Perpetual Hinge

Perpetual Motion

The Perpetual Hinge Box by Robert Yarger

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can not be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. The second law relates to entropy, stating that any system will move toward a state of disorder. These two laws should suggest that the mythical “perpetual motion machine”, a device that works via its own contained mechanics, forever, is an impossibility. "In short, perpetual motion is impossible because of what we know about the geometry of the universe," said Donald Simanek, a former physics professor at Lock Haven University and the curator of the Museum of Unworkable Devices. I’ve included this quote from Professor Simanek in particular because so many puzzling things have come from Lock Haven – but I stray … er….

Despite the protestations of the physical world, puzzle maker Robert Yarger created a perpetual puzzle problem which hinges on some rather unique features. Handsomely carved from Jatoba, Leopardwood and White Oak, the Stickman No. 23 Puzzle Box presents an impressive profile. The twelve sided, cross shaped cylinder has prominent hinges on four sides and no obvious entry point. Inside hide four chambers to discover - two drawers and two secret compartments. Discs on each end of the box rotate, and it can be fairly certain that this energy is transformed in the classically unusual manner expected in a Stickman Box.

From Robert: I was attempting a different direction. Originally, it was supposed to be the "Inside Out Puzzlebox", with the concept that the outer panel unfolds, and then re-wraps and attaches together in the opposite direction. From there, it should have had a secondary solution, and after re-wrapping the exterior panels, the internal drawers to go the other way. … It is strange how many puzzles start out as an impossible quest. As things happen, a potential solution of how to accomplish this only revealed itself as I was finishing the puzzles up. When inside out, the size of the "inside" becomes narrowed, so compartments no longer want to fit, and that was the problem. However, the direction the puzzle decided to take for itself did not disappoint in the end.

Indeed, the puzzle does not disappoint. Exploration may eventually reveal various options for movement, but deciphering the tricks and traps, and understanding the internal movement, is quite a challenge. Rob discovered another challenge when trying to craft the instruction booklet, because the puzzle is perfectly symmetrical and equal all around. At one point in production, it became necessary to put stickers on each puzzle to know which side was up or which panel was front. This also became somewhat of an issue when preparing the instruction books to describe how to solve it as well. Such statements of front/back, top/bottom became ambiguous. Rob’s wife had a helpful suggestion for this. The wife suggested that I stand it on its end instead, and I agreed that having it erect was the most artistic way to display it …. This in turn inspired Rob on to further descriptions of the new puzzle: The deco-style of its hinges, along with its strong rigid lines, appealed to me. The girth of its pieces demanded such manly woods as white oak. Rob recalls that he waxed poetic about the piece in similar ways, until finally realizing that he had described, in abstract yet vivid terms, something else entirely. After he and his wife had a good laugh, that particular description of this puzzle was sent to the discard pile. Until now!

The toast to this grand puzzle box evolved in a roundabout fashion. Ever the fan of the classic Negroni, that divisively delicious combination of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, I am always on the lookout for variations on the theme. Summer versions are particularly nice right now, and this simple yet sophisticated tropical offering from San Francisco bartender Yanni Kehagiaras caught my eye. I knew I wanted to make it, and feature it, but what could I pair with a drink called “Endless Summer”? Something endless, without end, constant, eternal, limitless, incessant … perpetual? Perhaps …

Kehagiaras featured this drink at Liholiho Yacht Club, where he emphasized the understated in what many would call “tiki” cocktails. His tropical drinks are not over-the-top, nor served with umbrellas in oversized theme mugs. They are simple affairs with a vibrant twist, like this summer negroni. Fresh pineapple juice transforms the drink into something deliciously new, which will now likely become a perpetual favorite. Cheers!

Endless Summer by Yanni Kehagiaras

1 oz London gin

¾ oz Campari

¾ oz sweet vermouth

1 oz pineapple juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a tall glass with fresh ice. Presentation does not hinge on any garnish.

See more from this artist:

Robert Yarger

Enjoy other variations on this cocktail:

The Negroni

Perpetual Motion

Donay Apple

Tornado