AC Circuits Class

In the early 80’s, I had the privilege of being in one of Professor Yu Chang’s AC circuits classes at Union College.  It was obvious that he took pride in unmasking the less-than-intuitive mysteries of the configurations of components.  I was fascinated as I learned.

Not so for all of my classmates.  Two were young employees of GE, who regarded the course as a means to an end rather than an enlightening experience.  Class after class, Professor Chang’s frustration with their attitude became more apparent.  Frustration turned to action after a particularly galling inquiry suggesting, “Why are we bothering with this?” 

Professor Chang did not answer.  Instead, he turned to the blackboard, picked up the chalk, drew a horizontal line near the top, and then shaded the space above.

“What is that?” he asked.  We all looked around uneasily, not knowing what to say.  

“That is Heaven.”

He turned back to the board.  Another line horizontal line appeared near the bottom, this time with shading underneath.

“What is that?” he asked.  The room was silent, but the sidelong glances said, “This man has lost it.”

“That is Earth.”

He turned back to the blackboard one more time and proceeded to shade the space in between the two lines.  As he shaded, he asked, “What is this?”

When no one answered, he placed the chalk in the holder beneath the illustration, turned to the class, looking directly at the perpetrators, and calmly stated, “That...is Engineering.”

Professor Chang quickly turned and left the room, abbreviating our session.  All eyes turned to the malcontents, letting them know that our instructor was not the only one displeased.  Though the two remained in the few classes left in the semester, they never said another word.

Great Places in the Finger Lakes

There are many places of worth visiting in New York State's Finger Lakes region.  Here is an incomplete list for a flavor of what is available.

I'm guessing it will be a little warmer when you visit.

I'd be remiss not to mention the beauty of the lakes themselves.  While Keuka remains a personal favorite, all of these deep and narrow fingers of water are a wonder to behold.  Drive along the roads on the hills separating the lakes and you'll be treated to spectacular views.  

The view from the road running past Bully Hill Winery.

Sail, paddle, ride...whatever.  All great things to do.  Stop at any of the parks for a "refreshing" swim in the cold water, but remember to bring some footwear, since the zebra mussels have also determined that the finger lakes are wonderful places to live.


Within an hour's drive from Branchport, NY, where Chateau Esperanza is located, the following places of interest reside.

Chateau Esperanza, high above Keuka Lake

Wineries - There are many.  This is not Napa or Sonoma, but you may be surprised by the quality of the wine.  You may wish to look them up here or on many other websites.

Personal recommendations, all on Keuka Lake, are Dr. Frank, for what we perceive to be the best reds in the area; Heron Hill, for interesting whites and a wonderful winery reminiscent of Myst, Bully Hill not so much for the wine (unless you like it sweet) as for the history of Walter Taylor and an excellent cafe for lunch.  On the east side, go to MacGregor, for a fine Gewurtztraminer and Riesling.

Breweries - check out http://fingerlakesbeertrail.com/content/  to see what tickles your fancy.  Keuka Brewing just won the F.X. Matt Memorial Cup award for a few of their offerings.  From personal experience, I'm guessing they have improved since my visit a few years ago.

Keuka Lake State Park -  In the words of Joe Walsh, "I've never been there, they tell me it's nice."  Camping available, it is supposed to be an 11 minute walk from Chateau Esperanza.

Garrett Chapel - Out on the end of the bluff, which is what they call the long finger of land that splits the lake into a "Y" shape, there is a chapel built on the way down to the lake level road.  It is a memorial to a son who died too young.  Built of Italian stone and surrounding by small but interesting grounds, visiting is well worth the drive to enjoy the peaceful place.

Hammondsport, NY - Quaint town at the southern end of Keuka Lake.  In addition to the physical beauty of the town, there are a few restaurants that cater to a fine palate, and at least one dive bar.  This town was voted #1 small town in the country by one of those polls that sell advertising.

Hammondsport is down in the valley about a mile past where Bully Hill comes down to the water.

There are many restaurants accessible by land and water.  Get one drink if by land, two if by sea.

Jazz Brunch on Sundays!

Natural Beauty - Waterfalls, et al.  Watkins Glen, at the south end of Seneca Lake, is a superb example of water modifying the sedimentary rock of the area into a ravine well worth appreciating.  Walk under the waterfall!  (Nature not your thing?  If you happen like motor sports, check out the schedule at Watkins Glen International.)

There are also many hiking trails, not for flatlanders, on the rims of the gorges that provide spectacular views.  One of the best, and still fairly wild, is Conklin Gully near the south end of Canandaigua Lake. 

One step forward takes you to the bottom in a hurry.

Grimes Glen in Naples is a good payoff for a short hike at water level, but you'll probably see a lot more people.

A nice communal shower.

Canandaigua is a great town, coincidentally located on Canandaigua Lake.  From Keuka, it's a nice ride in the hills if you take the route through Branchport, Guyanoga, Friend, Potter and Rushville. (I love dropping names of exotic places.) There is generally a good time to be had at the north end of the lake, either walking through the park along the water's edge, or enjoying the offerings of the New York Wine and Culinary Center.  There is also a different MacGregor's across the street, where I've been led to believe they have Boddington's on tap.


If you're not intimidated by a little more driving, I'd suggest:

Corning Museum of Glass, which has an interesting glassmaking demonstrations that allow participation.  You can also see the primates fabricating their famed Gorilla Glass.

In Ithaca, one can tour Cornell University, see even more gorges, and wander the streets to enjoy one of the last bastions of hippie culture.

Rochester, where something called photographic film was once made, provides ample opportunity to explore history.  Susan B. Anthony's house is staffed by guides who make her fledgeling feminist era come alive, and George Eastman's House house is a fine period mansion combined with a photographic museum.  

But you really need get down to Sha-lott (spelled Charlotte) and enjoy the Beach on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River.  It's required to get an Abbotts Frozen Custard and then walk to the beach as it dribbles down your fingers faster than you can consume it.

And now that I think of it, Festivals!  Rochester has undergone the progression from Flour City to Flower City to Photo City and now Festival City.  If there isn't one ongoing, there will be one soon.  To name of few, there is the Lilac Festival, where 10 days of entertainment pairs with the lovely fragrance and appearance of the Lilac bushes in a Frederick Law Olmsted park,  the Corn Hill Arts Festival for arts and crafts far above and beyond the usual fare, and the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, where amazing musicians appear everywhere downtown.  You might get lucky and catch one when you're in town.

Letchworth - The grand canyon of the east.  I've heard that moniker assigned to 4 or 5 different places.  Let's face it...there is only one Grand Canyon, and it's not in the east.  But this place is still impressive.  Great gorge, great waterfalls, and the Glen Iris is a restaurant with timeless charm.

The Genesee River flows north with verve.

Niagara Falls - If you've never seen it, go.  4 of the 5 great lakes drain through the Niagara river, and here is is where it is at is most powerful and spectacular.  The rapids and the whirlpool are also worth seeing.  Goat Island on the American side is great to get up close and personal with the water, but the best view is from the park below the hoppin' Canadian side town.  Bring your passport!

Niagara-on-the-lake - a wonderful Canadian town at the mouth of the Niagara.  The town itself is great to walk around and appreciate the floral embellishment of the main street.  The Oban Inn is a great place to eat, but make sure you call for reservations.  Patrons of the arts will enjoy catching a show at the Shaw Festival, and sporting enthusiasts might even be able to observe lawn bowling at its finest, now on artificial turf.

I'm sure I've missed many things, but this is a good start.  If you've never been to the area, you owe it to yourself to sample some of these offerings.  And if you need a guide, just let me know, and I'll be happy to help out providing you pay all my expenses and those of my entourage.  We'll make sure you have a good time!