San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful, world class city. There are numerous museums, places of nature beautiful, great food, and well known tourist spots. You could easily spend several weeks exploring San Francisco and only scratch the surface. The SF City Pass can be a good … “San Francisco”
Read MoreMonterey Penisula & Big Sur
Part of my visiting northern California series. I would recommend taking two days to explore the area around Monterey. If you had a lot of time you could make it a four day leg and continue down Route 1 to Hearst Castle / San Simeon, … “Monterey Penisula & Big Sur”
Read MoreMonta Loma Neighborhood and the Mid-Peninsula
Monta Loma (MLN) is a great neighborhood which has a real community. Long before nextdoor, the community had a website, mailing list and later a wiki. We have block parties, a gardening group, CERT team, etc. There was (and maybe still is) a babysitting coop. … “Monta Loma Neighborhood and the Mid-Peninsula”
Read MoreFamily Gear 2019
Items that I removed from my personal gear list because we have them for the general family. This list is incomplete. See this year’s family gear. Electronics Google WiFi Mesh network access points easily install and just work when you have an area than a single … “Family Gear 2019”
Read MoreWeight of Glory
Weight of Glory is a sermon delivered by C.S. Lewis in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford. The sermon was first published in THEOLOGY, November, 1941, and by the S.P.C.K, 1942. This and several other pieces by Lewis were combined in the book also called The … “Weight of Glory”
Read MoreBooks that Really Changed Me
In 2001 I created a list I called “Books that Changed Me.” Alas, the title of that list should have been “Books I Recommend“. While I believe the books in that list are worth reading, I can’t honestly say most of them have changed me. I made … “Books that Really Changed Me”
Read MoreThe Joy of a Good Argument
Not a week goes by when Jackie and I don’t have a serious argument…. and I am so thankful for this because our arguments grow our understanding and character. The root of our arguments is often that we see the world from different perspectives. As … “The Joy of a Good Argument”
Read MoreGet Outdoors
Every Saturday Jackie and I take at least a couple hours to walk in one of the parks in our area or we might be further afield at some state or national park. Within a few minutes of beginning our walk I can feel myself … “Get Outdoors”
Read MoreEstimating IT Staffing
Originally Published in 1991Minor updates in 2000, 2017, and 2021 “How many IT staff does an organization need?” is a commonly asked and difficult to answer question. There is no magic ratio. There is no ideal staffing level. The appropriate number of a staff depends … “Estimating IT Staffing”
Read MoreGreat Meals
I tend to prefer mildly spicy food with complex combinations of tastes. Southwest, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Fusion, Californian, and especially Pacific Rim. I can enjoy classic French and Vietnamese, but the subtlety is sometimes lost on me. Great meals involve more than food. It also … “Great Meals”
Read MoreA Tribute to Doug
Today I was deeply sadden by the news that Doug Goins had succumbed to his three year struggle with cancer. Like many people, and especially Candy, I will miss him, and look forward to seeing him in the next life. As I pedaled my way … “A Tribute to Doug”
Read MoreRetro from my Shopping Diet
We live an an era which encourage us to consume ever more products, always looking for what would be better than what we have. I strive to be content with adequate shelter, clothing, and food and grateful for the material possessions which grace my life. One … “Retro from my Shopping Diet”
Read MoreHealth and Fitness in One Post
Over the last several years I have tried to answer the question “What is a Healthy Lifestyle?”. The following is a brief summary of what I have learned (with some minor updates added in 2022). My conclusions seem to overlap a fair bit with what … “Health and Fitness in One Post”
Read MoreGear in 2018
Great Stuff for Me and Maybe You. The complete list of gear and clothing for my life in 2018. I have an updated this year’s gear. Minimalism led me to simplify my stuff, keeping just the items that are regularly used and give me joy. I considered … “Gear in 2018”
Read MoreSimplifying Stuff
Francis Schaeffer observed that we live in a world that worships “personal peace and affluence”. Our culture tells us that we should put comfort above all else which leads to a self centered life. Advertisers buy our attention to convince us more stuff will make … “Simplifying Stuff”
Read MoreMark’s Audiophile Journey
I am not a sound engineer or music producer. I do consider myself am an audiophile because I really care about the sound qualty of the music I listen to. Unlike some audiophiles, the audio equipment is only a means to an end and not … “Mark’s Audiophile Journey”
Read MoreSport Watches
Minor Update: 2022 I define sports watches and wrist worn instruments which collect and display information that grants insight about health, fitness, and/or physical activities. My experience is that in most cases Garmin make the category leading watches. There are also “smart watches” which can … “Sport Watches”
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