Uncle Ian's Lego Table

Driving across Illinois River

This is the way I go to work some days. Sorry about the bumpy video! I posted this for you because I like bridges, and I especially like this one.

Our deck

The little table on our deck has a built-in fire pit.

The Grandpa Report - February 26, 2017

Here is the second Grandpa Report where we see the forest around grandpa's house from the roof top!

The Grandpa Report - February 21, 2017

Here is the first grandpa report - talking about chainsaws, firewood, oak benches, bookshelf repair and table saw.

Graphics Tablet Review

Recently, I have been looking to purchase an active graphics tablet - the kind where you can actually see what you are drawing on the tablet.  I have a Wacom Bamboo Create Pen & Touch, which has a lot of nice features, but I find it really difficult to draw on the tablet surface while looking up at the monitor.  It works OK for rough sketches but is difficult for more detailed drawings or paintings.  So, I started looking at the Wacom Cintiq ($2,400), but it was much too expensive for me.  Then I looked at the Yiynova Tablet-Monitor ($450), which was much more affordable but got mixed reviews.  I also considered getting an iPad because I saw some impressive You Tube videos of artists using the iPad Retina ($500) for artwork.

But yesterday I was surprised to find this amazing tablet (pictured) at Krogers grocery store of all places, for $2.50!  The pen-stylus didn't come with it and I had to buy that separately, but since the tablet was so affordable, I really didn't mind.  I chose the upgraded Sharpie with fine and ultrafine points built in one.  It doesn't require batteries either!

PROS
+ Absolutely perfect WYSWYG display.
+ saves drawing instantly and flawlessly
+ sizes drawing at 100% every time.
+ wireless
+ zero charge time
+ zero start-up time
+ no batteries, ever!
+ never needs charging.
+ very affordable
+ fully rotational
+ no software to load
+ does not require a computer to operate
+ it can be used anywhere
+ synchronization between the tablet and Sharpie are instant and flawless.

CONS
- No layering
- does not include any software
- limited to 50 drawings
- you must supply your own pen, pencil or marker
- requires a scanner to digitize
- this tablet is not designed for painting

SUMMARY
In spite of the "CONS", I would gladly buy this tablet again.  I highly recommend it!

How to Annoy an Artist