Category Archives: Personal

This Idea Solves a Life-Long Problem

Posted on 4-August-2014 by mathscinotes

I cannot tell you how often in 35 years of marriage I have come home to the open-ended question from my wife "Do you like it?", without "it" being defined. I then spend the next 10 uncomfortable minutes trying to figure out what aspect of my wife's appearance has changed. I admit that I simply do not notice things like haircuts, changes in hair color, new clothes, etc. I am so bad that I have even failed to notice a complete change of hair color (blonde to brunette). Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on This Idea Solves a Life-Long Problem

Incredible Mechanical Music Player

Posted on 2-March-2014 by mathscinotes

Take a look at this digitally-created instrument and how it is being played.

Posted in Personal, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Incredible Mechanical Music Player

Two Napa Valley Winery Tours

Posted on 19-February-2014 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day The emotion at the point of technical breakthrough is better than wine, women and song put together. - Richard Hamming Introduction I am on a business trip this week to Petaluma, California, and for the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 2 Comments

At What Fuel Tank Level Should I Refuel?

Posted on 1-February-2014 by mathscinotes

It is cold in Minnesota right now and I hear the local motorheads warning people not to run their gas tanks down to empty. During winter, I hear this warning because of concerns that water vapor in the gas tank may freeze and cause the vehicle to stop. I also hear concerns about running on a low fuel tank during the heat of summer because the fuel is need to cool the fuel pump, which is often mounted in the tank. Some folks also say that there is corrosion at the bottom of the gas tank that get sucked into the fuel pump when running the tank near empty. Continue reading →

Posted in General Mathematics, Personal | 3 Comments

Funny the Little Things that Children Remember ..

Posted on 14-January-2014 by mathscinotes

This weekend, my oldest son recalled how we would spend Saturday morning watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) . All three of us would be laughing the whole time. There is no sound as wonderful as that of children laughing. We still talk about how fun it was to watch Japanese monster movies on MST3K. As far as I am concerned, that is the only way to enjoy Godzilla and Gamera. Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment

Rigging Cables is Really Important

Posted on 11-January-2014 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day History is a tool used by politicians to justify their intentions. — Ted Koppel I have been rather frustrated lately with the number of field failures I have encountered that are related to the humble cable … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Personal | 6 Comments

Wasted School Time

Posted on 4-January-2014 by mathscinotes

Quote of the Day Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. - Potter Stewart Introduction I frequently talk to young engineers who have just completed university. I am always curious as to what they studied in school. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Osseo, Personal | 4 Comments

My Borg Name is "1 of 13"

Posted on 8-December-2013 by mathscinotes

I work for a small company that has 13 employees named "Mark", which is my first name. It is common for me to be in meetings with three "Marks" present. I have had as many as six "Marks" in a meeting. This makes using our first names difficult, and I usually go by my last name. This system works, but does sound a bit gruff to people from outside the company who here our meetings. Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | Comments Off on My Borg Name is "1 of 13"

A Tale of Getting Older

Posted on 11-November-2013 by mathscinotes

I was with a couple I have known for years this weekend. They have two daughters separated in age by five years. The younger daughter is just finishing high school and still lives at home. The older daughter is no … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal | Tagged | Comments Off on A Tale of Getting Older

Image of a Submarine At Periscope Depth

Posted on 28-September-2013 by mathscinotes

If you have ever wondered what a submarine looks like at periscope depth, here is a photo of the USS Key West (SSN-722). Source is the Wikipedia.

Posted in Naval History, Personal | Comments Off on Image of a Submarine At Periscope Depth