

@mike amos said:

So, Mr UN general secretary or whatever you want to call yourself. GET MOVING. NOW,

The orange president stated that the UN was a spent force and useless, sadly he is right in that.

It's very sad to look at the UN. You are right, 'Stop it now' messages are simply a waste of time. Still, with a total restructure the UN could be a very fair and positive force. As I've said before, I think the first step would have to be to take it out of New York and set it up in an democratically agreed country or maybe better yet have it move every four years. If it can be done with the Olympics why not the UN. At least the move would keep them on their toes.

The real worry as far as I am concerned is not the 'Red Button' being pressed. It's what they are calling 'Flash War' that might set things off on an irreversible direction. Check out,
The future of modern warfare: How technology is transforming conflict | DW Analysis
https://www.youtube.com/

That worrying to say the least.

I've just listened to Full interview with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov by ALARABIYA NEWS (English)

I don’t know if the questions were pre-agreed but nevertheless the interviewer looks to have not pulled and punches.

One comment here from a listener,

"As much as I feel disturbed by the plight of the Ukrainian people, it is difficult not to see that NATO has been playing a very dangerous game in Eastern Europe. This whole mess is clearly the result of a breakdown in relations between Russia and NATO. Appreciate the efforts of Al Arabiya in showing us the other side of the story".

@dale said:

Very nice revision Mike. In essence I think that both versions of the product design are viable. Very well thought out.

Off topic, but have you ever heard of Desall. They hold design contests, sometimes with very substantial prizes. I note this because they currently have a contest sponsored by a company called Sassi. It is for a modular furniture display system for children's books. Your work here on the modular desk reminded me of this.

Sassi Modular Furniture by SASSI

New *product design* contest on desall.com: Sassi Editore and Desall invite you to design the concept of a modular furniture system dedicated to shops and other shared spaces, which offers the possibility of composing areas with a display, play and educational function.

Desall.com (desall.com)

Cheers
Dale

Thanks dale. I checked out that link for Desall and it look very interesting. Also the prizes are quite good, €3,000 and €2,000! Those amounts are very respectable. I read the design brief and am giving it some thought.

Just listened to Ilya Ponomarev being interviewed on DW, he was a member of the Russian parliament and the only Russian lawmaker who voted against the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He was then forced out and now lives in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv where he has joined the territorial defense forces.

Of course he is very much anti Putin but reassures us that in his opinion Putin will not press the 'Red Button' as he is far too fond of living the good life. His overall assessment of Putin is very measured and he points out many traits in his character, both good and very bad.

This is the link to the interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV4tLpuy7Rk

@mike amos said:

It's a piece of genius design frankly, very nicely done Sir.

Well thanks Mike, all praise humbly accepted.

I have now modified the workstation design to accommodate those amount us the are somewhat claustrophobic.

The following images show the changes.

This image show a modification to the left-hand panel. The panel is now in two sections, the lower part is attached to the base plate and the upper section is attached to the bi-fold doors.

I am still making use to the corner brace. Now it has become a simple lock with a handle. While is adds no real security it does prohibit kids from getting in too easily.

This image shows the lock lifted.

This image show the bi-fold doors opening, now with the half panel.

This image shows a far more open working area with a rounded corner to the lower panel.

The Roll Out is now more beneficial as the user will now be able to view reference pages on the extended page holder more easily....also easier to grab their mug of coffee!

This is an enlarged view of the working area.

Thanks guys for your very constructive comments / suggestions. I will continue to work on the StitSeat back and see if I can locate a suitable cushion.

@dale said:

Your doing some interesting design concepts Mike.
Alas... I too am claustrophobic. But I think you could do a claustro version by simply removing the end panels and have the shelves cantilever. If not, you could consider removing the panels above desk height.
I love the chair. Well thought out.
Dale

Thanks Dale, I take your point. I think it may be a possibility to have the section of side panel which would be to the left of a right-hand user, attached to the folding doors. I really would like to retain the ability to close off the unit when not in use.

I will do a version when I have time over the next few days.

@ntxdave said:

Again, interesting concept. Would it be possible to have an optional pad for the back rest as well?

Yes, it would be possible and I have given the possibility some thought. The situation as it is currently has a lateral back rest support with two 'nodes'. From research it seems that these nodes can be therapeutic. Still, I take your point and will look at ways of incorporating a back rest cushion.

@mike amos said:

About all we as average Joe's can do is talk, as long as we do this it cannot be swept under the carpet by newer events, as Putin wants.

It may not get anywhere but I send an email to the Duma most days.

I know but they will at least see the thing before they delete it.

My point to them is that they should save Russia from Putin, the saving of the Ukraine would be a bonus to that, just a question of altering the semantics for the different parties.

That is a very positive step Mike. Do you have the correct email address and are your emails in English? I will follow your lead.

Dave, I forgot to mention that there will be an option in the cut-out to have a higher back support with two cross support members with nodes. Here is a pic of this StitSeat version.

I should also mention that the cushion can be one of many orthopaedic memory foam cushions on the market these days. They all have a similar 'U' shape design.

The makers state that these particular types of cushions have many health benefits, a few of which are,

• Memory foam sciatica cushion, even if you sit for longer, keeps you 'prototype' and increases blood flow while maintaining support.

• Soft seat cushion is suitable for Back Pain and Sciatica Relief, hemorrhoid pain or numbness from sitting, hurt tailbone, spine alignment, injured disc, Piriformis syndrome, lumbosacral spondylosis, fibromyalgia, surgery recovery, improve posture.

• The surface of the back support cushion is ergonomically contoured to distribute your body weight across the seat. This wedge cushion reduces pressure on the tailbone, help ease the pain sciatica lower back pain discs and vertebrae throughout the spine.

I'm definitely not too sure about all these claims and would be inclined to take some of them with a grain of salt but there appears to be an amount of positive reviews.

@ntxdave said:

OMG - I am claustrophobic and would go kind of crazy! However, I think it is an interesting design for a small space. I do wonder about back support though. Maybe that is my age influencing my evaluation.

Thanks Dave. Sorry to hear you suffer from claustrophobia. I have a mild fear of big hairy spiders, arachnophobia. Its said it dates back to our cave dwelling days.

I think you would not have a major problem with the StitSeat Workstation as the user is not facing the corner. It's more a side-on position. I got around to designing the workstation when I was looking for a small corner work unit. I looked high and low on the Net and could only locate units that had the user facing directly into the corner. I regarded this position as a punishment. I was told to do this when I was being bold as a kid. Don't know if parents still impose this punishment.

So!... the idea was to position the user side-on with the option of having their elbow on the worktop. In this position the user also will quickly be aware of someone 'looking over their shoulder' as peripheral vision will pick up on it.

I am not a great fan of standing while working even though its become quite popular. Although it appears that the new advise from the experts is that the worker should sit for twenty minutes then stand and move for twenty minutes and keep repeating. The StitSeat, to some extent, offers the user a combination of both positions. I came across this position at a local coffee shop I go to. When all the outside seats were taken up I often sat on the window cill which was about 650mm high and sloping around 25 degrees. I found it a very comfortable position as my weight bearing was split between my bum and feet also I was able to switch my weight from leg to leg.

Anyway, I have a good tester lined up in Gabor. He spends a lot of time at the computer! While he is slightly sceptical he will give it a good try out.