Dabbled in representative democracy over the past few days. As always, fascinated by the process, the fact that it works (we're still here, right?), and just how accessible it can be ( Read more... )

Recent observations on LED lighting ( Read more... )

The alternator in my car died on Thursday.  I now have a new battery and a new alternator.  Strangely, I did the repair myself.  Hadn't done auto repair (beyond seasonal tire swaps) in about 5 years, but this was just too easy to pay someone else to do.  Alternator is on top of the engine, and is also the belt tensioner.  Two bolts, two electrical ( Read more... )

I wonder, at what point does it become more likely that massive mismanagement of a large government program is intentional and corrupt vs. due to simple stupidity or ignorance?

Tonight I actually hauled my paints down to the gazebo and loaded them into the cabinet.  The gazebo is not done, but it is done enough for now. (i.e., reasonably bug proof, reasonably weather proof ( Read more... )

Several years ago (2004), I built a raised bed full of water tubes beneath the soil, with the intent of one day setting up a circulation system to heat up the soil beyond what is possible with passive methods ( Read more... )

Amy and I met a blue clematis Sunday that claims to be tolerant to -30F.  We decided to bring it home to live with us.  We will see how it does.  If the peonys and muscari are indicative of weird-to-me plants thriving in our yard, the clematis will do well.  The streak of sun continues, tho clouds are forecast to roll in late tomorrow.

So If the past few weeks are any guide, we are in for another one of Alaska's glorious summers, to make up for last year, which was a cruel joke.  I think this summer, not yet started by any traditional definition, has already beat out last year in terms of weather.  Given that it is May 11, that should be telling ( Read more... )

Mt. Redoubt just endowed Anchorage with a dusting of free fertilizer.  Upon inspection (after gathering the volcanic ash off of my car with a post-it note and spice jar), Mt. Redoubt's 3/28/09 3:29 PM ash, ala Anchorgae, is much finer and much lighter in coloration that Mt. Spurr's 9/17/92 ash ala Anchorage ( Read more... )

I don't know that anyone still frequents this ghetto, but in the event they do ( Read more... )