Nate Covington
Private Citizen
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Product Review: Berkey Water Filter
We have been using our Royal Berkey Water Filter for 10 months now, and I wanted to post some quick feedback.
Where we live, most of our neighbors have well water. Our place is one of the "lucky few" to have city water. So, when people used to come over and drink our tap water, they usually made "that face." They tasted the chlorine right away.
Why I Switched to Prepaid Cell Phone Service
I recently switched my cell phone plan over to a prepaid plan after learning that standard cell phone contracts in the US (post-paid) are extremely common, while in Europe, prepaid plans dominate.
I did some math to find out why all the fuss...
My PGP Key
Background:
In order to allow for safer electronic communication, I've finally set up my own PGP encryption for sending email.
Don't ask for your privacy. Take it back.
"Mass surveillance is illegitimate. I'm taking steps to take my freedoms back and I expect governments and corporations to follow in my footsteps and take steps to stop all mass government surveillance."
Below is my PGP Key...
Home Office Setup Review: GeekDesk + Aeron Chair
I've been using this particular setup for a while now, I've had the GeekDesk for over a year, and the Aeron chair for 5 months. My favorite part is, as you can imagine, using them together. I've got a bulging disc in my lower back, so I figured there'd probably be a lot of people who are looking for relief for similar types of issues.
Update Summer 2016: If you are researching a standing desk to alleviate lower back pain, please read my recent article describing my initial chiropractic visits!
Update 9/19/16: I recently helped a client get their Geek Desk set up and rearrange their office, and I have another testimonial to share:
"I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for telling Michael about your desk, and for helping him to get his new desk, and all the computer stuff hooked up! Without you, he would not have this new chance at less back pain."
Review: Napoleon 1402 Wood Burning Insert - Custom Steel Baffles
We have been using our Napoleon 1402 wood-burning insert in our home for over 1 year and 7 cords of wood. The stove is able to heat our entire home (~1800 square feet) down to about 30 degrees (F); below this, and the propane needs to kick in to help out. The stove typically runs at between 300 and 500 degrees (F), and we leave the blowers on high at all times.
Overall, very happy with the stove. We had it cleaned and the flue liner did not have any "bad" creosote in it, meaning that the insert kept burning at a high temperature and stayed fairly clean. About once a week, I open up the damper and let it get nice and hot for an hour or so... just as a maintenance thing. Here is a photo of inside the firebox, after removing the baffles. You'll also see that some of the bricks were cracked, probably from trying to cram logs in that were a little too large (16" firewood is what you want with this particular stove).
How to convince venture capitalists NOT to invest in your startup
I'm a firm believer that you can learn something from anyone. So last week, when I had the opportunity to discuss a web site project with someone, I decided to hear him out. After talking with him for 15 minutes, I realized that this was a startup that I simply wanted nothing to do with. Here are a few "common sense" things to keep in mind when trying to raise capital through venture capitalists (aka angel investors):
Ode to my Jeeps (off topic)
[Edit: This content used to be up on my old site, but I sold the domain and took the site down. Just found the old content on my hard drive...]
This page is dedicated to my Jeep addiction. I'm not much of a Wrangler guy, I prefer the cherokee because it uses the renowned engine and drivetrain from the wrangler but it is more functional to me, with more cargo space and a longer wheelbase. My first jeep was a '90XJ with a 3" rusty's suspension lift that you can read all about on this site. I sold her when she needed to much work to keep street legal, then about a year later i picked up the red one you see above. I have been very busy picking away at her, she needed a new floor welded in just to pass inspection and i have since added the roof-top tire carrier and a new radiator and a few other odds and ends you can check out on this site. Enjoy your stay!
Ode to my first car: 1990 Honda CRX
[Editor's Note: This was on my old web site, which I sold the domain name a few years back. Re-posting]
This is my 1990 Honda CRX si. Originally y-49 Barbados Yellow, I had her painted black and proceeded to get addicted to everything about it - the size, economy, power, and handling. I had to sell it because the rear wheel-wells were rusting out and had already been "fixed" twice.
Popular Posts
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Review: Napoleon 1402 Wood Burning Insert - Custom Steel Baffles
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Home Office Setup Review: GeekDesk + Aeron Chair
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NATHAN COVINGTON for State Senate: PA District 22
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Ode to my first car: 1990 Honda CRX
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Ode to my Jeeps (off topic)
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Video Review: Biofeedback and Spooky2 Generator X
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Stretches and Exercises to Help Relieve Lower Back Pain
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How to Properly Listen to Music on Your Computer
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My "Alternative" Lyme Doctor: Diet, Bioenergetic Testing, Stem Cells
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Thoughts on owning free-range, egg-laying chickens
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Product Review: Berkey Water Filter
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Using raw, local honey in lieu of pharmaceutical allergy medicines
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"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."
- Plato
