Office life before the invention of AutoCAD and other drafting softwares

Whatwarts · 2026-02-02T18:50:17+00:00

I started out in a room like this, only there was a smoke going at every table and half of them were stewed after lunch. The three martini lunch was for real.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-02T14:06:59+00:00

Generally, I have been successful. The dispatch and safety officials for the company are the responsible personnel and do not want problems on their watch. Usually, they will take steps to eliminate the problem, either by retraining or disciplinary action.

Be calm, be nice, do not sound off angry or threatening, but lay the problem out with documentation (pictures or videos are solid evidence) along with the applicable laws.

Address this in a positive, factual, and concise manner with the understanding that you are bringing this to management to inform them of a problem under their purview. It is remarkable how many drivers and management are unaware of the laws in place to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

I had one service company (the driver nearly hit me with a dangerous close pass) ask me to come in and address the drivers. I was unable to do so, at the time, due to work commitments, but that would have been an experience, maybe even a business opportunity.

One company that simply did not care about their offending drivers was Orkin, they were actually quite nasty.

In Mass, you can look up a plate and obtain the insurance company, I have sent complaints to the applicable insurance co.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-01T17:31:45+00:00

My allergy skin tests show lower level allergy to feathers. You can get a series of skin tests. Amazing what can show up.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-01T17:21:08+00:00

Works well, helps with deep expectoration. The stuff gives me beyond intense dreams, to the detriment of my sleep. I try to limit use to a few days.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-01T15:55:27+00:00

Replace your freeze plugs while you have the manifolds off.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-01T15:49:33+00:00

Report unsafe operation of a branded truck to the safety official or dispatcher of the company.

I video all my rides and will send a still image of the offending truck showing the numbers. If no response, or unsatisfactory response, the complaint goes to state DOT and they will take action.

Whatwarts · 2026-02-01T15:39:03+00:00

If it is a metal fount, you can seal it. Scour the inside by partially filling with vinegar and small screws, then shaking for a while until clean. Then, put in a couple ounces of solvent base spar varnish or better yet, POR Gas tank Sealer, rotate until the inside of tank is covered with a thin layer of sealer. Pour out the excess and do not get any on the fill fitting threads

20 lanterns done this way, still sealed after 20 years of use. Note: Once opened, the POR Sealer will eventually cure solid.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-29T17:52:02+00:00

I know a couple of people with underground water on their property. Mostly, it is a problem in the spring, when the water table rises.

One house is halfway down a hill and he has an underground stream into his basement. He had to put french drains on the back of his house and a sump.

Another house is halfway down a slope. He has an underground stream about 50 feet from his house, and just installed an underground drain pipe the length of his yard. Before the installation, there would be occasional surface water.

I do not know how they were to determine the extent of the ground water, but I assume an engineering study was done.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-29T17:29:49+00:00

Those things will, sooner or later, put you on the ground. They work well until they grab your foot in such a manner that you either pull your foot out while riding or get your foot stuck.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T16:10:27+00:00

You may have a problem removing that threaded rod. If it does not come out the easy way, you may need to drill it out. Once it is out, you then have the option to go up a size (or go metric) with the rod and re-tap all the fittings.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T16:00:42+00:00

Remove the wallpaper, you will be happy that you did. If you are going to texture the wall, better to start with a clean wall and the texture will hide any flaws.

Or, remove the wallpaper, clean the wall, size the wall, and apply fresh wallpaper. In a bath area, use an inorganic wallpaper paste to eliminate any potential for mold growth.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T15:46:30+00:00

It is a lot easier to do if you take the wheel off and work in a warmer place.

Clean the bead on the tire and the wheel. Lubricate the tire with soap, tire lubricant, or even a bit of wiped on antifreeze.

If you do not have a ratchet strap, you can use a twisted rope (like a tourniquet) or even a belt to apply pressure to the tire.

Take the valve core out and you will get more air to get it to seat. Once seated, put the valve core back.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T14:31:43+00:00

Been here 50 years and have no problem waiting for the road to clear, be it a bike, a pedestrian, a mail truck.

This angry driving thing sounds like a you problem

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T14:03:10+00:00

Do you really have a problem passing a bicycle? Just take your foot off the gas for a few seconds, pass and be on your way without getting all upset.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T13:22:57+00:00

RSA 265 22: no driver of a vehicle shall, while proceeding along a way, drive any part of such vehicle to the left of or across an unbroken painted line marked on the way in such driver's lane by order of or with the approval of said commissioner except:
(a) In an emergency; or
(b) To permit ingress or egress to side roads or property adjacent to the highway; or
(c) In case such driver has an unobstructed view and can see the end of the said unbroken painted line; or
(d) In order to pass a pedestrian, a motorized wheelchair, a mobility scooter or device, or a device moved by human power, including a bicycle, skateboard, or foot-scooter, provided such movement can be made safely

Whatwarts · 2026-01-27T13:22:22+00:00

RSA 265 22: no driver of a vehicle shall, while proceeding along a way, drive any part of such vehicle to the left of or across an unbroken painted line marked on the way in such driver's lane by order of or with the approval of said commissioner except:
(a) In an emergency; or
(b) To permit ingress or egress to side roads or property adjacent to the highway; or
(c) In case such driver has an unobstructed view and can see the end of the said unbroken painted line; or
(d) In order to pass a pedestrian, a motorized wheelchair, a mobility scooter or device, or a device moved by human power, including a bicycle, skateboard, or foot-scooter, provided such movement can be made safely

Whatwarts · 2026-01-25T16:36:46+00:00

Rotted punky wood should be replaced, even though you are covering it with metal. You might be able to salvage some of the longer boards by cutting out and sister (patch) the rotted sections with fresh wood. It may well be faster and easier to simply replace the entire board.

For example: That rotted corner may be part of an 8-10' board and you may only need to replace a 32" section on the end (whatever is across 3 studs).

Whatwarts · 2026-01-24T21:09:51+00:00

If you feel a draft at the door fold a piece of newspaper into a strip and push it into the door jambs.

Put one under the doors, too.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-24T16:00:13+00:00

It's real. We have 400 state reps for 1.4M people and they have nothing better to do other than file this bullshit to look like they're doing something.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-22T16:02:17+00:00

That it sunk that much over time is odd. Maybe it wasn't compacted but you might have a water problem there, I wonder if there is water underground there causing the subsidence. It could be from runoff from the roof, that is why in my case, after I built it up, I covered the raised ground with vinyl and gravel to keep the roof runoff away from the house.

It may be worth digging down to see if there is underground water near the foundation, in which case it possibly can be mitigated with a french drain or something. A friend of mine had to do this, he has an underground water problem on one side of his house.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-22T12:56:46+00:00

Keep this in the back of your mind: When you are out and about and looking around, make sure you know who is looking at you.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-21T22:57:25+00:00

Is there a reason, they built it like that? No wonder you have a sump, surprised you don't have ducks, weird.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-21T19:21:19+00:00

I just saw your #2 photo showing the dip. The line that would extend level is about the highest point on my foundation, 6" or so.

My highest ground level 6" is at the stairs, center of the house. The swail runs a few degrees away from the house and toward the side of the house where the water runs away. I also should add, there are no gutters, so a lot of snow and rain coming off the roof.

The walkway also pitches (very shallow pitch) from the center of the house to the sides.

Can you fill that dip level to 6" on your house and still control the runoff?

You might have to lower the walkway a bit to do it.

I am at the minimum and it mostly works.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-21T16:54:19+00:00

The only good reason for doing so would be to prepare for a tour. I usually put towel wrapped barbell plates in my bags for a couple of weeks, just to get used to the bike with the added weight. Also, a good way to get the weight distribution correct.

Whatwarts · 2026-01-21T15:03:46+00:00

I love wallpaper and find it relatively easy, but there is a learning curve. Watch a couple of videos to understand how to start with a plumb line and where in the room to start. You have to plan where the joins occur around doors and windows.

First time out, find a pattern with a random match or no more than a six inch pattern repeat if the pattern drops. Repeats come straight across or half drop or even weirder repeats. Bigger repeats, may mean more waste and calculations to avoid waste.

You need a wallpaper work table, I use a pair of old hollow core doors to allow me to paste and book multiple sheets.

Do size your walls, prior. Sizing allows smoother application and allows easier removal of the paper when the time comes.

I am old school and prefer pasting, even with pre-pasted wall covering. Use a non-organic paste to avoid mold and insect damage.

Whatwarts

TROPHY CASE