Filler: Here’s how to splice “into” a wire without cutting it
RichC | May 17, 2026
Tool tips share on social media always get my attention. I’m not sure this wire splicing tidbit will come in handy for me, but it is still impressive.
Do you dare mention anything during your yearly wellness visit?
RichC | May 16, 2026
It is time to schedule my wellness visit for 2026 and I’m afraid to mention anything … although in my case it has more to do with having to make another appointment or additional billing by my PCP. If not that, I’m sure he’ll request additional labs or refer me to a specialist! $$$ Doctor: […]
As Americans, we should civilly debate and discuss our politics
RichC | May 12, 2026
An apology is required as I may have been premature and somewhat defensive in voicing my frustration last week over my unrequested commentary submission to TheHustings. The editors instead decided to request a left-counter and add their center-column two cents in order to make it a weekend subject — well done. So if you’re into […]
Filler: Where did the “Pig in a Poke” idiom come from?
RichC | April 21, 2026
After a pre-posting … but incorrectly dating … Music Monday post (next week) and Tuesday late addition, here’s a humorous social media video that triggered an idiom idea. The video is a “pig in a chair” with the comment of a “pig in a blanket” X.com comment. For me it had me thinking about “pig […]
What are you paying to fill up your car or truck (March 31, 2026)?
RichC | March 31, 2026
It’s pretty expensive to drive, fly, ship or LIVE this past month as Iran has made the transit of oil and goods through the Strait of Hormuz nearly impossible. Is there an end in sight? The average price at the gas pump hit $4.02 Tuesday, its highest level since August 2022. Here's where gas is […]
We’re definitely not under 40, but we do go “clubbing” at Costco
RichC | March 31, 2026
Shared with our kids last week and after watching Brenda laugh, decided this social media share was worth posting on the blog. We all had a good chuckle. 😊
Tech Friday: Can you (should you) still plug into wired Ethernet?
RichC | March 27, 2026
This past week my New Hampshire friend and “once upon a time” my Twitter (X.com) “godfather,” Scott Bilik, mentioned that he turned off the wifi and cellular connection on his Android phone and “on a whim” tested the wired Ethernet connectivity. I was sitting near our home’s router, disabled WiFi and cellular data on my […]
Extra prayers for our troops this week who are keeping us safe
RichC | March 15, 2026
As we bow our heads in prayer this Saturday evening or Sunday morning, pray especially for the men and women serving in our armed forces — those stationed far from home, in harm’s way, protecting freedoms and standing guard for peace. The highlighted passage from Psalm 144 has been top of mind since seeing it […]
Petrichor — The fresh scent after the rain starts
RichC | March 11, 2026
Who knew??? The fresh scent after the rain is called petrichor. When raindrops touch dry soil, they release plant oils and geosmin produced by bacteria, creating this rich, earthy fragrance. — @earthcurated
Discussed a couple interesting automotive items this past week
RichC | March 8, 2026
This past week in my social media automotive group, I posted one of the rare Volkswagen vehicles: A VW Aeteon. If it were not for my desire for something a little more practical (SUV-ish) … I could see driving something like this? While the conversation normally highlights the vehicles themselves, something else was discussed as […]
Five Great European Trading Companies from 1740 – 1855
RichC | February 22, 2026
Yes … I do love looking at maps AND learning more about history … especially sailing and shipping history from centuries ago. BrilliantMaps.com always posts something interesting to read and learn about. Hm .. Five of the Great European trading companies: The map above shows the routes taken by 5 of the Great European trading […]
The U.S. national debt is set to surge +$2.4 TRILLION per year over the next 10 years, according to new CBO estimates.
RichC | February 19, 2026
The U.S. needs to keep investing in printing presses … or more likely continue to add numbers to the electronic ledgers our incompetent bureaucrats in Washington DC are running up! There are so few politicians willing to cut the spending … even after DOGE … that they won’t address this until everything collapses. Very frustrating. […]
Music Monday: Fire On The Mountain (video)
RichC | February 15, 2026
A unique song for this week’s Music Monday after seeing the video below on social media. It is an old time fiddle song that has roots dating back to at least the early 19th century, appearing in print as early as 1814 in Riley’s Flute Melodies under the title “Free on the Mountains.” Fire on the Mountain might be […]
Maps always catch my eye: What about “Life after Death?”
RichC | February 1, 2026
The social media feed and blog BrilliantMaps.com has appeared a few times on MDB. I’m always drawn to maps as a way to visualize topics and information. Here’s one that surveys both the World and Europe and if they Believe in Life after Death. (beside to click on each map for a larger view […]
Always learning: “Dromaeosaurid” and “You’re the cat’s meow”
RichC | January 25, 2026
Last week I was reading automotive journalist George Straton’s review (a friend on X.com) on the Ford F-150 Raptor and he used the term “dromaeosaurid” in his article. Assuming it had something to do with a dinosaur reference, I still needed to look it up in order to feel educated. Perhaps I’m not the only […]
Big Government loves power, spending and TAXING everything
RichC | January 21, 2026
Obviously the social media algorithms know what triggers me and other fiscal conservative smaller government advocates.
How long is “the average length of winter” where you live?
RichC | January 7, 2026
While this is not exactly a new map (1980-2014), the “Average Length of Winter in Days” in North America likely doesn’t change all that much. Still, the BrilliantMaps repost of it in December makes it interesting, at least to me, as we hibernate this January 2026.
J.K. Rowling tweet (or X post) worth thinking about this 2026
RichC | January 1, 2026
J.K. Rowling, born Joanne Kathleen Rowling on July 31, 1965, in Yate, England, is the acclaimed British author of the Harry Potter series, which has sold over 600 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 85 languages. Inspired to write the series during a delayed train journey in 1990, she completed the first […]
Tidbits: Workshop 3-In One oil cans from the past
RichC | December 23, 2025
A regular social media Ohio guy that I follow on X.com always posts and asks interesting things dealing with people who still clearly remember the 1970 and 80s. A question and photo asked: “Are you this old? Hmm 😒 🤔?¿” (followed by a can of “3-in-One” oil”) Fortunately or unfortunately … I am not only that […]
Another interesting set of maps of Ohio from NationalAtlas.gov
RichC | December 17, 2025
Brilliantmaps is a social media account on X.com that I follow for year … and have posted from before. This past week, one of the posts on their website was on a set of retired NationalAtlas.gov maps of Ohio. Since I’ve been a life long “Ohioian,” it seems fitting to include a link to their […]
Are you old enough to remember Earl Scheib and the Chevy Vega?
RichC | December 10, 2025
A couple of automotive “oldies” crossed my interests this week. One of them was of course on my automotive social media feed, but another pulled from an old magazine in my workshop. First, the Earl Scheib sign and left me remembering the annoying voice and advertising from the 1970s and 80s: “Hi, I’m Earl Scheib, […]
How much truth in “Opinion from a Former Judge” … Grok?
RichC | December 4, 2025
After reading an opinion from several years ago, but also after recent events, rising tensions and political divide in the U.S. … the same article is being passed around social media again. The writings seemed almost too spot on so I was interested in knowing how much truth there was to it — so I’m […]
Music Monday: Jimmy Buffett and “Saxophones”
RichC | November 24, 2025
It is odd just how the human mind works when connecting a couple of entirely different names? Last week, in a discussion on X.com, an automotive journalist, CarGuyTom, toss out the celebrity name, Ema Thompson, after a poll he was running. Knowing Tom was a fan of jazz music, the name for some strange reason […]
It looks as if this is a “between a rock and a hard place” situation?
RichC | November 18, 2025
It is looking as if Taylor is caught in a challenging spot professionally — WCPO story. The voters who elected the trustees for his Batavia Township obviously do not want more developments with small lots and more tightly packed homes and the traffic that comes with it. Yet those who want to build developments are […]
Beautiful autumn color and a camping photo from the late 1980s
RichC | November 7, 2025
I know, it is Friday and that generally means an interesting (at least to me) Tech Friday story. Does a photo of Brenda’s “tech-y” Tesla Model 3 with the trees changing count? I didn’t think so … In reality, I’m slightly behind in my week and totally missed posting a #TBT photo my buddy Jeff […]
The Dodger winning in 2025 game 7 over the Blue Jays is already being called the greatest finale in World Series baseball history
RichC | November 2, 2025
Brenda and I were “emotionally” invested in the very competitive 2025 World Series. Having watched nearly every game of the playoffs … and all 7 nail-biting World Series games, gave us time to learn more about the teams and players. We pick favorites and I even found myself nicknaming them. After the final pitch late […]
Tax Credits on Used EVs end this month, but read the fine print
RichC | September 13, 2025
You would think that I would be acutely on top of things when it comes to finance, and things such as buying and selling used cars and electric vehicles (Ok, not so much EVs). That is not the case as I found out this week when communicating with my son-in-law who is in the process […]
Words cannot express my sorrow, anger and our divisive politics
RichC | September 12, 2025
Filler post that meant more to me when I was younger #video
RichC | August 30, 2025
This may not be all that interesting at the moment, but back in the day I was all about these unique money (and water) saving hacks. From prepping, to Boy Scouting or college, early married and family years camping … or to sailing frugally for that matter … I always enjoyed and appreciated these kinds […]
Do you know what this is? A bulk 35mm film loader. #TBT
RichC | August 28, 2025
As often happens these days, the “friends/acquaintances” on the social media site X.com that I regularly chat with, brought up the subject of old-school film photography. Since it was my main hobby from my first darkroom in junior high through high school, and then college (and even graduate school), I felt obliged to chime in […]
Sort of getting an itch to work on cars again. Long overdue!
RichC | August 6, 2025
My favorite vehicle: 1994 Toyota 4Runner and first solo-drive: VW Karmann Ghia A couple of automotive triggering discussions regarding “working on cars” came about over the weekend that triggered my thinking, “I should be working on cars in the garage again.” Maybe was the pleasant low-humidity weather or just seeing the Wyze cam videos of […]
Music Monday: 1978’s SNL was definitely better than today
RichC | August 4, 2025
Who growing up in the 1970s or 1980s didn’t enjoy watching Saturday Night Live, or the program that just goes by SNL these days, once in a while? It is hard not run out of space to list the many talented comedians and actors that rose to fame while appearing on NBC’s unique weekly late […]
Friday Filler: A social media shared “feel good” #video
RichC | July 25, 2025
Really … there’s no comment or commentary needed. Just watching this baby (and mom) laugh is enough to brighten even the dreariest day. Have a great weekend!
Very disappointed in Dow Jones and the WSJ customer service
RichC | July 23, 2025
If you read my blog at all, you know I’m a long time Wall Street Journal subscriber and often quote or reference their content. I’m actually embarrassed to say that I’ve been reading the newspaper version from the time before the Internet and had it delivered to my place of business for years. So … […]
Tech Friday: The Double-Edged Sword of AI on the Internet
RichC | July 18, 2025
The rise of AI in search and browsing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI-powered tools offer efficiency, delivering quick, synthesized answers without the need to navigate multiple websites. For users, this can feel like a leap forward—why sift through links when a chatbot can summarize the best information? However, this convenience comes at […]
Is this photograph real or was it created by artificial intelligence?
RichC | July 17, 2025
I couldn’t help but remember a Memorex tape advertisement that ran in the 1970s for cassette tapes (above) … then in the 1980s for VHS tapes … when seeing the photo below: “Is it live … or is it Memorex?“ What do you think of when you see the shape of this island off the coast […]
A few natural tips to keep bugs from bothering you #video
RichC | June 29, 2025
Here a few natural tips to try if you want to keep pests away — it is worth trying!
Testing Debug mode updates
RichC | June 25, 2025
This is a test of the XPoster plugin debug mode and updating again.
Testing updates and social media automatic updates
RichC | June 24, 2025
Ignore this late lunchtime update. The feed from WordPress to X.com has been failing to authenticate and update properly after the ups and downs on this server. Below is a 14 day look before finally clearing the MySQL problem. Hopefully the bloat has been fixed?
Peace Through Strength — Strength, Deterrence and Iran
RichC | June 24, 2025
It looks as if my commentary is becoming a regular righthand column thing over at TheHustings.news (based on the current news story). Peace Through Strength — Strength, Deterrence and Iran The debate over whether to strike Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites is now behind us, as Tehran has suffered a significant setback in its pursuit […]
Still problems with server overload, so old photos for #TBT
RichC | June 12, 2025
This past week, MDB and server uptime as a been a issue. Likely all stemmed from an attempt to keeps things upgraded … then having problems with a old modified theme and plugins in WordPress that were not compatible … and finding myself backpedaling only to reinstall the version that “was” working. Sadly … there […]
Maps are an interesting way to look at countries and the world
RichC | June 4, 2025
As mentioned a few times before, I enjoy the visuals of maps, charts and the globe. One of the social media accounts that I follow on X.com is Brilliantmaps.com. A couple years ago they posted a visual of the country Chile compared to the U.S. and to Europe. Chile is a long, LONG, country. 😊
Testing MarsEdit blogging feature and interesting aviation trivia
RichC | May 29, 2025
This is a blogging test of a MarsEdit feature to include content that is on a different server — a Memorial Day 8-plane backyard formation flyover (it didn’t work). ☹️ Also, an interesting bit of Area-51 “Skunk Works” Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk development trivia: The stealth bomber prototype secretly developed at Area 51 in the […]
There are great patriots in America who still honor the late Congressional Medal of Honor receipient Ed “Too Tall” Freeman
RichC | May 14, 2025
One never knows the connections that might be made online these days — and not all of them are of the negative variety. I had the pleasure of talking with Bill Rogers from New York who happened to run across my MDB post from 2016 on Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Ed “Too Tall” Freeman […]
A busy week, but after seeing this, I’m not complaining
RichC | May 7, 2025
Hm, remind me not to complain about driving a few miles in a heated or air conditioned car … on paved American roads that might have a couple rough patches. 😉
Tidbit: A tip to wire-tie clamp instead of a hose clamp
RichC | May 3, 2025
Just a helpful filler tidbit that might be helpful someday. I spotted this one on social media and am adding it to my blog.
A few handy workshop tips I’ll forget when they are needed
RichC | April 18, 2025
When scanning my X.com social media feed, the handy short video tips often catch my eye. Most I’ll never need, but there are a few I wish I could remember when I need them. Saving them here likely won’t help, but who knows?
Chuck Norris Internet #humor still makes me laugh …
RichC | February 27, 2025
An interesting turn of events happened last month … Brenda started to use social media — a little bit (she took pride in avoiding it). At first I spotted her flicking through X.com and then noticed a “heart” or two showing up on my posts. I even noticed she left a comment and answered a […]
Tech media leaders are friendlier to Trump in 2025 than 2017
RichC | February 21, 2025
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 […]
Excellent speech by VP JD Vance on Artificial Intelligence, etc.
RichC | February 12, 2025
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 […]
Leftover political humor highlighting a U.S. postage stamp
RichC | February 2, 2025
Although I’m sure the November 2024 election loss might still be raw for some, a leftover lampoon of the 46th president and a U.S. postage stamp “might” of had me smiling … as did “this real video” a couple months ago. It could have been tossed to the computer trash or left to humor others […]
Another invitation to add my two-cents to TheHustings.news
RichC | January 16, 2025
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 […]
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), […]
Our recent snowstorm reminds me of the old days in Ohio
RichC | January 6, 2025
Winter has arrived in much of the heartland to the east coast for January 2025 … and here in Cincinnati too. It is a storm that is impacting travel on roads, by air and even the power lines since there was ice and freezing rain included with a significant snow. Taylor was out with Megan […]
A clean and very funny Silent Letter Day comedy #video
RichC | January 5, 2025
Before I add the humor (video below), I wanted to include a photo of the girls ice skating on their last day of Christmas break. It was so nice to have the extra time with “Mommy Katelyn” on Friday and doing something special (great smile and photo)! Spotted this on X.com and it made me […]
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 […]
Filler Friday: Is this “waves in the sky” photo real or AI?
RichC | December 27, 2024
It will likely be busy in our household this weekend (as we’re having a belated family Christmas) … but saw this Friday Filler photo on social media and thought it was interesting enough to share (I’m not sure it is real or AI — click for larger)?
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!
Should this be a Tech Friday or ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post?
RichC | December 19, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is infiltrating almost everything we do on a smartphone, tablet or computer these days. Last week, my X.com feed sent a message that “you should try generating an image of yourself” based on whatever data it collects. I suspect it relies on my profile information, but am not sure what else it […]
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 […]
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.