Hot and Steamy Times in the Science Lab Building

Friday afternoon one of the autoclaves in the building released a larger than normal cloud of steam. Kind of like a mechanical fart. This set off the fire alarm, sending the occupants out into the chilly wind. Meanwhile inside the building, the HVAC shut down as it is supposed to when the alarm is activated. Although most of the sophisticated system reactivates when the alarm is shut off, the "make-up air" does not. This results in numerous odors accumulating in the building resulting in an aroma not unlike ass. This makes sense as vapors/fumes from the can, drains, etc are part of the intoxicating environment. After a couple of calls, the HVAC was working properly and the building smelled like a building and not a forest service outhouse. The moral of the story is: Don't fart in an enclosed space.

Geek Alert

Today being 3/3/9 is one of nine square root days a century. I think I'll celebrate it by doing something square. I could 1) eat only square meals, 2) watch Sponge Bob Squarepants, 3) act like a square 4) make sure all corners are square or 5) go square dancing. It is also the day of the science fair at my daughter's school. How cool is it for it to fall on square root day? We will have to wait for April 4th of 2016 for the next one. How will you observe the occasion?

Rest In Peace Of The Story

Somewhere around 3-4 decades ago, I could not figure out why my dad would enjoy listening to Paul Harvey. After all, my pop has definite liberal leanings, and someone as nerdish as Paul had to be a die hard conservative. As I aged, I came to appreciate Mr. Harvey's comments and delivery thereof; I saw his show not one of political ideology, but one of education and entertainment. I will miss him and what he meant to broadcasting. He gave lessons without being preachy, insulting or provocative. I know his son has taken over much of his broadcasting, but I am left wanting more of "The Rest Of The Story."

How To Celebrate A Warm Day

A succession of warm days has been a catalyst for some exciting after work activities:

1) De-poop the part of the back yard that isn't covered with snow
2) Sweep out the garage
3) Sweep off the "apron" in front of the garage
4) Move the can of gas for the snow blower from the garage to the shed
5) Replace the furnace filter
6) Celebrate 1-5 above by putting air in the bicycle tires and going for a short ride

Can Someone Retrain Me?

Yesterday was a snow day at the university. This followed a day when the "NEW" lab building was supposed to be closed for the morning. As a result I simply burnt a few vacation hours on Monday. Don't get excited here since our daughter decided to complain about hurting ears resulting in a trip to the doctor. As it turns out, she has a simple cold and not an ear infection. The annoying part is that she had an appointment for 11:20, and was seen by the doc at 12:20. Oh well... When I returned to work the tasks had piled up and I still have plenty to do tomorrow.

It's All Relative - No Pun Intended.

Journal:
Saturday: Clear off driveway before it gets deeper
Sunday: Clear off driveway before it gets deeper. Hope the plow or grader doesn't undo the work.
Monday: Clear off driveway before it gets deeper. Hope the plow or grader doesn't undo the work.
Monday night: Clear off driveway before it gets deeper. Hope the plow or grader doesn't undo the work.
Tuesday 04:30: Clear off driveway so wife can make it to work. Do only 2/3 of it and go back to bed.
Tuesday 08:30 Finish driveway. Hope the plow or grader doesn't undo the work.
Tuesday 09:30 Clear out friend's driveway and shovel 30 yard path to their front door. Hope plow/grader doesn't undo job.
Tuesday 12:00: Dig out Bronco/move Bronco so I can get to Ranger to give the dog we are taking care of his daily ride.
Tuesday 14:30: Clear off deck and position ladder in case I need to shovel off roof
Tuesday 15:30: Watch grader undo 1/2 of job at friend's driveway
Tuesday 15:31: Watch friend return from trip/undo the undoing
Tuesday 15:45: Wonder how the surviving members of the Donner Party made it out with some degree of sanity. Try more snow, more days, no rescue, and resorting to eating friends. Kind of makes a snow berm something to celebrate.

At N.A.U. The Future is Now

Well, we finally had more communication from the Office of the President of N.A.U., even if all it said is: we will know what we know when we know it and we will know some of it by Monday. So stay tuned to find out who still has a job after June 30th. The odd thing is they seem to have a better idea about FY 10 than about the remainder of FY 09.