Kowalski Heat Treating Blog - Kowalski Heat Treating

A Capitol Idea

May 1, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

If you’ve ever wanted to have a fun vacation, visit Washington D.C., and especially visit the U.S. Capitol Building. The first time I saw it in person, I have to admit it was a breathtaking moment: that giant grand dome rising above the National Mall, white marble, long steps majestically framed by a blue sky and fluttering flags. When Jackie and I took the girls to DC to explore, we made sure to visit the capital. We were able to witness a vote taking place – (fascinating to see the various congress people meandering in to place their vote, then leave – and watching the tabulations taking place on the wall was very interesting as well). Historians say the US Capitol Building is the centerpiece of American history, drama, innovation, politics, art, personalities, and quirky architectural decisions – a place where the ideas and contradictions of the nation are literally set in stone. Did you know, our American flag flies continuously at the east and west bases of the dome — day and night since World War I. Flags over the Senate (north) and House (south) wings fly only when the chamber below is in session, and hidden flagpoles handle special ceremonial requests. I did some digging (SO MUCH info!) about this great building, its varied history, and quirks you might find interesting. Be sure to get a trip in to visit, and think about our great nation, and all that’s come before us. Enjoy!

Now That’s Symbolic

April 24, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

The other day I was plugging my cellphone in to recharge it and noticed the USB icon on the wall end – it’s sort of a pitchfork thing, with arrows and circles and lines. I wondered why it was designed like that, and who came up with it. The more I looked around, the more I noticed different icons, especially on my keyboard. Big picture – as our modern technology has progressed from vacuum-tube computers that fill entire rooms to super-fast smartphones, the computer industry simultaneously developed a whole bunch of iconographic symbols. Of course, some of the old classics are our favorites (@%$!) – as we use them in our promise to you… We Love Your PIA (@%$) Jobs! Today, digital-age hieroglyphics are on computers, laptops, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and cell phones – but have you ever wondered where they came from? (ok, I do…). Here are the stories behind popular electronic icons and symbols you probably see every day, but never really think about. For those who know me, I have been known to ask, “What’s that?” a lot, then proceed to push a button or click an Icon. Enjoy!

Hey Lefty

April 17, 2026/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Ok, so I’ve heard of Southpaws and Lefties – but new to me – Mollydookers, Porty, Goofy-footer, Cacky-handed, Corrie-fisted, Chickie-paws, Cuddy-wifter, even sinister, may be a bit too much!! There’s no shortage of nicknames for the left-handed people of the world, even if much of everyday life seems to have been designed without them in mind. Being a lefty myself (I must admit I’m actually ambidextrous, which comes with its own challenges), I can never try out my golfing buds’ new clubs, and having to deal with most golf courses designed for righties! For me, there are some advantages – I can eat with either hand (something I’m very good at!), I get to explain away my horrendous handwriting, and have been blessed with lots of creativity – part of being left-handed! According to experts (Laterality Experts: researchers focusing on the functional specialization of the brain, including hand use), hand preference remains an intriguing puzzle for scientists, with researchers still questioning why a small percentage of people favor their left hand over their right. This quirk has caused lefties to be saddled with historical baggage and ongoing inconveniences. While some people do some things “righty” and some things “lefty,” Jackie and I are both either ambidextrous or simply “unique”. Experts are still working to uncover the origins of this unusual hand preference – one of our daughters is a true lefty! In the meantime, here are some curious facts about left-handed life. Enjoy!