Archive for category: Friday Afternoon

So, what’s in a name, and how does it apply today? Curious, I did a quick search on my last name, Kowalski, and lo and behold, it fits in with what my team and I love to do every day –  getting up early and staying late to solve your PIA (Pain in the @%$) Jobs! I found out the name Kowalski is of Polish origin and is one of the most common surnames in Poland, derived from the word “kowal,” which means “blacksmith” in Polish. The suffix “-ski” is a common surname ending in Poland, often indicating a connection to a place or profession.

So, Kowalski essentially means “descendant of a blacksmith” or “one from the blacksmith’s place.” BINGO! It sure fits. Just listen to this description: Blacksmithing is a delicate balance of heating (the hammering part is for others) and cooling that transforms raw metal into durable, functional objects. By controlling temperature and cooling rates, blacksmiths (or “Kowalski’s” as I now call them) can achieve the desired hardness, flexibility, and strength needed for parts, tools, weapons, and artistic creations. (Oh yeah!) While modern technology has changed the industry, the principles of blacksmithing remain rooted in ancient traditions, making it a fascinating and enduring craft. So, there you have it – heating and cooling are just in my ancestral bones. For fun, I searched for last names that have survived to our common language today – some may surprise you (and here’s to all the Taylors, Carpenters, Millers, Bakers, Hunters, and Fishers out there.) If you know your family name history, be sure to share at skowalski@khtheating.com. Thanks to Google for the info.

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Yesterday we were treated with the spring equinox, when the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight – translation … IT’S SPRINGTIME!! In 2025, the spring equinox occurs on March 20 at 5:01 a.m. UTC (the exact moment varies each year depending on Earth’s orbit). Now, I know you are already feeling a bit better – gradually sliding out of winter, and anxious for the sights and smell of new flowers. Like any change of season (for those of us who enjoy all four seasons), it’s truly a time of renewal (and a chance to put away the heavy sweaters and bulky blankets) and look forward to new brighter days. To inspire you, here’s a whole bunch of ideas to kick off Spring. For Jackie and me, it’s a chance to get out again to our local parks and enjoy walking again (without heavy coats). She finds peace in digging a bit in the gardens and planting some new flowers. (I just like digging holes!) And yes, like you, I try to clean up the winter mess in the garage and get the kayak’s cleaned and ready. If you have a favorite “spring” activity, please share skowalski@khtheat.com Enjoy!

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Sometimes the best made plans of those putting in a good day’s work can turn out to be a mistake.  Adding numbers, counting items, writing code or just trying to fill an order, we can err in our efforts.  Recently I read about the word “dord” that made its way into the famous Merriam-Webster dictionary back in 1939.  What began as a request from one of the writers was misinterpreted to be a actual word (story below). It caught my attention, so I went looking for some other errors I had not heard of and included them too.  Here’s to all of us who have made a mistake that went unnoticed for some time, and thanks to those who forgave us – (and extra thanks for those who invented spell check in Word) – and to Google for the info.  Enjoy!

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I have to admit it – I’m a sucker for new inventions and amazing technology. While traveling out of town to attend a trade show in Vegas, I happened to drive past the large NASA technology center here in northeast Ohio, home to some of the world’s largest and most capable space simulation test facilities where ground tests are conducted for the U.S. and international space and aeronautics communities. A set of giant buildings, filled with engineers and scientists, developing breakthrough technologies that will someday be used in aeronautics … with some of them making their way into my home. (think TANG). Since we’re all about solving your PIA (pain in the @%$) Jobs, we kinda think of ourselves as pioneers in thermal processing technologies (I’d love to take credit for inventing ice cubes and blue tip matches, but someone beat me to it!!). Think about it – something as simple as Velcro (now part of my running jacket and sneakers) was first used for space exploration. I decided to do a search on products that were first made for space and air travel and then adopted for consumer use. Here’s a list of NASA-originated technologies that have transitioned into everyday consumer products, with a brief history and explanation of some hurdles each had to overcome. Thanks to Google for the insights. Enjoy!

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Like most of you, I’m planning on watching “the game” on Sunday – (when writing this, the final two have not been determined) one thing I know for sure is it’s not my Brownies!!  Being a foodie, and a snack lover, I pretty much try everything that’s put out, especially the dips. There’s something special about chips and dip – the savory dips, the salty chips, or the fact that I can graze throughout the game without Jackie really noticing. Some of my snack favorites are those little wieners in a bun, (brown mustard a must) meatballs in BBQ sauce, spicy chicken wings, classic potato chips and my favorite French Onion Dip – Dairymen’s and so much more. While I do toss in a few veggies, it’s the chips and dips that get my favor. Below I listed three yummy classic dips ( and one bonus dip) for you to whip up, and recommend a medley of corn chips, multigrain scoopers, and Triscuits (those lime chips rock as well). Also, here’s a little trivia on the snacking consumption side of the game (the number of buffalo wings is staggering). Enjoy the snacks and the game.

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