My Content: Hubs, Answers, and Forums
9400 Now: A Climate Change Milestone
In May 2013 the iconic Mauna Loa Observatory measured a daily carbon dioxide value above 400 parts per million, a 40% human-driven increase. But we aren't the first to transform Earth's atmosphere.
1How (not) to repair your wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows get old, but that doesn't necessarily mean they must be replaced. Here's how one common model was rejuvenated instead.
18Arctic Sea Ice Melt 2013: Looking Forward, Looking Back
With the spring Equinox, the 'melt season' begins. What do 2012's record Arctic sea ice lows mean? And what do we know about the science and politics of sea ice?
11Climate Stories To Watch In 2013
'Climate change' is news, but often lacks context or depth or is omitted from related news. What climate change stories can we watch for in 2013?
5Off-beat and Budget-Friendly: An Atlanta Outing
There's nothing wrong with Turner Field and Coca-Cola World, but you can spend less off the beaten track while getting just as much local flavor. Here's a fun half-day outing for a rainy day.
3Part-writing Inverted Chords: Second-Inversion Patterns II--Passing & Cadential
Second-inversion triads take special handling, and follow very specific patterns. This Hub, second of two detailing second-inversion patterns, trains you to use the Passing and Cadential Six-four chords, with video examples and interactive exercises!
4Part-writing Inverted Chords: Second-Inversion Patterns I--Arpeggio & Neighbor
Part-writing second-inversion triads is paradoxically both easier and more 'dangerous' than root-position or first-inversion triads. Find out why here--and learn to navigate the tricks and traps with video examples and interactive practice questions!
1Part-writing Inverted Chords: Interlude--Passing & Auxiliary Tones
Music is much more fun with a few non-chord tones in the mix--especially since knowing how to use them opens the door to understanding some chord progressions better. Here's how to use the most common types of non-harmonic tones in Classical style: passing tones and auxiliary tones. Interactive practice questions and video examples make it easy!
1Part-writing Inverted Chords: Mediant, Submediant & Leading Tone Triads
Part-writing is an essential discipline in really mastering traditional music theory, and triads in inversion add great nuance and musical flexibility to the harmonic palette. This Hub examines usage of triads built on 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees, helping you build skill with video examples and practice questions!
1Part-writing Inverted Chords: The Supertonic In First Inversion
"Supertonic in first inversion" sounds forbiddingly technical, but this chord is a favorite choice to prepare a dominant chord, appearing in everything from Bach to Duke Ellington. Learn how to use it in 4-part harmony here, with videos, examples, and practice exercises!
20Sandy: Once In A Generation?
It's already clear that superstorm Sandy has been an enormous disaster. But is this really a "once in a generation" event? Or are the 'climate dice' loaded?
14Not. One. Word.
The economy, foreign policy, justice--all weighty issues touched upon in the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates of 2012. But the issue that will shape more lives for good or ill for longer was conspicuous by its absence.
3Part-writing Inverted Chords: Primary Triads In First Inversion
How to use inverted triads in common-practice four-part writing. Learn to write tonic, dominant and subdominant in first inversion--these explanations, illustrations, and practice examples make it easy! (Follows a previous series on part-writing root-position triads (linked.)
1Part-writing Chords: Summary I
A 'syllabus' and summary for Doc Snow's innovative Hubs on the essential musical skill of part-writing. Sequence, content and links--plus a summary of part-writing 'rules.'
40Sea Ice Loss 2012: What Do The Records Mean?
Labor Day 2012 saw shocking new record lows for Arctic sea ice--and the records continued dropping. Here's the larger context, and why you should care.
32Republican National Convention Ironies, 2012
The Republican National Convention of 2012 was a slick media production, and pushed all the right buttons, from heart-felt to humorous. But outside the walls, the real world presented much more heart-breaking stories, and much darker humor.
12A Love Story And A Clearance Sale
Arctic sea ice is 'far away' for most of us--but will it become 'long ago', too? There's reason to fear just that--here's why the author cares, and why more practically-minded readers should, too.
7Washer Not Spinning? Try This First!
When the two washing machines in my life both quit, and it turned out to be the same problem with each, it seemed a clear message from the cosmos: write a Hub about this inexpensive DIY fix. Find out if it is the solution to your washer blues!
1How To Change The Water Filter Of A Samsung Twin-door Refrigerator
Filtered water, dispensed straight from the door of your frig, is a great convenience feature. But where there are filters, there is the need to change them. It's much less difficult than many people think. Here's how it works for the Samsung RS265TDRS.
6How (Not) To: Two Cheap Facelifts For Used Wood Dressers
Refreshing tired dressers can be easier and faster than you might think--and can deliver great value. Here's a case study!
5Global Warming Science In The Age Of Washington And Jefferson: William Charles Wells
Some argue that greenhouse warming is thermodynamically impossible. But observations and experiments going back as much as 350 years tell a different story. Among the first to study radiation in the atmosphere was an unassuming Scots-English doctor, William Charles Wells, of Charleston, South Carolina. This is his story.
3Part-writing Chords: Minor Keys II
This, the second of two Hubs on part-writing in minor keys, teaches useful voice-leading patterns for writing mediant, sub-mediant, and sub-tonic triads. Tricks, traps, and practice questions to build your skill!
1Part-writing In Minor Keys I
Part-writing in minor keys, the sixth in a series of Hubs on the skill of part-writing, looks at issues and common voice-leading patterns in writing root-position tonic, dominant, subdominant, and supertonic triads in minor keys. Each example is given as a video, so that it can be heard as well as read, and practice questions help build skill.
5Part-writing Chords: Mediant and Submediant I
The triads built upon scale degrees 3 and 6--the mediant and submediant chords--are the least common but also the most colorful diatonic triads. Learn (and practice) their common patterns of usage here!
5Strange Days Again: Remembrance And The Doors' Sophomore Album
Music and memory intertwine: The Doors' most innovative album, "Strange Days," analyzed and remembered. What it was, is, and why it mattered so much to me.
4Part-writing Chords: Supertonic I
Learn to use the 'ii' chord in true Classical style with essential concepts, practice exercises, and audio-video examples. This fourth Hub in Doc Snow's series on part-writing teaches you proper doubling and voice-leading, highlights "root motion by third," and basic chord substitution.
1Part-writing Chords: Subdominant I
Third in a series, this Hub examines the use of the subdominant chord--the "IV chord"--in traditional ("common-practice") harmony, giving practice exercises. Topics discussed include the IV chord's function and part-writing, parallel fifths and octave, similar fifths and octaves, and the use of incomplete triads.
4Part-Writing Chords: Tonic And Dominant I (Exercises)
A companion to "Part-Writing Chords: Tonic And Dominant I," this Hub consists of practical exercises to build skill in part-writing tonic and dominant chord connections. Get to know I-V-I in many different keys and different voice leadings, one click at a time! Includes chart of vocal ranges.
15Soft On Terror, Or Hard On The Constitution?
The US Congress seems poised to create a new Star Chamber with the "Battlefield USA" language contained in the about-to-pass National Defense Authorization Act. Can they possibly be that foolish?
6Part-writing Chords: Tonic And Dominant I
How to write the most common Classical chord progression, with audio/video examples and easy-to-understand explanations. The concepts of a "lead sheet," of chordal "voices," of "spacing" and "doubling," of the "leading tone" and of "relative motion" are all explained. It's a simple--but not simplistic--introduction to "part-writing" in Classical style.
7Andrew Weaver's "Generation Us: The Challenge Of Global Warming"--A Summary Review
Andrew Weaver's "Generation Us: The Challenge Of Global Warming" is a "RapidReads" book--a "plaine and easie" introduction to climate change, readable in a couple of hours. Learn more about it here!
3Better Faster: Top Ten Music Practice Tips
"Practice, practice, practice!"--But what about practicing *smarter*? This article gives ten useful tips to do just that. Get better, faster!
5Amy Seidl's "Finding Higher Ground": A Summary Review
Dr. Amy Seidl is an ecologist by training, and the mother of a family trying to adapt to the "Age of Warming." It's a dual perspective that gives much insight on what our future may bring. Read about her realistic yet hopeful view here.
25Fire From Heaven: Climate Science And The Element Of Life--Part Two, The Cloud By Night
The solar 'fire' sustains us--but it's not just the direct solar radiation we need; there's also the less intense 'fire' of thermal radiation from the atmosphere, often called 'backradiation.' Harder to measure than the direct solar fire, it nevertheless plays a crucial role in maintaining a habitable Earth. Here's the story of attempts to measure and understand the "fire by night."
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Fire From Heaven: Climate Science And The Element Of Life--Part One, Fire By Day
We depend upon the 'fire' of solar radiation for our very lives. But how intense is this fire? Does it change? Here's the story of these questions and their answers--and of the people investigating them.
26"Green Fascism": Let The Facts Speak
Activists, researchers and ordinary people expressing their concern about climate change have been called "eco-Nazis" or "green Fascists." Yet it is they who have been vilified, suppressed and threatened. It's a story that has been largely unreported--read it here!
6Understand Chords: Tensions--"Sus" and "Add" Chords (Part Five Of A Series)
Chords with "tensions" often confuse because of the their similarities with extended chords--ninths, elevenths and thirteenths. But "sus" and "add" chords add a lot of variety to contemporary harmony. Learn the basics of extended chords by reading--and listening to--this Hub!
2Understand Chords: Beyond Seventh Chords To Chord Extensions--Ninths, Elevenths And Thirteenths (Part Four of a Series)
Extended chords-ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths-are undoubtedly hipper than the average triad. But what are they, how do you use them, and, most of all, what do they actually *sound* like? The text and video of this guide to extended chord basics answers those questions and more--so read/hear this Hub, and get the jazz police off your case!
8Wooden Chair And Stool Repair: How (Not) To Fix Them
Trash day in suburbia usually reveals a broken chair or two at the curbside. Many of them can be fixed and put back in service with little effort or expertise. Here's how!
3Understand Chords: Beyond Triads --Seventh Chords (Part Three of a Series)
In traditional harmony, seventh chords are the next step up in complexity from triads; they give many more available colors to composers. Learn the basics about seventh chords here!
67When Did Global Warming Stop?
We often hear claims that "global warming stopped" in such and such a year. What basis is there for these claims, and who is making them?
4Pet Doors: How (Not) To Install Them
If you have an animal companion in your home, it can do wonders for the satisfaction of all concerned to allow free access to the outdoors. It can be easier (and less expensive) than you might think. Read how--and how NOT!--to do it here!
3Understand Chords: Chords In Keys (Part Two of a Series)
Chords are important musical building blocks, of course, but they aren't just isolated 'things.' Rather they belong more or less naturally in certain 'keys.' Learn about them here!
10Water Is A Dancer: Climate Science And The Element Of Change
The famous "blue marble" photo of the Earth shows a water planet. But water, "the element of change," is important to Earth in less obvious ways, too. Here's how it operates as a greenhouse gas.
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Understand Chords: What's A Triad? (Part One of a Series)
Chords are a musical basic--but what are they, really? Here's a beginner's guide, with written and audio examples.
4How (Not) To Practice Music Efficiently, Part Two
Practice more efficiently and get better faster with these practical strategies! Topics include practicing for continuity versus practicing for problem-solving; changing the terms of the practice problem; and practicing with a metronome.
8Andrew Weaver's "Keeping Our Cool": A Summary Review
Dr. Andrew Weaver, one of Canada's leading climate scientists, was most recently in the news for his successful libel lawsuit against a mendacious climate change denier. But he's also the author of an illuminating book on climate science. Read about its wide-ranging scope here.
6Exterior Doors: How (Not) To Install Them
Replacing an exterior door isn't like it used to be, back when you built your jambs from scratch and hung the door itself with elaborate care. In fact, it's very possibly within YOUR reach--especially with this illustrated guide!
5Eaves and Fascia Board Repair: How (Not) To Fix Them
If you have traditional wooden fascia boards on your eaves, then they will need maintenance at some time or another. It's not so terribly hard. Here's some tricks and traps, described and photographed.
3Lavender: The Best Little Asian Bistro In Gwinnett County, GA
If you're looking for great Chinese and Thai cuisine, a friendly yet elegant atmosphere, great service and reasonable prices, you can find it at Lavender. Read more here--including how to get there!
2How (Not) To Practice Music Efficiently, Part One
The first of a pair of articles on how (not) to practice music, this article sets the record straight on much confusing practice advice you hear. Plus, great pictures of some musical greats!
12Through A Glass Darkly: Equinox Reflections On Sea Ice--2010 And Onwards
The Arctic sea ice is "the canary in the coal mine" of climate change. It's been changing relatively fast. What does it mean? And what has it been like to watch?
2Three Terrific Parks In Gwinnett County, GA
Looking for some great outdoor recreation in Gwinnett County, Georgia? The Gwinnett County Park system is a source of justifiable pride. Read about three of its "jewels" here!
17Global Warming Science: A Thumbnail History
The science of climate change is much older than most people realize--some, like former astronaut Walter Cunningham, think that it was 'cooked up' by a few imaginative scientists early in the 1990s. The real story is much longer and richer. Get the concise version here!
13Gwynn Dyer's "Climate Wars": A Summary Review
An enhanced-content review of Gwynne Dyer's "Climate Wars" (2010.) Climate change is of deep concern to national security professionals the world over. Find out what they are worrying about.
2String (or Restring) Your Guitar: How (Not) To Do It
An illustrated guide to restringing an acoustic guitar. If you've been too intimidated to try this yourself, pluck up your courage and save yourself $15!
2How (not) to work sudoku
Strategies and practice questions for Sudoku. Solve faster and have more fun!
0Printable Blank Sudoku Grid
A free printable blank Sudoku grid, all ready for your deepest Sudoku thoughts.
15Global Warming Science And The Wars: Guy Callendar
Guy Callendar lived through the tumults of early and mid-twentieth century England, doing technical and defense work. It's ironic that his innocent hobby led right back into the most polarizing political issue in the United States today. Read the story of the man who brought climate change science into the 20th century!
6Global Warming Science, Press, And Storms: Nils Ekholm
Scientists are expected to live and die on the quality and integrity of their data analysis—but usually that is a metaphor. Not for Nils Ekholm! Read the story of this remarkable scientist, self-made man and sometime Arctic explorer!
8Lap Siding: How (Not) To Install Hardiplank And The Like
Applying lap siding needn't be terribly difficult. Here's a detailed photo guide to the process--as it works in the real world.
17James Hoggan's "Climate Cover-Up": A Summary Review
You've been lied to. That's the message of "Climate Cover-Up," by PR professional James Hoggan. Find out when, how, and by whom in this enhanced-content review.
14David Archer's "The Long Thaw": A Summary Review
"The Long Thaw" is a modern classic of science exposition, setting forth the physical basis for how the greenhouse effect and Earth's carbon cycle work. Get the gist with this enhanced content summary review.
2Global Warming Science And The Dawn Of Flight: Svante Arrhenius
In 1896, Svante Arrhenius published a scientific paper containing the first mathematical model of CO2-induced global warming. It took him a year of laborious hand calculation, and proved quite influential. But he couldn't have done it without the work of American astronomer and aviation pioneer Samuel Langley. Here's the story.
33Low-flow Toilets: How (Not) To Install One
More and more folks are changing to the newer, more environmentally-friendly low-flow toilets. You can save a bunch by doing it yourself. Take the intimidation factor out by using this elaborately detailed photo-illustrated real world guide.
7Broecker & Kunzig's "Fixing Climate": A Summary Review
Dr. "Wally" Broecker is a "grand old man" in the field of climate science, having correctly predicted the global warming trend we've all been living with back in 1975. Here's his story, and his take on what we should be doing, in an enhanced-content summary review of his 2008 book, "Fixing Climate."
8Global Warming Science In The Age Of Queen Victoria: John Tyndall
John Tyndall, a one-time railway surveyor, made himself one of the most prominent physicists of nineteenth-century Britain. But today he's remembered best for his discovery of the mechanism of the greenhouse effect. Read about his remarkable life and work here.
6Global Warming Science At The Barricades: Claude Pouillet, The Sun, And 1849
Claude Pouillet rose from obscurity to become a scientist, educator and legislator. He was the first to make a reasonably accurate estimate of the so-called "solar constant." Read about his dramatic life here!
14Global Warming Science In The Age Of Napoleon: Joseph Fourier
Some think that the story of global warming science began in the 1990s. But the first paper on the topic was written by a scientist and mathematician who was also an administrator in the government of Napoleon Bonaparte! Read about the life and work of Joseph Fourier here.
