Video: A new Van Session from Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers
RichC | July 20, 2015
Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers – Mr. Saturday Night – Loved Wild Lost – Van Session 29
A close call while welding for the “little piggy who had none”
RichC | July 19, 2015
I “know better” than to wear shorts and non-leather shoes when welding … but with the shop temperatures in the 90’s I ignored the safety rules and ruined my pair of good Keen shoes. Thankfully, after burning through my sock (don’t normally even wear them) the hot slag didn’t seriously burn my toe, but did […]
A favorite YouTube channel: Tips from a Shipwright
RichC | July 18, 2015
By far, my favorite woodworking and sailing YouTube channel is Tips from a Shipwright. It is sponsored by Jamestown Distributors in Rhode Island a great source for boat paints, finishes and epoxy materials. I will go there before looking elsewhere because of their sponsorship. The filmmaker Halsey Fulton of Fish Hawk Films brings the impressive […]
TechFriday: Ordering from Amazon.com is just too easy
RichC | July 17, 2015
As much as I want to dislike shopping at Amazon rather than supporting a local business, their Prime Shipping option makes getting a part too easy (thanks to Katelyn and Drew). They are becoming the go-to choice for parts nowadays. I needed a new O-Ring for our pools chlorinator and ordered it within a few […]
Contemplating an iOS9 install. On the other hand, maybe not?
RichC | July 17, 2015
The Apple iOS 9 pre-release has been dangled in front of me for a little while now, but since I’ve been traveling the last couple weeks, the temptation to install while away was not all that powerful, so I decided not tempt fate. That probably a good thing since a few tech people I follow, […]
A Hamlet-like mortal coil: To sew, or not to sew?
RichC | July 16, 2015
IF … a big IF … I learn a little more about sail repair and “sewing,” I would like to have a few projects to practice on before wasting too much material (or time and money!) We still don’t have the proper sewing machine (perhaps a Sailrite?) BUT KNOW will not try using Brenda’s old […]
The GOP expected to have a field of 16 candidates on 7/21/2015
RichC | July 15, 2015
At least it is a “small” field of GOP candidates running for President of the United States in 2016 (sarcasm); who will be invited to the first debate? There are a couple candidates in the race that I can’t get too excited about, but I am trying to remain open minded and definitely could support […]
The Rat Zapper: A better mousetrap, but a bit more expensive
RichC | July 14, 2015
It really works! The “new to me” Rat Zapper Classic RZC001 mousetrap did its job in our poolhouse/workshop last night. After baiting the little “garage gizmo” with a few nuggets of Tootsie’s dog food, it “caught” a first mouse in what I hope will be many. It’s an interesting gizmo in that converts 4-AA batteries […]
Netflix: Reed Hastings didn’t let “messing up” slow him down
RichC | July 13, 2015
Back in mid-2011, Netflix management frustrated their users by splitting their DVD and streaming services. They upped subscriber subscriptions by 60% in some cases and created a flurry of cancelations. The CEO, Reed Hastings, came out publically and admitted he “messed up.” He was of course responding to both angry users and the shareholder who […]
A new Moen cartridge again and some paint peeling
RichC | July 12, 2015
After a week or so away, it was time for a weekend of long overdue household chores. The grass was long (and a bit wet), the pool a bit green and the kitchen sink continued to drip … despite my ignoring it for weeks. The last one should have been relatively easy except I initially […]
EAA 2015 Airventure app is available for smartphones
RichC | July 11, 2015
For those aviation “nuts” who flock to Oshkosh each July for Airventure, EAA has a couple smartphone apps for you. I am told (thanks Bob) that version are in both iOS and Android so both major mobile operating systems are supported. I've just download myself so am not sure how helpful it will be, although […]
Air travel on the cheap. First flight on Frontier Airlines.
RichC | July 11, 2015
It was a quick and inexpensive flight to Florida this past week to do a little tropical weather prep aboard Encore. Summer is the time of year that “commuter cruisers” double their line, remove sails and store an extra windage in case hurricane winds target the area … besides I really was looking forward to […]
TechFriday: Quick easy-to-read news update by email
RichC | July 10, 2015
For the past few weeks I’ve been enjoying a quick read each morning summarizing the previous day’s news from theSkimm.com. Currently it is a free subscription and is delivered to your email box and worded in a light and easy to comprehend way. For those interested in more of a business news update, check out […]
Traveller repair: It is always something on an old boat
RichC | July 9, 2015
So much for checking the old IYE traveller carefully on Encore before ordering $81 worth of the wrong bearings. It’s not all bad, since the previously purchased Delrin bearings will be needed eventually as they will either wear out or fail before long. Unfortunately the broken pieces in the top photos during a recent […]
Elio Motors has interest from nearly 5000 potential investors
RichC | July 8, 2015
Elio Motors issued a press release today on the crowd funding “non-binding” interest for equity in their new American start-up car company. Troy, Mich., July 8, 2015 – Elio Motors today announced it is off to a record-setting pace for its disclosed equity crowdfunding campaign, with more than $16 million in expressed non-binding interest from […]
What does a Bearcat or Binturong smell like?
RichC | July 7, 2015
It doesn’t get more #random than this as mentioned in my tweet today. In a Wall Street Journal video interview with a Columbus Zoo “zookeeper,” one of the comments made about the the Bearcat (or Binturong) is that they have a peculiar smell – that of Doritos!
Archive: A few almost final Farmhouse photos
RichC | July 6, 2015
I’m archiving a couple final (or nearly final) photos from my mother and father-in-law’s Farmhouse in Western New York. I spent the last few days as “busy as a beaver” finalizing a few things so that a home inspection would be as painless as possible … that is for a home built in the 1800s! […]
How do you load your dishwasher?
RichC | July 5, 2015
More than 40% of Americans surveyed said they fight over how to load the dishwasher, according to appliance maker Bosch. (see WSJ) -More than 70% of users choose the ‘normal’ cycle every time, even though dishwashers now have specialized settings. -Stainless-steel pans get cleaner in the dishwasher but never wash cast-iron or nonstick pans there. […]
Listening to the fireworks as the sun sets on July 4, 2015
RichC | July 4, 2015
New Sperry Topsider insoles from TheInsoleStore.com
RichC | July 4, 2015
Once in a while when commenting online about an item that I use, someone will ask me if I tried or would like to try their product. If the cost is reasonable, or no-charge, I’m usually happy to give it a try. A company called TheInsoleStore.com after reading one of my posts about Sperry Topsider boat and insoles asked if I […]
TechFriday: No FREE Windows 10 for Parallels on the Mac yet
RichC | July 3, 2015
So much for “considering” Windows 10 on my iMac (Parallels). And here I was thinking that upgrading a couple of Windows machines wouldn’t be as expensive as in the past … with Microsofts FREE upgrad offer and all. (Parallels is working on a solution) Microsoft is making Windows 10 available as free upgrade for qualified […]
Video: The robins have been busy this year – brood two!
RichC | July 2, 2015
As with baby birds in previous years, the same tree is being used by the robins … with a new nest … again. This is the second brood for this pair of robins for 2015. They do have ugly chicks … and this guy is pretty weak (watch him flop below).
Crowdfunding with StartEngine.com and ElioMotors
RichC | July 1, 2015
Investing in startups outside of a business where I have been hands-on management has never panned out successfully for me … so I’m not sure why I think ElioMotors will be different? In other words, treat that last statement a warning and my skepticism beyond seeing a new car company as interesting and exciting IF […]
Leap Second: Are you ready to lose a second of your life?
RichC | June 30, 2015
This might be a big deal for someone doing computerized “flash trading” but for most of us it would have gone unnoticed for the bulletin. So as a service to you, be warned … you’ll probably get “one-second” less sleep tonight.
Who says Greece is too small to impact world markets?
RichC | June 30, 2015
Seems like about every article I read pointed to the fact that Greece’s economy is only “half the size of Ohio” and that we are insulated from the turmoil over this game of chicken they are playing with the IMF and pending $1.73B payment default. Still traders on Monday in about every market decided this […]
Looking at Google Analytics for My Desultory Blog
RichC | June 29, 2015
I’m bummed to see that total views on MyDesultoryBlog are down about 10% this past year. The drop-off may have to do with more users looking at things on their mobile devices? Blogs, mine in particular, are difficult to read on a small screen phone and longer copy (like the previous two posts) are not […]
History repeats-Part 2: This is how we know we are getting old
RichC | June 28, 2015
Read ONLY if you don’t’ mind getting lost in the weeds. I felt bit lost in my own country after the Supreme Court decisions this week and am concerned for the future. As a Christian, I’m trying to looking past my own traditional value and faith-based Biblical beliefs which have long been part of our […]
History repeats – Part 1: This is how we know we are getting old
RichC | June 27, 2015
Read ONLY if you don’t’ mind getting lost in the weeds. I felt bit lost in my own country after the Supreme Court decisions this week and am concerned for the future. As a Christian, I’m trying to looking past my own traditional value and faith-based Biblical beliefs which have long been part of our […]
The Supreme Court upholds Obamacare subsidies
RichC | June 25, 2015
Most Americans, not covered under government healthcare programs, have been feeling the higher cost of healthcare since Obamacare as traditional policies give way to high deductible plans which cost them more than their previously “more” inclusive lower deductible plans – so much for “keeping your healthcare plan.” Commonsense dictates that restructuring so those who actually […]
Video: More teasing from Elio Motors
RichC | June 24, 2015
Almost a year since our deposit (ALL IN was in November 2014) and our Elio delivery is still a year or so away … even if everything stays on track! Ugh. Also they are looking to raise a few dollars as a start-up company … although it goes without saying, this should be money you […]
For Sale: My mother-in-law’s 2008 Chevy Trailblazer LT 4WD
RichC | June 23, 2015
S O L D My mother-in-law no longer drives her 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT 4WD and we’ve decided it is time to sell it. It would make a great family car for somene who is looking for a solid vehicle. The V-6 five-passenger SUV has a low 62,000 miles and spent most winters in Florida. […]
Advice: Best promo for WSJ.com if you want to try it out
RichC | June 22, 2015
For those of you who are NOT Wall Street Journal readers, but have always wanted to try it out, here’s your chance. The $1 price is about as cheap as I’ve ever seen from WSJ.com … for a 3 month introductory deal. The yearly or normal monthly subscription is higher and can be hard to […]
Taylor 2.0 – second career position and our weekend recap
RichC | June 22, 2015
Taylor 2.0 … on his way to work (left). Monday, June 22, 2015, is my son’s first day as Planner for Clermont County, Ohio. Hopefully the last two years of high paced work in Williston, North Dakota have set him up well? He should be the perfect fit … but every new position has its […]
Glad to be able to spend a few hours with my dad each week
RichC | June 21, 2015
I’m looking forward to visiting with my dad today and am thankful to still be able to visit with him for another Father’s Day. It’s been a busy year for my brother and me between the concern over him living alone last year, to the hospital stay, rehab and month or so in the nursing […]
App users help @Periscopeco with their Mad Libs update
RichC | June 20, 2015
Users had some fun with a few of the Twitter Periscope programmers this past week in participating in their Mad Libs update copy for the App Store. In keeping with geeky humor (see the “Peter” joke), the jovial staff decided to include 900 of their users in the live update of Periscope Version 1.1.1. Each of […]
TechFriday: Tweaking WordPress with plugin A3 Lazy Load
RichC | June 19, 2015
Plugins for CMS like WordPress are a dime a dozen and many improve the look and use of a WordPress.org blog, but usually at a sacrifice of speed. Recommending them is not usually something I would do … believing that a lean and fast site is better than bulky and slow sites. Unfortunately I’ve fallen […]
Early Roman version of the Swiss Army multi-function tools
RichC | June 18, 2015
For those who carry or admire those multi-folding tools like the Swiss Army knives and tools (like me), here’s something that pre-dates the popular red ones that many of us carry from the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, UK. This multi-function spoon, fork, knife and picks “eating implement” was made from iron and silver and was […]
No wonder – I stared at this before going to bed!
RichC | June 18, 2015
Needed a filler post for Thursday
Buy airline tickets 47 days in advance & on Tuesday afternoon
RichC | June 17, 2015
Now I’ll be the first to admit, I spend too much time agonizing over purchasing things wondering if I’m buying the right model or brand … and am I paying too much. The Internet has only complicated matters since there is even more information to process. It’s the same thing when booking travel … although […]
Twitter autoplay: Save bandwidth and data by changing settings
RichC | June 16, 2015
By default, Twitter now plays video as you scroll through posts. This can both be a bit annoying and will use data, especially on you mobile device with minimal data. To turn off the “autoplay” feature, go to the setting menu on the mobile Twitter app (currently Apple iOS devices only) and “check” either Use […]
Corrosion and planning updates to anchor and chain
RichC | June 16, 2015
The photo above is not mine (thankfully) but from a sailing aquaintance anchoring in SE Asia. He has been noticing fairly rapid chain corrosion in only 3 years and in particular on his anchor shackle. It spends a significant amount of time under the saltwater and we suspect that the shackle of inferior grade — […]
Can $TWTR turn things around without being acquired?
RichC | June 15, 2015
With the stock market opening off 150 points or so this Monday morning, the short sellers are having their way with the social networking stock of Twitter. TWTR is down 3.8% to $34.50 as of 11AM. What is it going to take to see this commercially and widely used service change direction … or will […]
Archive: Programming the Honda garage door Homelink
RichC | June 15, 2015
Erase previous codes by pressing and holding two outside buttons for 20 s until red light flashes. Release buttons, proceed to step 1. Unplug garage door opener from house current. Hold garage door opener remote control 2 – 5 in from HomeLink keeping red light in view. Select Homelink button you want to train. Press […]
Poor flight management by #Delta Airlines at Reagan National
RichC | June 14, 2015
Somebody has had a lousy day of traveling … or is it two days? After 9 days in London, Taylor was up at 6AM UK time on Sunday to get to the airport for his flight back home. Because he had re-booked his ticket from CVG instead of leaving from Williston, ND, he ended up […]
Video: This is what rhinos sound like …
RichC | June 14, 2015
With a sound like this, who would think the Rhinoceros was so dangerous? The Rhinoceros has long been concerned one of the most dangerous animals in the world.LINK
Why is there a tiny hole in airplane windows?
RichC | June 13, 2015
If you have already traveled by airplane, chances are you’ve noticed a tiny hole on the lower portion of all airplane windows The hole is designed to balance out the pressure between the last two layers of a typical pressurized-cabin window. For more images and a more detailed explaination see the article at Interesting Engineering.
Jurassic World opens this weekend and will be a blockbuster
RichC | June 12, 2015
Tell me that Steven Spielberg’s movie Jurassic World (opening June 12, 2015) is not going to be a well attended summer blockbuster? If the 63 million views YouTube movie trailer is any indication (below), it is exactly what the Hollywood and the movie industry plans on when coaxing people to the theaters with these kinds […]
New Balance Shoes: Great product and made in the U.S.A
RichC | June 11, 2015
Although I still own and wear an old pair of New Balance athletic shoes, this is a reminder post to myself (posted before) to consider the New Balance brand when replacing my current Sketchers (no complains as they are great shoes too). I liked the comments in the video (below) and article on CNBC about […]
Happy 26th Birthday to my son Taylor #TBT
RichC | June 10, 2015
This is a birthday greeting for my son Taylor and the video below may not fit the #TBT criteria as well as the one I posted for my daughter Katelyn last month, but the “original birth announcement card” above sure does (the artwork is the handiwork of his older sister). I think a little sailboat […]
How to: Simple gas struts replaced on a lifting rear door
RichC | June 9, 2015
After my son returned from living in “dusty” Williston, North Dakota for a couple of years, the Chevy Trailblazer he was using came back a bit dusty. We noticed after visiting him last year that one of the big differences from Ohio were the lack of paved roads. Thankfully, we did give some thought to […]
Paper shredder: To fix or replace … that is the question?
RichC | June 8, 2015
Just because it can be fixed (Jury/ Jerry Rigged) doesn’t mean it should be repaired? The “old-ish” paper shredder in my home office is often over-fed with too many sheets of paper or plastic credit cards. It usually keeps right on chugging until it overheats, but last week it sputtered, ground the gears and stopped. […]
Noticing more Great White Sharks in Florida
RichC | June 7, 2015
We're continuing to learn about the movement of Great White Sharks near the eastern U.S. and coasts since Ocerea has been tagging a few. It has been shocking to see the number of miles they travel and just how near these large sharks occasionall get to beaches and shallow waters. John Dickinson and his wife […]
Consumers are not satisfied with their cable companies
RichC | June 6, 2015
In a 2015 look at cable companies, very few customers are happy with their providers, in fact the report indicates a couple of the biggest have lost ground (chart below). Barely half of Mediacom Communications, Time Warner Cable and Comcast customers indicate that they are satisfied with service … and the latter two above have […]
Jobs report: 280,000 jobs in May with 5.5% unemployment
RichC | June 5, 2015
The jobs numbers were relatively positive considering the weak growth earlier this year, but still concerning in that the post-recession job growth is not was is normally expected after a recession. Still, one positive is that we are not facing inflation or seeing numbers that would indicate the U.S. is slipping back into a recession. […]
TechFriday: Pre-order a throw-and-shoot camera for $499
RichC | June 5, 2015
Really tempted to pre-order a Lily “non-drone” (company doesn’t like the “drone” term) according to a CNBC article (below). Lily: the world’s first throw-and-shoot camera Deborah Findling | @dfindles For those times when the selfie stick just isn’t good enough, there is now a flying camera. Really. Called the world’s first throw-and-shoot camera, the Lily […]
Blacksmithing Basics: Forge Your Own Flatter | Make:
RichC | June 4, 2015
A flatter is a tool used to make other tools. Make your own flatter and never buy a tool again! Source: Blacksmithing Basics: Forge Your Own Flatter | Make:
A large crawdad wants to play in the pool
RichC | June 3, 2015
We have a few of these crawdad fellows in our yard and small lake, but this guy was closer to lobster size (well not quite) and found his way into the swimming pool. As the 2006 Honda Element ad goes … “I pinch.”
Newly wedded Rachel and David Skinner on May 31, 2015
RichC | June 2, 2015
It was a busy weekend as our family was in town to celebrate my nephew David and Rachel’s wedding just south of Cincinnati in Lakeside Park, Kentucky. The beautiful ceremony was held under a tent in the backyard of their home with close friends and family. Everything was artistic and couldn’t have been nicer. One […]
Freshen up those old Sperry Topsiders for summer
RichC | June 1, 2015
With summertime around the corner, it is time to update on what has almost become an annual boat shoe post (Post 1, 2, 3). Seasons aside, there really isn’t a time that isn’t right for Sperry Topsiders … in my opinion … but wearing a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and having warm weather makes […]
Investing: Bull Markets and how long can they run?
RichC | May 31, 2015
If you’ve been watching the “easy money” policies from central banks around the world (following the U.S. Fed’s lead), you may being wondering just how much money can be infused by government without suffering an economic calamity? So far, those investors “borrowing” at low interest rates in order to participate heavily in the stock market […]
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.