Author Archives: Jeff

Apr 05

Brittney Griner, Denise Long, and the NBA

Posted on Friday, April 5, 2013, at 2:22 PM by Jeff

So Mark Cuban is thinking about drafting Baylor’s Brittney Griner. If he did, Griner would not be the first woman selected in an NBA draft. That honor goes to Denise Long of Union-Whitten High School in 1969, one of Iowa’s … Continue reading →

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Apr 04

For those of us of a certain computer age

Posted on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 11:15 AM by Jeff

The Oregon Trail Company’s Official Moving Contract (should be valid only if played on an Apple IIe/IIGS) Why the Africa map on “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” is the most difficult task ever incorporated into a children’s game … Continue reading →

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Apr 03

The last odd-year map in Iowa

Posted on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at 3:08 PM by Jeff

was released online on Monday. Starting in 2014, publication will switch to a two-year schedule. Given the number of 2012 maps I’ve seen available at a couple rest areas earlier this year, it will likely be OK. The page’s title … Continue reading →

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Apr 02

What is it with all these special elections?

Posted on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 1:14 PM by Jeff

On the first Tuesday after the first Monday (unless noted), Iowa looooves special elections this year. The Secretary of State lists seven allowable scheduled dates, and that doesn’t include votes that must be held within a certain number of days … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on What is it with all these special elections?
Apr 02

Google found the Titanic

Posted on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 12:38 AM by Jeff

…on its April Fools treasure map. (If you drag the spyglass/Street View icon in the area, you will see blue dots for NOAA pictures taken in the debris field. However, these are not accurately placed because they are too far apart … Continue reading →

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Mar 29

On women’s basketball

Posted on Friday, March 29, 2013, at 12:12 PM by Jeff

I don’t have time to go into the column, but here is a piece that is worth reading. Also, it has a picture of Anna Prins and Chelsea Poppens losing horribly fighting valiantly against Baylor.

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on On women’s basketball
Mar 29

License Plate Tracker — AQV, ASH, AWY

Posted on Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9:30 AM by Jeff

We’re using V’s again! Also, it would appear we’re getting close to the end of the A’s. I hadn’t been out much so I hadn’t seen much in the way of new character sets.

Posted in License Plates | Comments Off on License Plate Tracker — AQV, ASH, AWY
Mar 28

‘Iowa State fans are some of the most tortured in college basketball’

Posted on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 10:51 AM by Jeff

This from an Ohio State walk-on/graduate/fan. In their last five tournament appearances, the Cyclones have lost to three national champions, a 15-seed, and a team that needed a buzzer-beater from a 30 percent 3-point shooter. Plus, at this point it’s … Continue reading →

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Mar 27

Golden Gate Bridge electronic tolls

Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 10:15 AM by Jeff

I had a book called Facts-ination that led off with stories about toll-takers on the Golden Gate Bridge. If you couldn’t afford the toll, they would be willing to take other items — even a Christmas tree — and would … Continue reading →

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Mar 26

False hope is worse than death (WBB edition)

Posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at 1:32 PM by Jeff

March 17, 2012: Aplington-Parkersburg’s Chelsea Poppens, center, has been a core member of the ISU women’s basketball team. She will be missed.  The basketball gods have come up with a new way to taunt Iowa State: Plunge into a deep deficit … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on False hope is worse than death (WBB edition)