Category Archives: random
Viscose, Modal, and Lyocell Rayons
When I first bought bedsheets, I followed my mother’s lead in buying 100% cotton percale. I had no idea what percale meant, but it is a simple one-over, one-under crisscross grid weave pattern. To those familiar with weaving, the warp … Continue reading
Fill ‘Er Up!
When I moved to Bartlesville in 1989, I started frequenting Phillips 66 stations when fueling my automobile. It made sense to me to support the company that provided the unusual demographic base that allowed me to teach high school physics … Continue reading
The Long Aftermath of Corporate Raiders
The petroleum industry in the 1980s experienced a wave of multi-billion-dollar mega-mergers and hostile takeovers driven by a global oil glut, falling crude oil prices, and undervalued stock reserves. DuPont acquired Conoco in 1981, U.S. Steel bought Marathon Oil in … Continue reading
Living Where East Meets West
Oklahoma has an unusual amount of geographic diversity. Contrary to ignorant images of a giant dustbowl, the state has low rolling mountains and dense pine forests, cypress swamps, and tall grass prairies, as well as the expected flat and arid … Continue reading
Leavetaking
I cleared out my office this week, a few days after a retirement reception at which I enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues, former students, and friends of education. I have always felt appreciated in Bartlesville, and I am grateful to call … Continue reading
