Dr. D.'s Bloghttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/feed.xml2024-03-17T18:33:31.493000ZWerkzeugFrosty 5Khttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/frosty-5k2024-03-17T18:33:31.493000Z2024-03-17T10:56:14ZDr. Dvorak<div>This morning (March 17, 2024), I'm heading over to Hamilton to run in the Frosty 5K. My training has been somewhat sporadic leading up to this event, so I don't imagine my time will super fast. Mainly, I just needed to participate in a run so that I would actually get out and run and stay in some semblance of shape. Anyway, here is the <a href="https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2490663">run route</a>, part of which is in Bayfront Park, which juts out into Burlington Bay. That'll be cool (literally). By race time it should be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but likely breezy.</div>
<div><p style="text-align:center"><img src="https://cdn.raceroster.com/events/b26f4f85-1443-446a-be0e-424ba8514abe/images/65ce6cf97d8d7.jpg" title="Frosty 5K run route"/></p></div>
<div>Race results will be <a href="https://www.speedrivertiming.com/">posted here</a> after the race concludes. My bib number is</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/f1d55bc6-3191-488c-b8b0-e9207d87d716/5b09553f-7abd-bda5-3b46-0c4949006eed.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:480; --en-naturalHeight:316;"/><div><br/></div>
<div><b>UPDATE (2:22 PM Sunday, March 17, 2024):</b> I finished 82nd overall (279 runners). I finished 3rd in my division (male age 50-54) and 52nd out of all 128 males. Not bad for limited training.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/f1d55bc6-3191-488c-b8b0-e9207d87d716/7a505a6e-c701-e9cb-7247-121ea93f863c.png" /><div><br/></div>
2012 Honda Civic Outer Tie Rod Replacementhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/2012-honda-civic-outer-tie-rod-replacement2024-03-16T18:18:21.621000Z2024-03-16T18:17:49ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FyemrgOi-Fw?si=n47cfY1gzbopqp0T" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Telltale sign that Jim is writinghttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/telltale-sign-that-jim-is-writing2024-03-15T15:36:35.193000Z2024-03-15T15:35:14ZDr. Dvorak<div>Look for the mess at his desk.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/0941e2e7-d0e1-e101-96fa-df640c7f6139/fb7860dd-598c-e731-7217-0c4243fa94b4.gif" /><div><br/></div>
Making a Gift (part 3 of 3)http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/making-a-gift-part-3-of-32024-03-08T15:18:15.634000Z2024-03-08T13:53:08ZDr. Dvorak<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/zY015A" rev="en_rl_none">Click here</a> for part 1</div>
<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/UxNPjR" rev="en_rl_none">Click here</a> for part 2</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/78qleyfBgjI?si=26v4UZwKqInKCk3u" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div><br/></div>
Replacing the Camshaft Position Sensor on the '08 Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/replacing-the-camshaft-position-sensor-on-the-08-astra2024-03-06T13:05:06.237000Z2024-03-06T13:04:35ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MiQZl5JfdwA?si=bZ8AnTKaWncUo2r7" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Making a gift (part 2)http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/making-a-gift-part-22024-03-08T15:19:42.318000Z2024-03-02T21:15:58ZDr. Dvorak<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/zY015A" rev="en_rl_none">Click here</a> to see part 1.</div>
<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/wKe7s3">Click here</a> for part 3 (final part)</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qNqDVZrfows?si=Fv9Njb96l8oGyq6l" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Chapel Homily (Feb 27, 2024)http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/chapel-homily-feb-27-20242024-03-02T02:03:05.313000Z2024-03-02T02:02:19ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q0Vau9uhb14?si=3ams9qkjxJhCr2Gf&start=820" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
I think the Astra knows I like to work on carshttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/i-think-the-astra-knows-i-like-to-work-on-cars2024-02-24T23:33:27.631000Z2024-02-24T23:34:55ZDr. Dvorak<div>It never fails to give me more to do.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JWdXqLRCv0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>UPDATE (Feb 24, 2024): </div>
<div><b>But wait! There's more!</b></div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4_QGnbChwA?si=EDWPxEZOdpbk9UOL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
'08 Saturn Astra Sway Bar Link Replacementhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-saturn-astra-sway-bar-link-replacement2024-02-23T22:23:09.722000Z2024-02-23T22:00:04ZDr. Dvorak<div>As noted in a <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/7shIYy" rev="en_rl_none">previous video</a>, the Astra needed new sway bar links. In this video, I install new ones (actually, I just show the installation of the right/passenger side link; I did the left/driver's side off camera). I hope this video is entertaining <i>and</i> helpful.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rWMZQikLqOQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Fake news!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/fake-news2024-02-21T19:25:46.217000Z2024-02-21T19:21:25ZDr. Dvorak<div>I declare this to be fake news. </div>
<div>Trust me. I'm a doctor.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/f7735c15-93f0-4a92-2284-a06bee65d7c8/882cd1d4-c3ea-0332-5b51-18f6f9a631cf.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:277; --en-naturalHeight:600;"/><div><br/></div>
This resonates with me...http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/this-resonates-with-me2024-02-19T17:31:38.118000Z2024-02-19T15:57:08ZDr. Dvorak<div>My Google photos account is filling up, so I have been painstakingly cleaning it out. Ran across this gem of a quotation.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/e19404a5-57ab-5bec-90eb-ac46ad5473a4/3839d5fb-c7b9-ae18-d77e-342e656f2ba4.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:3260; --en-naturalHeight:1291;"/><div>UPDATE: Here's another important message:</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/e19404a5-57ab-5bec-90eb-ac46ad5473a4/2fb64238-832a-3ddc-a1d0-00e9d1131e82.jpg" /><div><br/></div>
Fresh sourdough artisan breadhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/fresh-sourdough-artisan-bread2024-02-19T15:14:00.322000Z2024-02-19T15:12:31ZDr. Dvorak<div>The lovely CJD has been at it again, baking fresh sourdough bread for the week. Yum!</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/33e30255-1def-0266-5cfd-5530fb1f1ddf/c3d48e75-939f-1b2f-5dd0-1b879e643f2b.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div><br/></div>
Hopefully a productive weekhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/hopefully-a-productive-week2024-02-19T13:14:52.588000Z2024-02-19T11:27:25ZDr. Dvorak<div>Hopefully, this week will be a fairly productive one. It's Family Day here in Ontario (Feb. 19, 2024), so the office is closed today, and this week is Reading Week at MDC, so students are away doing their best to get caught up (or, to be fair, <i>ahead</i>) on reading and writing. I have a lot of work to do this week, so I'm hoping that the less hectic and stressful week at work (yeah, right) will allow me to get some of it done. A few things I need to get done or get well into this week include the following list (in no particular order):</div><ul><li><div>write paper for plenary address I'm giving at <a rev="en_rl_none" href="https://www.geneva.edu/events/oralityliteracy">a conference</a> in early April (my topic is "Gossip," and what I have to say about it might surprise you in some ways, but you will have to wait for the publication๐)</div></li><li><div>grade assignments and give feedback for my Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning class</div></li><li><div>write a chapel sermon for Feb 27 chapel</div></li><li><div>write report and prep docs for March meeting of the MDC Senate and Board (there is a lot to get passed through this particular meeting)</div></li><li><div>trudge through a profusion of work email (ugh)</div></li><li><div>finalize the course schedule for next academic year (this is 99.9% done already; I just have a few changes to make)</div></li><li><div>final edits to a paper that I co-authored and co-presented at MDC's "<a href="https://mcmasterdivinity.ca/transcendence/">Secularism and the Pursuit of Transcendence</a>" conference last April conference with <a href="https://www.geneva.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/bible-philosophy/faculty_jonathan_watt">Dr. Jonathan Watt</a> from Geneva College</div></li><li><div>finish editing a book project (edited volume from the Bingham colloquium back in 2018) that I inherited (this is moving along fairly quickly and I hope will be in press soon)</div></li><li><div>work on the final chapter of my book and prep to submit to publisher</div></li><li><div>work on chapter on Rom 3:21-4:25 that will go into an edited volume in a series on <a href="https://mcmasterdivinity.ca/mdc-press/#linguistic-exegesis-of-the-new-testament" rev="en_rl_none">Linguistic Exegesis of the New Testament</a></div></li><li><div>work on book chapter for an edited volume on modern interpreters of Paul (like the one I did on Dibelius in <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/4uio0Q" rev="en_rl_none">book on modern interpreters of Luke and Acts</a>) (I've also agreed to write on on John H. Elliott for a book on Petrine Epistles in the same series)</div></li><li><div>gather information for the immigration lawyer (for permanent residence)</div></li><li><div>study French (needed for permanent residence [don't get me started])</div></li><li><div>install <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/roPZx9" rev="en_rl_none">new sway bar links on my Astra</a> (assuming we get at least a half day of decent weather this week, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday)</div></li><li><div>work on and hopefully finish a <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/zY015A" rev="en_rl_none">gift that I am making</a></div></li><li><div>a lot of other stuff</div></li><li><div>drink coffee (yes, a lot)</div></li></ul><div>Of course I can't get all of this done, but I need to complete the high priority items and do at least a little on the others. I'll get there. The good news (from a productivity standpoint), I will probably only go into the office one day this week.</div>
<div>I should have an article on the importance of context (context of culture and context of situation) published soon in MDC's <i><a href="http://bagl.org/" rev="en_rl_none">Biblical and Ancient Greek Linguistics (BAGL) journal</a></i> soon. The copyeditor has had it for a while now. I'll keep you posted.</div>
<div>Happy Family Day and Happy President's Day to our friends and family in the States.</div>
Making a gift (part 1)http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/making-a-gift-part-12024-03-08T15:20:29.922000Z2024-02-18T01:52:11ZDr. Dvorak<div>It was too cold outside today to work on my car, so I got started making a gift.</div>
<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/UxNPjR">Click here</a> for part 2</div>
<div><a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/wKe7s3">Click here</a> for part 3 (final part)</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d6kw1ZXcDFI?si=MTttd2CMXrsFFQ-S" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Plastic lid organizerhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/plastic-lid-organizer2024-02-15T12:49:51.456000Z2024-02-15T12:46:03ZDr. Dvorak<div>When one gets tired of plastic lid chaos, one makes a simple lid organizer. Had to do a little rearranging, but this fits into the cabinet.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/c9957f4b-9e19-bcda-e628-a8aa37c35e0a/80cbb7b2-8550-4d8e-1a4b-d489a8a955fe.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/c9957f4b-9e19-bcda-e628-a8aa37c35e0a/f55721a6-1b04-b332-249a-2af75147662f.jpg" /><div><br/></div>
Stripped out!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/stripped-out2024-02-12T10:37:16.955000Z2024-02-12T10:35:38ZDr. Dvorak<div>The screws were loose on one of our kitchen cabinet doors. Turns out they were stripped out! How did I repair them? With toothpicks, of course!</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5LXZ7rjg-U?si=_qWWbinoBOwYnzvw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kithttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/cerakote-headlight-restoration-kit2024-02-04T22:04:19.247000Z2024-02-04T21:15:53ZDr. Dvorak<div>The headlights on Sydney's car were super oxidized, yellowed, and opaque looking. She had been complaining about not having bright enough headlights when it's dark (which, here in Ontario, is most of the time in the winter). She has a 2012 Honda Civic, and even though it's an older vehicle, the price of new headlights is still pretty high (<a href="https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/honda,2012,civic,1.8l+l4,1501248,body+&+lamp+assembly,headlamp+assembly,10762">they range from $102 to $123 CAD per headlight on RockAuto.com</a>).</div>
<div>Now, I had the same issue with the headlights on my 2008 Saturn Astra and the cost to replace those headlamp assemblies was prohibitive to be sure (the assemblies are not even available through RockAuto; in fact, I often have to order parts for my car from the UK or Europe, <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/PeSdOI">like my b-pillar door seals</a>, since it's a Vauxhall/Opel). So, I followed a restoration process promoted by <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/5fydqU">ChrisFix</a>, and it worked . . . just ok.</div>
<div>So, I did some research and found a kit made by Cerakote (<a href="https://amzn.to/3SuNrNx">Amazon.ca</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/49mlKgx">Amazon.com</a>). Not surprisingly, I found a number of YouTubers using the product, demonstrating the process, and for the most part endorsing the product. So I ordered a kit for Sydney and gave it to her for Christmas (actually, the gift was not so much the kit but my labor๐).</div>
<div>Today, we <i>finally</i> got some sun and the temps were reasonable, so I busted out the kit and went to work. I did not video the process; you can see an instructional video from Cerakote <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx5gsIuKLEg">here</a>. I followed the instructions very carefully, and when I was finished, I stood back and, to be honest, I was quite shocked--in a positive way. I hope the photos below do justice.</div><h3>Before</h3><div>Right (passenger side)</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/2debc516-8daf-ee6c-5fb4-ada5b2807b10/ac85d155-0fc6-70d9-aa3c-cc520c29f95a.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:361;"/><div>Left (driver side)</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/2debc516-8daf-ee6c-5fb4-ada5b2807b10/90f65cb6-bb96-d5b7-ad28-a761609b183f.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:368;"/><h3>After</h3><div>Right (passenger side)</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/2debc516-8daf-ee6c-5fb4-ada5b2807b10/50aa4791-09ad-87e4-9f93-85f155d1fb6d.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:360;"/><div>Left (driver side)</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/2debc516-8daf-ee6c-5fb4-ada5b2807b10/9f16d420-2a94-c03b-0479-5688c7b83b18.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:415;"/><div>Now all we need to do is wait to see if they remain this clear. But right now, I am really quite pleasantly surprised!</div><h2>Next up...</h2><div>When Syd got her winter tires installed, they told her that the driver's side outer tie rod end needs replaced, but could wait. I checked it today, and, yep, it needs replaced. It's still not horrible yet, so I may wait to replace them right before she gets her all-season tires back on. Then she can have them check and adjust the alignment as needed (replacing tie rod ends typically requires alignment adjustment). But I told her that if she starts to feel any vibration, especially when braking, to let me know and I'll replace it sooner. I mean, I already have the parts.๐ </div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/2debc516-8daf-ee6c-5fb4-ada5b2807b10/ca212f5a-7b34-ff87-691d-3429549563a1.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div><br/></div>
A Good Saturdayhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/a-good-saturday2024-02-11T02:41:42.593000Z2024-02-04T02:35:47ZDr. Dvorak<div>Today (Feb 3, 2024) was a good day. I finished piece of furniture I made for Sydney's turntable and vinyl records. Don't get too excited. It's made of plywood--Red Oak plywood, but plywood nonetheless. That said, it turned out pretty good. Today I added oak veneer to hide the plywood ends (first time I've ever done veneer) and stained it. As soon as the stain is fully dried, we'll move it into place, set it up, and I'll get a photo posted.</div>
<div><b>UPDATE</b> (Feb 4, 2024): Here is a photo of the finished cabinet--well, I guess it's not a cabinet because there are no doors. So I guess it's a shelf?</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/ffcd5e3f-69ec-64fd-96b6-4e07740348c9/3c8e2834-7c70-07a5-2f97-098f27b31db0.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div>I also did a little work on the Lovely CJD's Santa Fe. It was a simple job: replacing front the sway bar links. I'll do a little more automotive work tomorrow, but on Sydney's car. I need to do a <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/uBqRPj">headlight restoration</a> on it and check her outer tie rod ends. When she got her winter tires put on, they told her that she would need to have one replaced. I'll replace both left and right outers if needed (I already have the parts).</div>
<div>That's it for today.</div>
Don't waste the black walnut!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/don-t-waste-the-black-walnut2024-01-27T15:28:20.942000Z2024-01-27T11:26:34ZDr. Dvorak<div>I had a little scrap piece of black walnut (which came from the Dvorak farm in Iowa, if you recall) left over from the <a href="https://link.ntgreekprof.com/aUymOt" rev="en_rl_none">decorative shelf I made for the lovely CJD</a>, and I didn't want it to go to waste. So, I made this useful little thing...</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pe9sdhYAKeI?si=7S1Kic1OBkQ0tAG5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
This guy is hilarioushttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/this-guy-is-hilarious2024-01-21T20:39:00.534000Z2024-01-21T20:38:05ZDr. Dvorak<div>Thanks to my sister for introducing me to his content.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyWWSYjvo-o?si=d49nM3XnSGpv-dL9" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
A little project for the lovely CJDhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/a-little-project-for-the-lovely-cjd2024-01-26T18:06:05.359000Z2024-01-20T12:59:28ZDr. Dvorak<div><br/></div>
<div>UPDATE (Jan 26, 2024 @ 1:00 PM): Here are a couple of shots of the shelf <i>in situ</i> in my wife's office...</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/48e109fb-1542-e900-7725-71dc231be62a/f7cc34aa-02aa-c4af-d68d-2b1b39f1d5ac.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:615;" width="456.5853658536585px"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/48e109fb-1542-e900-7725-71dc231be62a/06bd4911-8f76-f2ba-3963-a0e27a01e71f.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:335; --en-naturalHeight:512;"/><div><br/></div>
<div>UPDATE (Jan 21, 2024 @ 1:07 PM): Completely finished with all hardware, including keyhole hangers on the back.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/48e109fb-1542-e900-7725-71dc231be62a/a1a19806-fffc-4228-bffe-5212626c7399.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:480; --en-naturalHeight:360;"/><div>UPDATE (Jan 20, 2024 @ 7:45 PM): It's (all but) finished! I just have to get some black screws to attach the hooks. Check it out:</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pbpz9lWZIks?si=HsFIhZAt5u1ZeafT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>I'm working on a little project for Celeste. I am using some of the black walnut from the farm in Iowa to make something like this (she found this photo online somewhere, probably Etsy or Pinterest or some site that I never visit):</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/48e109fb-1542-e900-7725-71dc231be62a/931a043d-3db2-8ec4-e446-350c1b615724.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:320; --en-naturalHeight:320;"/><div>Last weekend, I milled a rough cut black walnut plank and cut it down to size. It was warped, so I used a little trick to run it through the planer to make it flat, mill it down to 1/2 in. thickness, and prep it for use. You can <a rev="en_rl_none" href="https://youtu.be/1V4_XMcwasY">check that out on my YouTube channel</a>. Today, I plan to square the edges, cut the board for the shelf, sand the wood for what will feel like an eternity, and then get to assembling the final product.</div>
<div>There is one issue, though: it is currently 7 degrees Fahrenheit outside. I will be working in my garage with door closed, but my garage is not heated. This ought to be fun!</div>
<div>More to come...</div>
Early Christmas Giftshttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/early-christmas-gifts2023-12-20T13:31:04.457000Z2023-12-20T13:22:31ZDr. Dvorak<div>Christmas came early to the Dvorak household (at least for me). My wife and kids got me these:</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/92d45a97-c02f-dda9-5545-9e91aa41d853/b7ee7b0a-3726-0c3f-0d8d-e78e8dd87a52.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:404;"/><div>On the left is a random orbital sander, in the center is a jigsaw, and to the right is a router. All of these work on the Ryobi One+ system, in which I am heavily invested.</div>
<div>The reason I got these gifts early is that I was making a couple of gifts and needed these to finish the job. the last time I was at the farm in Iowa (October 2023), I brought home with me some rough cut black walnut lumber from trees that were milled on the farm. I borrowed a planer from a colleague at work, planed down one board, and then used these tools to make a charcuterie boards for gifts, one for the lovely CJD (my wife) and one for my boss and his wife. Here are the finished products, the first one is for the lovely CJD and the second for my boss and his wife:</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/92d45a97-c02f-dda9-5545-9e91aa41d853/db161f4f-ab08-a6fb-2953-44fc9dee4ec0.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:509;"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/92d45a97-c02f-dda9-5545-9e91aa41d853/c22a4bc7-3f59-b4e2-4455-615a994f2be9.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div><br/></div>
Replacing the B-Pillar Door Moldings on my '08 Saturn Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/replacing-the-b-pillar-door-moldings-on-my-08-saturn-astra2023-12-02T18:11:19.945000Z2023-12-02T18:10:40ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAj4zM3bVdw?si=hLGUUhBuxPmwhK6G" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
'08 Astra Output Speed Sensor Replacementhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-astra-output-speed-sensor-replacement2023-10-21T20:43:26.685000Z2023-10-21T20:40:40ZDr. Dvorak<div>Last week it was the input speed sensor. This week, the output speed sensor. If the embedded YouTube player takes too long to load below, you can <a href="https://youtu.be/y3XqsxilM10?si=-hssOLN9KwHLXFzV">click here</a> to view the video on my YT channel.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3XqsxilM10?si=MwI7ZNSLaERBo56p" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
'08 Astra Input Speed Sensor Replacementhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-astra-input-speed-sensor-replacement2023-10-14T17:45:26.147000Z2023-10-14T17:42:52ZDr. Dvorak<div>I replaced the input speed sensor today. It started raining, so I did not get to the output sensor yet. It's a bit more difficult to reach, so when the weather shapes up I will replace it, too.</div>
<div>If YouTube's video player is slow to load below, <a href="https://youtu.be/zsY_WXVdm20">click here</a> to view the video on my channel.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zsY_WXVdm20?si=oUAI-lYV8UkkeLmO" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Next up for the '08 Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/next-up-for-the-08-astra2023-10-14T17:42:57.895000Z2023-10-13T15:40:41ZDr. Dvorak<div>Input and output speed sensors. More to come on <a rev="en_rl_none" href="https://www.youtube.com/@JamesDvorak">my YT channel</a>.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/fae50ff2-636b-cd2d-e29d-cc0105fc2982/6298dca9-3185-cbdb-95ca-fb8acb139140.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:400; --en-naturalHeight:395;"/><div> </div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/fae50ff2-636b-cd2d-e29d-cc0105fc2982/d4eaeb1e-b542-68b5-a4fd-45b024e9e35d.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:400; --en-naturalHeight:293;"/><div><br/></div>
Using a multimeter to test a power adapterhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/using-a-multimeter-to-test-a-power-adapter2023-10-09T10:43:58.678000Z2023-10-09T10:43:09ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I-d_vQlZYiU?si=Xagwgu8VUq_GZWfB" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
08 Saturn Astra Axle Replacementhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-saturn-astra-axle-replacement2023-10-01T13:12:33.104000Z2023-10-01T13:08:27ZDr. Dvorak<div>Here's the video of the axle replacement on my car. It might take a few seconds for the YT player to appear below. If you don't want to wait for that, <a href="https://youtu.be/g0yPKOSDdFk?si=-is89fQfb2yNIe6s">click here</a>.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g0yPKOSDdFk?si=5QxdOafoXjHikb0Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Always more work to do on the Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/always-more-work-to-do-on-the-astra2023-10-01T13:11:15.300000Z2023-09-22T20:47:54ZDr. Dvorak<div><b>UPDATE</b>: Here's the video - <a href="https://youtu.be/g0yPKOSDdFk?si=-is89fQfb2yNIe6s">https://youtu.be/g0yPKOSDdFk?si=-is89fQfb2yNIe6s</a></div><hr/><div>I freely admit that my '08 Saturn Astra XE is no longer just a daily driver; it's a project car.</div>
<div>The next item up for repair at 115,224 miles is the right (passenger side) CV axle. It's flinging some grease, and is now starting to click a bit.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/On5QzYSbF3Y?si=SPYGww4yTvde88th" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>The new axle arrived yesterday (Sep 21, 2023). </div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/c8b7c8aa-1d51-501b-c1e9-a6f0a0b7b0ff/4a99804f-13c3-adfb-8937-1f1c9c71409f.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div>It's supposed to be a nice day tomorrow (Saturday), so perhaps I will swap out the old part with the new and make a video of the process. </div>
<div><br/></div>
Cleaning a household fanhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/cleaning-a-household-fan2023-08-19T18:43:48.117000Z2023-08-20T08:45:43ZDr. Dvorak<div>We're in the dog days of summer, as the saying goes (although here in Burlington, Ontario, it's been pretty cool [thankfully]). My family back in Iowa and in Oklahoma are dealing with some pretty high temps. Sometimes the A/C just doesn't keep up without a little help from a fan. But did you know that if your fan blades are coated with dust and grime they won't move air as efficiently? The same is true if the wire or plastic protective shroud is laden with dust and grime. It's actually best practice to clean your fan(s) at the beginning of the cooling season, but sometimes I clean them more than once per season.</div>
<div>In the video below, I demonstrate how to disassemble and clean a household fan. I'll demonstrate on a Lasko pedestal fan; it's essentially all plastic except for the electric motor. You may have a different fan, but the concept is basically the same. Also, "while I'm in there," I will lubricate the fan blade drive shaft and bearings with some lube that is appropriate.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqCXP8CX9Zg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
New patio tablehttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/new-patio-table2023-08-19T17:41:07.695000Z2023-08-19T17:34:11ZDr. Dvorak<div>A while back, the lovely CJD asked me to make her a little table for the patio that she could set next to her chair. Here it is. It's made with cheap lumber (= pine) and a lot of pocket screws. ๐ If you look close, you will see flaws in both the wood and my craftsmanship, but the stain covered a lot of flawsโand it's <i>functional</i>! Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes... I did coat it with Thompson's Water Seal.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/ff2c2961-54ff-40e4-6cb7-4e7bd857f761/7d223d6e-d8da-880d-b318-3742755b1a35.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:1067;"/><div>(Oh, and if you're wondering what that wooden "stage" is in the yard, it's where our landlord had a hot tub set up [I think].)</div>
Replacing an oven lightbulbhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/replacing-an-oven-lightbulb2023-08-19T16:31:10.773000Z2023-08-19T16:23:14ZDr. Dvorak<div>Our oven lightbulb burned out (no pun intended), so I replaced it. It is about as simple a #DIY job as one can do.</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMgbgNCEz9U" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>How many PhD's does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Apparently only one.๐ </div>
It's a great day!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/it-s-a-great-day2023-08-10T16:23:47.634000Z2023-08-10T15:51:25ZDr. Dvorak<div>Not only is it "Friday, Jr.," it's new (to me) books day! Friends, if you are in the Greater Toronto Area and need books, contact Bernice at <a href="https://readon.ca/">READ On Books</a>. She can get you pretty much anything you need (not to mention that she's just an awesome person)!</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/73fd9941-87aa-9c0d-55ab-91caae73013c/2f051f4a-8369-7768-1130-8b6e8efef918.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:508;"/><div>As you can probably tell from the titles, I have a project to complete on Colossians (and a grad class with exegesis option to design). I'm also one of two keynote speakers at a conference on the topic of Orality and Literacy hosted by <a href="https://www.geneva.edu/">Geneva College</a>, Beaver Falls, PA, in April 2024, which explains why these are among the lot:</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/73fd9941-87aa-9c0d-55ab-91caae73013c/7135456c-84b7-b7cf-d623-e77a3a6ea165.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:718;"/><div><br/></div>
Blower fan barely blowing air in your car?http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/blower-fan-barely-blowing-air-in-your-car2023-08-03T16:43:58.588000Z2023-08-03T16:30:54ZDr. Dvorak<div>On our drive from The Farm to Tulsa, at about Kansas City, we noticed that the A/C was not cooling the car as it should. Actually, as it turned out, it was not a problem with the A/C but a problem with air flow out of the vents. Even with fan on high (yes, the blower motor and the resistor was working properly), hardly any air was flowing from the vents. Often in such cases the problem is a clogged cabin air filter, but I had just replaced ours, so it was new. So, we pulled off at a random exit and into a gas station at a small town in Missouri. I started tinkering with it and soon, a lot of water started to pour out the condenser pan drain under the car and the air started to flow normally out of the vents. Honestly, I am surprised that it had not started to overflow onto the floors!</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wrTLP2iWaiw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>So, if you are ever in a similar situation, and you know it's not a clogged cabin air filter, check for a clog in the condenser drain pan.</div>
Moving the cowshttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/moving-the-cows2023-07-26T16:34:51.049000Z2023-07-26T16:34:04ZDr. Dvorak<div>Before hitting the road for Oklahoma, we had one last farm activity (that took only a couple of minutes).</div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GQogK7zXj9k" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
My favorite place on the planethttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/my-favorite-place-on-the-planet2023-07-24T23:24:00.593000Z2023-07-24T23:20:46ZDr. Dvorak<div>Here's a view of the outbuildings at The Farm.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/4982f7cb-cba1-43ed-8877-3753ac45dd42/cbdcbd36-73ea-e0c5-08b0-310d7ce67cf5.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:1024; --en-naturalHeight:623;"/><div><br/></div>
2016 Santa Fe Oil Change, New Rotors, New Brake Padshttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/2016-santa-fe-oil-change-new-rotors-new-brake-pads2023-07-24T21:03:15.368000Z2023-07-24T21:02:41ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezC8dE13vYw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
'08 Astra Oil Pan Resealed!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-astra-oil-pan-resealed2023-07-01T20:11:16.556000Z2023-07-01T19:41:38ZDr. Dvorak<div>You've probably heard me talk about it before (on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JamesDvorak/">YouTube channel</a>), but in case not . . . the oil pan (a.k.a., "sump") on my 2008 Saturn Astra was leaking. It was to the point that I was giving my car a good oil undercoating and I could smell it burning on the exhaust pipe whenever I would stop at a stop sign. So, today (July 1, 2023 [Canada Day, incidentally]), I pulled the pan off, resealed it, and reinstalled it.</div>
<div>It sounds easy enough, but it's actually somewhat steppy, since you have to move a number of things out of the way to gain access. Thankfully, I have a Haynes manual, which included good instructions.</div>
<div>Sorry there is no video. I didn't film it for two reasons:</div><ol><li><div>I work on the ground in my driveway with a jack and jack stands. Getting a camera under there, finding the correct angles, and getting the best lighting is quite an ordeal that I didn't want to mess with because . . .</div></li><li><div>I was working against the weather. The morning was bright and beautiful (although it got warm and muggy), but as I was finishing up, a severe thunderstorm watch had been announced. Based on the forecasts I read in this morning, rain was coming, and the last thing I wanted to leave to chance was to have my oil pan off and bottom of my engine wide open with crankshaft exposed and then have it rain torrentially. Of course the rain has not come yet (I'm okay with that)--it'll probably rain when I'm supposed to be grilling bratwursts (I am not okay with that).</div></li></ol><div>So, I just did the job sans video camera.</div>
<div>I did, however, get a couple of photos for you. In the first, the pan is off, so you can see the crankshaft. The second is the resealed and reinstalled pan.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/6becf67f-3f07-ff10-9f90-7f3f64e626f3/2522c684-50e5-2c54-9c3a-b085bf12ebba.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:600;"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/6becf67f-3f07-ff10-9f90-7f3f64e626f3/414bf400-5b2b-809e-a707-3691cc999f6d.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:600;"/><div><br/></div>
<div>After pan reinstallation and refilling the oil (and changing the filter it was time]), I started it up and ran it briefly. No check engine light and not major or noticeable leaks, so that's good. Tomorrow, after the RTV has time to fully cure, I will take it for a solid test drive and check for leaks again. I'll let you know if anything weird happens!</div>
<div>What's next? Well, I noticed that the right (passenger) side axle boot must be loose right by the transmission. It's not torn (I checked), but it's starting to fling a little grease. So I will need to keep an eye on that joint. I also need to replace the front control arms at some point. Maybe late summer or early Fall.</div>
<div>You gotta love old cars!๐ </div>
Replacing the Throttle Body on my '08 Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/replacing-the-throttle-body-on-my-08-astra2023-06-24T19:15:49.696000Z2023-06-24T19:14:55ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vh1EbkczBrw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div><br/></div>
Father's Day Gift from the Kiddoshttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/father-s-day-gift-from-the-kiddos2023-06-17T17:40:34.673000Z2023-06-17T17:29:55ZDr. Dvorak<div>An obstruction wrench set with both metric and SAE. Thanks Sydney and Hagan!!</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/894bdae2-9779-c8a5-09e4-77d32ae670da/3bf5f020-369d-f524-f3f6-7597fc883214.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:787;"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/894bdae2-9779-c8a5-09e4-77d32ae670da/e1243201-4602-e0cb-cb2f-0a22e93d04bd.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:600; --en-naturalHeight:450;"/><div>(I'm a sucker for tools)</div>
2012 Honda Civic Oil Changehttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/2012-honda-civic-oil-change2023-06-16T20:20:46.954000Z2023-06-16T20:16:18ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EJbu7aW_S7Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
When it's illegal to park on the street overnight...http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/when-it-s-illegal-to-park-on-the-street-overnight2023-06-16T12:51:28.142000Z2023-06-16T12:48:01ZDr. Dvorak<div>... you have to adapt and overcome. This is a common way of parking here in the neighborhoods of Burlington and beyond.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/7fede5ba-6473-970a-49f3-6cd08ba8df1f/2ac58784-110b-1a6f-f494-9065a813b733.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:800; --en-naturalHeight:600;"/><div><br/></div>
Automotive Electrical Diagnosishttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/automotive-electrical-diagnosis2023-06-04T01:35:09.960000Z2023-06-04T01:04:28ZDr. Dvorak<div>I've now completed two Udemy courses on Automotive Electrical Diagnosis.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/7f7ae2a4-61ea-e50b-ebef-1213c73938a5/28c9b7b7-17ea-02c6-e2af-e1b00eecc601.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:768; --en-naturalHeight:571;"/><div><br/></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/7f7ae2a4-61ea-e50b-ebef-1213c73938a5/1cb938f4-54f8-e505-d31d-40a56c213a50.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:768; --en-naturalHeight:571;"/><div><br/></div>
'08 Saturn Astra Headliner Projecthttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/08-saturn-astra-headliner-project2023-05-22T02:15:32.855000Z2023-05-22T02:13:57ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KP7n7H--nPM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Update on replacing the headliner in the '08 Saturn Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/update-on-replacing-the-headliner-in-the-08-saturn-astra2023-05-21T11:51:40.183000Z2023-05-21T11:45:25ZDr. Dvorak<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xuj8hlbPGj4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Enhancing the garage floating shelfhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/enhancing-the-garage-floating-shelf2023-05-13T19:30:03.427000Z2023-05-13T19:26:29ZDr. Dvorak<div>I added some storage to the shelf, and a little feature to give my magnetic lights something more to magnet to. I also made it a little easier to grab a shop towel. ๐ </div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dFE1bAI0CKo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Replacing the car door mirror actuators on the '08 Saturn Astrahttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/replacing-the-car-door-mirror-actuators-on-the-08-saturn-astra2023-05-05T22:42:02.597000Z2023-05-05T22:38:07ZDr. Dvorak<div>Did it work? Watch the video to find out. ๐ </div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_TN85D5eDZU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>[If the embedded video is taking too long to load, you can <a href="https://youtu.be/_TN85D5eDZU">watch the video here</a>.]</div>
Mmm... so good!http://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/mmm-so-good2023-05-05T22:38:09.815000Z2023-04-23T20:34:03ZDr. Dvorak<div>I've used <a href="https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wprm_print/148162">this recipe</a> for stew once before a long time ago, and we loved it then. I had some stew meat (from the farm) in the freezer, so I thought I'd try it again. </div>
<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QzNLBgSU148" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/1348a968-0e87-34b8-523b-95df2f4c3088/bc53333b-e838-167b-e892-d8f8e9c16b94.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:640; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/1348a968-0e87-34b8-523b-95df2f4c3088/ea20f957-6d9f-3e10-16ab-f870f5f6e41a.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:640; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div>It was delicious.</div>
<div>Again.</div>
<div><br /></div>
Smells like burning oilhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/smells-like-burning-oil2023-06-13T00:36:42.755000Z2023-04-11T00:48:50ZDr. Dvorak<div>Looks like it's time to refresh the oil pan/sump seal (it's RTV, not a gasket) on the 2008 Saturn Astra.</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/96f2d53a-1be7-4cb5-7871-0568a9fee295/8f8127d0-ac03-6a9d-eefb-3513b01c6b35.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:1024; --en-naturalHeight:768;"/><div>Front left end</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/96f2d53a-1be7-4cb5-7871-0568a9fee295/3735adf3-59a7-ad92-16ed-584f444fa046.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:1024; --en-naturalHeight:768;"/><div>Transmission end (probably the origin of the burning oil smell)</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/96f2d53a-1be7-4cb5-7871-0568a9fee295/5c2407b8-646d-b80f-5b6f-1b5767b592c9.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:1024; --en-naturalHeight:768;"/><div>Near the oil level sensor on rear of pan/sump</div>
<div>Not a terribly difficult job, but I don't have a lift, so I'll have to put the car on jack stands in the driveway and do the job from the ground.๐ </div>
Night at the Symphonyhttp://blog.ntgreekprof.com/post/night-at-the-symphony2023-04-09T21:36:33.225000Z2023-04-09T16:21:49ZDr. Dvorak<div>We had a great night at the symphony hearing the world-renown Toronto Symphony Orchestra play Joonas Kokkonen's "Adagio religioso" from Music for String Orchestra, Helen Grime's Violin Concerto, and Mahler's 5th symphony. The first piece was absolutely beautiful, and it was its North American Premiere. The second piece was clearly modern (composed in 2016); it wasn't my favorite of the pieces, but the performance of the guest violinist, Leila Josefowicz, made it interesting. Also, this was the Canadian premiere of the piece. Those were the two opening pieces of the night. It only took about 45 minutes or so to play both of those pieces, after which there was an intermission. This helped us prepare for Mahler's monster 5th, which lasts an hour and ten minutes or so. It was a marathon. But in typically Mahler style, it was quite dynamic. There was no way anyone was going to slumber during that piece! Overall, while I find Mahler's music fun, I was most moved by the opening "Adagio religioso."</div>
<div>Thanks to our daughter Sydney for getting the three of us tickets at a student price, and for guiding us to the Roy Thomson Hall via the Go Train and the subway in Toronto. It was a fun night! Here are a few photos...</div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/4da572de-0822-8ddc-80e4-1308a5289015/6bdc7e29-90d3-0e0e-6138-e4bc5233209b.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:640; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div>Roy Thomson Hall (CN tower in the background)</div>
<div><br /></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/4da572de-0822-8ddc-80e4-1308a5289015/311e0665-c3e2-5a4d-1048-2f9e806feeec.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:640; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div>Orchestra members starting to arrive and warm up</div>
<div><br /></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/4da572de-0822-8ddc-80e4-1308a5289015/282d6ec0-4edb-5098-3f4f-8d7408c63ecf.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:640; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div>Just about time to begin</div>
<div><br /></div><img src="https://cdn-images.postach.io/67616e2a-a14b-412f-8492-2e5110bc2f21/4da572de-0822-8ddc-80e4-1308a5289015/2877cd95-d35a-4879-2e3e-476e94216183.jpg" style="--en-naturalWidth:480; --en-naturalHeight:480;"/><div>The lovely CJD and me (and Syd's shoulder on the left๐)</div>