So I do a lot of bicycling, and I work the larger events from my bike (typically chase vehicle for marathons or triathlons. The guys at the back are usually not too…
When Worlds Collide
Freshmen at my high school all had to take first-year English. As it happens, all new exchange students had to as well. So we had a student in my class, Suteera Nitayananta, who…
2014: The Year in Review
Happy New Year to all and sundry! And if you are like my family (local and extended), your attitude is one of “goodbye, 2014, and don’t let the door hit you on…
Math Saves Time! Or It Doesn’t!
As noted in my bio, I’ve been involved in public service and amateur radio for decades. Fortunately, I happen to live in Ham Radio Central — Cedar Rapids, IA. We have (last…
A Pain in the Glass
The past two years have been my family’s personal edda. In that time, this has happened: Wife’s dad died. Epic sewer backup in our basement…in the middle of January, somewhat complicating cleanup…
Power Poles (no, not THOSE)
I live along an abandoned railroad right-of-way that currently serves triple duty as a paved trail, a major drainage culvert, and an easement for my local electric utility. This combination gets interesting…
The Stupid, It Burns
You’ve doubtless heard the news of a Malaysian jet that disappeared not long after departure. It’s a Boeing 777, of which I’m rather fond, since the company for which I work (well,…
Asphalt Craters!
That title is not hyperbole — we have some weapons-grade potholes going this week. This is my 28th winter in East Central Iowa, and I do not recall a time when the…
Kittens in the Mist: Inception
O HAI HUMAN WAT DO Preparing a meal from leftovers. We’re trying to not waste leftovers so much. I NEVER HAS LEFTOVERS Nope. Not if your colon is not plugged. DUNNO WAT…
2013: The Year In Review
The year started unexpectedly in JANUARY by gracing Chateau Haney with a large sewer backup. In the past, such issues were small and more of an advanced annoyance (like having the gas…