AsktheBuilder.com Issue #1281 (I think)

May 12, 2024

Dear ,

It turns out Midge is an amateur radio operator. She's connected to the radio club that operates a radio station, W6RO, aboard the Queen Mary. That's me about to get on the air and operate one of their radios trying to make a few contacts. The bands were deader than a doornail and I only heard two faint signals. Such is the life of a radio operator. I walked away skunked by the sun.

My two friends, Russ and Ann, drove me to the Queen Mary. The three of us, Donna, and Midge, had a delightful lunch aboard the massive ship. After we ate, it was time for me to hug the two sisters, thank them for their hospitality and generosity, and head down the coast to South Laguna Beach.

Steve and Karin

My West Coast trip ended with me at Steve and Karin's house. Steve does all the heavy lifting under the hood of all my websites. I'm eternally grateful for this help.

They went the extra mile driving me to LAX for my return trip home. It was zero dark 4:20 AM when we pulled out of their driveway. If you want to drive around LA without snarled traffic, that's the time to do it.

Once I got back, Ann sent me the photo just below. She wanted to know what it might be. I had no clue and Google's image match was no help. If you know FOR A FACT what this is, respond back and you'll get full credit for solving the mystery.

The object is hinged at the center of the V-shaped hardware. Good luck. Remember, no guesses. Just respond if you know what it is, what it does, and maybe provide a link to a page explaining this odd hardware.

USS New Jersey BB-62 Dry Dock Tour

Months ago I shared that I had purchased a rare ticket to do a tour of the USS New Jersey while she's in dry dock.

That happened yesterday.

I can't begin to tell you how spectacular it was to tap on the steel hull. The three propellers and two rudders are massive.

I purchased one of the zinc anodes that was salvaged from the ship. These were bolted to the hull 30+ years ago. I guaranteed you this anode is going to be a collector's item one day. New aluminum anodes were attached in place of the zinc ones. Aluminum is a better metal anode for use in fresh water.

The New Jersey is now a museum ship and once out of the dry dock she'll be towed upriver to Camden, New Jersey. The Delaware River here is pretty much fresh water. Some saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean may make it up to Camden, but not much.

CLICK HERE to view all my photos and videos of this amazing adventure. As you can see, I was wearing a very special commemorative adventure hat in the above photo. I got to keep the hard hat as part of the tour.

You must always don an adventure hat when wanderlust washes over you.

I'll be back next week with a regular newsletter.

P.S. In the last issue I made a math mistake about the Dailygood trash bags. That's what happens when you do long-form division at 5:30 AM using a Blackwing pencil.

Jim, Mike, and Paul caught the error and brought it to my attention. It turns out the Dailygood trash bags are a little over 2 times more expensive than a normal brand-name trash bag.

"What about the bank?" The Sundance Kid

"They're easy... Easy, ripe, and luscious." Butch Cassidy

CLICK HERE to see this classic movie ending.

#DoNotComply

Once bitten, twice shy...

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

The BEST Love Story of all time - well, maybe a close second.

That's enough for a Sunday morning.

Peace out.

Tim Carter (PhD, FullyAwakeology)

Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Electromagnetic Adventures: www.W3ATB.com

My Pronouns: Told/You/So

Do It Right, Not Over!