Many years ago in one of my previous lives, I worked at a TV repair shop.
This was at a time when there were things that were repairable in TVs.
A lot of the work that this particular shop did …
Articles by Tom Gocze
Portrait of a plumber as a young man with copper tubing
Back in my contractor days, I had a kid who worked for me named Chris.
One of his favorite sayings was “Are you bummin’ or are you plumbin’?”
I guess there are different ways to …
’Tis the season for home improvement work
Since the Christmas season is upon us, it is a time when I start working in the house.
Concrete and a tense situation
There are times that serendipity crosses my path. We have been working on a new type of wood boiler. Part of its unique design is that you feed wood into it vertically. This allows for simpler …
Energy audits save renovation headaches
Last week someone told me about their old house. It has been an ongoing project for the past 20 years or so. The focus of the work was to cut the heating costs. It has been insulated, had new roofs …
Several economic, efficient ways to save on gasoline
Now that the days are so short, I have to admit to spending more time in front of the TV than I should.
One program that I have forced myself to watch is “IRT Deadliest Roads.” I hate this …
Bedbug inspections should be on your travel checklist
Last week I had a chance to talk with Jim Dill of the University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension Pest Management Group.
We discussed bedbugs, everyone’s favorite topic.
As a child of the …
Wintertime brings good and bad news
The concept of superinsulation is becoming more pervasive. Finally, builders and developers realize that energy costs are really an issue.
Cleaning up after your pet has become easier than ever
A major issue with pet ownership is the fact that the animals have to answer the call of nature.
For home lighting, energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs are worth a try
When the first home improvement box store opened in Bangor, many moons ago, the best feature to me was the lighting department. On a cold winter day, walking into that store brought you directly into …
Solar panels aren’t hard, people are
Jimmy Carter wrote an autobiography recently. As he is interviewed about his term as president, the conversation inevitably comes to the installation of solar collectors on the White House.
It is …
Headphones and mowing a good mix
Summer is waning, but I continue to mow lawns. The revenge of the lawn has trumped all my efforts to stunt its growth by cutting the grass too short.
The wonder of the place where I live is that …
Finding good, used cars more difficult these days
One of my sons had a car accident recently. The car was totaled but fortunately no one was injured. There was only basic insurance coverage, so we started the new (used) car search.
Being male and …
Residential sprinkler systems on the way
On Jan. 1, 2011, the International Building Code will require fire sprinklers installed in all new one- and two-family homes and townhouses.
Evicting bats can mean savings
There I sit, working at relaxation. It is overcast and just about twilight. A quick glance out the window, and I see a very fast flying creature.
Insulation: all seasons’ top strategy
Time to talk winter.
The days are getting shorter and summer is basically done. Are you ready yet?
Here’s what happens when state government shuts down
Maine budget negotiators work toward a last-minute deal to avoid shutdown
Why LePage might not get a budget to veto before shutdown
An ICE agent visited a restaurant. About 30 employees quit the next day.
Inmate linked to deaths or disappearance of 6 people dies in state custody
Sacrificing everything at the altar of tax cuts
Shutting down free speech
It’s a moral obligation to welcome the stranger at our nation’s door
Collins sets the right standard for Senate health care bill
This is the GOP’s last chance to avert single-payer health care
UMaine softball player wows social media with football toss
Red Sox manager Farrell suspended, fined for ump confrontation
Former UMaine star to play professional basketball in Hungary
UMaine sophomore to play in U19 FIBA World Cup tournament
Red Sox top Twins without suspended Farrell
Kesha and Seinfeld’s ‘hug’: Boys have boundaries, too
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Empowering Yourself
Grappling with ‘Harry Potter’ on the series’ 20th anniversary
Acadia Rep’s ‘The Gin Game’ delightful, thought-provoking opener