Lighning Strikes (not once but twice)

Hello reader(s)

I wanted to share a possible new logo for the blog and another column.

First...



Next a rant on DIY....


The Debate for D.I.Y.

Frustration, sweat, failure, and success; all integral components of a do-it-yourself day. It starts with a project. Then a morning of pondering and/or procrastinating. Then the work begins and the trips to the hardware store follow. Necessary supplies include paint, bolts, washers, obscure tubing, glue, fabric, soil, and anything else. Initial project plans fall through and solutions surface. Eventually after a few four letter words and twice as many hours of work the project is done. Feelings of satisfaction lay beneath general disgust over how long it took for things to finally work. But then a few hours or a few days later the completed project catches the do-it-yourselfer's eye. A smile lifts the corners of the cheeks and that feeling of intoxicating success finally floats into the brain.

Eighty percent of the first paragraph sounds miserable, tedious and flat out annoying. It is. But do-it-yourself projects are naturally challenging. They also bring a host of good consequences with them. D.I.Y. saves money, promotes craftsmanship, teachs lifelong skills and also promotes sustainability. It's something local governments should pay attention to and nurture.

Lately America has been in an economic bind. National government spending far over extends income. American citizens follow the lead of their country. Frivolous citizen spending occurs on goods made by small children in small countries,oh, and China...and India. But hey, it takes a little suffering to live in glorious gratified convenience and comfort right?

There is a problem though. Excessive consumption of foreign products undermines local businesses. It also promotes more waste and leaves people cluelessly looking for more.

D.I.Y. staves off unnecessary purchases of low quality, low humanitarian products. It means fixing things instead of throwing them out. The result is less waste, less unnecessary consumption, more local economic stability and more educated people.

Let's be real though. The typical do-it-yourselfer doesn't do regular maintenance on an automobile or sew a blanket with only the world in mind. He or she does projects because it saves money. Also, more importantly, projects are mentally trying, relaxing and plain enjoyable.

Local and state governments should take advantage of D.I.Y. passion. They need to promote personal projects and help those attempting them. However, to do so, local and state governments need to think like do-it-yourselfers. Simplicity and functionality are key.

Simply, governments could nurture the very spirit of D.I.Y. through education. Teachers could help do-it-yourselfers learn by doing; not with a chalk board and some Power Point slides.

Functionally, A community network could be created on the Internet to make sure the clueless layperson has sound advice before disassembling a toilet. A bit of advice from an experienced person can greatly aid in a project. It's always helpful to hear about a tool that will make a job 100 times easier.
The biggest impediment to doing something one's self is confidence. Local governments should step up to change that. The three letter phrase that makes up D.I.Y needs a little adjustment; do-it-yourself with a little help from your friends.


-Austen Verrilli



Finally a link to the Clash song that inspired the bolts. Check it