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If you splice together boards along a structural ridge beam instead of using full length boards as called for by the plans, things can go south in a hurry. If you don’t tighten any of the nuts on the foundation bolts, and a strong wind comes up, I suppose things could...

This is the first time I’ve written a post’s title prior to writing the post. As usual, though, I don’t have a fully formed idea of what I’m about to write, or even if what I’m writing will ever see the light of day, which I mean quite literally, because I’m writing...

In the arts, what is it that separates competence and excellence? The same as in nearly any other pursuit: some combination of talent, interest, ability, resources, effort, and time. Lots and lots of practice time. What about attention to detail? That’s something...

Wheelhouse idiom (in (one's) wheelhouse) In the area of one's greatest striking power. idiom (in (one's) wheelhouse) In line with one’s interests or abilities. A few years ago I wrote a blog post entitled “Lifestyle of Risk”. Here’s an abridged portion: “ ‘Workmanship...

Typically, when I sit down to write a blog post, I have no earthly idea what I’m about to write. The process is kind of like the headlight on my mom’s bike when I was a kid, powered by a generator that could be engaged or disengaged from the rear tire rim. At night,...

Traveling in a foreign country with too many preconceptions about that country is like walking around in squeaky shoes; it tarnishes the experience. In almost in a phenomenological way it makes you realize you’re there - rather that YOU are there, bringing all your...