What is an automaton, anyway?

An automaton is described as the following: a mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own power. I've got to define it more narrowly to make you clearly understand the video above. More appropriate definition in this instance is a whimsical kinetic mechanized toy-like device which are made to move via such means as wind, water, or hand-cranking. This toy that my daughter made for her UNT Design class is a mechanical whirligig automaton, which I have recently begun to affectionately refer to as the "Twitterbox". The egg cracks open to reveal a small bird while other birds "fly" around the spiral as the hand crank is turned. The whole toy was handmade from wood and painted. This is an example of the interesting challenges faced in college design classes. Just thought you would be interested in seeing what a 3D design class assignment looks like.

In other news, today was a gorgeous spring day in north Texas. I know it won't be too long until the heat of the summer months will be setting in, but this is an absolutely perfect period of time in the part of the world. We are loving our days with high temperatures in the low to mid 80s, and beautiful sunny skies. Soak it up, Texas. It won't last too much longer.