Helping the World

On By JohnIn sociologyLeave a comment

37 Things Americans Do in Movies/TV Shows That Are WAF to Non-Americans.

Okay, the article didn’t say “WAF” — use your imagination.

Next, I don’t speak for All Americans the same way that I don’t speak for All Men or All People. I’m just somebody. But, read over the list — here are my own thoughts to go along with them:

  1. Yes, there are some people that are intent on attending one specific university. Those people are strange. I didn’t know that I was going to university until I just randomly picked one that was convenient. The second time? Eh, same thing, really. Didn’t know. Didn’t plan for it. Didn’t expect it.
  2. No, they don’t. And if they do, then it’s absolutely a psychological extension of the fluorescent light trope.
  3. Again, no, they don’t. Trope.
  4. Yes! They do have and actually get school lunches. In fact, it’s called the National School Lunch Program. People often complain about the lunches, but it’s not poisonous and it’s a damned sight better than having nothing at all.
  5. Occasionally. But, no, not nearly as often as depicted in movies. It’s trope.
  6. Okay, yes. Yes, nearly every school does have its own mascot. Typically Jr. High (7th & 8th) and High School (9th – 12th). It tended to be a symbol around which we could apply our efforts for sports… and we had a social justification to leverage it as a “we” vs. “they” symbol.
  7. Cliché. See also: trope.
  8. It’s a TV show thing. Then again, it may be an ‘everyone’ thing, but it certainly doesn’t happen in my home.
  9. Nah, they really do. I never understood them. Prom. Homecoming. Valentines Day. Halloween. So, yeah, pretty much one for every season.
  10. Yeah, I have no idea why they’s say that, but it could be a pedestrian attempt by the show’s writers because they can’t think of an exact location to call out or want to avoid the effort it would take to add clarifying statements. But I agree.
  11. What British accent? There are loads of British accents.
  12. Yes. Well, they did. It seems to be losing favor. Often it would be respectful to refer to them as Mr. or Mrs. Surname until the parent were to say, “Oh, please, call me…”. See also, duzen wir uns.
  13. I avoided cheerleaders throughout school, so I haven’t any frame of reference.
  14. Depends on the school, but yes, it was common to have a project to demonstrate the creativity and comprehension of concepts. I think there was some degree of projects in nearly every course apart from mathematics.
  15. It’s an overused trope.
  16. Mmm… PB&J. Yes, we do. Not everyone. But it’s rather common regionally. There are better and worse peanut butters. And then there’s the debate about whether to use jam, or jelly.
  17. Bacon, when eaten by itself or as a side to some main course, is typically eaten with fingers.
  18. Okay, I’m somewhat out of touch with television — I’m not sure what’s meant by “fake babies, getting ‘married’ to each other”. I can say that it was common for young children — perhaps 6 or 8 — to “play house” and pretend to be married. Not sure what you mean though.
  19. Yes. Yes, they do. From 1st-grade through 12th. We had to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every single school day. Every. Single. Day. How to say it is defined in U.S.C. §4.
  20. Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever had somebody ask, in 48 years, how I like eggs while they’re already in the active process of cooking them.
  21. No. And if they do, then they absolutely deserve whatever they get. Also, their password is probably “1-2-3-4-5” or “changeme”.
  22. Laziness on the part of both the actors and directors.
  23. No. Not everyday. I think I’ve had pancakes like two or three times this year.
  24. Not all. But summer camps are a thing. I attended summer camp twice when I was in grade school. It was rather fun as I recall.
  25. Not at all common.
  26. Yeah, it’s often a TV-thing.
  27. Probably about as often as they might say, “Please do…” or “help yourself”.
  28. I do not.
  29. There are places that this is acceptable: salons, conference rooms, community break-rooms… but I don’t think I’ve ever had bottles of water just sitting in the refrigerator.
  30. Garbage disposals.
  31. Okay I rather like a fireplace. But, I don’t get excited about it. I have one and in a year, I think I had a fire in it once. Maybe twice.
  32. Sometimes called “mystery meat”. There are variations across many cultures around the world, so this one’s a bit of a curiosity to me. Although, I would also argue that it’s likely just a lazy story object.
  33. No. No, they don’t. Most humans apart from the Maasai and some Northern Europeans, become rather lactose intolerant in adulthood.
  34. Yep, they do. Detention is usually only 45 min or an hour after school.
  35. No, not everyone wants to have their own reality TV show.
  36. Continuity issues, probably.
  37. Perhaps because trucks have become the ultimate utilitarian vehicle.

The “Next” Ride…

On By JohnIn motorcyclesLeave a comment

Yeah, I know, it’s a big unknown in the world and society has taken a hit. Still, you gotta have goals — or a vision… or at least a vague direction. Until something else catches my eye and narrows my focus, the list of contenders is:

Honda Super Cub, PCX150 or even the Trail 125.

Super Cub C125 ABS
2020 Honda Super Cub.

What can I say? I do like scooters. Any motorcycle, really. But I can certainly see the benefit of scooters for regular usage in some scenarios.

I’m not a fan of the classic Vespa/Piaggio-style scooters. But the Super Cub has a style that Daisy likes because it looks like her old People 50. Which is a bit apropos… the People 50 was based upon the original Super Cub.

Speaking of Hondas — they also have the 2020 PCX150. Currently available and reasonably priced. Sure, the ADV150 has an adjustable windshield — more of variable wind deflector — but the PCX150 is a bit less expensive and honestly, a bit more appealing to my eye.

Honda 2020 PCX150

And even the newly-announced Trail 125!

That’s a winner right there.

It’s probable that a few Hondas will find their way into my garage. Or, minimally, the Trail 125.

Oh, and on the topic of Honda scooters, we must also consider the Honda Gold Wing. It’s just as much a scooter just as a scooter is a motorcycle.

Change my mind.

Yamaha XMax — 300.

For a slightly higher-displacement in the fully-automatic scooter design, there’s the Yamaha XMax.

2020 Yamaha XMAX - Studio Grey
2020 Yamaha XMAX

My current touring-class bike is a Yamaha. I’ve enjoyed the quality of Yamaha for many years. I’m quite happy with it and I’m not at all opposed to adding another Yamaha to the stable.

2005 Wee Star — still ridden regularly

I’ve ridden the hell out of her.

Ran her across country more than a few times. It’ll do about 90MPH even with that big wind-dam (windshield) which offers no aerodynamics to the bike, but it’s just not comfortable beyond 65MPH. And, let’s be honest, if I’m in that much of a hurry to be somewhere, then an airplane is more effective.

I left her neglected and unridden/unmaintained for nearly two years during the primary recovery from the TBI. After I rebuilt her carbs (again) she still runs fine.

I will never sell her.

Kawasaki Vaquero.

VULCAN® 1700 VAQUERO®
2020 Kawasaki Vaquero

Okay, now we’re back into the manual transmission world of touring-class motorcycles. I’ve owned a Kawasaki previously. If you’ve ever fiddled around with a persnickety transmission to find neutral, the Kawi’s PNF is a godsend. And still having some mild proprioception issues in my feet, that’s a win.

I’m not a fan of this year’s color for the Vaquero, but I’m also rather disinclined to have a bike painted. Sure, I could repaint it, but the effort is considerable.

Achievement Unlocked

On By JohnIn human condition, lifeLeave a comment

The first time I’d read Heinlein’s Time Enough for Love was in High School. About 30 years ago. One line from the book that seemed most meaningful that, in varying forms, stuck with me throughout the years was on specialization.

Rather, it wasn’t directly from the story itself, but it was a sub-story within the story — from the section, “Excerpts from the Notebooks of Lazarus Long”. Lazarus Long, is, of course, the’s book’s the kilt-clad protagonist.

His notebooks contained wise sayings, recommendations, cautions, realizations, what have you.

One of those excerpts from his fictitious notebooks was this:

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

For a long time, I had commented that somebody must learn of and actually do each one of those varied tasks throughout life.

Save one. That last.

Not very convenient — you won’t witness your own death.

But it wasn’t until quite recently that I realized that I had, in fact, achieved every single one of those diverse skills as of December nearly three years ago. In fairness, whether it was “gallant” is open to interpretation — so, die gallantly, provisionally.

I’ll take it.

Oh, also:

Yeah, I’ve always been the person who did things out of the natural order.

2020 SCC AMT Tools List

On By JohnIn aircraft, education1 Comment

Okay, I posted the SCC AMT Supplies and book list and at the end of it, I alluded to a tools list. Here it is.

SCC AMT Tools List needed for the first ten classes — about two to three terms. ARCFT 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 135, and 136.

I’m effectively brand new to aircraft maintenance-anything. However, I do have about 40-ish years of tool use since childhood in mechanics, fabrication, construction, and electronics. As such, I’ve formed preferences in the types of tools that work for me and I’ll temper that experience with the specific needs of aviation.

Next, yes, this is going to be another long-ish post. I already have several (but not all) tools that I can re-task for aviation. I’m going to include the specific requirements as provided during new-student orientation on 21 August and I’ll also provide links to the exact tools required or equivalents that may be appropriate.

Before I dig into the list, I’d like to share something important for people who may be starting out. I feel this is significant, so please pay attention:

As a student or just starting out, do not buy the ‘best’ tool that can be had nor anything from some mobile tool purveyor.

Instead, buy the cheapest thing you can find that meets the actual needs you have right now. Not needs you think you’re going to have in the future. Learn to use it appropriately. Care for it. When it breaks or wears out, if repair isn’t plausible, then look for the best tool that in your learned and gained experience will meet your specific needs.

Right, the list:

  • Tool box. Small, hand-carry model only. 1 ea. Not a roll-bottom cart (yet). You’ll need to move this around rather regularly. And for the first two terms, every day. From my experience, plastic-anything is out of the question primarily because it’s prone to breaking and cannot be repaired. I do appreciate metal toolboxes that can be repaired or pounded back into shape and those with cantilevered butterfly tops like these, but I also appreciate the upholstery in my vehicles. So, a soft-sided tool bag with sturdy, reinforced frame is suitable.
  • Safety goggles/glasses, clear, ANSI Z87 1 ea. I don’t want to get on my soapbox about the importance of safety glasses. They’re mandatory in the hangar. Also, they must be ANSI Z87 safety eyewear. What do I use? I have several that I have for different purposes: workshop, mowing the lawn, motorcycles, power-sports, etc. There are many that you can find on Amazon but it depends on whether you need ‘safety glasses’ or ‘safety goggles’ to wear over eyeglasses. So choose what works for you and be sure you always have a spare. Oh, and no sunglasses and no face shields.
Safety Glasses 12x Clear Z87 Protective Eyewear
  • Ear protection muffs (29db) 1 ea. While I acknowledge that AirPods Pro do have noise-cancellation and hunting/shooting ear protection can provide hearing augmentation, they’re not appropriate in the hangar (nor on the flight-line). It’s dangerous on the flight-line to have music or an audio book or anything that can command your attention. Just over-the ear muffs are appropriate. Yes, there are also headsets that are meant for radio-communication on the flight-line. Different issue. These are fine.
  • Gloves, light-weight leather/mechanic gloves 1 pr. I don’t recall where I bought my regular-use Mechanix Wear gloves, probably at Lowe’s. I strongly, strongly recommend going directly to a local big-box home center and trying on a few different pair of mechanic gloves to make sure you get a pair that fit properly. Remember, you’re not in need of gardening gloves, nor anything that provides thermal insulation, and absolutely not loose-fitting gloves. What you need is leather(-like) gloves that won’t limit dexterity, will protect your hands from rough edges, and won’t fall off or become FOD.
  • Gloves, nitrile 1 box. If you’re not familiar with the fit and use of nitrile gloves, buy the absolute cheapest box you can find. For auto-maintenance tasks, I’ve had good luck with a particular size and I prefer the 5 and sometimes 7 mil gloves. Anything thicker affects my dexterity. Anything thinner is at far greater risk of snagging and tearing.
  • Gloves, chemical resistant 1 pr. Occasionally, you’ll be working with hazardous chemicals. Yes, there are also varying types and degrees of “hazardous” in aviation. These or these would be appropriate.
  • 12″ hacksaw frame and 12-36T hacksaw blade 1 ea. A cheap hacksaw frame and some blades for cutting aluminum.
  • 8″ duckbill pliers 1 ea. From many years of hand tool use, I prefer the rubber grip of the line of Irwin Vice Grip gripping tools. 8″ flat nose pliers.
  • 3″ flush cutting pliers 1 ea. I have several pair of flush-cutting pliers from electrical work and even 3D-printing I’ve done over the years. As such, these might work.
  • Soldering pen, 25-40w 1 ea. From background and exposure to soldering (THT, SMD) I usually just toss soldering pens in the bin. I have a soldering station with adjustable temperature and heat gun, but it’s not small enough to keep in tool bag. So, a soldering pen it is. Fortunately, I found this with a temperature adjustment — which is critically important for solder work.
  • 0.5 oz. 60/40 rosin-core solder, 0.032″ diameter, RS 64-017 or equal. 2 ea. About 30 grams. I prefer having a tube to contain the solder in one hand and the soldering gun in the other. Fortunately (unfortunately?) I have several of these lying about.
  • 2″ aligator clips, RS 270-346 or equal 20 ea. Wait… RS? Like Radio Shack? I’ll be darned, it really is. This is equivalent.
  • Digital multi-meter, CAT III, fused 10A port 1 ea. I have a few multi-meters. But they’re CAT II. Totally had to buy a CAT III multi-meter. I do have a preference for Fluke multimeters, but their CAT III meters can get a bit pricey. Klein is an option. There are some far less expensive auto-ranging options available.
  • Aircraft spark plug gap gauge (ATS450 or equal) 1 ea. You might think, “Oh, I’ll just use the gap gauge that I use on my mower…” No, you won’t. Fortunately, the ATS450 is available for about $11.
  • Thread pitch gauge (ATS WT1289-0030 or equal) 1 ea. I’ve been thinking about finding a pitch gauge. Finally have a reason to buy one.
  • Vernier calipers or digital calipers 1 ea. This is fine. Yes, you can use vernier if you know how to use the vernier scale (doesn’t everyone?), or you can use the lazy way. Just kidding — the digital calipers are far more valuable. Although, I’d bet that anyone who knows how to use a vernier scale also knows how to use a slide-rule. But that’s another topic.
  • Hand-file, single bastard cut, with handle 1 ea. This and a handle would be adequate.
  • 3/8″ drive ratchet 1 ea. I have a matched set of cased ratchets, sockets, and wrenches. Over the years, I’ve broken a few, but I always replace the broken ones with exact replacements from the vendor. That set is simply too large to carry in and out of the hangar daily and I’m not going to separate them. That’s another post. But this is appropriate for now.
  • Magnifying glass, 10x or greater 1 ea. You only need a 10x magnifying glass. And because I’d like to have one on my at-home shop as well, this will work. Also consider (or instead consider?) a compact magnifying glass.
  • Dust masks 10 ea. Dear world: it’s “face masks” you want. Not “dust masks”. In one case, it protects everyone else. In the other case, it protects you. Or, to clarify, a dust mask is to prevent you, the wearer, from inhaling anything that is noxious or hazardous (metal shavings, sawdust, etc). Whereas with a face mask, it prevents you from exhaling water droplets on somebody else. Presently, dust masks are virtually impossible to find because people are buying those things up so there seems some sort of an effing black market for dust masks. Right, so we need dust masks to protect ourselves against inhaled risks and we’ll need to wear face masks to protect everyone else from exhaling risks. Also, not a neck-gaiter. Not a bandana. Not a nylon sport mask — actually, scratch that last, I actually think a nylon sport mask would indeed work to limit inhaled risks. But it serves absolutely -no- benefit at all in limiting exhaled pathogens. Probably worsens it slightly. That said, I have found that dust masks are in fact hard to find. And if you were to got to Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, or nearly anywhere else and ask for dust masks, they’ll probably recommend, quite erroneously, a face mask.
  • 8′ tape measure 1 ea. There are many, many options out there. Many years ago, I started to prefer the Komelon 12′ Self-Lock tapes so I don’t have to fiddle with a lever to lock the tape open. Extend it. It says. To put it away, press the button.
Komelon Self-Lock Evolution 12-ft Auto Lock Tape Measure
Empire 12 in. Combination Square
  • 6″ steel rule with fraction and 1/100 scale 1 ea. When we start getting into scales, then specifics start to matter. Also, I take issue with calling it a “rule” — it isn’t. But this might work fine.
  • #8 Straight screwdriver 1 ea. This is somewhat open to interpretation. With slotted/straight screwdrivers, there isn’t a standard of what a #8 or #6 screwdriver is. However, generally, a #8 slotted screwdriver is about 1/4″ to maybe 5/16″ wide. Also…
  • #2 Phillips screwdriver 1 ea. Fortunately, the Phillips screws are generally understood to be a specific size differentiated by the number. So, because you’ll need a #8 slotted and a #2 Phillips, it makes sense to buy them both as a set. Also, because I’ve a preference for a certain ergonomic style, the Klein screwdrivers fit my hand quite nicely.
  • 3/8″ through 7/8″ combination wrench set 1 ea. Okay a set of combination wrenches…
  • 5/16″ combination wrench 1 ea… so I find this and this…
  • 11/32″ combination wrench 1 ea… then realize…
  • 1/4″ combination wrench 1 ea… there’s complete a set of combination wrenches that have every size listed and they’ve ratcheting box ends and not very expensive. That’s a win in my book.
  • Safety wire twist pliers 1 ea. I wonder what Mac Tools or Snap On charge for such things… oh… uh, nope… nope, nope nope. Remember the rule and just get the cheapest tool that meets your needs now. Not the needs you think you’re going to have. Nearly anything rated 3-stars or better found on Amazon would be appropriate.
Twisted Wire Pliers | 2019 New 6/9 Inch Aircraft Safety Wire Twisting Precision Lock Pliers Tool Set⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 inch)
  • Quart-size Zip-Lock bags 1 box. Another to pick up at Walmart. I wouldn’t recommend using lightweight Zip-Lock sandwich bags. Instead, Zip-Lock Freezer bags are more appropriate to keep small parts contained.
  • File card – ATS 21455 or equal 1 ea. You’ll need a file card to clean the collected filings off the bastard file.
  • 7/8″ aircraft spark plug wrench 1 ea. Okay, honestly, I splurged a bit on this. I could have found the same 7/8″ aircraft spark plug wrench for half the price, but instead, having fought with extracting spark plugs from countless car, truck, and motorcycle engines over the years, having a magnetic plug wrench make the job much more bearable.