SPARCS 2014 Conference (Free Live Stream)

SPARCS is an organization dedicated to scientific research and debate regarding canine behavior. This year the topics include aggression and conflict, personality and temperament, and science in training. The speakers will touch on topics such as why different breeds act differently, neuroscience of behaviors, neurochemistry of behavior and motivation, temperament and personality (both canine and…

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How to change a bicycle innertube

Here in southeastern Indiana we’re having a bit of ping-pong weather–it’s going back and forth between deep cold and reasonably close to spring. This has spurred me on to clean up my gear and prep it for the upcoming warm weather. My bike had a couple of flats that I needed to attend to. I’m…

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Weight Pull Drop Calculator

I put together a spreadsheet to help me calculate drop weights for Ranger’s weight pulls. At first it was designed for dogs in his rough weight range and for a specific set of equipment. Upon further thought I decided to make it go from a 1-block drop on up to a 25-block drop and to…

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2009/10/16–Energy Conservation Follow-up

Back in February I gave some tips on how to save energy in the home. Due to the arrangement of how my energy bills are paid, I do not see how my actions are affecting the final bill until some time later. I found out today that the impact my actions made. Overall, the curtains,…

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Dog Crate Fan

I am heading out with the dogs to the UKC Premier next week. Because my Jeep no longer has functioning air conditioning, and I am camping the entire weekend, I wanted a way to keep the dogs cool.

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2009/02/02–Energy and Economics

Everyone reading this has been affected by the economic meltdown. I’m no different. My employer—who also provides my housing—has mandated a 15% reduction in energy consumption, along with other cuts. This is divided between fuel (fuel oil for some of the housing and buildings, fuel for vehicles and equipment), and electricity (offices, residences, and all…

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2008/11/08–Backcountry Coffee

This morning I was putting some chicken in the slow cooker for dinner and I decided to use a little sea salt to flavor things. When I gave a quick twist to the plastic grinder I realized it was pretty similar to the hand crank grinder my friend Nora gave me for my birthday. Me…

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