Sleeping Arrangements

topdogStories

Our friends looked at us in shock when we told them of our sleeping arrangements. Previously, the only decision regarding sleeping arrangements in our house had to do with who spoons who. That was until we started letting the dogs sleep on the bed with us. After that, there was no spooning. In fact there was no room for any utensils. Frankly, I do miss the forking. We’re accustomed to strange looks when people learn …

Mac Studio

PRIDE and Pity

topdogUnpopular Opinions

I was going to wait until next year to purchase a new computer. That was when I thought Apple would announce new models of the Mac Studio (my preferred desktop). But they announced new models in early June, and immediately the prices dropped for last year’s model. So I pulled the trigger a year early, saving roughly $600. The computer arrived last week. I’ve been working on moving my files and apps from the old …

Lake Pend Oreille - Idaho

How Nuclear War Nearly Ruined My Anniversary

topdogStories

It was late September, 2022. The Missus, the dogs, and I were camping in Farragut State Park in northern Idaho. The weather was beautiful with warm days and cool nights that herald the approach of fall and the reluctant passing of summer. We were there to enjoy nature and celebrate our 30th anniversary. On that day, we decided to drive to the east side of the lake, looking for a way to an isolated campground …

Poogle parody logo

Google Is Shit

topdogUnpopular Opinions

Recently, I posted a new T-shirt design on TeePublic, a site that offers artist designs on T-shirts and other items. The design (above) is a parody of a certain popular search site that rhymes with Boogle. I think it’s pretty funny, not to mention true. Unfortunately, the soulless automatons at Koogle were not pleased, and I received an email from TeePublic informing me the design was removed at Noogles request, claiming the design… get this… …

A Special Environmental Message

topdogRural Living

I don’t know how you plan on observing Earth Day, but this my traditional way to celebrate. It turns out that on average, the middle of April is a great time to burn slash.About the Author Topdog is Steve Merryman, a retired graphic designer, illustrator, and unrepentant asshole. Steve can usually be found working on a portrait commission or some other artwork. Steve fills his days by painting, writing, shootin’ guns, cuttin’ trees, hiking with …

thick forest image

Forestry Project Update

topdogRural Living

We’re closing in on the last few days of thinning our forest. We can finally see the trees for the forest, and it looks like we’ll meet our deadline!

Spring feature image

Spring time is tree-cutting time

topdogRural Living

Our five-month winter has finally packed up and moved out. Talk about over-staying your welcome. It started the first week of November. The snow fell, and it still hasn’t completely left. In fact just a couple weeks ago it added another foot and a half. Personally, I think a nice white Christmas is nostalgic and pleasant enough. Heck, even a snowy New Year is fine with me since we usually stay home anyway. And I …

Buzz Rubisco on the moon

One Single-Step for Man, One Cumulative Selection for Mankind

topdogBeliefs, Unpopular Opinions

Last week John Wilder presented a challenging post talking about the protein/enzyme RuBisCo (you can read his post here). It is the remarkable protein in plants that breaks down CO2 and is essential to life on Earth. In the post he argued that the probabilities of RuBisCo folding itself properly to do what it does were astronomically high and therefore signified the intentional actions of a higher power, God. Here is John’s summation: It is …