Nikon F2


I left my photography hobby years ago. It was a casualty of computers taking up more of my life. I recently decided to pick it back up. I just bought a Nikon F2 and three Nikkor lenses through eBay. Yes, it’s a used 35mm film camera. It was new in the 1970s.

Storage comparison: DEC RP20 vs. Western Digital Red Plus


It's not news that computer technology gets smaller, faster, less costly, and less power-consuming over time. But occasionally something happens to bring these changes into sharp personal relief. This just happened to me. This is a tale of two disk drives. The comparison isn't exactly apples-to-apples because some of the attributes are estimated, recalled from … Continue reading Storage comparison: DEC RP20 vs. Western Digital Red Plus →

New job search directions


I've conducted a typical job search since Brex laid me off. I've used LinkedIn, Indeed, Otta, and a couple of other job boards. I've talked to recruiters and headhunters with whom I've previously had great results. I’ve poked around in Slack spaces and online forums. I’ve used some personal connections, but maybe not as thoroughly … Continue reading New job search directions →

Great moments in Siri navigation


When we're on the Eastside, we like to have lunch at Acropolis Pizza & Pasta. It's the only nearby restaurant with "Acropolis" in its name. It may be the only nearby business of any kind with "Acropolis" in its name. We eat there fairly often when we're on the Eastside. It's reliable. In the past, … Continue reading Great moments in Siri navigation →

Ditched the Apple Watch


I’ve been without my Apple Watch for four days now. It’s a win. I don’t have something on my wrist nagging me about stuff I don’t need to deal with right now. I’ve got my iPhone with me all the time anyway, and there’s one fewer charging puck on my nightstand. No seller’s remorse here.

5 reasons why I’m ditching my Apple Watch


I bought an Apple Watch Series 7, cellular, 45mm, in April 2022 for $881. I've decided to sell it. Here's why. My expectations for the Apple Watch I had a simple goal for buying the Watch: I wanted to be able to leave the house without my iPhone. Like smartphones generally, iPhones have grown in … Continue reading 5 reasons why I’m ditching my Apple Watch →

Review of Green Feathers WiFi Bird Box Camera (3rd generation)


In August 2023 I documented my purchase of a WiFi nesting box camera from Green Feathers. The hardware was great and the installation was easy. In January of this year, the camera didn't turn on. I diagnosed the problem as a dead power supply. I exchanged messages with Green Feathers and their responses were A+. … Continue reading Review of Green Feathers WiFi Bird Box Camera (3rd generation) →

Our electricity usage will change this year


It's dawned on me that our home electricity usage profile will change this year. On the negative side, we've decided to do away with our spa, a.k.a. hot tub. It's a Sundance Cameo 880. That's ~ 350 gallons of water that no longer will be maintained at 103 degrees F year-round, and pumps that no … Continue reading Our electricity usage will change this year →

LPT: Mental health


You want a way to feel like you're juggling too many balls to remain sane? Easy. Just schedule a major kitchen remodel, purchase of major appliances, job search, and surgical hospital stay to all happen in the same week.