Blog Poll Of The Day:
Britney Spears has became passe. Which of the following should becoming my calendar girl for 2005? (yes, I'm aware its kinda early to be deciding this)
1) Hilary Duff
2) Jessica Simpson
Friday, June 18, 2004
I have a complaint.
I can check my MasterCard balance online, as its tied to my bank account information. (MasterCard for that bank, is attached to the account at same bank) Its a great feature. I can see when purchases I've made are attached to my account, and see what's due. My complaint is, once we hit the cut-off for billing (the 15th in my case, with this bank) they remove all the transactions that made up that billing period, and I can't see what I spend, and where, until the paper statement comes in the mail.
I hate that. I wish they'd have a button that would let you read your previous month's statement, once the cut-off day is reached.
Just something that is on my mind this morning.
I can check my MasterCard balance online, as its tied to my bank account information. (MasterCard for that bank, is attached to the account at same bank) Its a great feature. I can see when purchases I've made are attached to my account, and see what's due. My complaint is, once we hit the cut-off for billing (the 15th in my case, with this bank) they remove all the transactions that made up that billing period, and I can't see what I spend, and where, until the paper statement comes in the mail.
I hate that. I wish they'd have a button that would let you read your previous month's statement, once the cut-off day is reached.
Just something that is on my mind this morning.
Why do I always have to be the first person to do something?
I'm on site yesterday, attempting to commission the membrane treatment units. We'd been messing around with units A and B for a couple days. The bugs appeared to be tuned out of the process, and efforts were turned towards making unit C operational.
The first step in accomplishing the commissioning of a membrane unit is to fill it with water. There is a lot of piping, and feed space in the membranes themselves. It takes awhile to fill the unit up but its necessary because you can't hammer a dry system with 90 psi water. THAT=not good
So we're trickling water into the unit with a butterfly valve that's open about 10%. My technician is giving the system some casual interest as he does other things. It takes a decent length of time to fill a unit, so he was doing other things at the same time.
The unit reaches about half full when it is noticed that there is drip coming from the booster pump disconnect switch. (for those of you that don't know what that is, its a rugged electrical switch that controls the feed of electricity to an electrical device) That shouldn't be. We'd had an accident earlier that sprayed water all over the plant. So it wasn't given a whole lot of importance. Tim had a few spare moments so he investigated where this water was coming from.
He opened the disconnect box, and there was a small pool of water that had formed inside. That really shouldn't be, because the whole point of the box is to protect the electrical circuit from being disrupted, shorted, engaged/disengaged by accident, etc. Further investigation found that the water was originating from inside the box. Even more examination brought us to the realization that the water was entering the box from inside of the wires, that connected the pump motor, to the disconnect switch.
I phoned our pump supplier. The initial response was incredulity. That's not supposed to happen. The wires run from the pump motor, inside the submersion cannister, to the disconnect switch. It is supposed to be completely sealed, and impervious to penetration. As this is a submersible pump, and the entire unit, motor and all, will be completely encased by water, it is vitally important that water not be able to get into the electrical line. But it had, and the pressure of the water was sufficient to push it between the strands that make up the elctrical cable, to terminate in a pool inside my disconnect box.
Lots of incredulity, from lots of people. Which is fine but I'm wetting my pants because I'm using two other of these pumps already. And the indication I'm getting from the electricians on site is, this water in the cable situation is very, very bad. So I'm quite freaked out. Then the pump supplier phones back and tells me that they have no idea of what to do next. This has never happened before.
Which brings me back to my initial statement. I hate being first. If you're the first person with a problem, it always takes a long time to fix, because a bunch of things need to be checked, before you do anything that will work. And I'd rather not commit to a long, drawn out process.
So all of you pump/electrical people, please email me with your solutions to my problem. I have padlocked that disconnect switch so that no one can operate that pump without my supervision. Beyond that I am left with no choice beyond being highly nervous about my pumps. Stress relief suggestions would also be worth recieving.
I hope all of you are having better days that mine yesterday. I am back for awhile, so hopefully I can amuse you with my writings.
Toodles people!
I'm on site yesterday, attempting to commission the membrane treatment units. We'd been messing around with units A and B for a couple days. The bugs appeared to be tuned out of the process, and efforts were turned towards making unit C operational.
The first step in accomplishing the commissioning of a membrane unit is to fill it with water. There is a lot of piping, and feed space in the membranes themselves. It takes awhile to fill the unit up but its necessary because you can't hammer a dry system with 90 psi water. THAT=not good
So we're trickling water into the unit with a butterfly valve that's open about 10%. My technician is giving the system some casual interest as he does other things. It takes a decent length of time to fill a unit, so he was doing other things at the same time.
The unit reaches about half full when it is noticed that there is drip coming from the booster pump disconnect switch. (for those of you that don't know what that is, its a rugged electrical switch that controls the feed of electricity to an electrical device) That shouldn't be. We'd had an accident earlier that sprayed water all over the plant. So it wasn't given a whole lot of importance. Tim had a few spare moments so he investigated where this water was coming from.
He opened the disconnect box, and there was a small pool of water that had formed inside. That really shouldn't be, because the whole point of the box is to protect the electrical circuit from being disrupted, shorted, engaged/disengaged by accident, etc. Further investigation found that the water was originating from inside the box. Even more examination brought us to the realization that the water was entering the box from inside of the wires, that connected the pump motor, to the disconnect switch.
I phoned our pump supplier. The initial response was incredulity. That's not supposed to happen. The wires run from the pump motor, inside the submersion cannister, to the disconnect switch. It is supposed to be completely sealed, and impervious to penetration. As this is a submersible pump, and the entire unit, motor and all, will be completely encased by water, it is vitally important that water not be able to get into the electrical line. But it had, and the pressure of the water was sufficient to push it between the strands that make up the elctrical cable, to terminate in a pool inside my disconnect box.
Lots of incredulity, from lots of people. Which is fine but I'm wetting my pants because I'm using two other of these pumps already. And the indication I'm getting from the electricians on site is, this water in the cable situation is very, very bad. So I'm quite freaked out. Then the pump supplier phones back and tells me that they have no idea of what to do next. This has never happened before.
Which brings me back to my initial statement. I hate being first. If you're the first person with a problem, it always takes a long time to fix, because a bunch of things need to be checked, before you do anything that will work. And I'd rather not commit to a long, drawn out process.
So all of you pump/electrical people, please email me with your solutions to my problem. I have padlocked that disconnect switch so that no one can operate that pump without my supervision. Beyond that I am left with no choice beyond being highly nervous about my pumps. Stress relief suggestions would also be worth recieving.
I hope all of you are having better days that mine yesterday. I am back for awhile, so hopefully I can amuse you with my writings.
Toodles people!
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Friday, June 11, 2004
Sunday, June 06, 2004
We are going to have another contest!
Today's topic revolves around Kevin's computer. His hard drive died a couple month ago, and he needed a new one installed. Life happened, and I never got the tower to my house until it was delivered yesterday.
It is now June 6, 2004, 3:32 in the afternoon. The question being put to you is as follows:
I am installed Windows 98 Second Edition on this hard drive. On what day, and at what time, will I complete the Windows Update of this system?
Respond as always.
Today's topic revolves around Kevin's computer. His hard drive died a couple month ago, and he needed a new one installed. Life happened, and I never got the tower to my house until it was delivered yesterday.
It is now June 6, 2004, 3:32 in the afternoon. The question being put to you is as follows:
I am installed Windows 98 Second Edition on this hard drive. On what day, and at what time, will I complete the Windows Update of this system?
Respond as always.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
For the first time in the 30 year history of my participation in the Guenther family (Wayne, Colleen, Grant, Candace) there is air conditioning in the family home.
Air Conditioner
Air Conditioner
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Friday, June 04, 2004
For those of you curious about the outcome of last night's blog question, 'can I cut my grass in 45 minutes at lunch' the answer is yes. I had some trepidation about pulling this off, but it actually worked out. I think it was a shade over 45 minutes, but I got an early start and managed to wrap it up at 12 to 1:00. I was still late getting back to the office, as I hadn't done any packing yet. But overall, I accomplished a LOT, in a LITTLE time, so I'm satisfied.
And for those of you that didn't care about the blog question . . . tough cheese. That's all I'm adding right now. tee hee hee
Toodles!!!
And for those of you that didn't care about the blog question . . . tough cheese. That's all I'm adding right now. tee hee hee
Toodles!!!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
I was just reading Slashdot and a story on the front page caught my eyes. It was about HP calculators. It brings to my mind a question that will probably only be significant to Greg and I.
When I was in engineering school, the big 'cheating' issue was HP calculators, that could save text. How do they handle PDA's that have full spreadsheeting, and word processing packages?
When I was in engineering school, the big 'cheating' issue was HP calculators, that could save text. How do they handle PDA's that have full spreadsheeting, and word processing packages?
The place we do not name, may finally have exhausted itself. The beast has grappled with me, for more weeks that I care to count. I have wrestled, and fought with this monster, never gaining anything better than a stalemate.
Now, finally, it may be over. Like the sick pet that you agonize with, as it lives the last days of its life, it has finally fallen, to lie prone on its side. The last few, hollow breaths are escaping, before the husk falls silent, and the pain dies.
The place we do not name is like a cherished pet that must die. You know that it will come, eventually, but in the mean time you must live with that soul destroying sorrow of watching something you cared about, stumble and wheeze its way to the denouement.
I never loved that project, like you would your childhood pet. But it was important to me, and I had a cherished feeling about it. When it began I have visions of it being my, point of pride, project. The one I could hold up and say 'I did that'. But it dragged on so long, and would not bend, yield or give me even an inch of victory. I fought it from beginning to end. Now, as it passes into closure, I do feel a twinge at its passing. It was long past time, and I'm glad that the suffering, for everyone, is over.
Be well my friends.
Now, finally, it may be over. Like the sick pet that you agonize with, as it lives the last days of its life, it has finally fallen, to lie prone on its side. The last few, hollow breaths are escaping, before the husk falls silent, and the pain dies.
The place we do not name is like a cherished pet that must die. You know that it will come, eventually, but in the mean time you must live with that soul destroying sorrow of watching something you cared about, stumble and wheeze its way to the denouement.
I never loved that project, like you would your childhood pet. But it was important to me, and I had a cherished feeling about it. When it began I have visions of it being my, point of pride, project. The one I could hold up and say 'I did that'. But it dragged on so long, and would not bend, yield or give me even an inch of victory. I fought it from beginning to end. Now, as it passes into closure, I do feel a twinge at its passing. It was long past time, and I'm glad that the suffering, for everyone, is over.
Be well my friends.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
I usually like the rain. When its not tied up in some big storm, its almost peaceful. The dim, grey sky, drops of water falling from the heavens. The affirmation of life, as all living things that the rain touches, reach up and embrace the giving water.
Usually I like the rain. However, in recent times I have lost my zest for rain. The reason? My grass. Somewhere between where I was, and here, I ended up with a landing strip sized amount of grass to cut. Its freakin' huge. What complicates this chore even more is, my allergies. If its green, I sneeze. That's the rule. And there's lots of dust in the air when you cut grass. If I do the chore, I've resigned myself to an evening of snorting and blowing. It's fairly unpleasant.
So the lush green-ness of my front yard does not impress me. It actually depresses me. Anyone for an asphalt front lawn?
Toodles.
Usually I like the rain. However, in recent times I have lost my zest for rain. The reason? My grass. Somewhere between where I was, and here, I ended up with a landing strip sized amount of grass to cut. Its freakin' huge. What complicates this chore even more is, my allergies. If its green, I sneeze. That's the rule. And there's lots of dust in the air when you cut grass. If I do the chore, I've resigned myself to an evening of snorting and blowing. It's fairly unpleasant.
So the lush green-ness of my front yard does not impress me. It actually depresses me. Anyone for an asphalt front lawn?
Toodles.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Well, I'm going to New Mexico!
I sometimes wonder if maybe I shouldn't be the boss, and my actual boss shouldn't be the employee. Then again, maybe he indulges me because it is me, and he wants to keep my happy. Nonetheless, I just spent about $15,000 of his money, essentially to appease a couple of my whims.
Whim one is a trip to New Mexico for a membrane cleaning course. I'm fairly happy about this. Everyday I take on more and more responsibility for the safety and good performance of our membrane treatment systems. Any additional knowledge I can acquire just makes me more, and more comfortable in my role. My assistant is working on my flight, hotel and car rental needs for this excursion. About all I have to do is get on the airplane.
The second whim is my desire to build a pilot unit that more accurately reflects the conditions likely to be encountered on full implementation on a large scale system (something in the 100+ gpm range). That'll be a $6000 or $7000 touch. But once we have it, the machine will be incredibly valuable, as a method of acquiring new, high profile projects, and doing proper pilot testing, before implementation of a full system. Yes its a lot of money, but its money well spent.
So I guess, despite it being a lot of money, its all going to a good purpose. Now that I've talked my way around it, maybe Murray does know what he's going with these things. I guess I just need to believe my ideas are good, and not be so concerned with things being foolish, or ill-concieved. Have faith! I guess that's the phrase of the day.
This is G%, sounding off from the rain forest of Saskatchewan.
I sometimes wonder if maybe I shouldn't be the boss, and my actual boss shouldn't be the employee. Then again, maybe he indulges me because it is me, and he wants to keep my happy. Nonetheless, I just spent about $15,000 of his money, essentially to appease a couple of my whims.
Whim one is a trip to New Mexico for a membrane cleaning course. I'm fairly happy about this. Everyday I take on more and more responsibility for the safety and good performance of our membrane treatment systems. Any additional knowledge I can acquire just makes me more, and more comfortable in my role. My assistant is working on my flight, hotel and car rental needs for this excursion. About all I have to do is get on the airplane.
The second whim is my desire to build a pilot unit that more accurately reflects the conditions likely to be encountered on full implementation on a large scale system (something in the 100+ gpm range). That'll be a $6000 or $7000 touch. But once we have it, the machine will be incredibly valuable, as a method of acquiring new, high profile projects, and doing proper pilot testing, before implementation of a full system. Yes its a lot of money, but its money well spent.
So I guess, despite it being a lot of money, its all going to a good purpose. Now that I've talked my way around it, maybe Murray does know what he's going with these things. I guess I just need to believe my ideas are good, and not be so concerned with things being foolish, or ill-concieved. Have faith! I guess that's the phrase of the day.
This is G%, sounding off from the rain forest of Saskatchewan.