Posts Tagged: local

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14
Apr 09

Broadband Speeds

Saul Hansell at the NYTimes.com Bits Blog: The Broadband Gap: Why is Theirs Faster?

I don’t know about manners, but it’s easy to find examples that American’s broadband is second-rate:

In Japan, broadband service running at 150 megabits per second (Mbps) costs $60 a month. The fastest service available now in the United States is 50 Mbps at a price of $90 to $150 a month.

In London, $9 a month buys 8 Mbps service.

At London’s rate, I should be paying less that $2/month for my pawltry 1.5 Mbps.  If only. I pay a full $37 each and every month.

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7
Dec 08

Honda – American or Japanese?

WSJ writes about America’s Other Auto Industry:

These are the 12 “foreign,” or so-called transplant, producers making cars across America’s South and Midwest. Toyota, BMW, Kia and others now make 54% of the cars Americans buy. The internationals also employ some 113,000 Americans, compared with 239,000 at U.S.-owned carmakers, and several times that number indirectly.

The international car makers aren’t cheering for Detroit’s collapse. Their own production would be hit if such large suppliers as the automotive interior maker Lear were to go down with a GM or Chrysler. They fear, as well, a protectionist backlash. But by the same token, a government lifeline for Detroit punishes these other companies and their American employees for making better business decisions.

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19
May 08

Warm Sunny Day

Now that we are reliably having warm days, I find We The Robots strip “Warm Sunny Day” to be quite fitting for those of us stuck in an office. At least I have a very nice big window for when I can’t get out to work on the garden.

While I’m talking about weather, I’ve discovered that the National Weather Service has a hourly forecast page. Pretty pictures and useful info too!



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9
May 08

Home Coffee Bean Roasting

Most of you like a fresh cup of coffee, and some take it up a notch and grind your own coffee beans. How many roast your own coffee beans?

It’s a lot easier than you think.

Tools: You need next to nothing. You could by a roaster for just about any budget, but my favorite is a cheap and simple popcorn air popper. The only catch is that the air vents need to be on the side, not the bottom (chaff falls off the beans and could catch fire otherwise)

Beans: There are many places to find un-roasted beans on the internet. Search for Green Coffee Beans, Fresh Coffee Beans, etc. I’ve done all of my ordering from the Fresh Coffee Beans Company and just last week I ordered their 4lb Variety Pack at a very reasonable $4.50/lb (compared to $9.95/lb for Starbucks House Blend). Start with something cheap and see how you like it.

Roasting: Put the green coffee beans into the air popper, and turn it on. That’s about it. Like popcorn, you won’t want to fill it up too high. Timing will vary by bean, air popper, and the roast you want. I like a dark roast, so I tend to wait for the “Second Crack” (which makes more sense once you’ve done this once). Seven Bridges has a nice Basics of Home Roasting.

Oh, and do this outside. As wonderful as coffee beans smell when they are done, the Great Disappointment is that they don’t smell so great while roasting. Let the beans cool and off-gas overnight.

My last batch looked like this, and I’m trying the first cup in a couple minutes here.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!


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8
May 08

I’ll drive by while you "politely" stay in line

If you are traveling to Hastings on the down-to-one-lane bridge, and you see me pass you on the right instead of “kindly” being “polite” and getting into the long line, here is what the DOT says in their latest email newsletter (subscribe here or check out their project web page, Highway 61 Mississippi River Bridge at Hastings).

Motorists reminded to use zipper method to merge during single-lane traffic on Highway 61 bridge at Hastings

Extraordinary law enforcement planned for traffic control

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Motorists traveling across the Highway 61 Mississippi River bridge at Hastings are encouraged to use both lanes of the roadway until the merge point at each end of the bridge, according to state transportation officials.

Using both lanes of Highway 61 when approaching the bridge and then merging at the bridge will allow more traffic to cross the bridge in each cycle of the portable signal system. This “take turns” technique, known as the zipper method, is used when traffic is congested. In this instance, drivers should use both lanes all the way to the designated merge point and then take turns merging.

Drivers are also reminded not to play vigilante by blocking or denying access to other drivers who are using the other lane of traffic prior to the bridge. Minnesota State Patrol officers will patrol the work zone to enforce traffic laws and respond to incidents. Extra law enforcement throughout the construction zone will increase safety for the traveling public and construction workers on site. Drivers also are reminded that fines are doubled for infractions in the work zone.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt a bit guilty when I passed up long lines prior to any kind of merge, but no more. If there is an open lane I’ll fly right by, guilt free. Sit in line as long as you like.


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