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BHM Newsletter
May 21, 2006
We just got off deadline for the new issue -- our 100th anniversary issue. We made it a "special health issue" to reflect my new post-heart-surgery interest in living a long healthy life. Richard Blunt leads the issue with a superb article on making heart-friendly recipes. It's the first time he's written for the magazine in several years, so I'm glad to have him back. John Silveira has written a very in-depth article on the history of medicine. It's a typically insightful Silveira historical piece. I've got a weakness for history; I think it puts the present in proper perspective. There are many other great articles in the issue including:
For our 100th issue, we've extended our two big specials introduced last issue: a $17.90 subscription, which is our lowest surbscription price in more than 15 years, and our $99.95 Encyclopedia of Self-Reliance, which includes all the print anthologies. The anthology price is $40 lower than we're previously had it, which makes it the best deal in our history. I was very anxious to get off of deadline this issue so I could test drive my new 200-horsepower jet boat on the Rogue River. It'll do over 40 mph but I've only had it up to 25 mph so far. I'm new to jet boats, and navigating the Rogue River 32 miles from the mouth to the town of Agness, as I did Sunday, is a white-knuckle trip for someone new to the river. Luckily I had a knowledgeable river guy with me around rocks and through riffles. My triceps are still sore from three hours of keeping the boat on course. The big reason for buying the boat, however, is to fish, both in the river and, on a calm day, in the ocean. People with coronary artery problems are supposed to eat grilled salmon twice a week. At least that's what my cardiologist told me. That's a good enough reason to buy a 24-foot jet boat. --Dave
So you now own a power chain saw! When you bought it, you not only acquired a very useful tool, but you also acquired the safety hazard that accompanies its operation. Here are some suggestions for safely using the chain saw at home as well as in the woods. Although the suggestions concern the power chain saw, other cutting tools, such as axes and splitting mauls, are needed to harvest timber, and they, too, must be used with caution. Don't be afraid of the tools; just learn to master them and use them with caution and common sense. And remember that these suggestions are no substitute for experience. You may want to practice with your new saw, felling and bucking (crosscutting) or pruning only smaller trees until you get some experience. It is safer to use both hands to operate the chain saw -even if yours is light enough to use with one hand. PreparationRead the instruction manual that came with your saw. Your manual describes how to mount the guide bar and chain, how to mix the fuel and lubricate the saw, and how to start it. Most chain saws are designed to operate the throttle with the right index finger; the left-handed person who tries to control the throttle with the left index finger will have a limited amount of the front handlebar to grasp comfortably and safely, and the chain will be running closer to the body. This is a more hazardous position for inexperienced operators. Some models have a hand guard that also operates a chain brake, a safety feature that promptly stops the chain from running when the mechanism is tripped. Learn how to shut off the saw instinctively without looking for the switch. You can ask the dealer about these points. Ask him to demonstrate the saw. Electric-powered chain saws are rarely used in the woods; they are practical around the home, where they are used to fell, buck, limb, and prune trees. Special safety tips for electric-powered chain saws are listed at the end of this article. PrecautionsProtective Clothing A hard hat is recommended, and goggles will protect your eyes against flying splinters and chips. Because a power saw is noisy, you should wear hearing protectors. Leather gloves, hard-toe shoes, and timber chaps would help protect limbs that might come into contact with the chain. Do not wear slippery shoes or baggy clothing that could catch in the brush and cause you to fall. Always watch your footing while working in the woods. Refueling Taking the same precautions that you would with your gasoline-powered lawnmower, stop the engine and do not smoke when refueling your chain saw. Do not spill gas on a hot engine. Use a filtering funnel or a gas can with a flexible hose to fill the fuel tank. Do not start the saw where you refuel it, and be extra cautious of fire during dry weather. Carrying the Saw
Shut off the saw when carrying it from one tree to the next if working conditions are hazardous - heavy brush, slippery ground surface, or steep slopes. Carry the saw with the guide bar pointing to the rear, or point the bar to the front if you are going downhill. First Aid Even if you do not need an assistant, someone should be with you in case of an accident. Have the telephone number and address of the nearest emergency unit, and always carry a first-aid kit when you work in the woods. If someone is cut, cover the wound with a clean cloth and press hard to stop the flow of blood. Get the injured person to a doctor or hospital immediately. How To Fell A TreePreparation and Positioning You can fell large trees with the small, lightweight saws that homeowners usually buy, but it is a risky job for inexperienced, nonprofessional workers and demands extra caution. First, remove any wire or nails that are in the wood you plan to cut. Determine where you want the tree to fall. Look at the top. Is it unbalanced with heavy limbs on one side? How much wind is blowing? What about other trees, buildings, or power lines in the area? If these hazards exist, perhaps you should hire an experienced worker to do the felling while you limit your work to limbing and bucking the down tree. Examine the top to see whether there are any "widow makers" (dead limbs or branches) that may fall while you are cutting the tree. Clear all brush, snow, and rocks from around the tree that might interfere with the use of the saw, or that might block your way to a safe retreat when the tree starts to fall.
Pick a safe place where you plan to stand when the tree falls. Remember that a gust of wind or a rotten place in the trunk may cause the tree to fall in the wrong direction. The tree may bounce, kick backwards, or roll when it hits the ground. You usually are safe standing behind a larger tree off to the side and away from the tree you are cutting. When trees are cut on a hillside, the saw operator must stand on the uphill side of the tree. (The same recommendation also applies to limbing the down tree or bucking the trunk into firewood or logs.) Method Assuming that the tree stands straight and has a balanced top, and that there is little or no wind, oil the chain, fully open the throttle, and undercut (notch) the tree on the side in the direction of fall (Figure 1). Cut the notch to a depth of about one-fourth to one-third the diameter of the tree. Stand beside the tree with your feet well braced and comfortably spread for good balance. Put in the "back cut" opposite the notch (Figure 2). The back cut should be an inch or so higher than the bottom of the notch, square with the trunk, and parallel to the bottom of the notch. Then place the bumper spikes near the engine firmly against the trunk, and start cutting. Pivot the saw about the bumper spikes and into the trunk, using a fanlike motion and moderate pressure to feed the chain into the wood. It is not necessary to move the saw in a sawing motion: the powered chain provides the cutting action. Pivot the saw, then move the bumper spikes to a new location and continue feeding the chain into the cut. Draw the saw out of the cut slowly and with the chain running. If you must cut without the bumper spikes in contact with the tree, or if the saw does not have spikes, be careful that the saw does not jerk and throw you offbalance when the chain contacts the bark or wood. On trees 16 inches or larger in diameter, you should make two extra side cuts to prevent splitting of the butt log (Figure 3).
Do not cut through to the under cut; be sure to leave a hinge (Figures 2 and 4). As the saw approaches the notch, slow down and carefully control the rate of cut. You should have your wedges and maul handy because you may need to drive a wedge behind the saw to prevent pinching of the cutter bar. Wood or plastic wedges should be used if there is danger that the wedge tip may hit the chain. Wedges also may be needed to adjust the direction of fall by "swinging" the falling tree to one side or the other. Leave some "holding wood" (hinge) that is thicker at one side of the back cut than the other (Figure 4). If the tree is small enough (6 to 8 inches) that an assistant can push it, you will not need a wedge. Both persons must be alert, however, and plan to leave the area without stumbling over each other as the tree starts to fall. Caution: Always make a last-minute check to see that other people are out of danger before completing the back cut. Yell "Timber!" when the tree starts to fall. Then stop the saw, quickly set it on the ground away from the stump, and retreat to your preselected place of safety behind a larger tree. Be alert to the possibility of kickbacks or bounces when the trunk hits the ground. Watch for failing limbs! Lodged Tree If the tree lodges in a nearby standing tree, its removal is a dangerous job. Proceed with extreme caution! First, consider the hazards involved. Has the lodged tree been cut free from the stump? If not, then free it with the saw or an axe. A pry pole, bar, cant hook, or peavey can be used to roll the tree off the stump and out of the standing tree. Sometimes the tree can be pulled free with a long cable or chain and a tractor. Be sure that no harm will come to the tractor driver or the equipment as the tree comes free. Be careful that the cable does not snap as it is pulled and hit the driver or a nearby worker. As a last resort, a third tree may be fallen across the lodged tree, or the tree supporting the lodged tree may be cut. The latter alternative is a very dangerous job that requires experience; you probably should get professional help. Trimming And BuckingPositioning Do not work too close to your helpers. Do not hold the saw higher than your waist. Trim the limbs from the fallen trunk while standing on the opposite side of the trunk. If the down tree is on a hillside, or if the trunk is likely to roll when some of the limbs are cut, stand on the "uphill" side. Method Start cutting the limbs from the down tree at the butt end and work towards the top. Limbs that are bent over and supporting the down tree should be Cut first on the under (compression) side, then on the top side; otherwise they may split lengthwise as the tension is released and spring back to injure you. If you are cutting the tree into firewood1, start at the tips of the branches and move towards the trunk, cutting the limbs into lengths of 16 to 18 inches. The branches will be flexible - be careful that they do not whip about as the chain comes into contact with them. When the branches have been removed, start bucking the trunk into firewood or logs. Be alert to the possibility that the saw may pinch and kick back to throw you off-balance. To help prevent pinching, start sawing partway through the trunk (or limb) from the bottom, then finish the cut from the top side, or use a wedge. See that you have a safe place to stand while bucking the trunk and limbs, particularly when they are likely to roll or shift position. Do not run the saw into the soil! It dulls the chain. Keeping your tools sharp and in good working order is part of your safety program. PruningCaution: Never stand on a rickety ladder to prune a standing tree with any kind of saw. Pruning a standing tree from a ladder is very dangerous. Use a pole saw and stand on the ground to reach high branches. (If you must use a ladder, see that it is stable and well braced. Work without overreaching to the side. Use a hand saw for cutting smaller limbs, and use the other hand to maintain your balance on the ladder.) Hire an experienced worker to prune any larger limbs that may require a power saw. Method To prune low limbs of standing trees, stand on the opposite side of the trunk from the limb being pruned. Make the first cut with the power saw on the under side of the larger limbs about 6 inches away from the trunk, then complete the removal with a cut on the top side, starting a little farther out on the limb. This method will prevent stripping of the bark from the tree, which is especially important in the spring of the year when the bark cells are starting to grow. Finally, cut the stub close to the trunk. The smaller branches can be cut close to the trunk with one cut, starting from the bottom side. Safety Tips Summary
Safety Tips for Electric-Powered Chain Saws
Cranberry-Jalepeno Relish 1 bag fresh cranberries
Grind the cranberries, lime, and jalapenos. Add the sugar and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for at least three hours so flavors can meld. Radish and Cilantro Relish 2 cups radishes, thinly sliced
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Cossack Cherry Relish 1-1/2 lb cherries fresh and pitted
Pour vinegar into a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add all other ingredients. Reduce heat to med-low and boil slowly for 45 minutes, stirring regularly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1 to 2 hours. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate. Tomatillo-Papaya Relish 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Heat oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onion is soft - about 7 min. Add tomatillos, papaya, vinegar, sugar and currants. Bring to a boil over high heat; then boil uncovered stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated. Cranberry-Orange Relish 1/2 cup unsalted butter
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cranberries and sauté for about 4 minutes, until they begin to burst. Add the sugar and sauté for 2 minutes more. Add the orange juice and let simmer for about 6 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a medium glass or nonreactive metal bowl and gently stir in the oranges and mint. Let stand, loosely covered, for at least 1 hour at room temperature. Refrigerate if not using immediately. Bring to room temperature before serving. Craig's Cranberry Relish 2 cups raw cranberries
Grind the onion and cranberries together. Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Put in a plastic container and freeze. One hour before serving, move to the refrigerator to soften.
A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no lessons or prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted and the horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slip from the saddle. In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck, but she slides down the side of the horse anyway. The horse gallops along, seemingly ignorant of its slipping rider. Finally, giving up her frail grip, the blonde attempts to leap away from the horse and throw herself to safety. Unfortunately, her foot becomes entangled in the stirrup, and she is now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground over and over. As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness when, to her great fortune, Bobby, the Wal-Mart greeter, sees her and unplugs the horse Two Iranians met in California. One started to greet the other in Farsi, the language of their native country. The other Iranian waved him away contemptuously and said, "We're in America now. Speak Spanish! Understanding Engineers - Take One Two engineering students were walking across the campus when one said,"Where did you get such a great bike?" The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday minding my own business when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike. She threw the bike to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want." The second engineer nodded approvingly, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit." Understanding Engineers - Take Two To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be. Understanding Engineers - Take Three A priest, a doctor and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with these people? We've been waiting for 15 minutes!" The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such ineptitude!" The priest said, "Hey, here comes the green keeper. Let's have a word with him." "Hi George, what's the matter that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?" The green keeper replied, "Oh, yes, that's a group of blind fire-fighters. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime." The group was silent for a moment. Then the priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight." The doctor said, "Good idea. And I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist friend and see if there is anything he can do for them." The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?" Understanding Engineers - Take Four A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost. He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am." The woman below replied, "You are in a hot air balloon hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. "You are between 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees west longitude." "You must be an engineer," said the balloonist. "I am," replied the woman, "How did you know?" "Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is, technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help so far." The woman below responded, "You must be in Management." "I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?" "Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact is you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's my fault." Understanding Engineers - Take Five What is the difference between Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers? Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets. Understanding Engineers - Take Six Normal people believe that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it isn't broken, it doesn't have enough features yet. Understanding Engineers - Take Seven An architect, an artist and an engineer were discussing whether it was better to spend time with the wife or a mistress. The architect said he enjoyed time with his wife, building a solid foundation for an enduring relationship. The artist said he enjoyed time with his mistress, because of the passion and mystery he found there. The engineer said, "I like both." "Both?" Replied the architect and artist. "Yeah. If you have a wife and a mistress, they will each assume you are spending time with the other woman, and you can go to the lab and get some work done." Understanding Engineers - Take Eight One day, an engineer was crossing a road when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess". He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket. The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week." The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I'll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want." Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked, "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?" The engineer said, "Look. I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that's cool."
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