My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on March 13, 2026

On Thursday evening I updated WordPress to 6.9, a few plugins to current versions and addressed a couple apt-update & upgrades on the Linux server; it was more just to keep things up-to-date rather than addressing any problem. I’ve yet to do a full Linux version update since there are too many problems with old theme code, etc. Who knows when I’ll get around to that — probably when I’m finally forced to do it?

I did seem to figure out how to both remove an Apple Watch “Fitness app” workout buddy and a “workout done” update that has been pretty persistent and an annoying. My son has been on my list, and for some unknown reason, occasionally my Apple Watch 10 sends him a notification (AI implemented?)

It should have been an easy thing to address, but after dealing with it for a few weeks finally figure it out with the help of Gemini AI. Taylor and I chuckled about it and he commented that “I really don’t mind the message … at least I know you’re still alive.” 😉 

Before you go for the “nuclear option” of deleting contacts, try these steps to disable the automated prompts and the feature itself.

1. The “Off Switch” (Stop the Reminders)
This is the most likely culprit. There is a specific toggle that tells the Watch to stop suggesting or showing the Check In screen every time you start a workout.

On your iPhone: Open the Watch app.

On your Watch: Open the Settings app.

Go to Workout.

Scroll down and find Check In Reminders.

Toggle this OFF.

2. How to “Clear” the Person (If it still shows up) (more…)

Category: AI, Apple, Blogs, Technology, Watch | No Comments »
Tags: apple, apple watch, artificial intelligence, gemini, linux, taylor, tech friday, techfriday, update, upgrade, wordpress, workout

Posted By RichC on March 12, 2026

A couple of months ago, I spotted an “Elio Engine Development” photo and thought it might make for a good ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post. 

I still wish Elio Motors would have been a successful company … but suspect the developing EV industry competed with this small tandem seat, high-efficiency ICE vehicle about the time Paul Elio was raising capital.

Still, the company could have been far more communicative with those of us who put deposits down and “thought” we were helping a small startup company? This would have been a fun “toy” car. 😉 

Category: Automotive, Financial, Memories, TBT | No Comments »
Tags: deposit, elio motors, mistake, TBT

Posted By RichC on March 11, 2026

Who knew??? The fresh scent after the rain is called petrichor. When raindrops touch dry soil, they release plant oils and geosmin produced by bacteria, creating this rich, earthy fragrance. — @earthcurated

Category: Environment, Human Interest, Science, Social Media, Video | No Comments »
Tags: bacteria, fragrance, geosmin, petrichor, rain, smell, who knew, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on March 10, 2026

  Our piano for home recital in Hudson, OH and after adding bookshelves (2020)

Back in the late 1980s (or maybe early 1990s), we bought an older Brambach baby grand piano that was manufactured in the 1920s and restored and refinished prior to our purchasing it. For me it was a beautiful piece of furniture that doubled as a “tool” for our young Katelyn to learn to play the piano. Brenda and her family were far more invested in playing the piano (she did as well) and going further — Brenda played the violin (exceptionally well, BTW). So it made sense that we would try to do the same for Katelyn as well as Taylor as they were growing up.  

Brambach Piano Company was founded in 1823 in New York and became renowned for its compact, high-quality baby grand pianos. The company gained prominence in the early 20th century for introducing the first mass-produced baby grand piano in 1912, measuring just 4 feet 7 inches—a revolutionary design that brought grand piano tone into smaller homes and studios.

Brambach’s innovation extended beyond size. The company developed a patented “Tone Expander” and a custom soundboard, enhancing resonance and volume to rival larger grands. These pianos featured a full grand action, warm mellow tone, and elegant casework, blending tradition with accessibility.

By the 1920s, Brambach was the largest exclusive manufacturer of baby grands in the U.S. The company was acquired by Aeolian in 1926, and later became part of Kohler & Campbell. Though production continued under the Brambach name until 1957, the brand was eventually discontinued.

Our family’s love of music has come full circle now with our granddaughters learning the piano. Up to now, they have been practicing on an electronic keyboard and playing beautifully at recitals.

So Katelyn began her search with a little encouragement from the girls music teacher. She found a very nice late model Boston Piano from a family in the Toledo area.

Soon the girls (and Katelyn … and Drew’s mom) will have a VERY NICE quality baby grand piano (photos below) to play and practice on in their new house. It will both look and sound wonderful in their home (I can’t wait to include a photo).

Category: Archive, Education, Music, Personal, Photos, Tools | No Comments »
Tags: boston, brambach, family, furniture, granddaughters, Music, oostra, piano

Posted By RichC on March 9, 2026

My wife rarely gives me any recommendations for Music Monday (correction: “never has given me a recommendation”), but she informed me that this week she heard a song that she wanted me to include. So … I’ll do it, since it is a rarity. 

It is a 1993 song written by Linda Perry and performed by her and 4 Non Blondes. I suspect those who grew up listening to music in the 90s know a bit more about the band and the hit “What’s Up?” I have probably heard it since the talented voice sounds familiar, BUT never really thought or knew much about it (although I do wonder why Brenda said the lyrics reminded her of me???) 

The song originated well before 4 Non Blondes formed. Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins recalled sitting in a room with Linda Perry—then working as a waitress nearby—performing their original compositions to one another while both were struggling musicians in San Francisco. During these sessions, the two played early versions of “Semi-Charmed Life” and “What’s Up?”, which would later become major hits for their respective bands. Decades later, Jenkins realized that the songs shared in that private session would go on to sell a combined 17 million records.^[3]

The title does not appear in the song’s lyrics; instead, the chorus repeatedly features the line “what’s going on?”. The official title “What’s Up?” was deliberately chosen to avoid confusion with Marvin Gaye‘s 1971 song “What’s Going On.”

Wikipedia

(more…)

Category: Music, Video | No Comments »
Tags: 1993, 4 non blondes, brenda, linda perry, sara gilbert, what's up?, wikipedia, youtube

Posted By RichC on March 8, 2026

This past week in my social media automotive group, I posted one of the rare Volkswagen vehicles: A VW Aeteon. If it were not for my desire for something a little more practical (SUV-ish) … I could see driving something like this? 

While the conversation normally highlights the vehicles themselves, something else was discussed as it relates to those of us who enjoy classic “older” cars … and want collectors and restoration people to be able to continue their hobbies … no matter which state we may live it. Jay Leno has been trying to push for SB1392 in California — the state with stringent emission laws. The “Leno’s Law” will aim at exempting classic cars from having to modify their older vehicles.

While on the subject of social media posts, I venture into the world of Dumb Dad Jokes with one highlighting the “automotive hangover.” 😉 

After a late night on the town, some cars are known to suffer from an #automotive hangover. 🙃 #DDJ pic.twitter.com/roQypN6HeR

— Rich Corbett 🇺🇸 (@RichC)

March 2, 2026

Category: Automotive, Humor, Politics, Social Media | No Comments »
Tags: aeteon, california, cars, classic cars, ddj, emissions, jay leno, laws, rare, x.com

Posted By RichC on March 7, 2026

It has been a while, but the book I checked out from the library, and had to return prior to finishing, became available once again. So, I have checked it out and will do my best to finishing reading it (it is long and relatively slow reading). 

That said, I do like reading narratives by Hampton Sides and feel he brings an excellent and complete account of those he writes about, including Captain James Cook … the seafaring explorer and mapmaker from the 1700s. He’s seen in a negative light these days, just as is Christopher Columbus and other explorers from generations centuries ago. I’m not sure how to view things, except to understand we are a product of the time in which we live. In this book, “The Wide Open Sea,” Hampton Sides take the slow approach to getting to Cook’s third voyage. Although I’m not finished YET … I’m making better headway that the first go around. 

Category: Books, History, Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: Books, hampton sides, james cook, reading, wide open sea