November 19, 2023

Outstanding interview with Rachael Maddow about her book Prequel

Brought to you by the Free Library of Philadelphia. Enjoy!

November 16, 2023

A question for the pie enthusiasts here

I'm bringing a pumpkin pie to Thursday's family get together and I have a crust question. I follow the recipe exactly and usually end up with a soggy bottom crust. I make a whole wheat/butter crust and bake the pie in a 10 inch enameled cast iron skillet. The pie recipe calls for baking the pie at 425* F for 15 minutes, then reducing the oven temperature to 350*F for the rest of the time. I consistently do this, and I have a thermometer in the oven to make sure it is the correct temperature. What else can I do to prevent a soggy bottom crust? Any suggestions? Thanks for your help.

October 9, 2023

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner Now Operating On Renewable Diesel

https://laist.com/news/transportation/amtraks-pacific-surfliner-now-operating-on-renewable-diesel

Why it matters: The move away from locomotive diesel, which emit harmful pollutants, is part of meeting a net-zero emissions by 2045 goal that Amtrak announced last year.

"The adoption of renewable diesel for our Pacific Surfliner service is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and the fight against climate change," Jewel Edson, chair of the LOSSAN Agency Board of Directors, said in a statement. "We take immense pride in joining forces with Amtrak, state and federal agencies, rail equipment manufacturers, and fuel distributors who share our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability."

What impact will the move have on greenhouse gasses? LOSSAN spokesperson Puja Thomas-Patel says the transition will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 63% during a train's operating lifetime. But she says it's important to note that the Pacific Surfliner fleet has used diesel-electric Charger locomotives since 2018.

"The Charger locomotives possess the stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency, making the Charger one of the cleanest diesel-electric passenger locomotives currently in operation," she said. "The Charger locomotive reduced emissions by 90% over the previous Pacific Surfliner locomotives. The switch to Renewable Diesel further reduces emissions."


As a railfan and Amtrak supporter, I am happy to post most of this short article. Little more at link.

June 26, 2023

Yard sale update

The results are in and the yard sale was a win! I sold most of the stuff on Friday, and only 3 items on Saturday. All told, I made $157 for the two days. What surprised me was that things I expected to sell did not. My old bicycle is still here, as are the practically new firepit and lawn mower. There is talk of another community yard sale next month so I guess I'll just save the remaining stuff until then.

June 17, 2023

Has anyone here had a yard sale? I'm planning my first one for next weekend

I have lots of good stuff that I don't use anymore, and I can surely use the cash. Can you give me any tips for a successful sale? I'll be in and out all day today and tomorrow prepping for the sale, and I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks!

February 28, 2023

Looks like Jupiter and Venus are having a party tonight

There, up in the Western sky are two very bright objects, and they aren't Chinese weather balloons. I'm here on the left coast where it's 7 pm. If you're in the Eastern time zone they may have already set. If so, try again tomorrow if your skies are clear. Happy viewing!