Word of the day: Marginalia and rocking chairs for KDAE’s porch
RichC | April 8, 2025
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 […]
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 […]
How many of these berries are you familiar with?
RichC | March 25, 2025
While I love eating most berries, I will admit to not knowing all of these — do you?
This history and “word” tidbit is making me hungry for breakfast
RichC | February 26, 2025
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 […]
LSSU’s 2024 list of Banished Words
RichC | January 7, 2025
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 […]
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 woodworking snippet on how to repair a dovetail pin
RichC | December 29, 2024
Every once in a while I come across a idea from a library-borrowed digital woodworking magazine that get snipped and stored on my iPad as a photo (some are overseas even). Sometimes its a better idea to add them to MyDesultoryBlog’s Woodworking section as it is easy for me to find them again (there are […]
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 […]
An out of the blue post on my Fitbit Versa 2 watch face by Kamon
RichC | November 29, 2024
Since the likelyhood of me getting a new Apple watch for Christmas is growing by the day (my wife Brenda has been inquiring), I’ve started my research as to what kind of watch face will give me ALL the information I would like to see. My goal is to replace the current Kamon watch face […]
Magnetic North has moved substantially in my lifetime
RichC | November 19, 2024
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 […]
How to get rid of a couple of common kitchen bugs
RichC | November 3, 2024
Goodbye Fruit Flies To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2′ with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever! Get Rid of Ants. Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. […]
Woodworking Snippets: Bandsaw template tracker and Doweling
RichC | October 20, 2024
There is probably a better way to archive tips and articles from online magazines these days (it was easier when I just cut it out of the monthly paper magazine), but until then, saving snippets and tidbits to my blog is what I’ll do, even though I have a few ideas saved in my MacBook […]
Woodworking: A couple tidbits worth saving for the workshop
RichC | October 12, 2024
Snipping from my digital woodworking magazines definitely become a habit, although I’m not sure I’ll remember how to find them, even though they are archived on the blog (or keep myself from marking up the image with digital red marks)! 😊 Nevertheless, the one above might be useful IF I make the edge guide a […]
What did you plink with the Wrist-Rocket slingshot? #TBT
RichC | September 26, 2024
Once again, a social media “what is it” post (on X.com) intrigued me enough to comment on the glass insulators that were used on phone lines for years … especially along the railroad tracks when I was a kid. The antique photo triggered a Throwback Thursday #TBT memory of hanging out in an area behind […]
The last garden tomatoes and a workshop bar clamp rack idea
RichC | September 15, 2024
The summer growing season is over and I’m eating the last of the tomatoes that KDAE brought from NW Ohio. They were a real treat and “all for me” since I’m the only one in the family who loves and eats tomatoes. They were so much better than store bought. Also, I know I sort […]
Posting way too many woodworking magazine snippets lately
RichC | September 8, 2024
If you’ve been checking in daily, you’re likely tired of seeing woodworking ideas, tidbits and magazine clipping? I’ll try to promise that this is the last of them in my “to archive on the blog” folder for a little while. First, the Rockler sled is something I sort of already have … but still worth […]
Learning to use a “new to me” woodworking finger joint jig
RichC | August 29, 2024
Last year about this time, I posted about making or buying a Rockler Box Joint Jig for my router table. Eventually I did buy it on sale a few months ago but with summer arriving, I didn’t find the time to work in the basement workshop. While catching up on some woodworking magazine reading last […]
What does a “1913 tire ad” have to do with a political X.com post?
RichC | August 9, 2024
While looking on Wikipedia for for the history of old the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words,” I came across an interesting 1913 newspaper clipping from the town just south of my adopted hometown of Sidney, Ohio — that of Piqua, Ohio. It is always interesting to stumble across tidbits from the past […]
Table Saw extension idea for wider sheet support
RichC | July 17, 2024
Just a clipped “Pick of the Tricks” from Woodworker’s Journal (publishing will end with October 2024 issue) ☹️
Archiving helpful photos for a sewing leather/heavy material
RichC | June 16, 2024
Really I’m just saving a couple of helpful photos to use when it comes to sewing heavy material or perhaps leather with the Sailrite WorkerB upgrade. It might help when remembering how to adjust the Ultrafeed sewing machine … although I do know this, but sew so infrequently that it is easy to forget. Knot […]
This weeks leftovers: Laundry Room Update, Lift Pump Switch, Congressional Baseball Game and WyzeCam Pet detected
RichC | June 15, 2024
While clearing a few photos off my iPhone 7 Plus due to limited storage space this week, I decided it might be nice to archive a few photos … so “leftovers” from the week sounded like a good idea for this post. First, Brenda wanted a few new hooks for mops and things in the […]
Tech Friday: Trying Perplexity.AI for better assistance
RichC | June 14, 2024
After chatting with Brenda’s sisters and brother-in-laws about booking flights for a trip together, I mentioned that I was partial to Southwest Airlines. My brother-in-laws are both Delta fliers … and have a long history of booking business travel with the major airlines — I did feel as if I were ruffling feathers (text updates […]
Tidbit: Keeping the bristles on a paint brush gunk free
RichC | June 5, 2024
While reading paper or digital versions of magazines, I’m prone to clipping tips that I might find useful. Here’s one on soaking “just the bristles” of a varnish or polyurethane paint brush in solvent without the tips of the brush getting gunked up on the bottom. I have several wood handled brushes that I tried […]
Downspout traps now could save you thousands of dollars later
RichC | May 29, 2024
Last weekend Drew and Katelyn discussed their plans to bury pipes with yard pop-up that lead from their homes’ gutters and downspouts. I mentioned that I thought having downspout traps was essential when living on a property with trees, especially with underground drainage tiles. I think they agreed and will be adding them while finished […]
Saved May 2024 Thunderstorm over the house video for a filler
RichC | May 21, 2024
See below … 😉 While we were under a Tornado warning earlier this month, I was outside in the backyard watching the storms to the north of our house (over the roof). There was A LOT of lightning, but surprisingly not all that much thunder? AND since today is my brother’s birthday, Happy Birthday […]
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 […]
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 […]
Great tip for those wanting to draw things better
RichC | April 23, 2024
As a “non-artist,” I’ve always admired (or had someone on the CPP payroll) who have had the ability and training to create art. Here’s a social media video tip for those of us who would just like to draw a car. 😊
Mashing together my thoughts on a few things automotive
RichC | April 21, 2024
The social group that I waste too much time in reading and replying to each week on X.com (a bunch of car enthusiasts and a few automotive journalists) posted a photo of a 1984 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport last week. It was exactly like the second company car I had when working for Portage Newspaper Supply Company […]
How far in advance should you book air travel? #tidbit
RichC | April 16, 2024
Last week when reading and posting about Berkshire Hathaway investments and Warren Buffett from Kiplinger, I also snipped a “Best Time to Book a Flight” sidebar.
Interesting … and true when I first looked at it. How about you?
RichC | March 14, 2024
A language use tidbit: Who/Whom
RichC | March 9, 2024
Language usage is not one of my particular strengths … therefore I’m with the thought that “when in doubt reach for whom over who, just to be safe. Then get the ‘overcorrected’ mistakes …” — LINK A trick to figure it out, which we’ve mentioned before, is to substitute he or she in your sentence—and […]
A simple yet debatable chart for “tart vs sweet” Apples
RichC | February 22, 2024
As an Apple eater, I’ve personally always wanted a simple way to know which and why I enjoy certain Apples. After seeing this chart, I thought it was worth sharing.
Legal questions require lay people to dig deeper: Amicus Brief
RichC | February 20, 2024
As a non-lawyer and someone who rarely finds a reason (or interest) in learning about our legal system, discussions arise and certain terms batted around that require more understanding. Last week it was the term “Amicus Brief” so figured it was worth adding to MyDesultoryBlog.com as a “tidbit“… not that anybody reading really wants to […]
What do state sales taxes look like nationwide? #map
RichC | February 17, 2024
As an entrepreneur who has owned a business that sells in several Ohio counties and collects sales taxes (all counties are different), I do monitor the steady sales tax percentage increase over the decades of doing business. It is also interesting to know how managing a business in Ohio compares to other states (click map […]
Taxes? 💰 Go (Historical) Figure!
RichC | January 28, 2024
An email newsletter from the Tax Foundation offered up a few interesting tax oriented tidbits. Lady Godiva As the story goes, Lady Godiva famously rode a horse through Coventry, Warwickshire . . . in the nude. But why did this 11th-century noblewoman choose to do such a thing? Taxes. Lady Godiva pleaded with her husband, […]
Tech Friday: Trash or should these become drink coasters?
RichC | January 26, 2024
This will probably excite my geeky readers on a Tech Friday … but am trying to decide if old 3-1/2” disks should be trashed or used at “disposable” drink coasters. BTW, who remembers Apple Computer’s Hypercard? EDIT: Thought … perhaps making thin wooden bases and inlay a disk to make a more creative coaster.
Walking the beach in Florida and a “Big Eye” #TBT moment
RichC | January 25, 2024
A post from over a decade ago highlighted a beach find that was rather unique for the east coast of Florida … a BIG eye … so figure for this ThrowBack Thursday #TBT it would be a way to then comment on a Portuguese Man O’ War spawn this week along Delray Beach. Although there […]
A couple of humorous meme photos for Wednesday
RichC | January 17, 2024
What parent hasn’t made that Great White Shark face and an excellent sailboat name.
This Simple Joint is Stronger Than a Dovetail! #woodworking
RichC | January 11, 2024
All woodworkers making projects tinker with making joints and deciding on which ones are best for their drawers, frames and boxes. I’ve experimented with a variety usually based on traditional construction and visual appeal. BUT I also assumed certain joints were stronger an provided both glue and mechanical strength necessary (ie. drawers getting closed and […]
Ogling the 2024 IRS Federal Income Tax Tables (2023’s too)
RichC | December 29, 2023
The IRS has set the new tax brackets to adjust for inflation beginning in January 2024. The update is to shift higher by 5.4%, but for 2023 taxes that most of us will be filing before April 15 and saw even more “bracket creep” due to the previously year’s inflation. Here are the changes […]
Have you glanced at the moon lately? We’re going back next year.
RichC | December 6, 2023
Read the full article in Phys.org Ok … so it is not “manned,” but check out these physics facts from Discover Magazine anyway 😉 Q: Why does the moon always present the same face to us? I find it impossible to believe that this could happen by chance. — Michael Connelly, Toronto A: Nope, not […]
Does a USB drive get heavier as you store more files on it?
RichC | December 2, 2023
Loved this @Rainmaker1973 X.com post about digital storage and in particular USB flash drives (also enjoyed the photo): Nope. Paradoxically (and theoretically), the more you save on a flash drive, the lighter it gets. USB drives use Flash memory, which means the the ones and zeros of the data are stored on transistors. When you […]
Tuesday Filler: Interesting sizes of the Boeing aircraft family
RichC | November 21, 2023
Is a Costco Executive Membership worth $120/year?
RichC | November 15, 2023
After one year of Costco Executive membership it was time to ask the “is it worth it” question. Thankfully for us, after one year, it did pay for itself for the first year. For us, at least for the first year, being an Executive Member vs Gold Star Member at Costco did pay off, but […]
Wood screw lubrication tip: Use toilet bowl wax ring
RichC | November 12, 2023
While looking thorough my library borrowed e-version copy of Woodworker’s Journal magazine (Oct/Nov 2023), I scanned an interesting tip. Since the paraffin wax that I usually apply to a heated wood screw take a little more effort (butane torch the screw threads and stick it in the wax), I thought I might try this great […]
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 […]
The Woolly Bear Indicator – what kind of winter is coming?
RichC | October 4, 2023
As the leaves begin to fall, it is a reminder that winter is around the corner. Will it be a harsh one or mild? Check with the Woolly Bear. Canadian and U.S. folklore holds that the relative amounts of brown and black hair on a larva indicate the severity of the coming winter. It is […]
Searching MDB: Current blog calendar navigation tip
RichC | October 3, 2023
Let’s just call this a PSA since I’ve been busy rethinking My Desultory Blog themes after updating to PHP 8.2 and how at least use the thousands of old blog entries for reference … or more precisely, remembering things! Anyway, the monthly “Archives” section is the same (select a previous month), but the “Calendar” was […]
A how to hang a picture on a nail with a fork #video tip
RichC | September 25, 2023
How to hang a picture on a nail with a fork social media household tip (short video below).
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 […]
Where are Americans Born?
RichC | September 5, 2023
There was an interesting tidbit shared on X.com (formerly Twitter) that highlighted in graphical color where a states population was born. It highlights movements from different areas of the country to other areas, populations who were not transient … as well as what state people born outside the US made home.
Workshop tinkering, ordering and an impressive post idea
RichC | August 26, 2023
Since I now have a few more featherboards to use with my table saw and router table, it seemed like a good idea to add a couple T-Tracks. Most modern woodworking workshops now seem to use these anodized aluminum tracks for a variety of purposes … they will be helpful for hold downs on my […]
Earl’s Sinclair Gas and Auto Service Station – Toledo Ohio #TBT
RichC | August 24, 2023
While visiting with my extended family at my Uncle Sonny’s Celebration of Life earlier this month, a few of us exchanged phone numbers so we could better stay in touch. My cousin Dan forwarded a paper that highlighted my Grandfather Corbett’s Sinclair gas station and Earl’s Auto Service in South Toledo. It was interesting to […]
Tech Friday: Web email and deleting ProtonMail how-to tip
RichC | August 18, 2023
Proton Mail offers a free email service with limitations … as expected. There is a paid version which over time I’ve contemplated switching to for both the enhanced privacy and ability to use my old original business email domain: whatevername@cppnet.com. The monthly (yearly) subscription price is reasonable, but since I already run several Linux servers […]
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.