RichC | August 2, 2013
Disappointing to say the least. The latest device available from Freedompop (low cost/ free wireless hotspot) is the Sierra Wireless Overdrive Pro utilizing the Sprint 3G/4G WiMaxx network which I thought might be similar to their previous 4G only devices – Photon. Unfortunately the refurbished Overdrive Pros are all that impressive from the moment one […]
RichC | August 1, 2013
Last year I animadverted about the inserts in my boat shoes and recently noticed that my August 2012 post was a recent MyDesultoryBlog’s top five … according to Google Analytics. Considering it is a top 5, it might be time for a boat shoe update? Boat shoes are a go to shoe in our house […]
RichC | July 31, 2013
A friend of mine took a photo of his wife while on a bike ride in southwest Ohio. This is really impressive "stalk" growth for the end of July. I hope the ears are equally as impressive come harvest time.
RichC | July 31, 2013
My son Taylor shared a bunch of eighth grade exam questions and wondered if I thought today’s high school graduates could even pass this test. Not only were we shocked with what students from 1912 were expected to learn, we were doubly impressed that the test was from a county school in Kentucky (no offense […]
RichC | July 30, 2013
FORT MEADE, Md.—A military judge acquitted Pfc. Bradley Manning of the most serious accusation against him—that he aided U.S. enemies—but found him guilty Tuesday on most other charges related to his disclosure of documents to the antisecrecy website WikiLeaks. (WSJ) No matter which side of the argument you come down on in dealing with soldiers […]
RichC | July 30, 2013
I watched Taylor climbing pine trees in order to cut of a few dead branches and started to wonder if he was going to cut the ones below him … the ones he needed to climb back down. Besides the odds and end chores around the house and yard, we bought new tires for Brenda’s […]
RichC | July 29, 2013
My brother’s daughter Keira was married this weekend to her “ONU Sweetheart” Ben Ankrom at a nice ceremony and reception in Dayton Ohio – Engagement Announcement (FYI: Sweethearts = Ohio Northern University’s name for alumni couples who marry – which includes Brenda and me). We enjoyed the entire day on Saturday and the friends and […]
RichC | July 27, 2013
The question posed by the WSJ this past week was “will the young and give up disposable income to pay for health insurance” or with they pay the penalty until it becomes too expensive? It has been difficult to explicate the complex and questionably titled “Affordable Care Act” – Obamacare to many who are politically […]
RichC | July 26, 2013
It is difficult not to be in awe by the photos our space probe Cassini has sent back from near our solar systems second largest planet. The first photo shows the distinctive rings of Saturn and the tiny blip that is our planet Earth. The second is enlarged and shows our blue marble being orbited […]
RichC | July 26, 2013
These are the kinds of stories that I need to keep away from my job-seeking son … but that I would have used as “dream material” when in high school or college! ESCAPING THE RECESSION BY BOAT When the Great Recession hit, young people found a million different ways to cope with their battered job […]
RichC | July 25, 2013
I notice that for a few days that Lin Pardey’s Kindle version of the book Bull Canyon is only $2.99. I’ve been wanting to read for a while now (since I own all of the more practical Pardey books) and have enjoyed everything previously written or put to video. I don’t expect it to be […]
RichC | July 25, 2013
After participating in a smartphone and tablet mobile device survey today and analyzing the apps that I regularly use, only a handful stood out. One app that has impressed me as each subscribed magazine issue arrives is Zinio. I’m not sure that I’m totally ready to give up the trip to the mailbox for the […]
RichC | July 24, 2013
Alexander Polli, BASE-jumper, amazes viewers with daredevil flights in a wingsuit by high risk maneuvers like flying through a narrow mountainside cave in Spain.
RichC | July 23, 2013
Apple is testing a few new online iWork applications for those iCloud users accessing their cloud account. The addition of Apple’s document, spreadsheet and presentation software to iCloud will move the beloved computer company one step closer to Microsoft and Google went it comes to online “Office” productivity software. I’m reluctant to commit to one particular […]
RichC | July 22, 2013
The tax man in the form of the Internet online giant Amazon.com has warned advised me that they will begin to collect Ohio sales tax for Amazon Web Services. This is probably appropriate as too many tax dollars are lost to online out of state vendors, but paying more taxes is still hard to swallow. […]
RichC | July 21, 2013
Hmm, I’m not really sure what to think of this? I’m sure those who supported President Barrack Obama’s campaign don’t mind being followed by his twitter account, but for me it is probably an indication that the IRS or Department of Justice is next. For those of you who are not socially connected, the President’s […]
RichC | July 20, 2013
I might wear the “invisibility cloak” swim skin or wetsuit if it offers protection from ocean rash or as SPF sunblock (UVA and UVB protection), but am not sure the white and black horizontally striped suit is for me? On the other hand, if I were swimming in waters that are regularly visited by those […]
RichC | July 19, 2013
RichC | July 19, 2013
Over the many years Katelyn has had her rabbit, we (well “I”) have been both the temporary and semi-permanent pet-sitter. The little fellow has spent time in our basement (fortunately not when it flooded) and more recently in the poolhouse. I refer Pumpy Umpy affectionately as “The Rodent” and have actually grown somewhat attached to […]
RichC | July 18, 2013
Intel (INTC) has been a core “buy and hold” technology stock for many independent investors over the past decade or so, but a long hard look at returns makes that strategy puzzling. Back in the day, if you wanted to be in “technology,” INTC was a must have stock, particularly if you believed in personal […]
RichC | July 17, 2013
With the heat in the 90s and humidity high this week I noticed the driver side and rear passenger floor in the Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel soaking wet again. A few weeks ago I thought that it might be due to a leak in the windshield gasket or possibly the drain in front as mentioned […]
RichC | July 16, 2013
Most car guys (and gals) know that the Mercedes Benz nameplate represents a high quality vehicle, but also a higher price. Some might argue that there is worth in a vehicle designed for longevity and safety and that it makes for repeat customers? I sold my first Mercedes, a 560 SEL, back in the late […]
RichC | July 15, 2013
There are now 570 miles of Ohio roads where we legally can drive 70 mph (below). The following sections will allow 70 mph travel … • Interstate 76: From outside Akron going east to the west of Youngstown. • Interstate 77: From outside of Canton south to the West Virginia border. • Interstate 71: From the Jeremiah Morrow […]
RichC | July 14, 2013
Taylor and I were discussing that Volkswagen might bring the VW Phaeton back to the US and how rare they are (maybe 2500 of them between 2004-2006?) … and then the next day I roll up behind one close to home. I sat at the light behind him but once the signal turned green the […]
RichC | July 14, 2013
I didn’t bother to check on the authenticity of this forwarded email, but I don’t think it matters. You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American; any American. […]
RichC | July 13, 2013
I’m getting creative while addressing a few more rust spots while still keeping the dollar investment to acceptable levels in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel. In most areas I’m a proponent of grinding and replacing metal with metal (TIG welding new material) … but I noticed some rust on the inside of the doors […]
RichC | July 12, 2013
“Don’t overlook doing something good just because you aspire to do something great.”
RichC | July 11, 2013
As the trial of George Zimmerman in Florida nears deliberation this week as attorneys for the prosecution and defense wrap up their arguments regarding the use of a gun in the killing of 17 year old Trayvon Martin in February 2012. The media did a disservice to those paying attention to this case both before […]
RichC | July 10, 2013
I’ve been paying attention to crowdfunding micro-venture capital websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and RocketHub this past year or so and watching innovative ideas raise money for their projects. Personally, I think there are too many entrepreneurs using their connected friends for less than innovative ideas, but there are other creative thinkers with unique dreams. […]
RichC | July 9, 2013
EDIT: Once again a postie post that didn’t post when it was suppose to yesterday. Hmm??
RichC | July 8, 2013
It’s the perfect time to share a short shared video from Brittany, Scott and Isla, a couple Internet sailing friends, on their way south in order to be out of the track of most hurricanes this time of year. They are without a doubt one of the most envied young sailing families with a strong […]
RichC | July 8, 2013
I’ve recently started to follow the product launch and shopping site called The Grommet as a few of the recent product introductions are intriguing. The One Log Fire and Sun Mullet were both interesting project ideas for the do-it-yourselfer and the Lazy Bunz for … well … just being lazy in the pool or while […]
RichC | July 7, 2013
Having a recent college graduated living at home and looking to start his career gives me intimate insight on what young adults and their parents are facing. The frustration exacerbates the strong opinions regarding the new health care law and the economic policies put in place by the federal government under the leadership of President […]
RichC | July 6, 2013
Twitty photo stream After seeing the photos from the air, the crash of Asiana Airlines Boeing 777 in San Francisco today looks to have touched down short of the runway 28L. Who knows why the impact was short, but the rock jetty looks to have been impacted by the landing gear and at least the […]
RichC | July 6, 2013
Whoa! Lots of summer rain this morning and used the excuse to try a couple more panorama photos with the iPhone 5. I’m not sure how much came down or how fast, but from the water shedding off our back acreage (and neighbors) was significant, at least in Liberty Twp. Ohio. The morning was spend […]
RichC | July 5, 2013
What a great time with my neighbors for the 4th of July. Thank you Rich and Dawn Newsted for the great celebration and terrific fireworks!
RichC | July 4, 2013
I purchased a new latch opener for the driver’s side door of the Mercedes Benz 300D and was depressed to see how poor the quality of the aftermarket part was. The castings of the new part is so poor that I’m embarrassed to put in on the car.
RichC | July 3, 2013
Having July 4th fall on a Thursday this week is creating chaos with my travel schedule. Each appointment scheduling call I’ve made is finding everyone taking a few days off … I should have done the same? Anyway, spending time in town gave me a chance to dust off my TIG welding skills or lack […]
RichC | July 1, 2013
I’ve voted for two of the listed small startup ventures that the WSJ editors believe could be worthy of going public and have listed in their WSJ Startup of the Year pages. Personally I’m pulling for PlanetReuse Marketplace seeing it as a way to use technology to network recycled building materials to those who could […]
RichC | June 30, 2013
Click for larger panarama at Aaron’s (Growler) VW TDIClub GTG on Saturday Owning a diesel car again after a couple year hiatus (Katelyn’s doesn’t count) was a weak excuse to go to a TDIClub GTG in Millersport, Ohio on Saturday, but took the Mercedes Benz 300D to the Volkswagen diesel gathering just the same – […]
RichC | June 29, 2013
Is that the way it is … once you own a certain make and model of car and then your eyes are automatically attracted to others that are of a similar nameplate? In the case of my recent Mercedes 300D project, its other Mercedes Benz cars … and the one below is a beauty (the […]
RichC | June 28, 2013
You’re invited to Cubby by LogMeIn. Give is a free try. After eliminating Sugarsync, filling up my preferred but pricey Dropbox, and keeping Microsoft’s Skydrive and GoogleDrive for mostly shared online docs, spreadsheets and PDF files, I’ve been trying out a few other backup and synchronizing services. This week I added a couple MyCubby folders […]
RichC | June 28, 2013
My condolences to the Collins family on the passing of Gary Collins after his accident last week. Gary’s love of aviation (EAA Chapter 174) and his passion for Corvair conversions was an inspiration to all of us who loved antique and grass roots experimental aviation. He was enjoyable to be around and our EAA284 chapter […]
RichC | June 27, 2013
Impressive super cell photo from Nebraska (www.tonightssky.com) about a week ago. The photo is a sandwich of 2 shots about 9 seconds apart at f/22, 2.5 sec and ISO 100 according to the tech info shared on G+.
RichC | June 26, 2013
Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger set a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption by a non-hybrid during their 8,000-mile trek across 48 states in a 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel. Gerdes, a practiced “hypermiler” who runs the online community CleanMPG, and his co-pilot Winger averaged nearly 78 miles per gallon during […]
RichC | June 26, 2013
It has been a while since I’ve posted anything on surfing … so here’s a feel good story from down-under.
RichC | June 25, 2013
When a deal seems a bit too good, there is probably a reason to be skeptical. Now to be fair, I knew that for $25 I was not going to get my yard completely treated, but was expecting this Cincinnati area Groupon deal to be a way for Weed Man to demonstrate their professionalism and […]
RichC | June 24, 2013
Too lazy to post any original content today … besides thinking about posting more from this weekends car repairing marathon, but I’ll resist!
RichC | June 23, 2013
Since I’m on a car repair roll at the moment, I’ll continue to update the condition of my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel. It has come apart this weekend primarily to set the clearances for the valves, something that has to be done regularly and manual as this is a pre-hydraulic valve adjusting kind of […]
RichC | June 22, 2013
Besides spending the day at home catching up on pool cleaning and some minor yard work, I spent the day in the garage working on the Mercedes 300D’s valve adjustment and glow plugs (more on this tomorrow). The more obvious update was installing new Bosch headlight doors I found on Ebay. They look just like […]
RichC | June 22, 2013
While traveling this week I decided to give the old 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel a workout. Even though it kept up with interstate traffic and pegged the speedo, I found that it did a little shake from 73 to 80 mph. Maybe an alignment and suspension adjustment when I decide new tires are in her […]
RichC | June 21, 2013
Doing a little late Friday afternoon updating for several of the WordPress blogs that I maintain as the new 3.5.2 is now the current version. Along with that, plugins are next to follow, of which I’ve updated a couple installed on my server. Thankfully the blog has been running without a hitch recently a testament to this […]
RichC | June 21, 2013
Are you frustrated with the basic search feature available in WordPress? If so, join the club. I’ve been back and forth with several different search plugins and have even tried customizing my own using a Google API. Unfortunately none of them worked well for me when I was searching my own site for items that […]
RichC | June 20, 2013
Looking at using the paid Avast VPN option while connecting to unsecured wifi connections. So far it works just fine and seems transparent … except LastPass does not like the overseas routing. Speeds are good, at least at McDonald’s; not so sure about busy hotels or the marinas?
RichC | June 20, 2013
Karen Hutton of KarenHuttonPhotography posted a gorgeous photo from Makapu’u Lookout in Oahu, Hawaii yesterday that makes me want to return to Hawaii. (our 2006 trip) Her description was nice too: I could almost see the curvature of the earth on the horizon… it was dizzying! And wonderful, and blue, green, gorgeous and stunning. I […]
RichC | June 19, 2013
A travel oriented video clip for today’s post from a guy in the Peace Corp. The Bamboo Train of Cambodia iis built on narrow gauge French tracks in a region called Battambang. According to the videographer, “it goes crazy fast, its crazy rickety, its held together by momentum and weight, and its just plain crazy.”
RichC | June 18, 2013
Lexington Lab Band for more
RichC | June 17, 2013
The movie Jimmy made its début in early June and will be screened in my hometown with a high school classmate of mine introducing the movie and answers a few questions (it shows at 3PM and 9PM at the Historic Sidney Theatre for those interested or in the area). It would have been great to […]
RichC | June 16, 2013
Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver talks about his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D and closes with, “it’s solid, reliable, robust, well made, it’s got a lot of integrity … and I hope that I represent those values.”
RichC | June 15, 2013
Every year we see and hear of charities wasting money and the generous gifts given by their donors and unfortunately some charities and their hired solicitors are just out and out crooks (and unfortunately able to get away with it year after year). If you intend to give to organizations that you are not intimately […]