Beware of your dependence on technology next year

| December 31, 2009

A strange GPS story and follow-up courteous of the Air Forces Space Command Twitter account to usher out 2009 and welcome 2010 … Happy New Year, by the way.  GPS strands couple in snow for 3 days GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A Nevada couple letting their SUV’s navigation system guide them through the high desert […]

Spotted a Cruising World issue on season 3 NCIS episode

| December 31, 2009

I’ve mentioned my favorite sailing magazine (Cruising World) before on my blog, but a fraction of a second appearance of a December 2003 issue in one of my favorite CBS television programs, NCIS, made my night.   We’ve been working our way through the television series when during the ‘Untouchable’ episode in Season 3 of […]

Palm webOS 1.3.5 end of 2009 update

| December 30, 2009

Another phone to blog test this one with a photo from the Palm Pre ‘Update’ screen (via Posterous but edited): Palm updated their webOS to version 1.3.5 during the last few days of 2009, and from my preliminary testing has improved the speed on my Pre. I’m hoping for battery improvement that has been promised, […]

Guide to Speeding Up Your Windows PC’s Startup – Lifehacker

| December 29, 2009

Reposting something that might be helpful for those looking to gain a bit of speed back from their aging Windows based computer. The aging problem seems to happen to computers just as it does to people. — You just hit the power button your PC, and now you’ve got enough time to brew a fresh […]

Interesting notebook computer observation – via Posterous

| December 28, 2009

As mentioned earlier, my primary Gateway NX570XL notebook computer is having LCD screen related problems. I ordered a new inverter board prior to Christmas that would have been the least expensive repair, but the item that was shipped was incorrect — much larger (longer) than the one on my computer (photo below). One of the […]

Reusing the Keurig one cup K cups for making coffee

| December 28, 2009

Thanks to my wife Brenda, who gave me a Keurig one-cup coffee maker for Christmas, I’ve been enjoying fresh coffee every day since Friday. In my opinion, the new Keurig brews coffee as good or better than most coffee shops. The engineering beauty of these design is that the hot water and steam stays in […]

Palm webOS 1.3.5 due today: Speed, Battery, App Limit all to be improved

| December 28, 2009

Today should be the rollout of the newest Palm webOS, version 1.3.5. Check your updates later in the day. CEO Jon Rubinstein just confirmed that webOS 1.3.5 is coming soon and will have a bevy of improvements, including: Allowing for installation of more apps Enhances WiFi and app performance Improved battery life Increased speed and […]

EAA News – SubSonex Heat Wave

| December 26, 2009

See Sonex Aircraft Hornets’ Nest Research link or EAA.org article below. Sonex jet runs engine for the first time December 23, 2009 — The SubSonex, a jet-powered homebuilt aircraft being developed by Sonex Aircraft, LLC, completed its first engine run last week at the company’s Oshkosh, Wisconsin, headquarters causing warm smiles and melted snow. Sonex […]

Senate approves unpopular healthcare legislation

| December 24, 2009

The year 2009 is closing with our federal government’s Christmas present making big changes in America’s healthcare system. Today, the senate passed legislation moving a massive 2000+ page healthcare bill one step closer to law and will in essence give significant control of over one-sixth of our nation’s economy to bureaucrats. Although supposedly promising needed […]

Looking forward to reading Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

| December 23, 2009

It was great to have an annual Christmas exchange lunch yesterday in this ‘slower than usual’ week before Christmas. Thanks to my friend Jeff, who knows me well, I now have a new book — Pirate Latitudes — a perfect gift selection for me. Pirate Latitudes was written by best selling author, and one of […]

Don’t eat a lot, but drink and be merry this holiday season

| December 22, 2009

It’s not all bad news as we wrap up 2009.  Americans have been criticized for their unhealthy eating habits and rightly so, but there are a few abused items that are getting a green light. The silver lining for those who drink, is that studies are suggesting that certain favorite drinks are medically helpful, some […]

Gateway notebook computer problems

| December 21, 2009

One would think that I would have learned my lesson with Gateway notebook computers a few years ago when I replaced my well traveled lightweight computer after first power plug, then keyboard and finally USB port issues … unfortunately I didn’t. I reluctantly replace it with a higher performance model which started off irritating me […]

Geoff Holt sailing the Atlantic at Day 8

| December 20, 2009

For need of inspiration, I’m following a British sailor on his boat Impossible Dream with a few more physical challenges to sailing than most of us. Geoff Holt has refused to let being a quadriplegic prevent him from attempting a sail across the Atlantic, although is finding it challenging. I’ve been following his upbeat attitude […]

Merry Christmas wishes from me to you — 2009

| December 18, 2009

The house is now decorated, the kids home (or almost home) from college, snow is in the forecast and Christmas is a mere week away. As we reflect on the scrabble to get everything right for the celebration this season, let’s not get so overly wrapped up in the preparation that we lose sight of […]

An image galley test using email with Posterous.com

| December 18, 2009

Responding to a question from a blog reader about using Posterous.com and photos, he asked how multiple photos were handled? Honestly I didn’t know but recall reading that they were embedded in an image galley … so I’ll give it a try. EDIT: Image gallery didn’t repost correctly, but test photos are below.

Interesting Tailgate Art in Ohio

| December 17, 2009

As another test post, I wanted to test the “to posterous” email posting – since deleted with the close of Posterous.com.

End of the rainbow for Bengals receiver Chris Henry

| December 17, 2009

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry at age 26 died Thursday morning in Charlotte, North Carolina from injuries he sustained falling on Wednesday from a moving truck. He was hospitalized and died at 6:36 a.m. after being on life support. According to reports, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers responded to a call shortly after noon on […]

More Photosynth fun while visiting my daughter

| December 16, 2009

While traveling to northeastern Ohio this week I had a bit more fun playing with Photosynth (see previous post). This time I used my daughter’s apartment as a subject before taking her out for our father-daughter dinner — the highlight of my week. Unfortunately lighting and not spending too much time to take the series […]

Posterous to blog Palm Pre test

| December 16, 2009

While stopping for lunch and killing time before my next appointment, I wanted to test the Posterous to blog set-up using my Palm Pre. Included in this post is a photo from a page of the Wall Street Journal Personal section and an article on ‘The Surge in Electric Cars’ — I will try to […]

McDonald’s to Offer Free Wireless Internet – WSJ.com

| December 15, 2009

McDonald’s Corp. will soon start offering free wireless Internet access at its U.S. restaurants as part of the fast-food chain’s transformation from its hamburger roots into a hang-out destination. Starting in mid-January, McDonald’s will lift a $2.95 fee that it had charged customers for two hours of wireless Internet access, available at about 11,000 of […]

First take: Experimenting with Photosynth.net

| December 15, 2009

I tried my first “synth” with Microsoft’s online computer-generated panorama photo application called Photosynth.net. The app automatically stitches a series of photos together in a semi-panoramic combination and creates an image called a “synth.” From a users perspective, the process is fairly easy and takes less than an hour; all that is required is to […]

Testing Posterous.com

| December 15, 2009

Image no longer available This is an email post from Posterous.com. It will include a test photo as well as a bit of customized, italic, bold and red text. Posted via email from richc’s posterous

Sharing a “Christmas Afloat” Captain Fatty Goodlander Yarn

| December 14, 2009

With the republishing of a Christmas article on Facebook from sailing author Gary “Fatty” Goodlander, I’ve been re-thinking my vow to avoid this social networking site. Facebook being my kids preferred peer-to-peer (no geek humor intended) communications medium, I’ve avoided it not wanted to look like a ‘helicopter parent. So far, its not been all […]

Operation Migration, Whooping Crane shot and C-182 engine out

| December 13, 2009

A couple areas of interest to me merge one state over in Indiana. In an effort to help the endangered whooping cranes migrate safely from Wisconsin to their wintering grounds in Florida, Operation Migration had two disappointing moments this past week. In Vermillion County, Indiana, a staff member for the International Crane Foundation (ICF) found […]

Trackhoe waterskiing: A perfect recreation for the NASCAR fan

| December 11, 2009

After spending the week listening and grumbling over politics (and unfortunately blogging about it), I was ready for something to lighten my mood — How about Trackhoe waterskiing … or if you’re not from the south, it might be called Excavator waterskiing? Whatever … its a recreation fitting for the NASCAR lover!

JBS.org: Robert Welch’s deja vu commentary

| December 10, 2009

Although I’m not a John Birch Society focused guy,  a friend of mine forwarded a YouTube video from its founder Robert W. Welch, Jr. compiled from 1958 and 1974 speeches (embedded below). It is interesting that after our American Republic watched the Soviet Union’s heavy handed, centrally controlled communist government collapse in the 1980s, that […]

The new Optoma HD20 has improved our Home Theater

| December 9, 2009

My goal is to have the home theater upgraded by the time my kids are home from college for their Christmas break. The new Optoma HD20 arrived and I anxiously replaced my older Sony 900U ceiling concealed projector. Besides ‘still’ having a ridiculous combination of remotes, the HD picture enhanced from a standard DVD from […]

How far are our politicians willing to mortgage the USA

| December 8, 2009

As the politicians in Washington continue their borrowing and spending, President Obama pitches using $200B from borrowed TARP funds for yet another stimulus … money that wouldn’t even be asked to be paid back. At the same time, the Moody credit worthiness rating company warns of potential downgrades for U.S (and other nations) if fiscal […]

Trapping coyotes in Butler County Ohio

| December 8, 2009

The Ohio News Channel produced a short news story on trapping coyotes in the suburban areas of  West Chester in Butler County, Ohio (see previous post).  Neighbor in the area have grown concerned enough as to hire a professional trapper (video below). Perhaps they’ll at least remove the boldest coyotes … although I wonder  just […]

Just a light snow but a traffic nightmare

| December 7, 2009

Who would have thunk it … the first dusting of snow across the Cincinnati area that looks so harmless and traffic nightmare ensues. Good news for automotive body shops and tow truck operators … and probably far better than the “cash for clunkers” boondoggle forced on taxpayers by Washington this year? I went out to […]

Government, “it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it”

| December 6, 2009

We’re not all going to agree on how much involvement we want from our federal government, but I’m sensing that most Americans are concerned that their voices over an invasive government are being ignored. This concern isn’t just about the current administration, but includes the excessive spending and Wall Street rescue started by the previous […]

Exciting Bearcat win over Pitt after Christmas tree shopping

| December 5, 2009

It was the first day of ice for our small lake and time to take my annual trip to pick out a large-ish Christmas tree. Usually this is done with my son who argues that the tree isn’t big enough, but this year the ‘duty’ fell on to my shoulders alone. Pressure … already knowing […]

Successful Christmas light repair using the Lightkeeper Pro

| December 4, 2009

In a follow up to my post concerning defective Christmas lights, I’ve been working to salvage strings of mini lights before tossing them into the landfill. So far I’ve been pleased the Lightkeeper Pro and have been successful in being able to repair at least a dozens strands of lights. The fixes have not been […]

The History of the Advent Wreath

| December 3, 2009

While doing a little research on the Advent Wreath for family devotions this past weekend, I came across an interesting article that I wanted to share and archive. Although I’m not Catholic, one would have thought I would have known a bit more about the pre-Christian and pre-Protestant history.  I’ll include a couple paragraphs from […]

Volkswagen displays the UpLite, a 70mpg diesel hybrid in LA

| December 2, 2009

Volkswagen continues to entice those appreciating ‘green’ diesel vehicles with their UpLite concept at the LA Auto Show. The new design is said to use diesel electric combination to achieve 70mpg, while still offering a degree of comfort and styling. From the photos posted on Autoblog.com, the new VW also looks to be offering function […]

Defective Christmas lights and the Lightkeeper Pro

| December 1, 2009

I know that I’m not the only one ‘collecting’ tangles of miniature Christmas lights which grows each season as the decorations are packed and unpacked. I’ve vowed a number of times to either fix or dispose of the faulty and half lit strings. This year, knowing my repairman patience is nearing it limit, I’m giving […]

Advice from shipwright and rigger Jerr Dunlap

| November 30, 2009

I’m archiving — and sharing — a good sailing advice blog and video series by shipwright and rigger Jerr Dunlap (@myboatworks) out in Marina del Rey, California — thanks Jerr. He has several great video “how-to” clips …  here are two on how to fit a Norseman Fitting.

The confusing world of Credit Scores

| November 29, 2009

I’ve blogged couple times on identity theft and credit reports and I thought was relatively up-to-date on on how credit reporting and ‘credit scoring’ works … but I was wrong.  I didn’t realize that the three major credit collecting and reporting companies all have their own “credit scoring system” on top of the relatively popular […]

Escaping the Black Friday hoards

| November 27, 2009

My buddy and I have plotted our lunch driving today, and hopefully have MapQuest our route avoiding the day after Thanksgiving hoards … Black Friday. I think we’ve found a lunch spot and route free from retail stores … 🙂 Why is it called “Black Friday?” It is the day retailers hope that they will […]

Happy Thanksgiving and searching Internet TV with Clicker.com

| November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travel to my friends and family on the road. We are enjoying a day of turkey and tasty food at my brother and sister-in-law’s house today, which is becoming a tradition.  Although I don’t say it often, I couldn’t ask for a better brother and if ask what I’m thankful for […]

Ocean grown algae based biofuels

| November 25, 2009

The Discovery Channel is active in reviewing science research in alternative energy and can usually dice apart the ‘self-promotion’ of company researcher as well as combat the establish energy industry’s lobby efforts.  One industry that I advocate  is  ‘algae to biofuel fuel’ research. The benefit in using algae as a feedstock for biofuels is that […]

Retail gasoline has risen nearly 40 percent this past year

| November 24, 2009

Although I’m not complaining about fuel prices considering our weak dollar — especially as we roll into a week of heavy travel — I did find it shocking that regular unleaded gasoline prices are nearly 40% higher today than they were last year at this time. (photo left taken 11/23/2008 in Monroe, OH) Of big […]

2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI Road Trip

| November 23, 2009

John Matras, Auto Review Examiner, posted a great write up on his Road Test of a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI. It’s an enjoyable and informative read highlighting a few lessor known features on Volkswagen vehicles. “The Jetta SportWagen’s front seats must be moved forward to lower the rear seats but then can be moved […]

Gotta love landing a helicopter in your backyard

| November 22, 2009

Relatively new EFE Gazebo – replaced after Hurricane Ike in 2008 While enjoying a calm and warm November afternoon, I visited with my neighbors and envied watching the helicopter land and takeoff in their backyard. He mentioned (and chuckled) that since he saw the life-flight land and take off a few days ago that it […]

Ohio renewable fuel biodiesel price update

| November 21, 2009

Belated adding of an update regarding biodiesel fuel prices from my trip to New York last week. This Sunoco is a favorite renewable fuel station even though I’m no longer driving a diesel vehicle. The current price is and has been higher than regular unleaded gasoline ($2.51), so it doesn’t bother me too much; the […]

New Palm webOS powered Pixi already being discounted

| November 20, 2009

Neither Palm or Sprint can be happy seeing the recently released (11/15/2009) Palm Pixi being heavily discounted by big box retailers who are handling their new “mass appear” smartphone product. The struggling Palm has had good press and reviews for its sleek Palm Pre and was no doubt hoping to build on the buzz with […]

Slow to adopt the URL shortener add ons for Firefox

| November 18, 2009

Although I use shortened URLs regularly, I create them manually unless I’m using a program with built in services — like Tweetdeck for Twitter — but recently I’ve gone against my rule of fattening up programs and added the shortener button to Firefox. Most of the URL shortening services (see list below) offer a single […]

Time Magazine as Q&A with President of Audi highlighting diesel

| November 17, 2009

From Time Magazine’s How Audi is Cleaning Up with Clean Diesel‘s question and answer with Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi’s U.S. division: Audi is instead touting the benefits of diesel technology. How do you get around the negative perception of diesel cars in the U.S.? Clean-diesel technology represents an immediate technological leap — you […]

Politics and testing new flash plugin for WordPress

| November 16, 2009

Currently upgrading and testing a new embed for flash video, although it might not work with current 2.8.6 version of WordPress. Nevertheless, it offers a few extra features that most have become accustom to such as a poster frame and full screen video. I’ll be tweaking the flash encoder on the Mac in order to […]

Video embed test and Shuttle Atlantis lift off

| November 16, 2009

As the number of NASA Shuttle lift offs wind down, I find myself appreciating the space program more and more. I don’t want to miss the final scheduled six launches which should complete the life of the Space Shuttle program and end of an era … a successful one I might add. Today was a […]

A minor problem with the latest Palm Pre webOS 1.3.1 update

| November 16, 2009

There were quite a few improvements made in the Palm webOS 1.3.1 update, but not all are going to be helpful on my Palm Pre smartphone. One benefit is that Yahoo users will see synergy improvements, including the calendar. Another feature being waited for is improved SMS messaging … particularly forwarding and copying of messaging. […]

The Ohio Bucks are having a heyday

| November 15, 2009

No I’m not talking about the Ohio State Buckeyes win over the Iowa Hawkeyes this weekend OR the “whodey” Bengals defensive triumph over their rival the Pittsburgh Steelers (for a 5-0 record in their division and 7-2 overall – but who am I to boast) … although both were local football wins and worthly bloggable […]

My Twitter Account was hijacked

| November 14, 2009

Rather frustrating, but it happens – my @RichC Twitter account was hijacked and direct message bombarded with a bogus link to those who are following. After logging in and changing my password and eliminating the three connections that I had registered with, I’m hoping things will return to normal? We’ll see, but for now it […]

UC remains undefeated by the skin of their teeth

| November 14, 2009

It was another “kardiac Ohio” performance. CINCINNATI (AP)—Far from perfect, No. 5 Cincinnati was good enough to stay unbeaten. Tony Pike threw two touchdown passes in a cameo appearance Friday night, and the Bearcats overcame a self-destructive first half to beat West Virginia 24-21 for the best start in school history. Cincinnati (10-0, 6-0 Big […]

Hydroptere shatters old sailing speed records

| November 14, 2009

The high performance wind powered Hydroptere (blogged about back in 2007) has shattered sailing records the world over by averaging 51 knots over 500m (.5 kilometers)  in 28 knots of breeze. It’s hard to imagine traveling that fast on the open water, let alone one a boat without an engine.

American Civil War era copies of the Philadelphia Inquirer

| November 13, 2009

I enjoyed lunch with a good friend of mine that just returned from the laborious task of going through his mother’s estate. He kept a few antique furniture items and uncomfortably stuffed them in his apartment while trying to figure out just what to do with the balance.  While we were standing by our cars, […]

Would you advertise your Honda in the WSJ classifieds

| November 12, 2009

Seeing a Honda key used in a Wall Street Journal ad promoting classified auto listings made me chuckle — I’ve never noticed a Honda being advertised with the columns of Bentley, Ferrari, Maybach, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Maserati nameplates. Perhaps the recession is impacting auto selection of WSJ subscribers?    🙂

Rethinking my travel computer while working with the HP311

| November 12, 2009

Netbooks are growing up and the slightly larger models now sport a bit more memory, larger displays and the excellent Windows 7 OS. As a family, we’ll be gifting a new HP 311 netbook to my mother-in-law this year for Christmas. We’re hoping to re-introduce her to using a computer — primarily for email and […]

Honor Veterans today and everyday

| November 11, 2009

After the massacre at the Fort Hood Army post just a few days ago, there is understandably more attention on our Veterans today. The sacrifices our men and women in uniform make serving our country is deserving of respect and remembrance today and everyday. I thank all who serve and have served our nation. President […]

The Hoover Dam bypass is a civil engineering marvel

| November 11, 2009

In a recent forwarded email there were a few excellent “under construction” photos of the bridge being build to bypass the Hoover Dam on U.S. Rt 93. The $160 million dollar project is 900 feet above the Colorado River and will more efficiently links the states of Nevada and Arizona. The two massive concrete arches […]

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