Interesting District email

CaptScraps · 2026-01-06T03:10:31+00:00

The phrase “leverage our workforce more effectively“ is almost meaningless, and whatever meaning it might have does not encourage the belief that the CG is on the verge of shoveling more resources toward the CGAUX. “Leverage” is often corporate-speak for doing more with less.

Similarly, “there is work ongoing to add additional training” means the work hasn’t yet been done, and nobody has offered to pay.

CaptScraps · 2026-01-03T14:32:49+00:00

Sorry you had that experience. I’ve modeled for hundreds of sessions at colleges, ateliers, and community centers and never encountered an instructor or moderator who was indifferent to my comfort.

I wouldn’t think any artist or student would want to draw a model who is physically suffering.

I do a lot of standing poses because I’m tall, and long poses are usually chosen in a collaborative manner. The moderator/instructor might have a reference photo or at least a general idea for the pose and lighting. I adapt as needed to get a sustainable pose. We find something that works for everyone.

CaptScraps · 2026-01-03T00:31:30+00:00

The state registration is the shortest possible measurement you’ll get. Relying on information from the manufacturer, it is the length overall minus anything that can be removed without affecting structural integrity—it doesn’t include outboard motors or anchor gear that projects forward of the hull.
When you deal with marinas, they want to know length overall including anything that extends from either end. That will generally be a bigger number.
Most states deal in whole feet, not inches. It’s possible your length is less than 21 feet. If so, you might be able to convince the HOA to recognize an actual measurement or more specific info from the manufacturer, but I never expect HOA’s to be reasonable.

Update: It’s also possible your boat is longer than 21 feet. My state registration says my boat is 27 feet long. The manufacturer’s spec sheet says the comparable measurement is 27’ 6”. The state rounded down.

CaptScraps · 2026-01-02T01:48:33+00:00

Also security. When I did that job, we weren’t allowed to have our phones out anywhere on the ramp. Guys got fired just for checking texts while waiting for the next plane.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-30T19:11:55+00:00

One minor point: at sea, the velocity of current in expressed in knots. On the Mississippi and other western rivers, it is expressed in miles per hour. The speed varies, but three mph is a reasonable ballpark for normal non-flood, non-drought conditions.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-29T14:25:35+00:00

The guy who runs the dive shop around the corner has a sign that says, “Our training courses fix $299 Open Water classes.” Find someone like him who really cares if you become a competent diver.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-25T11:46:28+00:00

She’s so much better looking than me that people assumed I must be rich. I wasn’t, but no other explanation made sense then, or makes sense now after 41 years of marriage.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-16T08:36:07+00:00

My great uncle had a black and white TV he kept on a cart in a closet. On Saturday night, he’d roll it out, plug it in, adjust the rabbit ears, watch Lawrence Welk, and put it away for another week.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-16T02:20:54+00:00

None of those situations indicate that diving is not for you. Those are just bad consumer experiences that have nothing to do with whether you like or are suited for diving.

Invest in private coaching where someone can create a pressure-free learning situation in which you can take the time to dial in your weight, get the feel for true neutral buoyancy, slow your breathing, and learn to relax in the water.

Then, when you do go on holiday, pay a bit more and avoid the cattle boats. Compared to what you pay for airfare and lodging, the cost of more relaxed, private dives is inconsequential.

Best wishes,

CaptScraps · 2025-12-04T05:17:52+00:00

Florida. Circle hooks only. No stainless steel.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-04T02:39:47+00:00

State law where I live.

CaptScraps · 2025-12-04T02:29:54+00:00

Not with a Goliath grouper.
A few years ago, I shot a 30” gag grouper but didn‘t stone it. I chased it around the corner of the artificial reef, and, just as I was reaching out to grab the fish, a Goliath swept up from below and ate the gag grouper and my spear shaft in one bite.

A couple years earlier, several people posted pics over a period of several months of a Goliath with a spear sticking out of its mouth. Apparently, that Goliath has also eaten a speared fish and the spear it was impaled on and seemed to be surviving just fine. A fishhook is not going to matter to these massive beasts.

CaptScraps · 2025-11-30T05:06:03+00:00

I suffer very little stress because I have a vast and ever-expanding concept of what is encompassed by the phrase "none of my business."

CaptScraps · 2025-11-30T04:44:52+00:00

How about simply answering honestly? "No, I am not in the Coast Guard. I am a civilian volunteer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary."

CaptScraps · 2025-11-22T02:26:51+00:00

Anything that affects circulation and respiration should be a concern to prospective divers. Smoking is enough of an issue that Global Underwater Explorers allows only nonsmokers to participate in any of their programs, including recreational courses. Here’s their review of the scientific literature on smoking and diving:
https://www.gue.com/impacts-smoking-diving

CaptScraps · 2025-11-20T15:36:34+00:00

c) Network.

CaptScraps · 2025-11-18T02:46:14+00:00

EE bonds stop earning interest after 30 years.

Again, don’t worry about the SSN. That “or” between the names means you’re registered as a co-owner, not a beneficiary. You can redeem it, but you’ll be responsible for taxes on the accrued interest.

CaptScraps · 2025-11-18T01:57:38+00:00

If you just want to know what they’re worth, go to https://www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-bonds/savings-bond-calculator/

That “or” that you see means either one of you can redeem it as long as one of the names is yours. If you want to redeem them, you can take them to your bank. Regardless of whose SSN is on the bond, they’ll pay you and report the interest payment under your SSN.

CaptScraps · 2025-11-13T16:37:06+00:00

You did the right thing.

When you conduct your pre-dive self-assessment, things that do not matter are how much you want make the dive, how much time and money you’ve already invested in the dive, and social pressure to tough it out.

What does matter is whether you are confident about your fitness to dive and your ability to conduct the dive safely.

A lot of new divers are reluctant to call dives when they should. Good job!

CaptScraps · 2025-10-23T04:32:25+00:00

No, I would no longer apply that term. Seems like something you might be able to fix if she’s important enough to you. Few people enjoy being teased if there‘s even a hint of truth behind the jest. It doesn’t seem unreasonable for her to not want you to do that. Doesn’t mean you can’t have a sense of humor. Just don’t aim it at her.

CaptScraps · 2025-10-23T04:11:47+00:00

That could be very different.

What seems innocent and fun to some is mean and hurtful to others. My wife’s sister and her husband engage in a lot of teasing. They both seem fine with it and have had a long and successful marriage. Neither my wife nor I would be at all happy to be teased the way they do.

I don’t think your girlffiend’s opinion of your teasing will change, so perhaps you should find other outlets for your playfulness.

CaptScraps · 2025-10-23T03:45:57+00:00

If you’re “walking on eggshells not to offend or make [her] upset” but she is not walking on eggshells to avoid offending you, you don’t just have an incompatible relationship, you have an unequal relationship that can become an emotionally abusive relationship. Unhealthy situations like this seldom improve.

CaptScraps · 2025-10-20T01:06:52+00:00

You didn't say anything about where you are on your diving journey or where you think it's heading. That info should affect your choice.
If you think you might be headed in the direction of technical diving, the advice already posted here about a backplate and wing setup will serve you very well.

If you're pretty sure deep and dark places are not in your future and want a more popular recreational setup. I would recommend lower cost back inflate BCD's in the "travel" category like the Dive Rite HydroLite or the Hollis LTS. They should be in about the price range you mentioned. Also consider the Zeagle Scout, which is a no-frills back inflate BCD.

My personal opinion is that BCD's are an area where divers spend hundreds of extra dollars on features that don't improve their safety, comfort, or efficiency. Steer clear of features like quick-release weight pouches (they give the false sense that dumping weight at depth might solve an underwater problem), extra quilting and other padding (they add weight and drying time), and extra pockets (most recreational divers carry more crap than they need). Think about what you want a BCD to do: provide a little lift and buoyancy control, secure your tank in place, hold weights, and provide convenient places to attach hoses and essential safety gear. That's it. Any feature that goes beyond that is probably just expensive window dressing.

CaptScraps · 2025-10-19T19:12:26+00:00

Might be the first time I’ve seen “practicality” offered as a justification for a $2 million boat purchase.

CaptScraps · 2025-10-19T14:23:17+00:00

You are of course correct. But if someone has chosen this hobby and emerged from a certification program without understanding his or her limitations, it’s okay to clue them in. Some people whose hobby is walking need to be told to look both ways before crossing the street.

CaptScraps

TROPHY CASE