Engaging in interesting and creative projects, writing about these experiences and sharing with the world. Some say that this site is eclectic - don't worry, that's just me 
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“E” refers to the electronic medium that permeates our world today.
“Phi” (pronounced “fi,” and rhymes with fly) refers to the golden ratio. This mathematical ratio is reflected in nature and you can see it in the spiral of shells, the arrangement of petals on a flower to the spiral of galaxies.
“Inspired” refers to the 1% that gets you off of your ass and moving.
It was with that in mind that I designed a banner for the site. It was my visual way of saying E-Phi-Inspired. I hope you enjoy the various projects, writings and other stuff on offer here. Yeah, I know - a bit geeky but no one can say it's not original.
Click the up/down arrows to open up each section.
My Projects
Making A Drill Press Table
A good friend of mine loaned me his drill press but the bench in the back of my shed was too high. So I decided to construct a simple bench from various left over materials in the shed. See more...
A Garden Watering System
Ever get tired of hanging onto a hose or wasting water with a sprinkler system. Here is a simple garden watering system that you may find useful. See more...
Newtonian Telescope/Dobsonian Mount
My daughter was interested in astronomy and to encourage that interest I decided to have a go at building a telescope. I wanted something that could be self contained in some way - basically so that everything collapses down into a box that can be easily handled and stored away when not in use. See more...
Spa Pool Enclosure and Pool Cover Opener
This section includes a description, drawings and other details of a spa pool enclosure. In addition, there are plans for a very effective pool cover opener that can be constructed very cheaply and easily. See more...
Rubberband Car Project
As part of the design and drawing course of the Batchelor of Engineering Technology degree at the Wellington Institute of Technology, we undertook a project to design and construct a rubberband powered car. We were free to come up with our own designs subject to four contraints: one relating to dimensions, the second relating to performance, the third relating to payload and the fourth relating to standards. The car was not to exceed an overall width of 150mm and wheelbase of 300mm. With regards to performance, the car had to be able to complete a predefined 6 meter course which included an incline. See more...
Elliott Wave Tools
Glenn Neely devised a detailed methodology for analysing Elliott wave patterns. Chapter three of his book provides for a set of logic rules and conditions. However, getting one's head around these rules can be pretty daunting. In this section, there is a set of flow chart diagrams that can be used to help navigate the rules and conditions of chapter three. There is also a progam (written in c++ - haven't had time to rewirte this as an android app) that can be downloaded that may further simplify the analysis of chapter three. See more...
Learning C++ Programming
In this section are some resources students may find helpful in learning C++ programming. See more...
Vulcan Nomad - Joy Ride
I've owned a number of bikes. The latest was a 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. Like all my previous bikes, it is more than just a ride. There is always some project associated with it. See more...
DIY Gift Ideas
In this section are several diy gift ideas. Making gifts for your friends and family adds a personal touch that you just can't buy. Here, you'll find some of the things that I have made for others. See more...
My Ventures
Loyal Echo
Loyal Echo is a powerful DIY loyalty platform. I built this project particularly with small to medium sized businesses in mind. It enables a busniess to create and manage their own loyalty program at an affordable price. It also gives them a web presence that connects directly with their customers. You can find out more at loyalecho.com
The JigMaker
The JigMaker makes jigs/tools particularly for the do-it-yourself ("DIY") market. Currently 3 jigs are available: A Circular Saw Sled which adjusts to fit most circular saws and great for consistent and accurate crosscuts and mitres. A Universal Drill Press Table which extends the useable space on most drill presses. A Universal Straight Cut which allows you to make straight cuts with a circular saw or router. You can find out more at The JigMaker
Online Tools
Value4Money
Value4Money calculates best value for money when comparing like products, eg a 300 gram tin of coffee or 100 gram packet - which is better value?. Value4Money lets you compare up to three items and highlights, in green (the color of money), which item gives more for your money. Go here to use this tool.
Elliott Wave Flowchart Tool - Financial Chart Analysis
Glenn Neely devised a detailed methodology for analysing Elliott wave patterns. Chapter three of his book provides for a set of logic rules and conditions. However, getting one's head around these rules can be pretty daunting. In this section, there is a set of flow chart diagrams that can be used to help navigate the rules and conditions of chapter three. For subscribers, there is a progam that can be downloaded that may further simplify the analysis of chapter three. See more...
Creative Writings
Paint It Black - Ebook and Paperback Available On Amazon
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Genre: Medical/Cerebral/Science Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery.
Emily suffers a small bleed in the brain and falls into a coma. However, she finds herself waking up some place unknown and then goes about trying to unravel the mystery of the place all the while attempting to find a way to get back home.
Paladins Unbound - Ebook Available On Amazon
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Hannibal and Sophie are whisked away from their everyday lives to become more of what some unknown force wants them to be. Some may say that the universe has chosen its champions, but it is up to them to rise up to the challenge of being and becoming more than ordinary.
Adventures in Book Coverland
Adventures in Book Coverland - published 23 February 2020 - I recently wrote a book called Paint It Black. ..... It was in this context that I embarked upon designing a cover for the book and so the fun began.
Kitty Conundrum
Kitty Conundrum is a story about a cat that is apparently stuck in a tree and the efforts of the various characters to rescue this cat. However, not all is as it seems. Find out what's really on this cat's mind.
Seesaw Kitty
Seesaw Kitty is a story about a cat that likes being in a park. The cat's favourite spot is on a seesaw. However, one of the characters wants to make changes in the park, particularly near the seesaw. Find out what happens when things don't go exactly to plan.
Haunted House
A friend of mine was really into her butterflies and she documented the hatching of each of her monarchs.
Haunted House
Short story about a haunted house in Waihi. I wrote this in high school back in 1979 but published in 1980.
Haunted House: The Story Behind the Story
Short story about writing essays and life lessons.
Potatoes
A short story that takes you for a walk around my parents gardens back in the day. Written in May 2019.
The Future of Parking Spaces
A tongue 'n cheek short story about parking spaces. Written in June 2019.
Tractors
A short story about events that took place while visiting friends at a farm. Written in July 2019.
Trampolines
A short story about life at home revolving around our trampoline. Written in September 2019.
Tidal Wave
A short story about two young men keen on filming a tsunami. Written in October 2019.
My Wife's Garden
My Wife's Garden - published 3 May 2014 - Carol, my wife, has quite a different approach to gardening from me.
Tiki Tour North Island
Tiki Tour North Island - published 27 May 2014
I needed to travel up north to Hamilton. The reason for going was to join the search and rescue effort to locate a beloved family member who had gone missing. However, that's a whole different story for another time. I took this opportunity to ride up...
Tiki Tour Wellington
Tiki Tour Wellington - published 1 November 2013
Wellington, New Zealand on a beautiful day is unbeatable. The call to get on the bike and ride, irresistable. A ride from Upper Hutt to Wellington and round the bays...
Butterflies
A friend of mine was really into butterflies and she documented each hatching of her monarchs - be warned, there are a few.
Android Applications
Value4Money
Value4Money is an android application that calculates best value for money when comparing like products, eg 300 gram tin of coffee or 100 gram packet - which is better value?. Value4Money lets you compare up to three items and highlights, in green (the color of money), which item gives more for your money. The app also provides the ability to make a a shopping list.
Kitty Conundrum - Interactive Children's Book
Kitty Conundrum is an interactive children's book designed for the android tablet. There are 3 parts to the book as identified by the 3 large round buttons on the front page; Read To Me, Let Me Read and Let Me Play. Kitty Conundrum is a story about a cat that is apparently stuck in a tree and the efforts of the various characters to rescue this cat. However, not all is as it seems. Find out what's really on this cat's mind.
Seesaw Kitty - Interactive Children's Book
Seesaw Kitty is an interactive children's book designed for the android tablet. There are 3 parts to the book as identified by the 3 large round buttons on the front page; Read To Me, Let Me Read and Let Me Play.Seesaw Kitty is a story about a cat that likes being in a park. The cat's favourite spot is on a seesaw. However, one of the characters wants to make changes in the park, particularly near the seesaw. Find out what happens when things don't go exactly to plan.
R We There Yet
R we there yet is a location based alarm application, ie. when your location enters the perimeter of the alarm, the alarm triggers. It uses internet and gps (whichever is available) to determine and track your location in conjunction with Google Maps. This is great for regular commuters who use public transport. Set the alarm for your destination and let the app let you know when you have arrived. So next time you miss your stop because you dozed off or were too engrossed in some activity, think of this app.
AlphaNomad - Alternative To Hangman Game
AlphaNomad is a word game where you select letters to solve the word. It is an alternative to the traditional hangman game, only much better. There are different challenges in this app to suit nearly everyone. You can casually play the game without pressure (Freeplay Classic) or be challenged by up to 12 levels of skill (Multi-Level), play against a timer (Time Trial) or play against your friends (Multi-Player).
ScreamBuddy
ScreamBuddy - Sometimes, you just have to scream. But what if you just can't be bothered or it might be too embarrassing. Well, this app is your answer - let the app scream for you. This app requires no translation and is truly international. So, go ahead and let the app relieve your stress.
2Jokers
2Jokers - This application is full of laughs. It creates a database at install time that is populated with a wide variety of jokes. Excellent for entertaining yourself and others. Laughter is the best medicine, so take two and ....
2Jesters
2Jesters - This is the second in the series of joke applications that's full of laughs. It creates a database at install time that is populated with a wide variety of jokes. Excellent for entertaining yourself and others. Laughter is the best medicine, so take two and ....
2Juveniles
2Juveniles - This application is the third joke app aimed primarily at younger audiences and is full of laughs. It creates a database at install time that is populated with a wide variety of jokes. Excellent for entertaining yourself and others. Laughter is the best medicine, so take two and ....
Ephi-Blogs
Ephi-Blogs
- Paradigms in Collision - published 5 Aug 2020
Paradigm shifts involve replacing old ways of thinking with new ideas. This article explores the paradigm shift taking place in the fields of science and economis and finance.
- Certainty, Security, Community – The Road Ahead - published 17 July 2020
It’s the generational stuff that interests me the most as it reflects the entire cycle of life with each generation influenced by the previous in some way.
- PLA Plastic and Market Sentiment - published 2 March 2020
PLA Plastic is the new kid on the block and is touted as the eco-friendly alternative to ordinary plastic. This article looks at what it is and considers its possible future in a world that is shying away from plastic waste.
- Is KDP Select Right For You? - published 25 February 2020
People often ask this question. The standard answer is "Give it a go and test." There's more to this and this article covers what you should know and provides tools to help you work it out.
- Adventures in Book Coverland - published 23 February 2020
I recently wrote a book called Paint It Black. ..... It was in this context that I embarked upon designing a cover for the book and so the fun began.
- Loyal Echo - A One-Stop Loyalty Program Platform - published 20 January 2016
Creating and running a business these days can be a tough ask. This is more so for local businesses. Customers are more discerning and when they have the power of the internet at their fingertips, they are no longer thnking locally but globally.
- St☆rt Careers & St☆rt Living Expo 2014 - published 28 January 2015
This Expo was held in Tokoroa, which is in the Waikato region. The event was held over 2 days; 19th - 20th June 2014.
- Tiki Tour North Island - published 27 May 2014
I needed to travel up north to Hamilton. The reason for going was to join the search and rescue effort to locate a beloved family member who had gone missing. However, that's a whole different story for another time. I took this opportunity to ride up...
- My Wife's Garden - published 3 May 2014
Carol, my wife, has quite a different approach to gardening from me.
- Tiki Tour Wellington - published 1 November 2013
Wellington, New Zealand on a beautiful day is unbeatable. The call to get on the bike and ride, irresistable. A ride from Upper Hutt to Wellington and round the bays...
- TechNology For Youngsters - published 11 October 2013
...issue concerning the use of technology by children, especially under the age of 5 years.
Recent Activity
August 2020
It has been a really busy year for me. The activities at The Jigmaker continue with new videos and projects. Don't forget to check them out at The JigMaker
My "Creative Writing" section continues to expand and you can check these out from the home page.
This month I have been busy preparing for the annual Crafts Alive weekend to be held at the end of the month in our little town of Marton. There will be a combined stall with E-Phi-Inspired, The Jig Maker and the Rangitikei Writers' Group - the focus will be creative writing. Will keep you posted.
I have also written two books and these are available from the Amazon website as EBooks and as paperbacks. I hope you enjoy these works.
Added a blog about paradigm shifts that involve replacing old ways of thinking with new ideas. This article explores the paradigm shift taking place in the fields of science and economis and finance. You can read it here Paradigms in Collision
I finally got around to cutting a video about making my drill press table which I hope you enjoy. You can see and read about it here Making A Drill Press Table
For previous updates, check out.
Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoyed the offerings.