Two items to go over today. One is the visiting firefighter learns cutting and welding. The other is a longish discussion of tool use. To hell with Covid. I have a bigger problem: Messy Bench Disease. MBD. One of the continuing problems around the ranch – and my office – is that I have a … Read More
Or, for the crooked republicrats and democans who squandered America’s future (*open borders, exported super-computers, living beyond on our means, buying elections, gain-of-function, etc. etc.) we could toss-in the supply chain collapse plus any remaining credibility of the once Almighty Dollar. Could have, should have, would have… Sobering Chart, Sucky Data Economic Fractalist’s Black Monday … Read More
Not too long ago – two or three years, was it? – I picked up a half-dozen 55-gallon drums up in Tyler, Texas. It was a deal I couldn’t pass up: $5 bucks each and they’d already had a preliminary rinse-out. Finally, with the old burn barrel sporting a gaping (coffee can size) hole where … Read More
Our major shop projects are on hold. A combination of weather delays (Ure doesn’t work outdoors under 50F if he can avoid it) and supply chain issues. The local lair of the Home Despots was out of the polycarbonate panel mounting strips for the Studio Grow Room. So, we await deliveries and a change in … Read More
A third of the way into January, the rains have returned to Texas. Those couple of weeks rounding-out December, were nothing more than sucker-punches for the unwary. From the outside project table, under the off-square rannygaboo (Americanized from the more proper rannygazoo) rain cover, there were projects lined up as far are the eye could … Read More
It has been relatively quiet around Uretopia Ranch this weekend. The “Christmas Room” (solar addition) was “red-flagged” by Elaine early in the week. She was initially OK with the idea of an attached greenhouse. But, not so cool with the color of Penofin. It goes off to a medium orange/red. Very much like Redwood with … Read More
Ah. the Joy of the Season. Time to get hammered. What’s an old geezer to do when markets are closed, the kids are too busy, and there’s only so much idle chit-chat you can do on the 75-meter breakfast nets in the morning? Why, you get a wild hare idea to build something. In the … Read More
Merry What-mess? Durable Goods, new Jobless filing, and Personal Income Tales. All better than coal (and more “climate-friendly” for the wokees). I know — how dare some old writer/columnist offer insights into the eggnog and fentanyl festivities. But yes, seems to be how things look over here on the long end of the timeline. We … Read More
When you look at the world through “de-monetized glasses” this week, there are three things highlighting Life. Assembly of presents, personal changes at the Winter Solstice. And of course, food. Some Assembly Required Over the course of almost 73-years, the relative importance of Christmas has changed a lot. The old Sears Wish Book while watching the … Read More
Nothing-Burger Fed Decision. But a nothing-burger is just what the shills were looking for. Dow up 383 and change as a result and showing +212 early this morning. Here’s the part of the Fed decision driving it: “In light of inflation developments and the further improvement in the labor market, the Committee decided to reduce … Read More
With the one-day delay in turkey overdosing (the second effort was fabulously successful – 2 lbs. worth of personal weight gain, lol), there was enough tryptophan load to keep my blood pressure and motivation on the zero peg most of Saturday. Made a few Christmas scribbles before addressing a tractor issue…plotted my revenge against conformity. … Read More
Elaine and I have a delightful day planned. She’s sleeping in a bit; as much as Zeus-the-Cat will permit. I’ve been out in my shop-office, doing a couple of hours of research. And arguing whether I should write a column for this morning, or not. (Writing seems to be winning.) This is an odd Thanksgiving … Read More
Brain-Hand Balance? Been spending too much “time in the chair” lately. There’s a lot to be said for personal time-logging. If you jot down precisely what you’re doing – four times an hour – you can quickly come up with a Brain-Hand balance number. Yesterday, for example, was a 98% brain day. Only 2% body movement. … Read More