bookofjoe

My Hornet Nest, Hiding in Plain Sight

Above and below, videos I just made of a giant (18 inches high) hornet nest nestled about 25 feet up in a magnolia tree in my yard, about 30 feet from my front door.

Obviously it didn't appear there overnight, but how is it that I only noticed it yesterday?

Below,

a side-by-side comparison of hornet and wasp nests.

Helpful Hints from joeeze: Knife Safety

No knife block?

No problema, as long as you've got a few wine corks not otherwise engaged.

[via Cook's Illustrated]

World's First Medieval Electronic Instrument

From the website:

Hurdy gurdys, lutes, Gregorian chants, thundering drums and punishing percussive Foley FX.

The EP-1320 is the first of its kind.

Featuring a large library of phrases, play-ready instruments, and one-shot samples from an age where darkness reigned supreme, the Instrumentalis Electronicum is the ultimate — and only — medieval beat machine.

The EP-1320 comes with hundreds of medieval sounds and samples, a redesigned set of sound effects and punch-in FX, a brand new aggregator, and a collection of craftily captured multi-sampled instruments.

The line input and internal microphone allow you to sample your own sounds in just seconds. Whether you're into making sultry serenades or bubonic beats, the EP-1320 has you covered.

$299.