The Yamaha DT175 Two Stroke Dual Sport Runs!
September 7, 2017
I picked up this Yamaha DT175 two stroke dual sport from craigslist in Madison for cheap earlier this year. Gave me an easy excuse to have lunch with a good friend I don’t see enough. So far I’ve changed the battery, swapped the carb with a Mikuni a friend had on hand, changed the oil, and replaced the rear wheel (broken spokes), new spark plug and wire, and probably a few other little things I’m forgetting. Oh! The tank is blue now, it had a red one before. I’m in my blue period, so I got suddenly motivated to make it run. I may have to find an extra wheel spacer, still have to replace the shifter shaft seal, and tune the carb. But as of right now it’s at least a runner. Hurrah! That makes everything seem so much easier. Will be a fun bang around on/off road/backup motorcycle soon enough.
Exciting Scholarship Announcement
September 7, 2017
I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been chosen as the recipient of a generous journalism scholarship. The details and bio for my scholarship are below, go here to see the entire list of UW-Milwaukee journalism scholarships.
Ed Makowski
Greater Milwaukee Foundation Journal Foundation
Walter Jay and Clara Charlotte Damm Scholarship
Ed Makowski is a poet and writer attending the journalism program at UW-Milwaukee. Ed took the long way in arriving at both college and journalism, and is excited to work toward his degree. Following an internship with the 89.7 WUWM Lake Effect program, Ed worked as the story gathering Pfister Hotel Narrator. He then participated in the Public Allies program and decided to pursue a degree. Ed has published two poetry books, Manifest Density and Carrying a Knife in to the Gunfight, with a few others on the horizon. On the days when he is not in school, Ed works as the Communications Specialist at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. He is ever excited to discover and distill the next story, whether through journalism, poetry, photography, or any other medium.
A Rusty Patched Victory
September 4, 2017
It’s not too often that one is able to celebrate in the discovery of an endangered species. A couple of weeks ago, at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, we realized that there were multiple Rusty Patched Bumble Bees at the Center. The RPBB is the only Endangered Species in Milwaukee County, and discovering them onsite was very exciting for everyone in the organization. This bee faces issues with habitat loss, and for years Center staff and volunteers have been planting native habitat to support native and migratory wildlife. Finding this once common, now endangered bee onsite is quite an exciting event. It’s the very reason that we engage in the work that we do. Helping write the press release regarding this discovery was pretty exciting. Read complete details here.
Inclusion in Wisconsin’s Best Emerging Poets
September 4, 2017
Good news! One of my poems has been included in the recent anthology Wisconsin’s Best Emerging Poets by Z Publishing. If you’d like to read about which words Wisconsin has to offer you can purchase an e-book Unexpected Forest in the City
August 27, 2017
Went to go swimming at the #Milwaukee county pool on 82nd and Good Hope and – what’s with this forest over here in the middle of the city? Went for a nice little hike; even startled an American Woodcock, which are great fun because they always startle back.
Birthdays. They sure exist.
August 8, 2017
Wisconsin River Camping and Fishing
August 7, 2017
I just got back from a trip of camping on and fishing in the Wisconsin River.
If you’ve never been, it’s pretty remarkable. The Wisconsin River current is rather slow, not a river filled with rapids. We took a canoe loaded with firewood, camping gear, food, and of course beer down the river for about 35 miles total over three nights. The water was warm and comfortable and when you’re looking to camp, just find a secure looking sandbar and set up. There is no fee for camping on the river.
On this night pictured above, we caught a few walleye, one of them big enough to grill over the fire.
This photo above is of us hanging out by the campfire taken by my friend Ryan Thompson (also the fisherman pictured above).
Short story short, it’s worth the trip. There are companies you can rent canoes or kayaks from. Our two other friends took their solo kayaks, I took the canoe I found in the Milwaukee River because I already have it and it’s free. So get that old canoe out of your parents rafters and make some use out of it!
Ice Skating Training for the Olympic Trials
July 22, 2017
Here is a funny video of my intense ice skating training today. Graceful like a gazelle I am!
Saturday Night Lightning
July 18, 2017
From what I’m told this is heat lightning. It was odd, seemed to emanate from nowhere in particular, and rarely did you ever see a bolt. For awhile I thought there was a kid in a backyard playing with a high intensity light. Couldn’t hear any thunder. Funky.
A Poem on NPR
July 15, 2017
The other day I got in the car and started to drive. I turned on the radio and heard myself talking, and for a brief moment was confused as to where and when I was. A poem I’d recorded years ago was speaking to me through the speakers. So long ago there is even a reference to the show Jersey Shore. Feel free to give a read below, but if you’d like to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, visit the Lake Effect website.
Everything is Arbitrary
You can’t debate with memory
or slow dance a regret
The music of my youth
will always mean more
than the music of yours
How does the insect population hope to support
the spider population in my garage?
The ape I am derived from is no more superior
than the ape you are derived from
Wearing a condom is called Presponsible
New Jersey is a Napoleonic abortion of style
The path of least resistance is
the path of least remembrance
Spend too long waiting
for the bigger shinier next better option and
they all fizzle to a firecracker dud
Never wait for a white-haired
limping mall security guard
to make you feel secure
