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Archive for June, 2010
Historical Thursday: The War Magician
Jun. 24, 2010
Happy Thursday Fixers! After last week’s post about the lengths the USA went through to stay hidden during WWII, Fixer Gerald M brought to my attention that it was far from the only country with deception up their sleeves. So I thought today we’d continue the theme and look at the works of Jasper Maskelyne.
A third generation magiciain and illusionist, Jasper brought deception and bait and switch to the field of war. Part of the North Africa A Team Force, he adopted the strategy of Hide and Survive. Not the most rousing motto, but it’s hard to keep morale high when you’re dead. The above photograph is the final version of his “dummy tank” project, meant to deter the enemy. Clearly if you have 100 tanks just hanging around outside your base you aren’t worth the human loss sustained from attacking. Below is a photograph of a prototype dummy tank being transported.
However, making the world’s most awesome birthday party balloons was not his only trick. While dummy tanks diverted the enemies attention, the British needed a way to keep the movement and position of their REAL tanks a secret. Enter: the tread eraser.
Of course, just because the enemy can’t find you on the ground, doesn’t mean they won’t take to the air as well. Not to worry, Jasper had that one covered too. He engineered spinning cone mirrors that when placed on the ground would reflect light in a nine mile radius; making it difficult for German aircraft to figure out where best to aim.
Information and images courtesy of MaskelyNeMagic.com and Channel 4.
Do you have an idea for a future Historical Thursday article? Send it to me at thereifixedit@gmail.com.
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That Glass Infection Is Spreading Fast
Jun. 24, 2010
Submitted by: Baud via Submit a Kludge!
I knew that massage parlor down the street was a hussy. – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer Thadius says, “People who live in stone houses shouldn’t tape plate glass over it piece by piece. It’ll just confuse the hell out of everyone.”
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Dryer For Pennington Use Only
Jun. 24, 2010
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
Unlike some Fixers, the Penningtons believe in free range appliances. – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer Pookie says, “I need to get inside that box, but the rock is in the way.
Should I try scissors or paper?”
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Even Basement Cat Thinks This Is A Bad Idea
Jun. 24, 2010
Submitted by: Jack via Submit a Kludge!
Basement cat has had terrible luck with roommates.
Favorite Comment: Fixer SCAScot says, “Box cat is not a fan.”
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The Gonzo Family Never Quite Understood Gutters
Jun. 23, 2010
Submitted by: tape via Submit a Kludge!
In hindsight though, none of the Muppets really had an aptitude for home repair. – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer Binky says, “It took me a moment to notice that. I was looking at the image wondering what Gonzo had to do with anything and then… sudden muppet shadow.
That’s when they get you. When you’re least expecting it.”
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So, You’re Saying Three Is The Limit
Jun. 23, 2010
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
Because nothing says holiday cheer like a $700 electrical bill and the warm glow of fire engine lights. – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Thread!: Fixer ChiTownTechie starts us off with,
“Chet’s nuts roasting on an electrical fire
Mary Lou spraying the garden hose
Kludging carols, being sung by a choir
and folks dressed in hillbilly clothes”
Find the rest of the lyrical kludging after the jump!
Click to see more… »
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Adventure Playground Is Making Me Nervous
Jun. 23, 2010
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
Adventures in splinters and tetanus shots! Fun for the whole family! – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer Dogmeat says, “Let’s see. What should I do first? The “Trip Down Memory Lane” slide where your whole life flashes before your eyes in 3 seconds? Decisions, decisions. There is supposed to be a “Bloody Mary”-go-round here somewhere. The tall weeds are making it difficult to locate, but it appears several kids have fanned out to join in the search. *KAWHUMP* Never mind. Little Gavin found it. Oh, and hey! It looks like he also lost his first tooth!”
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Seriously, Do Not Rock Or Tilt
Jun. 23, 2010
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
But all I want is my Mingus Dew. 
– Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer landminecat says, “Having unintentionally relieved itself on the concrete, the vending machine hastily beats a retreat, stumbling over a pavement and shedding a few bricks on its way.”
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Starting To Think The Boss Is Hinting At Something
Jun. 22, 2010
Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!
It was nice of him to install a handrail though. Always thinking of employee safety. – Ms. Fix-It
Favorite Comment: Fixer Angela says, “Am I the only person who notices there’s not a way for their less mobile, differently abled colleagues? Shame upon this company.”
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Jury Riggers Unite!
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