Tech Friday: A flying and diving robot. How amazing is this?
Posted By RichC on July 17, 2026
With all that is happening in engineering and technology … the “sky is the limit” … or the seas depths as the case may be?
The Silent Theft: Dollar Devaluation and Persistent Inflation
Posted By RichC on July 16, 2026
For generations, Americans have been told that saving, investing wisely and planning for retirement embody the virtues of self-reliance and prudence. Yet today, many on fixed or semi-fixed incomes — pensions, annuities and even Social Security — are watching those plans quietly unravel. The culprit? The steady devaluation of the U.S. dollar driven by chronic inflation.
As of mid-2026, headline inflation has climbed back toward 4.2%. While lower than the peaks of recent years, this compounds a deeper, decades-long erosion. The purchasing power of the dollar has plummeted: what $1 bought in the early 1980s (around the CPI base) now requires over $3. A retiree relying on $50,000 annually in today’s dollars could see that buy only about half as much in 25-30 years at average 3% inflation — devastating for those without growth assets.
Fixed incomes and annuities look solid on paper —
until inflation erodes their real value over decades.
Retirees feel this acutely. Social Security offers cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), but these often lag real expenses like healthcare and housing, which rise faster for seniors. Annuities and traditional pensions, popular for their “guaranteed” payments, deliver nominal dollars that buy less each year. A weaker dollar also inflates import costs and can fuel broader price pressures, pinching budgets already stretched thin.
Those who delayed claiming benefits or coordinated spousal strategies to maximize lifetime income (smart moves) still face the reality that inflation doesn’t pause for prudent planning. Semi-fixed incomes from part-time work or dividends offer some buffer, but without hedges, the math turns against savers.
This isn’t mere bad luck — it’s policy failure. Decades of runaway federal spending, trillion-dollar deficits and a national debt nearing $40 trillion have pressured the Federal Reserve to monetize obligations through expansive monetary policy. When government prints or borrows without restraint, it dilutes the currency’s value. Conservatives have long warned that big-government programs, endless entitlements and emergency spending create moral hazard and economic distortion. Inflation acts as a hidden tax, disproportionately harming those on fixed incomes who can’t easily adjust — precisely the responsible citizens who played by the rules.
Loose money favors debtors (including Washington) at the expense of creditors and savers. It distorts markets, encourages malinvestment and undermines the stable dollar essential to free enterprise. Younger generations may adapt through higher earnings or asset appreciation, but retirees cannot.
No one can fully escape macroeconomic forces, but individuals can mitigate risks:
- Diversify beyond fixed income: Favor assets with inflation-hedging potential — productive businesses (stocks), real estate or commodities — while maintaining balance due to volatility.
- Review annuities and bonds: Consider inflation-protected options like TIPS where suitable, or laddered strategies.
- Maximize indexed benefits: Optimize Social Security and pensions; track personal COLAs against actual spending.
- Control what you can: Reduce debt, build flexible budgets and support fiscal policies that prioritize balanced budgets, spending restraint and monetary discipline.
Fiscal conservatives should advocate for entitlement reform, debt reduction and a Fed focused on price stability rather than engineering outcomes. Sound money preserves liberty; inflation erodes it.
The devaluation of the dollar isn’t abstract economics — it’s a long-term threat to the American Dream of dignified retirement. Those who saved diligently deserve better than a government-induced slow bleed. By highlighting these realities and pushing for accountability, we can encourage policies that value savers over spenders. For retirees and near-retirees: plan defensively, live prudently and demand better from our leaders. Your fixed income depends on it
Where does the nozzle/plug go? What’s old is new again! #cars
Posted By RichC on July 15, 2026
A few days ago, the social networked car guys that I follow, commented back and forth about the “hidden gas cap” locations that were part of cars and trucks years ago. I remember the occasional stumper when I was 16 years old working at a Sidney, Ohio Shell station.
Full service gas stations were still a common place back then and I actually took pride in doing the job well. I even liked wearing the uniform, checking oil, filling tires and carrying around a wad of cash … not to mention an oil can spout in my back pocket. I was pretty good at responsibly filling customers’ cars even if they were always filled a “tick short of the next cent” – I also appreciated the extra fraction of a cent in my paycheck. This was how gas station managers prevented employees from “giving away gasoline” … not really as an attempt to cheat the customer.
Back to the “hidden fuel filler” locations on cars; perhaps it isn’t all that different today, at least on a Tesla! 😉
Update: Replaced the Kubota wheel/tire and used correct spacers
Posted By RichC on July 14, 2026
The additional parts for the Kubota Zero-Turn mower (correct sized SS spacers) and replacement solid wheel (broken zerk) arrived last week, so decided to spend part of my weekend taking things apart and putting them together again. The new spacers fit much better but I did add a couple copper washer shims, which was probably a good idea anyway?
Only time will tell IF this modification will last, but I do know that these new solid rubber wheels are not nearly as comfortable (harsh ride on a rough lawn) as the air filled originals … nor are they nearly the quality of wheels and bearings that have lasted 20 years. Nevertheless, so as long as I take the weight off the front when parked (flat spots), I think this will prevent the ongoing punctures and deflation problems. Big picture, it was a small investment and I can always buy the original $$$ parts and go back to air filled tires and wheels with premium bearings.
I have a second solid wheel, but do I replace the other side … or wait until something fails on that side too? Brenda said I need to replace the other one so they match … because “it doesn’t look right.” 😉
EDIT: Fixed the X.com MyDesultoryBlog posting credits that stopped working in June.
Music Monday: Jimmy Buffett and “Take Another Road” – 1989
Posted By RichC on July 13, 2026
Stumbled on a Tonight Show interview in 1989 with Jimmy Buffett. It was by the King of Late-Night Television, Johnny Carson where Buffett and the Coral Reefers also performed a new release, “Take Another Road” from the album Off To See The Lizard.
| Jimmy Buffett – “Take Another Road” | 1989 |
After making a note earlier this month, I thought it would make for a great summer Music Monday song (video quality is questionable and from “another road, another time.” and place”). 😉
Lyrics and YouTube clip Below: “Take Another Road” – 1989
Obit: Sen. Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly at age 71
Posted By RichC on July 12, 2026
Senator Lindsey Graham, a steadfast friend to the US military, cherished his family and his beloved state, South Carolina. He dedicated his entire life to 
serving his country. His career spanned as a JAG officer in the U.S. Air Force, a US Congressman, and a US Senator.
Graham’s life exemplifies the exceptional opportunities and values that America offers. After the untimely deaths of his parents while he was in college, he adopted his 13-year-old sister, Darlene. Throughout his service in the US Air Force, he supported her through college and remained close to her family. His life was a testament to his resilience and dedication. Born from humble beginnings in a small town in Pickens County, South Carolina, as a Southern Baptist with a fiery passion, Graham’s journey from humble origins to becoming a renowned figure is truly inspiring.
Renowned figures from around the world, including presidents, prime ministers, kings, and queens, have extolled Lindsey Graham’s virtues. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional opportunities and values that America provides. Graham’s life embodies the very essence of the American dream.
*** Personal tidbit: Brenda and I don’t often financial support political parties or candidates, but after receiving a national personal appeal a decade ago, did contribute a token amount to Lindsey Graham’s reelection campaign.
A woodworking project idea for my granddaughters this summer
Posted By RichC on July 12, 2026
Each year when our granddaughters come to visit for a week, I try to do something in the woodworking workshop that keeps them interested in working with tools (and with their Bompa, although now that they are older, suspect that name will disappear). 😉
Katelyn gave me the idea of a “squirrel picnic table” a few months ago — excellent. So I’ve been collection a few photos and contemplating a way to use some Oostra Oak and the girl’s level of patience and skill order to accomplish this. They seem to enjoy their outdoor birdhouses, feeders, birdwatching, etc – although I’m sure their mom and dad have a lot to do with that – and so this might be a great small project come rain or shine this August?
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.