Author Archives: JohnMatel

Luggage people

Posted on September 22, 2019 by JohnMatel

Chrissy has a theory – more a superstition really and like all superstitions it is right enough of the time that confirmation bias can provide sufficient proof to keep it viable. Her theory is that you can follow people dragging … Continue reading →

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Skeptics & Talking to Strangers

Posted on September 17, 2019 by JohnMatel

Another of my book pairs is “Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe” and “Talking to Strangers,” the latest Malcolm Gladwell book. Of the two, “Skeptic’s” is the better book, but “Talking to Strangers” is maybe more entertaining and will sell more … Continue reading →

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Marshall & Mattis

Posted on September 16, 2019 by JohnMatel

I tend to finish books in related pairs. This is because of Amazon/Audible marketing, and it works. When you buy one, you get the ad, “Customers who viewed this item also viewed.” Often there is a related book that looks … Continue reading →

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Tree farming in Highland County, Virginia

Posted on September 14, 2019 by JohnMatel

Just getting there Getting to the Moyers Tree Farm means driving for miles along twisty mountain roads, probably the most convoluted major roads in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They named it Highland County for good reason. If fact, Highland County … Continue reading →

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Baraboo to Indiana

Posted on September 12, 2019 by JohnMatel

It is a lot farther from Baraboo Wisconsin to the Hoosier National Forest than I thought. Most of yesterday on the road. On the plus side, I got a lot of audio book done. On the down side, it was … Continue reading →

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Hoosier oak forest

Posted on September 12, 2019 by JohnMatel

If we don’t plan now for the restoration of oak forests, our children and grandchildren will not have them. It takes 40-60 years to grow and oak tree and they are not regenerating fast enough. It is easy to overlook … Continue reading →

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Aldo Leopold visit

Posted on September 10, 2019 by JohnMatel

Went up to Aldo Leopold Center to talk to director Buddy Huffaker and Curt Meine, author of Aldo Leopold’s biography. I wanted to talk to them to get general insights about land ethics and Aldo Leopold. I started Mr. Meine’s … Continue reading →

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Stevens Point, Lizard Mound, Hero Poles and good beer

Posted on September 9, 2019 by JohnMatel

Not ready for college I was not ready to go to college when I went to college. My father was very supportive, but he had no experience with higher education. I didn’t have any close friends or older siblings who … Continue reading →

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From death comes new life

Posted on September 7, 2019 by JohnMatel

From death comes new life. I know that is true and amply demonstrated on the ecology of the land, but I am still upset by the near total death of the ash trees (Fraxinus). Ash trees The ash were among … Continue reading →

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Chicago 2

Posted on September 6, 2019 by JohnMatel

Wandered Chicago a little and met Michael W. Fox for a few beers and pizza. We passed the statue of a giant Boomer, so Marisa Williams can see in the first picture. Christine Johnson will be pleased to know that … Continue reading →

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