jeffmknight

About me? Jack of all trades, master of none...

I enjoy trains, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, turbine and rocket technology, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanics, chemistry, mining, physics, meteorology... really anything related to science and energy. My favorite Christmas gift ever was a giant box full of popcorn makers, mixers, hair dryers, and other electrical stuff to take apart. I'm not much into cars, but they are growing on me thanks to my SVTC.

I also love the outdoors. Metal detecting, radio control, stunt kites, fishing, hiking, exploration, camping, boating, swimming and especially climbing trees. I am a monkey, really (the Zodiac calendar says so). My dream home would be a city built in the trees, like in the game 'Myst'. I grew up in Washington state and California's central coast, so these things are natural for me. I spent half of 2009 camping in the Utah mountains, partially thanks to our recession.

I would like to learn to surf, kiteboard, luge, ski/snowboard, skydive, hang-glide, and especially want to try powered paragliding. A helicopter pilot's license would also be nice, but the $ is always a big limiting factor. The ultimate dream for me would be owning a jet-powered wing like Yves Rossy. Heck, that's probably everyone's dream..

I am a bit of a handyman, with some experience in the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing areas. During the Spring and Summer seasons I enjoy doing sprinkler repairs and installations, as well as other odd jobs, for my small customer base. Speaking of odd jobs, I once removed an entire building from over a swimming pool without damaging the fragile and expensive fiberglass pool. It's now being used as a hay canopy about 100 yards away. I do love a challenge.

I am currently designing an Unlimited Class Pinewood Derby. A Les Shockley "Shockwave" inspired jet-truck, made completely from scratch, no kit. It is powered by a ducted fan and a 7.4v lithium-polymer battery, with micro-switches built into the front bumper and underbody for track-activated fan start and kill functions. It includes all-LED lighting with strobe effects, flame LEDs in the turbine duct and exhaust stacks, and marker lights on top of the cab. I am competing against my brother who is designing a CO2-powered Bugatti Rabuggi car, also track-activated, with a triggered coil-spring ball valve assembly. Should be a blast, literally!

My brother and I are also working on a few other random creations. A safer vehicle pursuit intervention device (PIT eliminator), and a PC-linked security system for the home. These are still a secret, though.

I love to cook... anything. Baking is my favorite, and I make the best breads you've ever tasted. I especially like to eat. Not afraid to try new things. I want to go to a Butler school, but they are in Europe and, again, I don't have that kind of money (yet). I enjoy serving others and experiencing the satisfaction of seeing a job through to the end. I sometimes get called 'Jeeves'.

I enjoy singing, and I like all music with the exception of most rap. I performed in many shows when I was a child, and got free admission to a number of theme parks in exchange for talent. Those were the days. I was quite the class-clown in school, too -- full of sound effects. I'm able to replicate different singers' styles, from Diamond Rio to Josh Groban to Muse to the late Michael Jackson. I can also imitate the voices of many well-known characters: Hank from King of the Hill (probably my best impersonation); Beavis and Butthead, and Principal McVicker; Meatwad (my personal favorite) and Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force; Ren and Stimpy; Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward, and Gary too (okay maybe these are my best); Peter, Quagmire, Cleveland, Bruce, and Stewie from Family Guy (limited); Mr. Mackey and Officer Barbrady from South Park, and Kenny, of course; various Muppets and Muppet Babies; Marvin the Martian; the late, great Paul Harvey; Bill Clinton; and many, many more that I just lose track of... ask me and I'll tell you if I can.

PM or email me anytime.