#moonbounce

bounce signals off the moon with equipment I already have (IC-9700, cheap KMR-400 coaxial cable that seems to have acceptably low loss at 70cm and 23cm), and approximately $100.

I geek out over this shit every so often but the other day, while in the shower (scrubbing my balls, obviously, thats where thoughts are stored), I realized that PVC pipe is cheap and readily accessible. 1/2” PVC pipe is sorta flimsy, but 3/4” is SOLID. when you pull on the end of a straight rod of sorts, it bends in a sort of parabolic shape. I, god’s sexiest sparky, will harness the power of the plumbing fuckheads and make this work. What’s really beautiful is that. This should be remarkably lightweight, in the order of 5 pounds or so without feedhorn, and COLLAPSIBLE.

They Watch the Moon (2010)

Trevor Paglen

“This photograph depicts a classified “listening station”deep in the forests of West Virginia. The station is located at the center of the “National Radio Quiet Zone,” a region of approximately 34,000 square kilometres in West Virginia and parts of Maryland. Within the Quiet Zone, radio transmissions are severely restricted: omnidirectional and high-powered transmissions (such as wireless internet devices and FM radio stations) are not permitted.

The listening station, which forms part of the global ECHELON system, was designed in part to take advantage of a phenomenon called “moonbounce.” Moonbounce involves capturing communications and telemetry signals from around the world as they escape into space, hit the moon, and are reflected back towards Earth.

Platonic Moonbounce Instagram Edits 

Jessica Sula as Stephanie Brown

Ayman Amin as Damian Wayne

How to Avoid the "I'm Bored" Blues at Your Party

Let’s be real—kids have tons of energy and a short attention span. So how do you keep them happy, excited, and entertained from the moment they arrive until the last slice of cake?

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we’ve helped throw hundreds of unforgettable parties, and we’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s how to keep kids engaged for your entire event—without chaos (or meltdowns):

🎉 1. Start Strong with a "Wow" Activity

As soon as kids arrive, give them something exciting to jump into (literally). A bounce house, obstacle course, or slide combo sets the tone right away and lets kids burn off arrival energy.

🔥 First impressions matter. A big inflatable is like party magic—they’ll be talking about it before they even take their shoes off.

🧩 2. Mix High-Energy with Chill Zones

You don’t want all high-octane action—kids need breaks! Create zones with:

Coloring sheets or simple crafts

A quiet reading or sensory bin area

A snack station with shade or seating

It gives kids time to reset, especially younger ones who can get overstimulated.

🧁 3. Keep Things Moving with a Loose Schedule

Even just loosely planning the flow helps:

1st hour: Bounce/play

2nd hour: Snacks/crafts

Final hour: Cake, games, and photo time

This keeps things from dragging and gives the party a natural rhythm.

🧙 4. Add a Surprise Element

Kids LOVE surprises. Halfway through the party, introduce something new:

A face painter or balloon artist

A mini scavenger hunt

A piñata or bubble machine

A new inflatable for older kids or a toddler zone for the littles

That mid-party “refresh” keeps the energy going!

🎶 5. Use Music & Games to Guide Energy

A fun playlist keeps the vibe lively. Mix in organized games like:

Freeze Dance

Musical Chairs

Simon Says

Limbo or Parachute Games

These games don’t require much space or planning—but they’re a big hit, especially with younger kids.

📸 6. Create a Photo or Activity Booth

Set up a fun DIY photo area with props and signs (theme-based is even better). Kids love to pose, and it gives parents a chance to grab adorable memories. You can even turn it into a contest: “Best silly face wins a prize!”

🕹️ 7. Don’t Overcrowd the Schedule

You don’t need 20 activities. Sometimes, 2–3 really good ones (like a bounce house + face painting + craft corner) is more than enough. Let kids explore at their own pace without pressure.

🧃 8. Keep the Energy (and Hydration) Flowing

Happy kids are hydrated, fed, and not overheating. Offer:

Water breaks every 30 minutes

Healthy snacks + a sweet treat

Shaded seating or tent rentals for hot days

🏆 Bonus Tip: End on a High Note

Wrap up with something memorable:

Cake and singing

Prizes or goodie bags

Group photo or final bounce countdown

Leaving on a high makes kids feel like the party was amazing from start to finish.

🎉 Final Thoughts

The secret to keeping kids engaged? A mix of movement, creativity, and surprise—plus a little planning. With a few key activities and thoughtful setup, your party will stay fun all the way to the goodbye hugs.

Need help planning a flow that works for your space and age group? We’re party pros—let’s bounce!

Because even the most energetic kids need a break… sometimes.

A bounce house brings the hype—but kids will eventually need a breather (and so will the parents). So what do you do during those in-between moments when kids take a water break, eat, or wait their turn?

Here are 7 fun and easy ideas to keep the party going—without the chaos.

1. 🎯 Backyard Games Station

Set up a corner with lawn games like:

Ring toss

Cornhole

Giant Jenga

Bean bag tic-tac-toe

These are low-key, low-effort, and perfect for all ages.

2. 🖍️ Craft Table

Give them a little creative zone with:

Coloring sheets

Markers/crayons

Stickers

DIY party hats or paper masks

Keep it theme-friendly if possible. (Dinosaur masks? Yes please.)

3. 🫧 Bubble Zone

Bring out a bubble machine or a few bubble wands. Kids love chasing and popping them, and it keeps them moving in a calmer way.

4. 🎶 Freeze Dance or Limbo

Quick and fun! Use a playlist on a speaker and challenge kids to freeze when the music stops—or see who can limbo the lowest.

5. 🎁 Mini Prize Challenges

Set up easy competitions with small prizes (think stickers, candy, or glow bracelets). Ideas:

Hula hoop contests

Jump rope count-offs

“Who can balance a bean bag on their head the longest?”

6. 🍿 Movie Chill Zone (for later in the party)

Set up a shaded area or a small tent with a projector (or just a tablet + speaker) and play a short cartoon or movie. Great wind-down activity as kids get tired.

7. 🎈 DIY Obstacle Course

Create a mini obstacle course using cones, pool noodles, buckets, or even chalk outlines on pavement. Make it part of the bounce rotation!

Pro Tip: Keep the Flow Moving

Rotate kids in groups—some bouncing, some snacking, some crafting or gaming. Keeps things organized and fun without crowding the bounce house.

Make It Easy with Bouncy Rentals

We bring the fun, handle the setup, and make party hosting easier than ever. Book your unit today and let the party planning stress bounce away.