The post this morning was of the “friends and family” variety … and is not viewable unless you’re logged in. So for those visiting My Desultory Blog this Saturday afternoon, here’s a François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, politically oriented quote as an afternoon blog filler and to encourage registering. “To learn who rules over […]
Rick Warren has one of the more fitting quotes for our current cultural divide: “Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are […]
WSJ This Morning Podcast (MP3 Snippet) – “outdated notion of two parents” Every once in a while there is a morning when I wake to read, or in this case half-listen to the news and think, “I must have over-slept … by a couple generations!” The WSJ This Morning podcast (MP3) relayed an article […]
While walking the Atlantic shoreline, Brenda and I often watched ships and tugs towing barges offshore pass by. We took note of the unique ones like the SS United States and more recently a specialized Express Marine hybrid barge with its companion tug. It was interesting enough to dig a little deeper. Express Marine, Inc., […]
Although TheHustings.news editor didn’t ask me to write anything this week (previous requests), I decided to work on something over the weekend that has been bothering me. As a long time advocate for shrinking our Federal government (as a conservative, small government Republican) and focused on the “spending problem” Congress has had for decades —which […]
While Internet searching some World War II aviation history earlier this week, I stumbled across an interesting aviation website from the UK. The blog AviationTrails caught me off guard, but after reading post after post, I realized just how much military history was archive on this blog. It is worthwhile bookmarking and I might find […]
Today’s Tech Friday post is a full Linux server backup, a snapshot and finally an update that includes one that brings WordPress to 6.8. Nobody really cares until something doesn’t work … including me! WordPress 6.8 is code named “Cecil” … in keeping with jazz music pioneers, this one Cecil Taylor. Cecil Taylor was an […]
U.S. markets closed on a high note today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping over 500 points to 40,093 and the Nasdaq surging nearly 3% to 17,166, marking the third consecutive day of gains. Investor optimism was fueled by positive developments in U.S.-China trade talks and robust corporate earnings reports. The S&P 500 also […]
Likely my right-column bloviating on TheHustings.news is not of interest or even worth archiving, but since I put a little effort into it, I’m saving it here. This week’s commentary was a little more challenging for me because I do understand the line between an authoritarian executive branch (ie. Jan 6 participants) and having ICE […]
After posting about Alligators, Crocodiles and Caimans previously and noticing just how much traffic continues to find its way to the post (just as does this old 2008 post on Great White Sharks post). So, when I saw this email when clearing out my Gmail junk, it seemed like a great follow up to both […]
Let’s start with yesterday’s Palm Sunday word of the day … or at least one that I learned from today’s TFL devotional “God’s Plan All Along” and the Hebrew word: “Tetelestai!” The Hebrew word that Τετέλεσται (it is finished) best translates is שָׁלֵם, which is how the Syriac Peshitta* and modern Hebrew** translations translate […]
I’ve been known to grumble and complain about big government and taxes most of my life, but I’m not alone. In fact, before I was even born there were versions of this poem being published in newspapers. So as April 15th nears (tax day in the U.S.), it seems like it should be added to […]
Hm … I never realized the original quote was “had” vs the often quoted “have” from Apollo 13 and astronaut Jack Swigert 55 years ago – April 11-17, 1970. “Houston, we have a problem” is a popular phrase that originated during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. The actual quote was “Okay, Houston, we’ve had […]
There’s always something interesting to learn about our history and unique phrases. The stovepipe hat was one of Lincoln’s signature accessories, and the final hat he ever wore is now kept at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The top hat helped the 6-foot-4 president tower over crowds even more than he naturally did, […]
A new word for me: Marginalia — it is also a word that reminded me of Mom Howard’s books, especially her well marked up Bible! MarginaliaNotes written in the margin • The professor’s marginalia provided valuable insights into the text Also a shopping trip for the Oostra’s had them finding a couple of nice looking rocking […]
Once again the request was out from TheHustings.news for a bit of a pro-tariffs and pro-Trump right-column commentary than others could muster (text below before the editor puts his pen to it). Truth be told, I struggled after the hammering investors took last week (including me). I had to work a little harder to stay […]
The Trump tariffs that have been long in the making and took hold on April 2nd, “Liberation Day” (he first talked about them in the 1980s). Not everyone is as sure or as comfortable with them as U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Still, most of us recognize that the industry that built this country in […]
Have you ever wondered why a day has 24 hours? The answer traces back to the ancient Egyptians, particularly during their New Kingdom period, from around 1550 BCE to 1069 BCE—about a thousand years after the Great Pyramids were built. They were the first to divide the day into 24 parts, though their approach differed […]
Although I have a personal opinion on just how trade between countries “should” function (free trade), I also realize there’s really no such thing in the real world. There are those who believe companies in the United States end up holding the short straw when exporting their products overseas … due to a variety of […]
During one of our many longish 9-1/2 mile winter beach walks this year, Brenda and I came across a couple orange objects. The orange ball that washed up during a heavy surf was pretty obvious … since they are used along the shore to mark life guard protected zones and swimming areas. There was a […]
Can GrokAI really pull off an April Fools Day prank in a blog post? Nope … artificial intelligence better leave this to humans with the talent for comedy. 😊 In a shocking revelation, xAI scientists claim gravity reverses every April 1st for 24 hours. “It’s nature’s prank,” says Dr. Fictus, a totally real researcher. “People […]
The talk from most in the media this past week as been about several in the Trump administration’s team discussing plans to strike Houthi targets in Yemen … and that they used the encrypted app Signal to communicate with each other on a group chat titled “Houthi PC small group.” The Atlantic published a story […]
It is not hard to suck me in to having an opinion … and politics is one of those topics that I fortunately or unfortunately have formed semi-strong politically opinions over the years. I probably share/debate/argue them too often with my son Taylor (and he usually counters them) or in the past couple of years, […]
From our local economic development office, a new Wawa convenient store will open on April 16, 2025: Liberty Township is excited to welcome Wawa to the community! Located at 7198 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, this Wawa store is not only the first Wawa in Liberty Township, but also the first Wawa in the State of Ohio.
Have you ever wondered how the yearly floating date for Easter is determined … or why it is so late this year (April 20, 2025)? Almanac.com had a great article, but since I’m thinking about Tech Friday today, here’s what Grok3 AI has to say about it. 😉 The date of Easter Sunday is determined […]
Hm … an interesting middle initial story: Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, though as a child he often went by his middle name, Ulysses. In 1839, he applied to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the benefactor who the application, Ohio Congressman Thomas Hamer, mistakenly […]
I can’t recall what recent news context the Jerusalem Cross was mentioned in before, but suspect it was used in a negative reference — something about the Christian Crusades (AI reference below) and therefore the symbol to some indicated some kind of “white supremacy” and in the news story was being compared to the Nazi […]
Since I’ve not truly committed to using artificial intelligence tools from one company, I’ve been attempting to put each of the leading AI tools through their paces. Earlier this week I tested Otter.AI to transcript from an audio recording … and now for Tech Friday this week it’s Google’s Gemini and the “Deep Research” tool […]
After excellent comments by retired 4-star General Jack Keane the other day, I heard him again this past weekend with Mark Levin. No matter what your thoughts are on politics or views on foreign affairs, Jack Keane is someone with a lot of knowledge, experience and insight … and his commentary is worth listening to […]
Although it isn’t a surprise to see those who I’ve drawn inspiration from when it come to boats, sailing and the cruising lifestyle, another writer and book author has passed away (January 2025). Don Casey has been an icon in teaching boat owners and sailors for years and his writing have been most appreciated and […]
While on our walk on the beach the other day, we spotted an unusual looking crab (posted a couple crab photos last month and this month too). After a little digging on the Internet, I think this crab appears to be a Florida Rough Box Crab (Calappa gallus) or a closely related species of Box […]
Brenda and I were debating crabs and shells after seeing a couple crabs on our beach walks and finding a beautifully polished Cowry/Cowrie shell (left). I suspected that the hermit crab ate the snail forming the shell and used it for protection and “a home.” Of course I was wrong … but didn’t know it […]
President Donald J. Trump gave a 90 minute Joint Session of Congress speech on Tuesday night and since it went a bit late, I was unable to finish my commentary for TheHustings.News “right-hand” column (a request). Being a bit late, I’m unsure the editor will now find it timely enough to include, but am adding […]
Since I did not take Latin in school (it wasn’t offered), there are legal terms and phrases that need to be looked up … even for someone who has been around a while. Someone mentioned “Caveat emptor” to me the other day and although I recognized it as a common term, it required a little […]
How old am I … and yet I did not know this? 😳 … the word “breakfast,” meaning “to break one’s fast in the morning,” dates back to the 15th century, some of our favorite morning dishes date back thousands of years LINK Don’t judge, but I’m surprised that I didn’t know this … and […]
While contemplating a couple widely shared Psalms from the Old Testament, I was curious as to what artificial intelligence might think about them … so I asked ChatGPT. 😉 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” — Psalm 34:4 (NIV) This verse is a declaration of […]
Over the past year, I’ve been asked to write commentary for TheHustings.News. It isn’t really something I’ve thought about doing in the past, but I’ve enjoyed having someone “ask” me to help bolster the “right-leaning” column of their political news website (nothing earth shattering). After several columns in 2024, the editor asked if he could […]
NASCAR has always been something that I’ve taken an interest in watching. When I was a boy, I’d watch it with my brother and dad. When I was a dad, I’d watch it with my son Taylor and we collected cars and trading cars — he was a Jeff Gordon fan. These days I still […]
Although this season’s blowout of a Super Bowl has been almost forgotten by all but Philadelphia Eagles fans (and definitely forgotten by Kansas City Chiefs fans), the halftime show stands out as one I could have easily pass on. To each their own I suppose? Anyway, some of the chatter on social media was “why […]
Brenda and I have been thoroughly enjoying the surprisingly nice early February weather and escape from winter up north — and we are living The Life of Riley (a previous reference that I can’t get out of my mind). I’ve finished “Killing the Rising Sun” and have picked up a Annie Jacobsen book (previous […]
Excellent speech by US Vice President JD Vance on artificial intelligence in a summit in Paris, France. He told European and Asian leaders that the United States will dominate AI. Worth watching. NEW: JD Vance speaks at an artificial intelligence summit in Paris, France, tells European and Asian leaders that the United States will dominate […]
The Music Monday post was prepped prior to the Super Bowl ads … but after seeing this one, I had to include it (see tomorrow for Super Bowl post). Too late … I’ve already started today’s Music Monday post and only then realized the song was also posted five years ago. 😉 But as I […]
An interesting article caught my eye on my social media feed this week from History Facts. The topic was “Which came first: Beer or Wine?” Alcohol has been a part of human existence for thousands of years, dating back to the dawn of recorded time. The fermentation process, which creates ethanol, likely occurred naturally when […]
A long time wife of a sailing friend who live in Massachusetts near her daughter, has always been cordial and friendly, happened to included me on an email last week even though it is clear we do not share the same politics. I can’t say that I’m surprised, but was taken back at just how […]
As mentioned Saturday, Brenda and I are focused on better health and walking (relatively fast-paced walk and 6-7 miles). While doing this, my new Apple Watch has a podcast app which connects to my bone-conduction Aeropex headset (also work well for phone calls). Also trying the “screenshot” feature on the watch — image right. Anyway, […]
As commented in the WSJ, “DeepSeek has sparked a deep freakout.“ Stock Market Today: Nvidia Stock Sinks in AI Rout Sparked by China’s DeepSeek The Chinese artificial-intelligence upstart has trained high-performing artificial intelligence models cheaply—and without the most advanced gear provided by Nvidia and others. That has pulled the rug from under global companies benefiting […]
“Reelin’ In the Years,” a song by American rock band Steely Dan was written by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. The song features Fagen on vocals and is an early example of their easily recognized sound. I found it interesting to read that Fagen thought it “dumb but effective,” and Becker said it was “no […]
Here’s hoping this lifts someone reading my blog today … Micah 6:8 — New International Version He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
My MacBook Air M2 is a fantastic portable computer. It has worked nearly flawlessly for the past couple of years and will likely be fine for a couple more. The missing feature has been the inability to connect more than one external monitor … something I use everyday. Unfortunately I was used to using a […]
The current handful of pre-order Magfast products that arrived last year … from an order years ago … are working just fine. In fact, I’ve enjoyed using them since the first thingCharger nearly a decade ago. In the course of 2016 thingCHARGER had a series of financial challenges and as a result ceased operations in […]
Last year I was invited by a longtime automotive writer and friend, Todd Lassa (photo), to help with writing right column commentary for a political news site — TheHustings.news. The network of writers and journalists he taps into skew politically left for the most part … and he felt my Republican right-leaning (and pro-Trump/Vance) views […]
Listening to SiriusXM directly on an Apple Watch, especially a cellular model, is not straightforward due to several limitations (disappointing for me) and I have failed at my first attempt to port from one app to another. The current test for some “music” is to try going back to Spotify or Pandora (photo) and use […]
My favorite January post each year has been the Lake Superior State University list of banished words, acronyms and phrases. Most of the words I know and have heard used … and definitely agree with … but admittedly I did not recognize Skibidi (see after the break). Here are the 2025 words and phrases selected […]
After four years of inflation impacting everything Americans need and want, the optimism for improvement might not come all that easily to the next administration. Wages are struggling to keep up with prices, and although the Fed has started an easing cycle with rate cuts, everyday citizens don’t see that when it comes to necessities […]
Wishing all who read My Desultory Blog a Happy and Healthy New Year … and may you all have the household size you desire and live in an ideal sized home. Playing with #AI (results not verified, but interesting) A chart comparing the average household size to home square footage in the US from 1940 […]
Sleep has never been a problem for me until this past year or so. I don’t know if it is age or that my mind is filled with too much stuff — my running out of hard drive space theory (a worthless thought for another time). Anyway, I mentioned this to my primary care physician […]
Wishing all who stumble on these pages (or choose to click on MyDesultoryBlog) a Very Merry Christmas, safe travels and a warm and wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth. May you and yours enjoy time together with family and friends. Weather? Check to see if the Old Farmer’s Almanac is correct this year (below).
Where should you work — for the government or their private counterpart? From economist Stephen Moore: According to @RealEJAntoni‘s recent analysis, the cost of state and local government employees is a staggering 41.7% higher than their private sector counterparts. While wages are 24.4% higher, the real kicker is benefits—an astonishing 83.0% more!
I do enjoy checking the Farmer’s Almanac (above) and the Old Farmer’s Almanac for seasonal forecasts (below), but rarely go back to see how accurate they are (although have shared here before). That’s probably their assumption, although they claim to be 80% accurate? As has been true in every year since 1792, the newest edition features […]
Although I’m glad the 2024 presidential election is behind us in the United States (and hope Kamala Harris becomes a lost memory), there’s a lot of angst in our country and in the world over the political direction and change. I’m cautiously, optimistic that a Trump administration will have a foreign policy that leads to […]
There are a few dates that tend to be remembered each year; December 7th is one of them. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and thrusting the United States into World War II. […]
It is the time of year to clean up my blog’s photo folder — a place where I save photos that I might want to archive on the blog. Usually there’s a reason they don’t get used, but before tossing them due to a new year, it is time to do some housecleaning. First up […]
The updated 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range only has a few subtle styling differences since the EV still looks like it did when it was introduced eight years ago, but has an improved range and is even quicker. Looks are deceiving. There isn’t any single earth-shaking upgrade, but this latest version has smartly placed […]
First off, Happy Thanksgiving 2024. I hope you can be as thankful as the pilgrims were at that first Thanksgiving in 1621. “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four […]
President-Elect Donald Trump is currently preparing his list of nominees for the cabinet he needs to help advise him. Along with a few controversial picks, Trump has also added a couple of high profile names, Elon Musk and the Vivek Ramaswamy to a new advisory panel … a committee that is smugly being referred to […]
According to Brian Roemmele on X.com: Magnetic North is now drifting faster than 30 miles per year. It has already moved back past geological north, a place it has not been for 1000s of years. … and Elon Musk added: We live on a thin crust of solid rock, beneath which is vast ball of […]
Obviously the economy ranks high as to why incumbents were on the losing team when it comes to the November 2024 election. But for me, it’s the same as it was back in 1992 when James Carville said, “It’s the economy, stupid” … although this go around it could be argued that social issues played […]
My buddy Jeff decided to make a detour from his business appointment in NYC and drive to the end of Long Island “just” to grab a lobster roll and beer at the Shagwong tavern … because he is a lifetime Jimmy Buffett parrothead. I’m not sure there is a more devoted fan … unless it […]
Apple is finally rolling out the much ballyhooed Apple Intelligence on Apple devices … including my new iPhone 16 Pro Max. Their have been a few laughs from me when it comes to the AI “summary” feature generating a questionable summary (an automotive enthusiast John Rowe’s X.com comments – he does NOT recommend Sunbeam). On […]
Finally the 2024 Presidential Election is over (the White House and U.S. Senate flips to Republican control) … but America is still waiting to see who will control the House of Representatives. It has been a taxing election for American voters and likely even those just watching overseas. Both allies and adversaries are wondering what […]
Most people can answer to the “4 years ago” question (below), but a more important question in my view would be, “Do you think you and your family would be better off under a Harris or Trump presidency in the next 4 years?” Both presidential candidates have leadership records to run on, so compare wisely […]
Last year on this date, I commented about “investors being nervous this time of year” on the U.S. stock market indices. So as a filler nearly exactly one-year later, I figured I would do the same. The DOW and NASDAQ above on October 29, 2024 are WAY UP from 2023 and Chevron ($CVX) below is […]
I enjoyed a some Creedence Clearwater Revival last week on my headphones while walking. While having listened their version of “Midnight Special” many times before, it has never been included as a Music Monday selection. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Midnight Special” | 1969 Shocking to me was just how many bands performed the […]
One of the X.com feeds and blogs that I enjoy following is BrilliantMaps. They are based out of the UK and are always post interesting maps. Last week, this one caught my eye likely because I flew small planes before Menieres … and still enjoy aviation as a hobby. What Are Air Traffic Control Zones? […]
Nobody really knows when the next recession will come, but economists and those of us who monitor investments would really like to know before it arrives. This week while moving a few more dollars to the sideline, at least until after the November 2024 election and until mid-January 2025 (parked in a 3-month CD) … I […]
My daughter Katelyn forwarded me this impressive fireball image and earthsky.org article with a YouTube video captured by people from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and even Western NY (she hinted that it was “blogworthy” … so what is a dad to do? Share it, obviously). 🙂 The meteor (??) was clearly seen streaking over Lake Erie […]
Brenda and I have been working hard to walk the beach while on our annual October vacation to Florida. This year the ocean weather has been windy, a bit rainy … but warm. We’ve found the longer than usual walk challenging as the waves and tide has shrunk the beach and churned the water. We’ve […]