Saturday, October 26, 2019

Sunday, October 13, 2019

update, really? wow - - it's been a while - wheels and gear

BABBLE:

Here is my ramblings for you, let me babble on for my few readers.

I never blog enough.  Whether it is about my day job, engineering, or about skateboarding or snow skating - my online presence is light.  When I chatted with a career coach a few months back, he couldn't stress enough the importance of my "brand."  He wasn't talking about Monkdeth, or the variety of brands I have created over my time on this third rock from the sun, he was talking about me, Walter Pierowski.Previously, my only publication outside of work documents was when I co-authored a paper presented to the The American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences (ASBBS) in March of 2019.  The link to the paper is currently dead, it was on Collateral Learning and the bulk of the writing is credited to one of my professors from the University of Idaho, Dr. Jeff Bailey.

This past summer I went through some reflection as a new challenge was presented to me.  My engineering career has always been successful, and with that I can go most places - however I needed to re-position myself and stay here in North Idaho so the kids can finish school.  It was funny how I went from a rising star to a thorn in a few people's backs but I realized it was nothing more that fear which lead to my change of employment status.

Keeping on my career path and staying local was looking difficult and there was an opportunity to help other companies out so I was toying with my own consulting company for about 30-45 days - http://www.pftechnicalconsulting.com/  
While pursuing job opportunities and some consulting work, I was able to enjoy over 8 weeks of pure fun while still accomplishing what most people can't.  I pursued a little artistic side with wood working and such, while skateboarding every day.

I did find a company that matched a need for my skills and we came to an agreement in mid- September and I started there shortly after.  It is exciting to be back in electronics design and manufacturing and I am lookign for ward to the challenges ahead.




WHEELS:

So while I was skateboarding everyday I was switching back and forth between a few setups I had.  Those that know me or have stopped by know I have a few skates that are ready to roll and I often go through phases of which ones to set up.  (Also note I have plenty of goods for sale and you can visit the webstore or come by!)

Back when I ran Stalefish Skate and Snow, I always had questions on gear and what to use.  Wheels were always one of those that vary based on riding locations and style.  While I road for 8 weeks, I put two brands to test head to head and rode them both at the CDA park.  Bones vs. OJ's - which is it?

Well after the 8 weeks, I came to the conclusion that OJ Wheels are the best for this park.  They have the perfect combination of grip and slide-ability without comprising the rider in a bad spot.  Of course this is based on a 190lb washed up rider, so results may be different for others.  The wheels were very similar although the OJ's were 60mm and the Bones were 58mm.  I could slide the Bones well but found sometimes they slide on there own and this old man tumbled down once unexpectedly.  The OJ's always gripped the pool walls and never let me down.

Anyone else care to comment?

Of course the bearings matched the brands, but I'll save the bearings review for another post next time.  Thanks for listening and #skateon

MORE WRITINGS TO COME AS I PREPARE FOR WRITING A BOOK!