My great friend, who is also a first-class contractor and has helped us through an 8+ year remodel told me something I never forgot: 'A cluttered work environment makes for a cluttered mind' When I asked what he meant by that, he said, 'When you're working in clutter, you can't think straight and visualize the…

Yep. You are absolutely correct. I killed several baby seals before I learned about MAPP. Now I donate to the ASPCA every year. ;-)

'Old plumbers' are accustomed to using lead ('plumb' is lead in latin, hence the name) that's why he told you MAPP is overkill. Sorry, but MAPP is the only thing that works for me. And it's a LOT faster with the new lead-free solder.

Agreed. those fabric heat shields are awesome! I used to use heavy aluminum foil but the fabric shield has been my go-to for the last 10 years.

Soldering copper with the lead-free solder (the only kind you can buy now) requires a hotter flame than you can get from propane in the blue bottles. You need A MAPP type gas in the yellow cylinders that produces a much hotter flame. I found that out the hard way when I began a total plumbing remodel and suddenly it…

A big remodel is definitely a good way to pressure test your marriage! When I had to remodel our first house and we lived in a 5th wheel trailer for 2-1/2 years during the process, I figure I came within two weeks of my Wife's breaking point. After we moved back in, I asked her what she thought we should do with the…

Very nice! I was looking for something besides the usual pegboard for the end wall in my shop and the modular french cleats is an elegant, good looking solution. Thanks!

That yaw was obviously on purpose to throw the retardant where the crew wanted it. What a great airplane for that kind of work!

Thanks for your input, Max. This article is purely sensational. kudos for bringing some FACTS to the fore.

What's this 'paper' thing everybody talks about? ;-)

As a denizen of the Great Pacific North West craft beer mecca, I totally agree with your list! there are probably 20 more I could add, but that's a decent synopsis. Thanks!

Outstanding article! Thanks! btw; during a big remodel, we had an end wall that had several holes and areas where holes had been badly patched. Since I wanted to change some wiring and a window anyway, my builder buddy told me it would be easier and cheaper to just tear out and replace all of the drywall. He was right…

Patrick Smith has been one of my favorite aviation writers for a long time. As a Private Pilot and certified Aviation Nut, I try to never miss his insightful articles. Thanks for posting about him.

btw; Fireball?? why didn't they just name it the 'hole digger'? ;-)

Great stuff, Tyler. I'm a total av-nut and think I know more than the average about WW2 aviation, but I never heard of this one. Keep up the good work. I check FA every day.

oh man, gotta try that Surfrider Restaurant next time we're on the coast. Thanks for the tip! We always look forward to Mo's clam chowder at the original Newport OR location.

I would add Mighty Text for SMS text messaging and Lightshot, a dead simple screenshot tool. I use both of these every day

Agreed. As an airplane nut and a a half, I have to say this thing looks like pure kitsch - I see nothing WW2 bomber about it. But it gives me an idea...

Great article, Tyler! thanks! I've been following the F-35 since it was on the drawing board and you have more info in this than in any 10 other articles I've read.

Good idea. I've been doing this for some years. I have a cheap nylon travel wallet with only my drivers license, debit card, one credit card and cash. I also carry a few business cards with my contact info on one side and the address/phone of the local place we're staying. They're handy to put in camera bags (take a…