Wow … Saturday Night Live debuted 50 years ago
RichC | April 22, 2025
“OK, Houston, we’ve had a problem here,” Jack Swigert, Apollo 13
RichC | April 12, 2025
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 […]
Where did “keep it under your hat” come from?
RichC | April 10, 2025
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, […]
Why in the world is our day divided into 24 hours?
RichC | April 4, 2025
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 […]
The first Wawa convenient store in Ohio will be close to home
RichC | March 23, 2025
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.
Tech Friday: How Is The Date of Easter Determined?
RichC | March 21, 2025
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 […]
What does the “S” in Ulysses S. Grant mean?
RichC | March 20, 2025
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 […]
Watched the SS United States being towed to the Gulf of America
RichC | March 2, 2025
The nearly 75 year old ocean liner, the SS United States, was towed southbound in the Atlantic Ocean on February 26, 2025 and headed towards its finally resting place in the Gulf of America (previously Gulf of Mexico) somewhere off the coast near Destin, Florida to become an artificial reef. The 1951 (christened), 990 ft, […]
Enjoying life and leftover President’s Day weekend family photos
RichC | February 19, 2025
My reading from a week ago has stalled … and I have no idea why? “Area 51” by Annie Jacobsen is an interesting book, and beside walking, neither Brenda or I are doing much more than pretending we are on a long vacation. One of our pleasures is seeing the same people each morning […]
Tech Friday: Computer development from 1940 to 2100 #TikTok
RichC | February 14, 2025
I’m not much of a TikTok person (actually anti-TikTok) and you might want to take this with a grain of salt, but it is interesting to contemplate where computer development is going in the next 75 years?
Interesting history: Which came first, beer or wine?
RichC | February 8, 2025
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 […]
Enjoying “The Life of Riley” … as the old phrase goes
RichC | February 5, 2025
While sitting down after our long beach walk with a warm breeze on a sunny day while in Delray Beach, Florida, I commented to Brenda that we were living “The Life of Riley.” I assumed she would be familiar with the reference and meaning that we were living a comfortable and carefree life. She surprised […]
Generations and inflation graphic … and a cute family drawing
RichC | January 12, 2025
Depending on which generation you were born often factors into how you remember inflation. Those born in the 1930 thru1970s likely saw decades of relatively high inflation; they lived through years of 5-6% and higher inflation. Until recently, those born later … 1980 to today … saw a more moderate annual inflation number to begin […]
Websites and social media feeds highlighting maps intrigue me
RichC | January 9, 2025
A map by region illustrating the larger variations of temperatures than below Since I love looking at maps of all kinds, I’m always attracted to the ones that trigger intrigue me and helps me learn a little more about our world. I especially enjoy weather related maps (perhaps they often relate to aviation and sailing), […]
A New Dawn: American Optimism Flourishes Post-2024 Election
RichC | January 2, 2025
A palpable sense of optimism has swept across America since the November 2024 elections. The nation, having navigated a period of intense political division, now looks forward with renewed hope and confidence. The election results have sparked a collective sense of relief and of possibility, with many Americans believing that the future holds great promise […]
An interesting New Year’s Eve #AI assisted Filler Post to end 2024
RichC | December 31, 2024
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 […]
When hearing the word “titanic,” we often think RMS Titanic
RichC | December 28, 2024
The word titanic is hardly one we would pick to describe something huge today due to the history of the RMS Titanic. BUT, back in 1911-12 when it was built and sailed, the RMS Titanic was an enormous and impressive ship. If not for the arrogance in believe the design was nearly invincibile to the […]
Private sector vs Government comparison: Wages and Benefits
RichC | December 21, 2024
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!
Landscape ponds, Dawn dishwashing soap and FREE advertising
RichC | December 15, 2024
Click image of landscape pond from back in 2008 when we asphalted the rear driveway. Both have aged. 
My mistake this past month was when it came to scrubbing some of the waterfall area off and using Dawn dishwashing soap … whoops! Not a big deal, but it still has creating an offseason soapy […]
Women are becoming politically liberal, as men lean conservative
RichC | December 14, 2024
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 […]
Reading: Which do you prefer: Computer, iPad, Kindle or Paper?
RichC | December 11, 2024
After typing the title and looking at my photo below from Sunday afternoon, I realized that listing “smartphone” should also be added to the title/subject list … since it more than likely is read from the most these days? I personally have always been a luddite and preferred paper as the medium of choice when […]
My thoughts on a smaller, more efficient government in the US
RichC | November 20, 2024
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 […]
Andrew Higgins and the LCVP Higgins Boat of World War II
RichC | October 15, 2024
Ever since I was a kid in elementary school and heard about John F. Kennedy’s World War 2 story and then read Robert Donovan‘s book “PT-109: John F. Kennedy in WW II” and movie “PT-109,” I’ve admired what innovated boatbuilders could do with plywood (besides utility trailer sides, I had a plywood dingy when I […]
National Debt now $35.4 TRILLION. That’s $2.3T more in a year.
RichC | October 2, 2024
The government under Biden/Harris has been totally irresponsible when it comes to spending. They’ve shown zero interest in working towards a balanced budget and have put us another $2.3 TRILLION dollars further in debt (they are spending way more than they collect in taxes). Of course there’s nothing new to this fiscal malfeasance … it […]
Music Monday: “Arizona” from 1970. Where is the midwest?
RichC | August 12, 2024
First … Happy Birthday Brenda. We’ll celebrate with KDAE over the weekend in a few days. Where is the Midwest in the United States? Someone posted a map from the WSJ that mentioned it is geographically not where most people think it is — or where they call themselves Midwesterners. I outlined in yellow where […]
A couple interesting maps: Liberty Township development and severe weather map in Iowa looks like SW Ohio
RichC | July 10, 2024
For those of us living in the Liberty Township, Ohio area for nearly 30 years now, the development map above probably doesn’t come as a surprise. This once rural township is far more densely populated that it once was. With that growth comes challenges of keeping the heavy traffic and commercial growth from changing what […]
A favorite breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon and hash browns
RichC | July 7, 2024
Although we don’t eat out very much these days, having a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and hash browns is still a favorite of mine — OJ is an extra treat. Back when I would make more appointments with customers, meeting at Bob Evans or even picking up a “foam box breakfast” at the Silver […]
Retirement: The question has been asked a lot lately.
RichC | June 23, 2024
Brenda and I have been asked several times recently … “are you retired?” The most recent for me was at my yearly wellness physical by my PCP. I’m not really sure how to answer the question since there hasn’t really been a definitive “we are retiring” moment for either of us. I “work from home” […]
All states with weather and big cities have stressful commutes
RichC | June 11, 2024
The map below might not be up-to-date map (2021), but it looks like most states have there share of stressful traffic. Personally speaking … after driving to and from SW Ohio to NW Ohio for the better part of 20 years, I can attest that winter driving (snow and ice) and constant road construction on […]
Retirement: Workers Don’t Expect to Work Full-Time Past 62
RichC | May 19, 2024
It is time to face the inevitable that working later in life is not a reality for most people. As I commented on a Barron’s article last week, you “better have a Plan B or even a Plan C” in case there is a health concern that prevent working later in life. From personal experience, […]
Why must reading publications be so difficult and archiving an old Soma/CVS.com fulfillment facility plan
RichC | May 11, 2024
As someone who has spent their career in printing and publishing, I should know this, but why do so many creative people and graphic designers make reading magazines and some newspapers so painfully difficult? The typography in some is ridiculous. I enjoy reading in the evening when my eyes are tired and the lighting is […]
Being a great parent really isn’t that difficult #video
RichC | May 9, 2024
Being a great parent isn’t always expensive … it just takes a little time and attention to your children. Here’s someone spotted on social media being a great mom … and a pretty cute little girl enjoying the ride!
The Doppelgänger look-a-likes always impress me #TBT
RichC | May 2, 2024
Every once in a while there is a doppelgänger photo, person, sculpture or something that reminds me of someone else (software isn’t always accurate). Also a few years back, there was a person who reminded me of my brother Ron, so I posted about it. Back October 2011 at my nephew’s wedding, there was […]
Tech Friday: Some AI voice testing with NPR Editor Uri Berliner’s “Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust” article
RichC | April 12, 2024
Who isn’t … or more appropriately wasn’t … fond of listening to the interesting and smooth-toned audio that was part of National Public Radio (NPR) in the previous century. I spent an exorbitant amount of time in my car back then and listened to static-riddled politically conservative radio talk shows on AM radio and liberally […]
The day after our April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse #photos #video
RichC | April 9, 2024
Click images for larger images Our backyard may not have been the absolute best location to view a perfectly covered sun for the solar eclipse, but it was very impressive. Taylor took an afternoon off of work and came up with Gigi in the afternoon (we are north of Cincinnati), and I suspect he […]
A strong day for the stock market, Trump’s campaign and $DTJ
RichC | March 27, 2024
Amazing day for the stock market again. It looks like more high inflation and that this kind of strong market confidence may push off Fed rate cuts until inflation drops closer to 2%, unemployment begins to rise or the entire economy hits the skids. On the other hand, this irrational exuberance looking excitement (Crypto, $RDDT, […]
Besides costly higher education and health care … buying and owning a home is now unaffordable for many in America
RichC | March 17, 2024
Going to college after high school has always seemed expensive, but by working, borrowing and getting help from parents … it was do-able, and by today’s standards, seemed affordable. I can’t help but smile noticing that when I finally paid off my student loan that I could start saving to put my kids through college. […]
Food for thought: “Marxism isn’t an ideology at all – it’s a tactic”
RichC | March 12, 2024
Political ideology has always interesting me. I was aware of different philosophies early on since an intellectual best friend from high school was way to the left and interested in Socialism and Marxism. Charlie Matthews (Kamikaze) seemed like a leftover from the 1960s and even back in the 1970s and 80s supported the Marxist […]
We have an extra day this Leap Year … Let’s not waste it!
RichC | February 29, 2024
If you are a regular reader, then the answer is “yes” … I’ve been a bit distracted from posting regularly on MDB for the past couple of weeks. I promise to get better in March. Part of my distraction has been enjoying down time with Brenda in Florida and with my daughter and her family […]
A blog filler, but humanitarian innovation worth mentioning
RichC | February 23, 2024
Love to read a positive story or tidbit on social media … and this one about Kenton Lee and “The Shoe That Grows” caught my eye. In 2007, our founder Kenton Lee traveled to Nairobi, Kenya after graduating college. He lived and worked at a small orphanage with some incredible kids. One day, he was […]
Advice: An embarrassingly honest deodorant assessment #PSA
RichC | November 5, 2023
So here’s a piece of advice that I really should have clearly known before my age. Old Spice High Endurance deodorant is significantly better than Classic deodorant (said to be discontinued … and now I know why). Don’t ever think you are going to save a buck buying the steeply-discounted 3-pack of Classic deodorant when […]
A “feel good” story from Clint Edwards’ book “Fatherish”
RichC | October 1, 2023
Make America Great Again, one parent at a time (not political). Here’s slightly different take on MAGA with an uplifting lesson and message for fathers; pay attention to your role in your family. When I asked my 11-year-old son to help me unload dirt from our small pickup into his mother’s new garden boxes, his reaction […]
The ablity to memorize passes to the next generation #TBT
RichC | September 28, 2023
This content is restricted.
Who else has tried to “pinch-to-zoom” a paper map? #humor
RichC | September 23, 2023
I had to laugh at myself the while reading one of the World War II Pacific Island campaign history books then looking up at my cork wall and trying to “pinch-to-zoom” the paper map for more details. Oh, the tech habits we adopt! And since this is a random kind of filler humor post, below […]
Blog stats and a humorous Iceland tourist article
RichC | September 16, 2023
It’s interesting to see the changes in how people access Internet content over the years … or at least access information on MyDesultoryBlog.com. Microsoft Windows was once dominate, but Mac, Linux and Chrome OS computers are gaining ground. Perhaps the biggest change since starting the blog in 2005 is just how dominate iOS and Android […]
About the book “Baa Baa Black Sheep” and Gregory Boyington
RichC | September 3, 2023
In August I finished up an excellent 1958 autobiography by Gregory “Pappy” Boyington titled “Baa Baa Black Sheep” … mentioned previously. He was a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot who commanded the VMF-214 Black Sheep Squadron during World War II. The book tells the story of Boyington’s early life, his training as a pilot, […]
A shared “feel good about the next generation” story
RichC | July 16, 2023
Perhaps I’m just being sensitive in having a couple granddaughters I want to protect, but started to read a human interest story last week that started me off irritated. Thankfully by the end, it gave a ray of hope for the next generation. Dear teenage boy at the skate park… You’re probably about 15 years-old, […]
Books: Listening to “Of Boys and Men” by Richard V. Reeves
RichC | July 14, 2023
While waiting on a copy of the 2022 “Of Boys and Men” ebook to become available at my local library (have it on hold), I ended up downloading the audio version read by the “British” author Richard V. Reeves (like many Americans, I enjoy the sophisticated accent). A plus for the audio version that even […]
Contemplating the phrase: “Have a good ONE!”
RichC | June 22, 2023
Using the pronoun “one” seems out of place and too casual when using the common phrase … “Have a good one.” It is heard all the time in day to day conversation (even on television business news shows — you know who you are Lauren Simonetti — HA!) and at least for me, the phrase […]
Food For Thought: A Life Expectancy in America Map
RichC | April 8, 2023
I’m not really sure where the data for this map came from or if it is accurate (??) … but it is something to think about.
Unhealthy Aging graphic and my granddaughters in church
RichC | March 15, 2023
While reading a health related social media post this past week, a graphic struck me as interesting since it highlights many of the ailments that most doctors and aging humans eventually face. Just to keep it personal, I’m noticing the hair thinning, vision and hearing loss as well as my high cholesterol needing some work […]
A young chef fixes his own lunch #video
RichC | February 8, 2023
From experience, I do know that younggist children in the U.S. (often farm kids — or commercial fisherman kids) were responsible for home chores, pitched in with caring for their siblings … and over a century ago (thankfully) would be sent to work outside the home. But in many parts of the world, children learn […]
The 3 monkeys have added a 4th. A sign of our times #filler
RichC | January 12, 2023
Viral Social Media image
Proposing our family listen to a podcast on Christmas Eve
RichC | December 24, 2022
Jane Wells has been a reporter for CNBC (“Janie” as the late Mark Haines called her) that I’ve followed for years while watching business news channels (or should I have said, “is a ‘has-been’ reporter?” – hopefully a little humor that she would appreciate!). Anyway, I always smiled when watching her “quirky” stories and reporting […]
The grandson of John Tyler, the 10th POTUS, is still alive
RichC | December 18, 2022
It took a little research, but the thought of the 10th President of the United States still having a living grandson alive today seemed … well, unbelievable. Mentally, I worked the numbers … and then had to do a little Internet sleuthing … but low and behold it was true. President John Tyler was born […]
Native American tribes in America before the Europeans #maps
RichC | November 20, 2022
Maps and history have always held my interest (as they do for my son Taylor too). Having grown up when schools glossed over most of American the history prior to Columbus in 1492 (or perhaps the Vikings) … it is interesting to learn a little bit more about the “approximately 20 million” Native Americans that […]
Our Chick-fil-A order was securely delivered with a smile
RichC | November 19, 2022
Our Chick-fil-A order last week was “securely” delivered to our car by a law enforcement officer … and with a smile (wish I could have tipped him)! My kind of city and state. Community outreach does not get much better than this! #lawenforcement & @ChickfilA working together to keep the line moving. pic.twitter.com/oisMROLqLz — Rich […]
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.