Author Archives: Jeff

Sep 20

2012 Iowa map errors

This is a refresher on an old task of mine: Proofreading the official state highway map. I skipped two years partly because so many corrections had been made. The entire list is after the jump.

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous, Maps | Comments Off on 2012 Iowa map errors
Sep 19

Has it really been that long?

Time from introduction of the original Macintosh (1/24/84) to introduction of the first iMac (5/6/98): 5217 days. (It shipped in August of that year.) (Go to the 16-minute mark of this YouTube video for the introduction) Time from introduction of the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Has it really been that long?
Sep 19

Dysart cemetery vandalized

Ugh. (From KCRG, which about a month ago introduced a revised front page with “Top 9” stories)

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on Dysart cemetery vandalized
Sep 18

Hooray! We don’t reek! (Wait a second…)

November 18, 2011 Pat Forde on the etiquette of field-storming: If your program doesn’t reek of tradition and arrogance and you beat a top-five team, storm the field. (See: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State last year.) Then later in the … Continue reading

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Hooray! We don’t reek! (Wait a second…)
Sep 18

Why the Des Moines beltway can’t be an interstate (yet)

There’s another article out about studying an interstate upgrade for the US 65/IA 5 Des Moines beltway. There is more to an interstate designation than just signage. There are also rules about slow-moving vehicles and minimum speed limits. Right now, … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Why the Des Moines beltway can’t be an interstate (yet)
Sep 17

US 20 on track to open early

Thanksgiving week is a possibility for the big stretch of US 20 between US 71 and IA 4 to open. (Fort Dodge Messenger) This would be the last major relocation for US 20. From 71 west, new lanes would likely … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on US 20 on track to open early
Sep 15

Long legs

From the “strange football statistics” department: Northern Iowa and Iowa State both made 49-yard field goals today.

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Long legs
Sep 14

“Easton Valley” school vote passes

June 14, 2011: The cornerstone of the original Preston school building is half-obscured by a 1950 addition. The East Central school district, the easternmost in Iowa, is sharing this year with Northeast of Goose Lake. Many in the district are … Continue reading

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on “Easton Valley” school vote passes
Sep 14

The system is obviously flawed

Caught at the bottom of this L.A. Times piece about Notre Dame being* in the ACC is this bit: Are these rankings for football teams or truck stops? Ken Massey’s early season Bowl Championship Series algorithms are always good for … Continue reading

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on The system is obviously flawed
Sep 12

Unfortunately, I’m out of shelf space

A large three-dimensional map of the battle of Gettysburg with lights signaling troop movements is for sale. (via Fark)

Posted in Maps | Comments Off on Unfortunately, I’m out of shelf space