RichC | November 13, 2014
So much for posting about refrigerator shopping … and good thing I measured. appropriate Samsung RS22HDHPNSR Side by Side refrigerator Today was “slow down day” since our old, ugly, broken fridge is still working and the size has me re-thinking the “good deal.” The previously mentioned refrigerator that I “was” planning to […]
RichC | November 13, 2014
Last year about this time (almost exactly this time) I was shopping for a refrigerator to replace the very old one down in the Florida condo. Ever since then, the aging white Kitchen Aid refrigerator in our house just doesn’t cut the mustard anymore … even though it still keeps the condiments it cool. Ok, […]
RichC | November 6, 2014
After attempting to sell my mother-in-law’s western New York home by using a realtor this summer, the family has decided to forgo the continued “professional” listing and instead do a FSBO listing … handing it off to yours truly. What are they thinking??? I’ve taken on the project and will “learn as I go” (advice […]
RichC | July 29, 2014
FAILED … is a common complaint with the charging and synchronization cables used on portable electronics. First (above), my premium Griffin branded power blocks cord that I use at my desk (not rolled and unrolled) for charging my iPad failed. I suspect it is the connector, but maybe the cable? The second is only […]
RichC | July 13, 2014
In analyzing my Sodastream Christmas gift from the kids … after polishing off the original soda flavors … my 5 gallons of Diet Coke concentrate will last about 6 months. My wife Brenda unfortunately did not become a fan (lifetime Diet Pepsi addict) although I adjusted my daily refreshments choice to primarily the paintball carbonator […]
RichC | June 30, 2014
It is nice to know (sarcasm) that with up-to-date inventory systems connected to customers by computer, tablet and smartphone, that companies like Newegg still find ways to remind us that ordering online is not always efficient. Here I am checking to see if my order will arrive as expected today … but instead my order […]
RichC | May 17, 2014
I’m usually pretty good at noticing price verse packaging size when it comes to items we regularly purchase … but I missed this one until opening the package at home. My Old Spice Deodorant that once was in a standard package size of 3.25 oz is priced the same but now packaged with 8% less […]
RichC | May 14, 2014
With government printed NOAA paper nautical charts going by the wayside, there are still a few options if you want paper. I’m partial to small publisher Paradise Cay Publications who has been serving the nautical minded for years out of Arcata, California. They’ll print small format, traditional paper and waterproof material (video below) and have […]
RichC | April 22, 2014
A post on the FiveThirtyEight.com blog by Kaiser Fung this past weekend analyzed the prediction of airfares on Kayak (after the removal of Microsoft’s Bing Travel’s Farecast in January 2014), left me wondering if the days of successful Big Data’s Predictive Analysis are disappearing? According to my read on Fung’s selective airfare routes research, you […]
RichC | March 7, 2014
It seems as if I’m spending more time looking for parts and pieces that actually getting repairs done these last few days. Besides testing Raymarine components for Encore, I’m spinning my wheels looking for a shut-off solenoid for the propane locker, liquid silicone and port visors to seal a couple challenging water leaks (hatches and […]
RichC | February 24, 2014
In my pursuit of cheaper soft drinks it has become my terminus to save a buck and still make decent tasting cola. I continue to tweak my Sodastream setup and can confirm that my tastebuds have now fully adjusted to self-blended Diet Coke … and that I’m addicted (not so good). Currently the five gallon […]
RichC | February 17, 2014
Last week I posted a quick coffee review on CCSpecialty Coffee’s 100% Hawaiian Kona Fancy coffee and promised that an update on the Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee would follow. Over the weekend we had an opportunity to try the new beans over dessert after my wife’s homemade spaghetti. Three of us taste tested and enjoyed […]
RichC | February 11, 2014
One of the pleasures of my “adult” life has been enjoying coffee. Generally I’m content with run of the mill canned coffee or “plain Joe” restaurant brew for that first cup of the day, but after dinner or on the weekend I much prefer a freshly ground bean from roasters who know their craft. Recently […]
RichC | January 16, 2014
Completing the thank you circle to my kids for their thoughtful Christmas gifts this year, I’ll post a thank you to Katelyn and Drew for their gift of a Sodasteam machine. The thought is that it might be a solution for soft drinks on the boat. Super idea! The small and simple device reduces the […]
RichC | January 4, 2014
Since I haven’t received an order yet, I can’t vouch for Genuinedealz.com, but as online specialty stores goes, this one is top notch. Sure they could improve their site with a few more value added links and how-to’s, but the selection of Marine Wire, Electrical Supplies, Cables and Connectors is excellent … and it is […]
RichC | December 8, 2013
Have you ever purchase items from overseas that you thought were a great deal? Well, buyer beware since there can be glitches when it comes to jumping online and “importing or exporting” (the key words) to and from the U.S. when it come to customs … besides the inherent risk involved in exchanging money. I […]
RichC | November 6, 2013
I had a somewhat frustrating day dealing with insurance policies and realized that we’ve been overpaying for a very long time … unless I’m missing something? It started with a simple phone call to verify that a 15 year term life insurance policy was indeed expired. A call to the Select Quote people confirmed I […]
RichC | October 22, 2013
With a $25 coupon about to expire, I decided to buy a new pair of grippy Sperry SeaRacer Sneakers. These boat shoes were not exactly what I expected as they were much lighter in weight and lighter in construction than any “sneaker” I’ve ever had. In fact, they were almost wimpy. But … after wearing […]
RichC | October 14, 2013
Since I’m looking to bring my son home from North Dakota over Christmas, I figured it might be time to archive a list of shopping tips I copied and saved in a document a few years ago … can’t remember where I found them? I can’t vouch for the current accuracy, but I’m using the […]
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 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 | April 29, 2013
2014 Volkswagen GTI on Uncrate – link Volkswagen XL1 on Uncrate – link
RichC | September 28, 2012
A friend of mine is contemplating a computer upgrade and wants to look at an Apple Macbook Pro or Macbook Air this year, but the $2000 price tag is something to think seriously about. He asked me for my opinion since I have a pile of old Macintosh computers and hears that most users are […]
RichC | May 8, 2012
I couldn’t resist spending $3.35 on a plastic snap on slim fit back at Amazon to put on my iPad. I’ve be semi-pleased with the non-skid surface (not sticky) when holding the tablet for reading outside the case and now no long cringe when the aluminum back slides on a rough surface. For just a […]
RichC | March 16, 2012
I’m not planning on going to Walmart to stand in line at 12:01AM to buy the new iPad, but would like to end up with one at some point. From the reports I’ve been reading, the battery life is still excellent (10 hours), the retina display unbeatable (super sharp) and the added weight/thickness hardly noticeable […]
RichC | January 28, 2012
Perhaps my favorite site for comparing cameras and reading reviews is dpreview.com, but it is not the same as trying or spending a few hours with different models in person. Most of us amateurs don’t really have that luxury or even the time. DSLR users rarely switch systems and may not have a full appreciation […]
RichC | July 19, 2011
Clipping and archiving to the blog. I could have just marked it private but figured I’d share just in case someone has an opinion. Length 9′ 10" Beam 5′ 1" Weight 114 Lbs Capacity: 4 Persons or 992 Lbs Maximum Motor 10 hp (Maximum motor weight 99 Lbs) Manufacturer recommends 8 hp (15" shaft) Tube […]
RichC | July 11, 2011
Since my wife Brenda rarely reads my blog, I think I’m safe talking about her birthday and gifts that are gadgets. I will probably get chastised by both men and women alike in repeating the similar mistake year after year by giving her something technology oriented for her birthday, I’m doing it one more time. […]
RichC | February 19, 2011
I’m going to try something new if it isn’t too offensive by listing an item for sale in my sidebar. After ordering a few LED hat lights for a customers’ embroidered caps as promotional items, I found that everyone like them as much as I did — previous post — so … I might as […]
RichC | January 20, 2011
There’s nothing more frustrating than a project requiring two hands in a dimly lit location without a good portable light or flashlight handy. With the improvements in LED lighting technology there are a lot of good strap-on head lamp options; one such ‘toolbox handy item’ is the Cyclops Micro LED Hat Light. It’s tiny […]
RichC | December 22, 2010
I had thought that I had found the near perfect pair of pants from Eddie Bauer for traveling and after buying a first pair in khaki color, opted for a second pair in olive. Besides being comfortable and having strong triple stitched seams, there are a few design features that are worth pointing out. For […]
RichC | November 29, 2010
So … how many Cyber Monday emails have flooded your inbox today? By 10:30 EST I’ve counted 56 emails that are in my inbox (or spam folder) highlighting “cyber” and suspect there will be a few more that show up before the day’s end. Some of the more unconventional “cyber” sales are for cruises, woodworking […]
RichC | November 19, 2010
The latest expensive gift catalog arrived from Hammacher Schlemmer in our mailbox just in time for me to add the Terrafugia Transition to Santa’s list. Actually I was shocked to see the “flying car” appear on the cover … a perfect gift for someone with money to burn. It is priced at $350,000, although you […]
RichC | October 2, 2010
Brenda and I enjoyed visiting our son on Saturday for Family Weekend at Miami University. Although we didn’t spend the entire day with all the planned activities, we did enjoy a brunch with his professors and department head. It was nice to be in a small group talking with them about internships and future options […]
RichC | May 20, 2009
Now that we all know that the Palm Pre will be available for consumers on June 6th, where is the best place to buy it? One would think that heading to the Pre’s exclusive carrier Sprint, but you might be wrong. According to an Engadget post, Best Buy intends to sell the long awaited smartphone […]
RichC | March 13, 2008
A few months ago mention the name Ikea would have meant very little to me. After an Ikea Store grand opening in my area today (North of Cincinnati), it is difficult to ‘not’ know about this Swedish company. For those of you living under the same rock I must have been under, this is very […]
RichC | December 19, 2006
Its about time for my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to receive her new timing belt. As I close in on 100,000 miles the recommended services is to replace not only the timing belt, but the serpentine belt, the idler rollers and the water pump. Thankfully the later models come from the factory with a long […]