About

The blog

This blog — and website — is intended to be a vehicle for self-publishing material related to things I’m interested. I generally post several times a week. Some of the things I will (may) be writing about or including include:

blogging and related topics
travel
camping
internet income
internet ethics (spam, comment spam, splogs, phishing, etc.)
and other topics as they occur to me

See my tag cloud for other topics that I include from time to time.

The name for this blog and web site comes from Interstate 40 exit 78 in Arkansas. For most of my time at my last job, I crossed the exit 78 overpass on my way to and from work. With no entrance or exit ramps on the east side of the exit, I used an access road rather than the interstate.

In the last few years, there has been quite a bit of road construction in the state including a reconstruction of exit 78 with a new overpass and entrance and exit ramps in both directions. The construction also resulted in a new spectacular view of the lake at the highest point of the exit. In the weeks prior to the creation of this web log, I had been trying to come up with an original name for it. I wanted a simple name that would be easy to remember. I didn’t want it to be something that was too corny or that would immediately place it in a category that isn’t intended.

Mike

I don’t generally write about myself — because this blog isn’t about me; it’s about things I observe and things I enjoy and things that I enjoy sharing with others. If I’m going to be a serious blogger, though, it probably wouldn’t hurt if my readers were able to learn a little bit about me — if they so desire.

retired after nearly 35 years in nuclear power, 27 years as an instructor.
bachelor of science degree in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and an associates degree from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.
licensed reactor operator - 1982 to 1984.
senior reactor operator - 1984 to 2007 (an instructor with an operating license).
US Navy December 1971 to September 1980.
have lived in Nebraska, Texas, California, Illinois, Idaho, Connecticut, and Arkansas.
married since June, 1972.
two daughters, two grandchildren, several siblings, lots of in-laws, parents still living.

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Awards and stuff from other bloggers:

From Rose DesRochers

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From Dan at dcr Blogs
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Awarded by
Rose
to Mike

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From Teeni at Vaguetarian Tea Room - “I was never a great student of history, having the bad memory I have and it’s even worse when it comes to dates, but Mike is actually getting me interested in Civil War history. Mainly, I think it is because of the way he posts about it. I get more involved in the stories and not so hung on on dates/times (or maybe it’s because I know he isn’t going to grade me)? Either way, his beautiful collection of blogs (photos, travels, history, anecdotes) and his witty/intelligent/caring posts make me feel like he is a good friend to have.” (see post)

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From Teeni at Vaguetarian Tea Room “for making me start an interest in Civil War History, being honest, forthright, and helpful since I’ve known you. I’m enjoying seeing things through you and I also love seeing your lovely photos - those don’t hurt either! Hugs to you buddy.” (see post)