I entered the Pinball coffee table into a contest on Instructables. The requirement was that it use LED lights somehow.

Well, the results are in. The LED coffee table is one of the first prize winners in the contest! I could really use a new t-shirt (honestly!) And there are a number of even better prizes!

It really was worth spending that sunny day puttering around on a project!

For the name badges at the ARPA conference they had a series of serious tags for some involved in ways like board member, host committee, and presenter. But they also had a bunch of humorous ones for people to pick from – they selected mine for me… “just married.”

I disassembled the pinball machine and used part to make a coffee table. Instructions and photos here.

He definitely doesn’t hold a microphone with the finesse of Bob Barker.

Joe focused on reiterating his forecast of the collapse of the US financially. He spoke over and over again about the discontinuation of earmarks.

Not much was addressed about how Alaska can manage without federal involvement when less than 5% of our land is held by private individuals or corporations.

Scott focused on the need to develop Alaska’s resources, the potential for energy and the need to keep the Federal Government involved in that development.

I wanted to ask Scott why he ditched the goatee. Surely he knows that moustaches are evil.

I was really glad to hear from Harry Crawford. He seemed to have a good grasp on the direction Alaska needs to move. He was concerned about the future of the state, our nation and the planet.

Kathi “flashes” the panel of candidates. From left to right, Joe Miller, Scott McAdams (both for senate) and Harry Crawford (representative). Don Young was not present.

Orin and I sat together during the candidate forum. We both commented afterward that Joe didn’t really address the questions well. That may have been because he arrived late so wasn’t able to address more than half of the questions.