Tom Fassbender
@fordsbasement.bsky.social
A good set of starter #tools can help you get out of a lot of jams, especially those of the household repair variety. In the issue 25 of the Dispatch from Nowhere #newsletter, I write about how to build a solid beginning tool kit.
Building a Tool Kit
Everyone should have access to a basic set of tools.
fordsbasement.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:37 PM
A good set of starter #tools can help you get out of a lot of jams, especially those of the household repair variety. In the issue 25 of the Dispatch from Nowhere #newsletter, I write about how to build a solid beginning tool kit.
The Joy and Guilt in a Cup of #KopiLuwak — my experience pursuing and finally drinking the fabled, rare civet coffee in Bali, Indonesia first appeared as part of my Dispatches from Nowhere newsletter. But you can also find it on Medium #coffee
The Joy and the Guilt in a Cup of Kopi Luwak
A look into the lore, myth, and realities of the legendary kopi luwak coffee.
medium.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
The Joy and Guilt in a Cup of #KopiLuwak — my experience pursuing and finally drinking the fabled, rare civet coffee in Bali, Indonesia first appeared as part of my Dispatches from Nowhere newsletter. But you can also find it on Medium #coffee
Eleven years ago we ventured into the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud Village in Bali. We survived to tell the tale but the (mental and emotional) scars remain. #monkeys #bali #imminentdeath
Welcome to Sacred Monkey Forest
“It felt like one of those horror-movie moments a character stumbles upon some cute thing and then it turns evil and kills them.”
medium.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Eleven years ago we ventured into the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud Village in Bali. We survived to tell the tale but the (mental and emotional) scars remain. #monkeys #bali #imminentdeath
If you've had romantic ideas about train travel, then the Bed & Breakfast Train operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad just might be for you.
#train #wisconsin #explorewisconsin
#train #wisconsin #explorewisconsin
Bed & Breakfast Train in Trego, Wisconsin | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
If you've had romantic ideas about train travel, then the Bed & Breakfast Train operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad just might be for you.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
If you've had romantic ideas about train travel, then the Bed & Breakfast Train operated by the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad just might be for you.
#train #wisconsin #explorewisconsin
#train #wisconsin #explorewisconsin
Dispatch No. 23. In which the author prepares for the imminent winter weather by changing a lot of oil, maintaining and storing the small engines, and playing a few video games.
The Games We Play
In which the author prepares for the imminent winter weather by changing a lot of oil, maintaining and storing the small engines, and playing a few video games.
fordsbasement.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Dispatch No. 23. In which the author prepares for the imminent winter weather by changing a lot of oil, maintaining and storing the small engines, and playing a few video games.
What's this? Another Dispatch already? Indeed! A special #newsletter release to commemorate International Coffee Day. #ICD2025
The Special Coffee-Only Dispatch
In light of some special days dedicated to coffee, I decided to release this special Dispatch featuring news and thoughts about coffee on the tenth anniversary of International Coffee Day. #ICD2025
fordsbasement.substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:39 PM
What's this? Another Dispatch already? Indeed! A special #newsletter release to commemorate International Coffee Day. #ICD2025
Dispatch No. 21 (The Southern 45, Zevon Square, Punctuation Woes) in which the author comes up with a solution to a problem that has long vexed him, waxes nostalgic about lines of parallel, rants (slightly) about punctuation, and samples some more chips. #newsletter
Dispatch No. 21
The Southern 45, Zevon Square, Punctuation Woes — in which the author comes up with a solution to a problem that has long vexed him, waxes nostalgic about lines of parallel, and samples some more chip...
fordsbasement.substack.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Dispatch No. 21 (The Southern 45, Zevon Square, Punctuation Woes) in which the author comes up with a solution to a problem that has long vexed him, waxes nostalgic about lines of parallel, rants (slightly) about punctuation, and samples some more chips. #newsletter
Since 2018 Visible Bucky, one of the former Bucky on Parade statues, has been letting it all show on the streets of #Madison, Wisconsin.
Visible Bucky in Madison, Wisconsin | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
On the near-west side of Madison, you can find Visible Bucky, a revealing look at the University of Wisconsin's much-loved mascot.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Since 2018 Visible Bucky, one of the former Bucky on Parade statues, has been letting it all show on the streets of #Madison, Wisconsin.
Happy #NationalCheeseburgerDay! In case you aren't aware, America's favorite sandwich was invented at The Rite Spot, a roadside restaurant at 1500 West Colorado Blvd in (then) Pasadena. Today, there's a commemorative plaque.
Birth of the Cheeseburger
Back in 1924 teenage cook Lionel Sternberger accidentally created the culinary staple we know today as the Cheeseburger at a roadside restaurant called the Rite Spot on Colorado Boulevard.
losangelesexplorersguild.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Happy #NationalCheeseburgerDay! In case you aren't aware, America's favorite sandwich was invented at The Rite Spot, a roadside restaurant at 1500 West Colorado Blvd in (then) Pasadena. Today, there's a commemorative plaque.
In the just-released Dispatch No. 20, the author does battle with the black-legged tick (and gets the worse end of the conflict), polishes some headlights, and tests out a new coffee-brewing device.
Ticks, clear headlights, and standing on the 45
One of the dangers of living here in the Middle of Nowhere is dealing with a larger than normal number of ticks.
fordsbasement.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 11:56 AM
In the just-released Dispatch No. 20, the author does battle with the black-legged tick (and gets the worse end of the conflict), polishes some headlights, and tests out a new coffee-brewing device.
The intrepid adventurers over at the Wisconsin Explorers Guild pay a visit to Ship Rock in Adams County, an imposing formation of Cambrian sandstone and spray paint.
Ship Rock in Richfield, Wisconsin | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
Along a lonely stretch of Wisconsin highway, you'll come across Ship Rock, a towering sandstone formation that bears an uncanny resemblance to an oceangoing vessel.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
August 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The intrepid adventurers over at the Wisconsin Explorers Guild pay a visit to Ship Rock in Adams County, an imposing formation of Cambrian sandstone and spray paint.
The news of Cole's P.E. Buffet imminent closing has spread across the internet. I will miss the constant feuding between Cole's and Philippe the Original over where the #FrenchDip sandwich was invented. Learn about the Los Angeles French Dip Feud over at the Los Angeles Explorers Guild. #losangeles
French Dip Feud in Los Angeles
For nearly a century, a vicious battle has raged on the streets of Downtown Los Angeles — two opposing factions make the bold claim as the rightful originator of the French Dip Sandwich. And itR…
losangelesexplorersguild.com
August 1, 2025 at 2:09 AM
The news of Cole's P.E. Buffet imminent closing has spread across the internet. I will miss the constant feuding between Cole's and Philippe the Original over where the #FrenchDip sandwich was invented. Learn about the Los Angeles French Dip Feud over at the Los Angeles Explorers Guild. #losangeles
There are three semi-recognized "National Hamburger Days." July 28th is one of them. So join us in celebrating Hamburger Charlie, the enterprising gent in Seymour, Wisconsin who is (one of) the credited inventors of this iconic American sandwich, way back in 1885. #hamburger #nationalhamburgerday
Hamburger Charlie Statue in Seymour, Wisconsin | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
Charles Nagreen (known as Hamburger Charlie) invented the hamburger at the Seymour Fair in 1885. His contribution to culinary culture is honored with a statue.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
July 29, 2025 at 12:24 AM
There are three semi-recognized "National Hamburger Days." July 28th is one of them. So join us in celebrating Hamburger Charlie, the enterprising gent in Seymour, Wisconsin who is (one of) the credited inventors of this iconic American sandwich, way back in 1885. #hamburger #nationalhamburgerday
July 7, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Sweet James is here to let you know that whatever it is you're asking him to do, he isn't having it. #cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
July 4, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Sweet James is here to let you know that whatever it is you're asking him to do, he isn't having it. #cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Explorer's Guild journeys to the farming community of Plover, Wisconsin and visit the World's Largest Potato Masher. It's more than a roadside attraction. It's a beacon showcasing the adjacent the Food + Farm Exploration Center, an agricultural learning facility and museum.
The World's Largest Potato Masher at the Food+Farm Exploration Center in Plover, Wisconsin | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
In Plover, WI you can visit the World's Largest Potato Masher at a rural farm exposition center operated by a family-owned potato-farming conglomerate.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Explorer's Guild journeys to the farming community of Plover, Wisconsin and visit the World's Largest Potato Masher. It's more than a roadside attraction. It's a beacon showcasing the adjacent the Food + Farm Exploration Center, an agricultural learning facility and museum.
Sweet James is here to tell you that this bubble wrap is pretty comfortable, if he does say so himself. And he does, in fact. #cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
June 15, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Sweet James is here to tell you that this bubble wrap is pretty comfortable, if he does say so himself. And he does, in fact. #cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
Because of a certain picture in recent media reporting, the Giant #Donuts of Los Angeles feature on the Los Angeles Explorers' Guild is seeing an uptick in traffic.
We've done some extensive exploring of the #giantdonuts scattered across the L.A. landscape. Check it out here.
#donut #losangeles
We've done some extensive exploring of the #giantdonuts scattered across the L.A. landscape. Check it out here.
#donut #losangeles
The Giant Donuts of Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a town filled with donuts. And some of those donuts are giant donuts on top of small shacks.
losangelesexplorersguild.com
June 13, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Because of a certain picture in recent media reporting, the Giant #Donuts of Los Angeles feature on the Los Angeles Explorers' Guild is seeing an uptick in traffic.
We've done some extensive exploring of the #giantdonuts scattered across the L.A. landscape. Check it out here.
#donut #losangeles
We've done some extensive exploring of the #giantdonuts scattered across the L.A. landscape. Check it out here.
#donut #losangeles
Sweet James would like you to know that he's glad you're home, but also that his food dish has been empty for at least 15 minutes. #cat #catsofbluesky #cats #catsky
May 20, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Sweet James would like you to know that he's glad you're home, but also that his food dish has been empty for at least 15 minutes. #cat #catsofbluesky #cats #catsky
Dispatch No. 17. Having shaken off the winter doldrums, our hero prepares for the sudden onset of spring with a round of small engine maintenance. Plus there's talk of passwords, word games, lyrical treats, and a little update on Sweet James the cat. Enjoy. fordsbasement.substack.com/p/new-season...
New Season, New Game, New Holiday
Dispatch No. 17. Having shaken off the winter doldrums, our hero prepares for the sudden onset of spring with a round of small engine maintenance. Plus there's talk of passwords, word games, lyrical t...
fordsbasement.substack.com
May 12, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Dispatch No. 17. Having shaken off the winter doldrums, our hero prepares for the sudden onset of spring with a round of small engine maintenance. Plus there's talk of passwords, word games, lyrical treats, and a little update on Sweet James the cat. Enjoy. fordsbasement.substack.com/p/new-season...
Sometimes Sweet James will sit still for a close-up. Not often, it's a good idea to catch him when you can.
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
May 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Sometimes Sweet James will sit still for a close-up. Not often, it's a good idea to catch him when you can.
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
Happy International Bicerin Day! #bicerin #internationalbicerinday
May 7, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Happy International Bicerin Day! #bicerin #internationalbicerinday
The latest (sorta late) issue of Dispatches from Nowhere — The Cruelest Month (that'd be February) — has dropped.
The Cruelest Month
I never really enjoy February, mainly because it gets so damn cold around here. This issue I talk about how I got through the most dreary month and what there is to look forward to in the coming days....
open.substack.com
April 18, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The latest (sorta late) issue of Dispatches from Nowhere — The Cruelest Month (that'd be February) — has dropped.
Sweet James is here to tell you that, while he's not all that thrilled about spring snowstorms, he's here to help you shovel. (And by "help," he means get in the way as you clear the driveway.)
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
April 17, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Sweet James is here to tell you that, while he's not all that thrilled about spring snowstorms, he's here to help you shovel. (And by "help," he means get in the way as you clear the driveway.)
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
#cat #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky
Back in 1976 furniture manufacturer Svboda Industries hired a team of skilled artisans to build the World's Largest Grandfather Clock. The fully functional clock stood outside the company's Kewaunee factory until 2014 when the monument was moved to downtown Kewaunee — where it stands today.
World's Largest Grandfather Clock | Wisconsin Explorers Guild
In downtown Kewaunee, Wisconsin you'll find the world's largest grandfather clock.
www.wisconsinexplorersguild.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Back in 1976 furniture manufacturer Svboda Industries hired a team of skilled artisans to build the World's Largest Grandfather Clock. The fully functional clock stood outside the company's Kewaunee factory until 2014 when the monument was moved to downtown Kewaunee — where it stands today.