Dead Wake - The Most Recent Book from Erik Larson

Reading glasses on top of books

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Thomas "Tom" Stefkovich is a Colorado Aero Tech alumnus who has served as an aircraft mechanic with Roth Aerial Spraying, Inc., since 2016. When he isn't overseeing the maintenance of aircraft on behalf of the company, Thomas Stefkovich enjoys reading. He counts Erik Larson as his favorite author.

Larson is a New York Times bestselling author whose penchant for blending historical facts with fiction stories is manifested in books like In the Garden of Beasts, Thunderstruck, and The Devil in the White City. His most recent novel, Dead Wake, focuses on the sinking of the Lusitania, which occurred during World War I. 

The Lusitania set sail for Liverpool from New York on May 1, 1915, and was soon sunk by German forces in the North Atlantic. Larson's account of the disaster follows Lusitania captain William Thomas Turner and German Underseeboot-20 captain Walter Schwieger. Woven throughout the story is a broader picture of America during the time, with emphasis on powerful characters like President Woodrow Wilson and Theodate Pope, a pioneering female architect. The book has received praise from the New York Times and Entertainment Weekly, in addition to Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin.

Tinder and Kindling Basics for Creating a Campfire

Campfire
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Thomas “Tom” Stefkovich is a Milford, Nebraska, entrepreneur who leads maintenance activities at Roth Aerial Spraying, Inc., with a focus on the proper functioning of aircraft. One of Thomas Stefkovich’s favorite activities away from work is camping and enjoying an off-the-grid existence for a few days.

A foundational camping skill is creating a roaring campfire that is the right size for your group and safe for the surrounding nature. The first ingredient needed to start a good fire is tinder, which in its simplest form can simply be dried bark from dead trees. Alternatively, you can purchase tinder kits, such as those made from pine resin, which are able to burn when wet. Combined with stormproof matches, they present a surefire way to get a spark and consistent flame going. 

The second element needed for starting a fire is kindling, which is combustible twigs, branches, and wood shaved from larger logs. The best strategy is to place kindling around the tinder at first, and then add large outer logs in the same pattern as the kindling catches fire. In windy situations, a mini-teepee arrangement can be combined with a lean-to created from larger logs and sticks, which creates a windbreak and nurtures the fire until it is large enough to withstand the elements on its own.

Three Common Aircraft Maintenance Issues

A resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, Thomas "Tom" Stefkovich obtained airframe and/or powerplant certification from Colorado Aero Tech and soon after joined Harris Aviation, where he repaired Cessna, Beech, and Piper aircraft. Since 2016, Thomas Stefkovich has worked as director of maintenance at Roth Aerial Spraying, Inc. 

Aircraft maintenance can be costly depending on the issue and problems can be exacerbated depending on factors such as where the aircraft is based, how it is used, and where it typically flies. Below are three common problems that can be prevented with regular maintenance:

1. Corrosion - While some wear of aging mechanisms is relatively predictable, corrosion is often tough to predict and detect. Newer aircraft are less susceptible to the problem, but older aircraft can experience significant corrosion dependent upon factors such as design, materials selection, and operational environments. Periodic maintenance should include the application of protective finishes and corrosion prevention compounds to reduce the likelihood and impact of corrosion.

2. Worn engine fan blades - Harsh weather conditions can contribute to a deterioration of fan blades, which are crucial to engine performance. Regular inspections and annual replacement of fan blade lubricants should promote blade longevity. 

3. Abnormal fuel tank contamination - Aircraft stored in hot and humid environments are particularly prone to contaminated fuel tanks. Owners of such aircraft should perform fuel sampling checks frequently and drain contaminated fuel.

Operating a Metal Roofing Company

From 2009 to 2016, Thomas “Tom” Stefkovich owned and operated Rigid Metal and Roofing, a metal roofing and materials company that provided customized metal materials as well as partial and full roofing repairs and replacement. As the owner, Thomas Stefkovich performed a wide variety of duties to meet the needs of his company. 

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of a metal roofing company include hiring and training qualified employees and anticipating staffing needs based on workflow. Duties also include providing consultations and price and deadline estimates for clients, and sending an adequate amount of staff to jobs to ensure project completion within the time allotted according to the client’s contract. 

Planning for the long-term future of a metal roofing company includes networking with potential clients, individuals, and businesses, as well as advertising in the community. Managing the monetary aspect of the company entails paying vendors, comparing prices, and ordering the necessary materials. Additionally, keeping track of payroll, managing costs of equipment, and setting a budget are instrumental components of running and growing a metal roofing company.

Film Adaption Planned for Erik Larson's In the Garden of Beasts

An authorized aircraft maintenance technician, Thomas "Tom" Stefkovich works for Roth Aerial Spraying, Inc., where he ensures the aircraft complies with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. When he isn't working, Thomas Stefkovich enjoys reading historical fiction novels. His favorite author is Erik Larson.

A New York Times' best-selling author, Larson has written seven historical fiction novels, one of which is entitled, In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin. The popular book spent 15 weeks as No. 1 on the Times' list of bestsellers and is now being adapted for the big screen. Joe Wright, who has directed historical features such as Anna Karenina and Pride and Prejudice, is in the final negotiations to direct In the Garden of Beasts. Larson lent credibility to this report in a tweet in which he expressed joy that Wright was attached to the project.

While it isn't official, it has long been rumored that Tom Hanks will play the lead role of William E. Dodd, a Chicago professor who was sent to Germany in 1933 as an American ambassador. Hanks, who has been attached to In the Garden of Beasts since its film rights were picked up in 2011, is also expected to produce the movie.

Protecting Food From Campsite Foragers Such as Bears

Based in Milford, Nebraska, Thomas “Tom” Stefkovich is an aircraft mechanic who led Rigid Metal and Roofing, and guided a construction company that provided roof replacement solutions to diverse clients. A camping enthusiast, Thomas Stefkovich enjoys spending time in nature and is experienced in protecting food from various animals that attempt to scavenge and forage. 

When it comes to large predators such as bears, it's suggested to tie food up in a dry bag hoisted with parachute cord over a tree’s sturdy branch. At an ideal branch height of 20 feet, the bag can be raised to a point in the air where bears, as well as adept tree climbers such as squirrels, will have a challenging time reaching it. 

Bear canisters are required in backcountry regions in some national parks, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The portable, hard-sided lockers are designed to fit comfortably within a backpack and are virtually bear proof. With weight a major factor, it might also be worth investing in next generation bear-proof bags made from lightweight, bulletproof Spectra fabric. Another protective measure worth considering is bear spray, which will repel bears from the campsite in a great majority of cases where they pose a threat to food supply and camper health.