Drivel Starved Nation!
This week I head back to China to attend a trade show featuring the Chopstick Master and while I am there we will be developing version 2. I am looking forward to this trip, my fourth to China in the past 12 months. Continue reading
Drivel Starved Nation!
I know it must seem like I croaked, or worse, whatever that means, but here I am spewing a little drivel your way…
I just returned from my annual work retreat and since so many of you wonder about how this works, here is a little insight.
Each year, for the past 15 years or so, I have left the office for two weeks to focus on new ideas, most are new tool ideas.
What I look for in a place to stay is a good chair and work surface and typically a good deal on a hotel. The location is meaningless to me other than it is NOT my work or home office.
Once I arrive I set up my CAD workstation, head to the store for food supplies and then settle in for a brainstorming session with myself. A typical work session starts with a “I wonder what would happen if I tried this…” and then, usually by day two, the muse is in full control. It is, without question, the two most important weeks of the year for me. It is so important that I am actually thinking of doing this every six months.
The first thing that happens is the lack of time consciousness. Since there are no phone calls, no people, and I am disconnected from that pesky little thing we call e-mail, it is amazing what one can do creatively in a few short weeks. There are days where I never leave my accommodations and waking up in the middle of the night happens frequently — it always amazes me as to how the subconscious provides ideas that never materialize while awake.
This year I was able to complete five new products during this retreat, and that is about four more than I will be able to do during the next 50 weeks! That is the drag effect of running a business on the creative mind.
Anyway, this week I am wading through all my neglected emails, which of course is so much fun I can barely contain myself…
One day, I did take about an hour and outline a process as to how I can feed the DSN with copious amounts of drivel and I have some ideas….
Meanwhile, check out this wooden clock from Japan, it writes the time!
-Still Your Tool Potentate
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” — Albert Einstein
Dear Drivel Starved Nation;
Two weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night bothered by a couple of design decisions I made. This is not unusual, but it is rare when it happens AFTER we have announced a new product. Continue reading
Drivel Starved Nation-
I created this blog as a space where I can act like an idiot, insult our customers, shamelessly plug new product ideas, embarrass my grown children, create mayhem for the staff here, and occasionally share information that is actually interesting. That said, I sadly announce that we have some good news to share. Continue reading
"People ask me what I would most appreciate for my eighty-seventh birthday, I tell them, a paternity suit."— George Burns
Dear Drivel Starved Nation;
I have some really cool news regarding the Chopstick Master but I am going to save it until next week because it might get cooler… Continue reading
"I never run with scissors. Those last two words were unnecessary."— Unknown
Drivel Starved Nation-
John here, your favorite tool Potentate with a little news and some updates.
If you were not aware, we are about ready to enter our 33rd year. This fact explains the letter I received yesterday for “Discount Crematory Services”… If I am truly too stupid to quit Bridge City Tool Works, what makes me smart enough to croak in time for their big sale — what were these people thinking?
Continue reading
"One sees great things from the valley, only small things from the peak." — -G.K. Chesterton
Drivel Starved Nation!
I am pleased to share with you the proof that I have been sitting on my rear doing nothing something else this year other than making chopsticks! Continue reading
“Though I can and sometimes do use chopsticks, I much prefer using my hands to pee.” — Jarod Kintz
Drivel Starved Nation!
I am back from my third trip to Asia in the last six months and this was the best trip yet — I have lots of news to share.
I stopped by the factory producing the Chopstick Master and watched as the very first units were being boxed. This was so cool to see. Production right now is constrained to 1,000 units per month, but will dramatically increase at the first of the year. Here’s a pic; Continue reading
"Creativity isn’t about wild talent as much as it’s about productivity. To find new ideas that work, you need to try a lot that don’t. It’s a pure numbers game." — Robert Sutton
Drivel Starved Nation;
Sunday I leave for China, my third visit in the last six months. I must say, the experiences and friendships I have accumulated are lasting and incredibly rewarding. This may be the most fun six months of my BCTW business life. To think it took 32 years to have this much fun doesn’t say much for me does it? Oh well. Continue reading
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” — George Bernard Shaw
Dear Drivel Starved Nation;
The first production prototype came in last Thursday and I thought I would share with you a sneak peek. As mentioned, this item will be made completely in China and I think you will be thrilled with the quality.
Before we move on to the pictures, I want to thank all who commented on the logo – all my teachers in my life and my deceased parents would be pleased to learn that I do indeed listen.