You Can Bet On It

Steven Guccione

Not a great headline, but a good read about betting markets in the last election. I spent some time at the track with my grandfather when I was a kid and learned a few things about betting. I saw the Trump odds before the election and wondered if it was an accurate reflection of the election or just a reflection of Trump supporters being more likely to place bets on the outcome.

How Offshore Oddsmakers Made a Killing off Gullible Trump Supporters

Mower Engine Removal

Steven Guccione

Four bolts and the engine was out. Not as heavy as I expected. Bought a second 12V battery and ran the motor at 24V. Chain keeps coming off but it is definitely happening on the master link where I shortened the chain. I didn’t use a proper chain cutter tool, just a hammer and punch, so I might have bent something a bit. Put some oil on it and it seems better.

Looked at the new foot pedal. Not sure I like it. I may just buy another controller like the one I have. I suppose having the throttle on a knob is ok since I have brakes that seem to be working well, and a brake switch that cuts off the motor ought to make this ok. Actually, the original throttle was on the dash.

Sweden’s Covid-19 Failure

Steven Guccione

By just about any measure the Swedish “no lockdown” policy for handling COVID-19 is a failure. Not as bad as the US, though. From The Dispatch.

“While Sweden’s death numbers compare favorably to the U.S., they stand in stark negative contrast to our Scandinavian neighbors who introduced lockdown measures: Per capita, we have nearly five times as many deaths as Denmark, nine times as many as Finland, and more than ten times as many as Norway.

COVID-19 and the Failure of Swedish Exceptionalism

More Mower Teardown

Steven Guccione

Removed the deck that shields the blades. It was heavier than I expected. Hurt my back a bit lifting it. Seems overkill for what I want to do. Removing it made the mower look taller and sleeker, almost like something to race. Also drained the oil, removed the throttle control and the last of the belts and pulleys on the underside. Also got the main pulley that attaches to the main engine shaft loose. I feared this bolt might be my undoing, but it came off pretty easily. Ready to pull the motor, but going to give my back a rest. In the photo you can see my candidate for a blade (in green). Used to retrofit string trimmers for heavy work. 4 or 5 of these should do the trick. Need to figure out a new deck now. Also found a nice little electric switch that can signal braking to the controller (I think).