PaytonPlace » General

WiFi in the Sky

~SP — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Connecting to the internet while on an airplane is something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time. Although Virgin America Airlines has provided this service since they began flying in the United States, I don’t live near any of the cities to which they fly! But today, after a “parked on the runway for …

Optimize Your Web Connection

~SP — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:00:35 +0000

Wired's How-To Wiki runs down how to optimize your web connection using tools like OpenDNS, a regular old router, and add-ons that block bandwidth-hogging content you don't care about. If you're stuck on dial-up or a cellphone data modem, see also our guide on how to survive a slow internet connection.

How to Tie a Bowline Knot

~SP — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:00:48 +0000

The one DIY skill most of you don't have (according to last weekend's poll) is the ability to tie a bowline (knot, that is). Unless you're a sailor or a Girl or Boy Scout, you've probably never heard of a bowline (pronounced "boh-lin"). But this super-useful knot creates a loop that's strong enough to put around someone's waist and pull them out of the water, or hold down heavy objects, and it's very easily undone. Hit the play button above to learn how to tie a bowline using an easy-to-remember bunny metaphor. Just recently I hung a hammock using a bowline. Any knot nerds out there put the bowline to good use in regular everyday life? Any other knots you know and love? 'Fess up in the comments.

Cookie Chemistry

~SP — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:08:15 +0000

While researching my current annoyance, I rediscovered a bit of engineering silliness I recall from many moons ago. The text you see below appeared at FiveAndDime.net. It was near the bottom of their “Icons, Cursors and Freeware” section that I found this chemical engineering spoof. It caught my eye because my Grandfather was a chemical …

Why Oprah never had kids

~SP — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 13:29:12 +0000

My wife records The Oprah Winfrey Show and watches it as often as opportunity permits. It’s not uncommon for her to get started on an episode, skim the highlights, and move on to the next episode in rapid succession until she’s caught-up on her backlog of recorded episodes. During these times I do my best …