No Leaves in Alleys, Please
Hyde Park alleys once again are getting trimmed of overhanging branches by the revived Alley Cats crews. Many neighbors take it upon themselves to keep the bushes and trees trimmed back so that they do not endanger the trash pickup crews.

But in addition to the above, residents must not deposit leaves in the alleys! A city ordinance prohibits residents from depositing tree branches or leaves (or anything else for that matter) in the streets or alleys. A citation and fine can be issued to anyone who ignores this ordinance. But aside from the ordinance, thee alleys have traditionally been graded slightly lower than the residential lots, so that water will drain into the alleys and from there into the storm sewers. Leaf piles from fall raking placed in the alleys will eventually raise the grade level, thus preventing proper drainage.

The solution is very simple. The city will pick up leaves and other yard waste if these items are placed in unused trash cans -- not the city-issued gray or green trash cans for regular trash. The city then converts the leaves and yard waste into very valuable compost. But the city will not pick up loose piles of leaves in the alleys or streets. Soon the Hyde Park trees will be shedding their leaves "big time." If you don't want to compost them yourself, please place them in separate trash cans or large paper bags for that purpose. Do not place them in plastic bags. Let's keep our alleys and streets free from all trash.

At Home with Computers
    My 1927 Crafstman Bungalow has been through a few changes since I moved in during the summer of 1992. Nothing especially noteworthy, just an upgrade to central air, some new plumbing fixtures, a re-finish on the pine floors and a grounded electrical outlet for the computer.

The home computer, on the other hand, has changed radically. The computer you loved to hate during the nineties was about as advanced computationally as Edison's bamboo-filament light bulb was electrically. I am proud to finally say, after 15 years in the business, that with a short series of articles, I hope to inform my fellow bungalow dwellers how to make the most of the greatest home appliance of the 21st century.

With a small effort, you may now learn how to make the most of a modern home computer as your stereo, photo album, recipe book and research tool. It also faxes, copies, answers the phone and doubles as another television complete with programable recorder. Oh yeah, it also keeps my calendar and manages my stock portfolio.

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OK, you may say, it does all that, but should I still be afraid of it?. Yes, I answer, you should always be afraid of your computer. Here are the three laws for an accident-free life: turn off the coffee pot before leaving on vacation, look both ways before crossing the street, and backup your computer once a week.

These articles on making the best use of your home computer can be found on my website at www.AvenueG.us. Grant and I may put the most useful bits in the Pecan Press, but we don't want it to get too computer oriented. Please contact me with questions or good ideas at david@avenueg.us