Do you really want the media, big tech and government elites controlling free speech, thought and societal norms?

| May 2, 2020

Once in a while, the talking heads and opinion writers who editorialize present enough information in a single article or few minutes of television that hits home and makes one take notice. That definitely happened for me the other night and trigger me to think a little more seriously about has been happening in our […]

A little Coronavirus video PSA to keep you safe … and smiling

| April 25, 2020

If you’ve watched, read or remembered any of the Public Service Announcements (PSA) since the Coronavirus pandemic started, you will probably smile when watching this.

How do we safely open up America again? #COVID19

| April 21, 2020

As the United States and the world prepare to open society in phases after well over a month of stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus, the debate between those who see the health risk as too high and those who fear a full on economic collapse (world wide depression) continues. Several states are seeing protests […]

What is so appealing about the P-51 Mustang? #aviation

| April 18, 2020

The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is one of the most celebrated Allied fighter planes of WW II. It continues to have wide-spread aviation enthusiasm to this day … and one look (and listen – volume up!) will have you understanding why it is so admired.

Plugging yet another tire and “smelling the roses” #video

| April 18, 2020

Another nail or something in the tire, this time in Brenda’s Acura RDX. Thankfully it was in the tread and small, so an easy plug … but plugging two tires within 30 days? (the animated gif above is just a little soap water sprayed on the tire for leak detection) As for a video that […]

The flag halyard fails again and Old Glory comes flopping down

| February 29, 2020

We have had a problem with our Amazon purchased halyard on our flag pole instead of the rapid flag degrading as usual – as can be seen on our WyzeCam security mp4 video (below). This is the second flag halyard we have had fail in the last couple of years; next time I’m going to […]

Music Monday: The Daytona 500 from 2006 and Bonjovi

| February 24, 2020

After last week’s outstanding Daytona500 pre-race festivities and the fitting musical performance by Darius Rucker, the “Years Ago On This Day” post from “The Greatest Auto Race – NOT the Daytona 500” from 2006’s appeared. Attached to it was one of my earlier video streaming attempts of the Bonjovi pre-race performance. What a great Music […]

Woodworking: Jon Peters on biscuit jointers and a great tip

| February 16, 2020

Although one could spend all day or night watching YouTube advice videos from expert woodworkers, I’ve limited my viewing to a few guys. I’m fond of Jon Peters for both the quality of his videos and for the short “focused” tips. In a recent YouTube video, he points out how often he finds himself using […]

A personal family photo (and video) from 30 years ago #TBT

| February 13, 2020

Last week, a Jasper, Alberta family photo near a glacier for a ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post, had me sharing a few of my thoughts on climate change. I should have included another photo that had a few more from our family (especially since my sister-in-law, Lynda,  just returned home from the Cleveland Clinic). The trip […]

Woodworking worktable and new machinist’s square follow-up

| February 4, 2020

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Do you REALLY know how to use a builder’s tape measure?

| February 1, 2020

I’ve used tape measures for decades both when working in construction (summer job) and for hundreds of home improvement projects .. YET never really knew why the 19.2" on center diamond mark was on tapes. Most building codes mandate that studs be spaced 16 inches apart, so the tape will help you stay on the […]

Testing Amazon Prime deliveries using Key for Garage #video

| January 15, 2020

A year or so ago, I “was” planning to give the Amazon Key service a try by having shipments delivered to the condo in Florida when we are not there. So I purchase a smart lock and then realized that Amazon didn’t offer Key delivery services in Delray Beach. I sent it back as I […]

Some dogs just need a little more loving #video

| January 10, 2020

This pet video of a dog in Turkey getting his back rubbed by a car wash is pretty impressive. I guess the human touch isn’t all that important to him?

The last post of the decade: Do you remember yard Jarts?

| December 31, 2019

While getting the Christmas decorations for Evergreen Farm Estates down from the poolhouse-garage loft earlier this month (Brenda and neighbor Pam have always decorated our neighborhood) …  I spotted the yard game of Jarts. (you probably need to be a baby boomer to remember them?) What were they thinking??? Just as with the “design of […]

Ending the Music Monday decade with “I Go Crazy” by Paul Davis

| December 30, 2019

Here’s a #7 hit in 1977 (which has me thinking of American Top 40 and Casey Kasem) way back in the year I graduated high school. The song was “I Go Crazy” song by Paul Davis, who “looks like one of the Allman Brothers” as the late Ricky Nelson comments at the beginning of the […]

Archive: Found a short Sonex airplane project video for #TBT

| December 26, 2019

While sifting through a few old .MP4 files, I found one of my first iPhone 5 test video clips from 2012 and it had a bit of footage of my Sonex airplane project (posted a few photos back then) that I was working on a year before selling it. It was shortly before I sold […]

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” … but not like this! #video

| December 21, 2019

I love these motion-sensing Wyze Cams …   Now what if someone happened to be coming to the front door? Yikes … although more than likely it would just be funny.

Friday Filler: Count your Blessings #video

| December 13, 2019

When you see something like this, you realize how suddenly life can end. Thankfully, in this situation, all survived … but it is a good reminder to thank God for each day and be sure to tell those in your life how much you love them.   Yet you do not know what tomorrow will […]

Tesla unveiled the highly anticipated Cybertruck #video

| November 23, 2019

Tesla’s version of a “pickup truck” is being offered as a “green” alternative to America’s appetite for a consumer truck. Ford continues to dominate with it’s F-150 with Chevy and Dodge nipping at their heels. For some reason, we Americans want a pickup truck even though few use their dressed up beasts to haul anything. […]

The final season 4 of The Man In The High Castle airs 11/15/2019

| November 14, 2019

Not often, but once in a while there is a television series that hooks both Brenda and me. When “binge-watching” started in earnest, a decade or so ago, it was Jericho for us (although we Tivo-ed it weekly), then 24 (although in 2009 we watch DVDs pre-streaming), and then one of our favorites, FX Networks The […]

Baby Reveal: GrandDAUGHTER #2 is three months away! [video]

| November 10, 2019

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We need to get back to doing our sailing thing #TBT

| November 7, 2019

Although we have recently returned from a nice two week vacation (Part One, Two and Three) and finishing up projects at the condo, I was reminded when looking at a post from 5 years ago for Throwback Thursday #TBT, just how relaxed we were and how much we enjoyed our time together sailing Encore (it […]

How does a clam dig under the sand? #video

| November 6, 2019

Occasionally something appears on one of my sailing social media feeds that is just too cool not to share on the blog. I would give the original author credit for the video, but unfortunately, it has been passed around on too many feeds – perhaps he/she will see it here and contact me? (although I […]

The Washington Nationals are World Series 2019 champs

| October 31, 2019

The Washington Nationals proved they deserve to be World Series champion by winning game 7 on the road against the Houston Astros. The entire series has been nothing but entertaining as both teams performed unbelievably well on the road … each winning every away game. Last night’s final game started slow with a lead by […]

All Aboard! Never complain about your commute again.

| October 17, 2019

It is hard to fathom just how difficult life is in other highly populated third world countries. Count your blessings you live in America, even if you have a challenging “big city” commute. 😮

Let’s all put into practice Ellen’s “Be Kind To Everyone” advice

| October 9, 2019

An Ellen DeGeneres video clip (shared on EllenTube) has been circulating this week after she attended a Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers NFL football game last weekend. With inflamed politics and our divided country it was both good to see and good to hear celebrities getting along. We all need to take her advice […]

Do you participate in Us vs Them with life and political issues?

| October 5, 2019

Most people recognize how polarized our country has become … thanks in part to politicians and the media fanning the divisive flames. I’m not sure why we fall prey to their tactics, but generating hate and dislike for each other does seem to work when it comes to building campaign war-chests and rabid supporters. I […]

Ever hear a Florida alligator bellow? #video

| September 29, 2019

This must be what it was like to live in the Jurassic era … or camping in the Everglades as mating season begins for the gators in Florida? (been there, done that!) A post on Facebook from the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Florida shows three alligators bobbing in the water, making loud […]

Notes on a few more master bathroom and upholstery updates

| September 25, 2019

Following up on my weekend post and a few of the projects that I’m trying to complete (or get started) during my few days in Florida is the “somewhat new to me” upholstery project. It has bogged down my to-do list schedule, but I was able to get the master bathroom corner mirrors and glass […]

Snoozing while a Tesla autopilot is in self-driving mode?

| September 10, 2019

If you are an innovative automotive manufacturer (ie. Tesla) or just a citizen who doesn’t want more government intrusion or regulation, then behavior like this needs to be stopped or prevented in the first place. I appreciate having my freedom and don’t want a bigger nanny state, but I know when seeing this kind of […]

Archive: Creative Wind Scoop idea for #sailing #sailboat

| September 5, 2019

Saw this on a sailing forum and thought it would be a great sewing tidbit to add to an Encore project list. Looks simple and compact enough.

Archive: Photo wrap-up of our 2019 summer week with Annalyn

| August 20, 2019

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A Great White Shark video always makes a good filler

| August 16, 2019

Hope you are enjoying the rest of the summer at the beach, perhaps at Cape Cod?  

If you need a workout, try #PumpSurfing

| August 6, 2019

One can only imagine (unless you have tried it), the kind of workout it would be to race past a sailing vessel on a surfboard with a pump-foil attachment? Impressive.

Surfing done right on Sunday – The Long Ride #video

| August 4, 2019

Who doesn’t wish they could surf like this?

When surfing or on a SUP, a dolphin can be a bully too

| July 31, 2019

Dolphins and humans have a few things in common – there are bullies in both species.

Catch up post after our 2019 Fourth of July Family weekend

| July 9, 2019

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Technology, communication, parenting and The Lord’s Prayer

| July 7, 2019

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Music Monday: Sheryl Crow and Soak Up The Sun #video

| June 24, 2019

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Lost track of the weekend – Happy Father’s Day

| June 16, 2019

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Archiving Taylor’s 30th birthday party with photos and video

| June 11, 2019

We had a great 30th birthday party for Taylor and his friends on Saturday in the backyard … just as we have many times before. As a parent it is nice to know he has always enjoyed bringing friends to our house rather than going someplace else … and seemingly his friends are okay with […]

Throwing the first pitch right over home plate – NOT! #video

| May 30, 2019

I’m not sure Hollywood can match this on a sitcom! You are invited to throw out the first pitch at an MLB game … and then you do this! – another LINK   https://myarchive.us/mp4/ThrowingOutTheFirstPitch_May2019.mp4

How do you hold your iPhone for video conference calls?

| May 28, 2019

Just a little bit of wasted time this weekend after realizing I need a better way to hold my iPhone when using it for video conferencing and FaceTime calls. In the past I’ve used a little rubberized tape on the edge of ceramic plate that sits under my iMac … … but it was never […]

Server updates, out-of-date WordPress plug-ins and a test video

| May 23, 2019

It is time to work on a few long in the tooth server updates and one of them isn’t compatible with my “old” WordPress video plug-in – it is no longer supported. There are several options that I’m testing both for my site as well as customer installs so am testing one of them with […]

Music Monday: Ramblin’ Man by Allman Brothers live in 1972

| May 13, 2019

Having posted songs from the Allman Brothers Band and Gregg Allman a few times before, it was surprising not to have included a Music Monday “Ramblin’ Man” post? So instead of a vinyl single to mp3 (recorded 1972 – release 1973), how about a live YouTube live video from November of 1972 at Hofstra University […]

How should we light our next bonfire? #TBT

| April 25, 2019

We’ve had many bonfires and parties in our backyard over the years and once again the spring clean-up is building up another pretty good sized pile. An interesting “how to light it” video gave me a ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post idea (photo from a YoungLife party in 2007). Hm … not sure this looks like […]

How far left will Democrats go as they campaign for president?

| April 17, 2019

It was a struggle to contain my frustration as I watched Senator Bernie Sanders pitch his version of Democratic Socialism to a “townhall” Q & A hosted by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum of Fox News on Monday night. I “SO” hope that the American people have far more commonsense than to head further down […]

Replaced the rear shocks the Honda Odyssey this past weekend

| April 16, 2019

Besides finishing the painful tax filing this weekend, I replaced the rear shocks in my 2002 Honda Odyssey  “work-wagon” and Florida vehicle. It is still the lowest mile vehicle we have, but unfortunately, it is showing its age … especially the rusting undercarriage. Still, it runs well and is reliable … knock on wood. I’ve […]

Music Monday: Just a guy playing the piano in a hardware store

| April 1, 2019

This is a repost from Facebook and a blog post from 5 years ago … but after someone sent me a message last week about not being able to view the embedded FB video, I decided to repost and archive the impressive piano playing of Jacob Tolliver on an “unfinished piano in a Portsmouth Ohio […]

The new 2019 iPad Air or the 11 inch iPad Pro?

| March 22, 2019

This is project for work as I wanted to demonstrate to a customer what I was referring to when I encouraged them to add a simple “read a script” podcast channel or simple YouTube video component to their marketing. It is a way to capture audiences who have moved away from reading articles and blogs […]

Official MLB Opening Day this year is March 28, 2019

| March 20, 2019

Are you looking forward to Major League Baseball for 2019? At this point, even the Cincinnati Reds look like they have a shot … although first pitch for opening day is scheduled for 4:10PM against the Pittsburgh Pirates and who knows where we’ll go from here? Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the season and hope […]

Music Monday: Eric Carmen songs and a memory from Brenda

| March 18, 2019

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A little leftover Annalyn “dance party” video to archive

| March 13, 2019

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Archive: A family birthday party for Annalyn. She is 2 years old.

| March 12, 2019

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Music Monday: John Mellencamp songs and my parents

| March 11, 2019

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“Poor Packard” – the old Detroit plant continues to degrade

| January 28, 2019

It seems there is no end to suffering in the rustbelt when it comes to legacy automotive companies like Packard. The deteriorating Detroit plant which has seen years of neglect saw one more nail pounded into its coffin … the crosswalk collapsed and was cleaned up in January 2019 (photos above). The iconic name and […]

Sooner or later a close call with a drone will be too close

| January 25, 2019

As more and more federal employees decide they aren’t going to continue to work without a paycheck, the focus has shifted to the unpaid in the Coast Guard, TSA and Air Traffic Control. Air travel has now moved front and center as the “shutdown-standoff” continues (the Senate is at least negotiating). Flyers are feeling it […]

BMW water injection and how it works to make +50 hp

| January 17, 2019

One of my favorite YouTube channels is Engineering Explained and in this video car guru and mechanical engineer Jason Fenske explains just how BMW used water injection to increase power at full throttle and high manifold pressures. Great stuff. And if this kind of "automotive engineering stuff" interests you and you like aviation like me, […]

Electrical grid shortcomings in a cyber war or EMP event

| January 16, 2019

Although we hear (or at least I read) about cyber attacks to the U.S. electrical grid and utilities on a regular basis … but I’m not sure we take these events seriously enough? I’ve blogged on this ever since reading One Second After, a detailed factual-fiction story about just how devastating, vulnerable and dependent we […]

Music Monday: And for something totally different from Annalyn

| January 14, 2019

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Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog