The sweet sound of the American V-8
RichC | March 21, 2016
Will the next generation of car enthusiasts continue to appreciate the sound of the American V-8?
Turning a Volkswagen Jetta into the perfect VW pickup truck
RichC | March 19, 2016
For my Volkswagen TDI guys who have always wanted a modern small VW diesel pickup … here’s the ticket!
Denatured alcohol rather than oil for sharpening stones
RichC | March 4, 2016
One of my favorite YouTube channels is the Tips from a Shipwright with Louis Sauzedde. His helpful tool tips and how-to techniques are always worth listening to … even if I’m no where near the level of woodworker as are most wood boatbuilding advocates. If you sharpen any tool, the advice from Louis in how […]
An amazing wave and impressive ride #surfing
RichC | February 22, 2016
Video: 5 bad habits when driving manual gearbox cars
RichC | February 17, 2016
Great video explainer for those driving manual shift cars … dos and don’ts — Engineering Explained
Love this Slick TRIP Kickstarter backpack project
RichC | February 7, 2016
I’d be jumping onboard for this Slick Kickstarter Backpack project if the $249 for the TRIP version didn’t frighten me away. Sure looks like the perfect traveling companion for my many trips — both for weekly work trips and those trips to the boat. It looks like they intend to keep the quality high … […]
Christmas 2015 – a family time
RichC | December 26, 2015
We had a wonderful family time on Christmas day. Taylor came after work on Christmas Eve day and Katelyn and Drew drove from Minneapolis after a half day of work (long day for them), so we were all home for Christmas morning. After our morning gift exchange, which was wonderful, although too much … we went outside and enjoyed […]
Ready holiday music? Not me, but Joni Mitchell maybe?
RichC | December 4, 2015
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Encore is having water pump woes … drip, drip, drip
RichC | November 20, 2015
Yet another part to be serviced, rebuilt or replace on Encore’s Volvo diesel. This time it’s the raw water pump dripping from the weep hole … and indication the seal is no longer keeping the water in the pump. This is a normal wear item and most cruisers not only carry a spare impeller and […]
Cheesy Bacon Egg Cups are simple and tasty
RichC | November 17, 2015
Appreciation for the hospitaliy of friends is something that is hard to quantify, but having friends like Mark and Dar Jones makes living so very enjoyable. They always go over and above whenever I stop to visit … and the yesterday mornings’ extras were definitely an “over and above” delishes. I can’t wait to make these at home … […]
Video: Skydiving and flare guns do not mix
RichC | November 5, 2015
Mantus Snap-On Light is a sturdy and handy boat gadget
RichC | October 30, 2015
Well know anchor manufacturer Mantus created a nifty light that they debuted at the fall boat shows this year; the Mantus Snap-On Light look well made and like something Encore needs ($55.00). I also like their RAM mount Mantus Rail Clamps!
How a lock and key works
RichC | October 24, 2015
TechFriday: Can YouTube Red compete? Coming 10/28/2015
RichC | October 23, 2015
The best known video streamer, YouTube, has entered the subscription based video streaming service with their YouTube Red. They are asking $9.99 from potential subscribers for ad-free content that can be viewed on a variety of devices or saved for offline viewing. They’ll compete with services from several others who have significant content libraries (movies) […]
Got to love the Ultimate Driving Machine — BMW
RichC | October 22, 2015
I’m fortunate to have a son, who even at 26, seems to enjoy and appreciate hearing his father opine and help hunt for new car. The two of us spent hours emailing back and forth, several weekends looking … and a few evenings after work test driving over the past couple of months … in […]
Seamanship: Few people can handle a dinghy like this …
RichC | October 9, 2015
SEAMANSHIP: The art and skill of boat handling, ranging from maintenance and repairs to piloting, sail handling, marlinespike work and rigging.
Unfortunately I’ve had Tootsie’s age wrong all these years
RichC | October 5, 2015
According to my records, we call October 5th Tootsie’s birthday … so Happy Birthday to “this man’s” best friend. It is possible to be off a few days when knowing a dogs birthday, but unfortunately I’ve had her age off for several years now – she is 17 (again)! Whoops … I added a […]
How great thou art (The Singing Contractors)
RichC | October 4, 2015
I have fond memories when working during the summer when I was in college and listening to a couple talented guys … not quite this good, but they were still great.
The Sony Mobile and ZMP Inc tests their new UAV
RichC | August 25, 2015
After getting a chance to play with a quad copter last week, I’ve been a little more intrigued with the advancements in “drones.” Who knows, this innovation may find its way into the first realistic personal transportation device someday? Sony’s Aerosense drone that takes off and lands vertically but during flight gets most of its […]
Video: World record semi truck jump
RichC | July 28, 2015
More video and info – Washington Post Link
Clearing everything out of the Farmhouse prior to selling
RichC | July 24, 2015
Brenda and her sister Chris spent last weekend together at the family Farmhouse in western New York. They sorted through what was left from their mom and dad’s lifetime of “stuff” separating into garage sale, trash pick-up, donations and items they might still want. The later “group” grew far too large, in my opinion. Some […]
Video: A new Van Session from Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers
RichC | July 20, 2015
Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers – Mr. Saturday Night – Loved Wild Lost – Van Session 29
A favorite YouTube channel: Tips from a Shipwright
RichC | July 18, 2015
By far, my favorite woodworking and sailing YouTube channel is Tips from a Shipwright. It is sponsored by Jamestown Distributors in Rhode Island a great source for boat paints, finishes and epoxy materials. I will go there before looking elsewhere because of their sponsorship. The filmmaker Halsey Fulton of Fish Hawk Films brings the impressive […]
Video: The robins have been busy this year – brood two!
RichC | July 2, 2015
As with baby birds in previous years, the same tree is being used by the robins … with a new nest … again. This is the second brood for this pair of robins for 2015. They do have ugly chicks … and this guy is pretty weak (watch him flop below).
Video: More teasing from Elio Motors
RichC | June 24, 2015
Almost a year since our deposit (ALL IN was in November 2014) and our Elio delivery is still a year or so away … even if everything stays on track! Ugh. Also they are looking to raise a few dollars as a start-up company … although it goes without saying, this should be money you […]
Video: This is what rhinos sound like …
RichC | June 14, 2015
With a sound like this, who would think the Rhinoceros was so dangerous? The Rhinoceros has long been concerned one of the most dangerous animals in the world.LINK
Jurassic World opens this weekend and will be a blockbuster
RichC | June 12, 2015
Tell me that Steven Spielberg’s movie Jurassic World (opening June 12, 2015) is not going to be a well attended summer blockbuster? If the 63 million views YouTube movie trailer is any indication (below), it is exactly what the Hollywood and the movie industry plans on when coaxing people to the theaters with these kinds […]
Happy 26th Birthday to my son Taylor #TBT
RichC | June 10, 2015
This is a birthday greeting for my son Taylor and the video below may not fit the #TBT criteria as well as the one I posted for my daughter Katelyn last month, but the “original birth announcement card” above sure does (the artwork is the handiwork of his older sister). I think a little sailboat […]
Noticing more Great White Sharks in Florida
RichC | June 7, 2015
We're continuing to learn about the movement of Great White Sharks near the eastern U.S. and coasts since Ocerea has been tagging a few. It has been shocking to see the number of miles they travel and just how near these large sharks occasionall get to beaches and shallow waters. John Dickinson and his wife […]
TechFriday: Pre-order a throw-and-shoot camera for $499
RichC | June 5, 2015
Really tempted to pre-order a Lily “non-drone” (company doesn’t like the “drone” term) according to a CNBC article (below). Lily: the world’s first throw-and-shoot camera Deborah Findling | @dfindles For those times when the selfie stick just isn’t good enough, there is now a flying camera. Really. Called the world’s first throw-and-shoot camera, the Lily […]
Blacksmithing Basics: Forge Your Own Flatter | Make:
RichC | June 4, 2015
A flatter is a tool used to make other tools. Make your own flatter and never buy a tool again! Source: Blacksmithing Basics: Forge Your Own Flatter | Make:
A large crawdad wants to play in the pool
RichC | June 3, 2015
We have a few of these crawdad fellows in our yard and small lake, but this guy was closer to lobster size (well not quite) and found his way into the swimming pool. As the 2006 Honda Element ad goes … “I pinch.”
Video: A Great White Shark is not a puppy
RichC | May 26, 2015
Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers Waiting on Love music video
RichC | May 24, 2015
Once upon a time I use to listened to music records, tapes and CDs. Now with hearing loss, I usually prefer silence or just “voice/talk/news” coming from speakers or the occasional online ditty … but there are a few exceptions. I still enjoy old favorites — from the best music decade, aka: 1970s, usually on […]
New Invention – Easiest Drawers Ever!
RichC | May 17, 2015
Now this would be a great Kickstarter project.
Contemplating sailboat anchors and anchor chain options
RichC | May 17, 2015
I’m looking for some anchor chain advice and before posting to a sailing/cruising forum and figured posting the links to my blog might be a good first start. In April I cut off a rusted link from Encore’s anchor chain and brought home a 4 foot length to measure, inspect and contemplate re-galvanizing (also […]
Happy 29th Birthday to my daughter Katelyn #TBT
RichC | May 14, 2015
Since my daughter’s birthday falls on a Thursday this year it offers me a perfect excuse (as if I need one) to reminisce a little and post a Throw Back Thursday (#TBT) video … this one from 1996. Love you Katelyn — Happy Birthday!
Video: The heel lock or lace lock when tying athletic shoes
RichC | May 13, 2015
Hmm … I learned something new today. Q: Have you wondered about those extra lacing holes were for that seem out of place on athletic shoes? A: They are used to prevent blisters on your feet when running by keeping your shoe tightly on your foot. (Illumiseen)
Video: A 30 year old Westerly Corsair II sailing at 6.5 knots
RichC | May 1, 2015
Sharing and archiving a little left over video from our recent trip sailing on Encore with our son Taylor last week. He stretch out a week using some of his vacation time (wisely … more later) while coaxing Brenda and me to do the same for a few days. We had great spring weather (80s) […]
Life is good …
RichC | April 25, 2015
We are so fortunate to have great kids, steady employment and the flexibility to escape once in a while to enjoy the fruits of our labor … AND to recharge our batteries for a few days. Taylor flew down to Florida from North Dakota and met up with Miami University friend Paul for the weekend […]
Archiving a few Westerly Corsair links
RichC | April 24, 2015
Adding an older (2012) video from a boat broker from Europe as it is always good to see other Westerly Corsairs.
Personal: We moved my dad from rehab to assisted living
RichC | April 17, 2015
I don’t think many of us are properly prepared to make the decisions that are needed to care for elderly parents. Even though my brother and I have been through medical needs, nursing and then hospice care for my mom, we were still not knowledgeable when it came to handling dad. Thankfully, if you have […]
Follow-up on Periscope and Meerkat live broadcasting
RichC | April 4, 2015
I watched several broadcasts from the new iOS app introduced this past week called Periscope. It enables iPhone/iPad users to broadcast live video to other “socially networked” viewers (Twitter) just as with the early competitor app MeerKat. Periscope differs slightly as it saves an archive for 24 hours or until deleted (not possible with MeerKat) […]
Video: Miami University (Ohio) Aerial Campus Tour
RichC | April 2, 2015
If you are interested in or an alum, you’ll love visiting Miami University in this way …
The Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a winter slumber
RichC | April 1, 2015
For those of us who love diesels, the sweet sound of an old Mercedes Benz diesel idling is indeed a beautiful mechanical sound. Below is a very short clip of my 1982 300D Turbodiesel waking up after the winter of 2015 hibernation. Really it is just a filler post since it is a busy week […]
TechFriday: Playing with Periscope from Twitter
RichC | March 27, 2015
I wasted a couple hours on Thursday morning while “working” (cough, cough) from home and downloaded the Periscope app for iOS on the iPhone. To the novice “tech geek,” these live broadcasting social networking apps will soon have the Internet filled with video streams. Currently I’m seeing broadcasters like CBNC’s Julia Boorstin (above) jumping on the […]
Ever dream about taking an expedition up the Amazon River?
RichC | March 21, 2015
If you do plan a trip on the Amazon River, you’ve probably though about the wildlife … especially the ferocious insects, dangerous reptiles and famous fish … like the Piranha. They inhabit the neotropical freshwater rivers of northern South America, including the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. […]
Goodyear has an impressive concept tire – the BHO3
RichC | March 18, 2015
The future of transportation will likely include electric power even if automotive purist cringe at the thought of their beloved internal combustion engines losing ground. I’m as old school as the next car-lover, but can’t deny hybrid vehicles and EVs have come a long way in the past decade; the future will no doubt see […]
Functional bolt-on gadget from Mantus to secure an anchor
RichC | March 4, 2015
Elegant, but simple solution to fitting and securing one of the new Mantus anchors or other modern anchor on the bow roller. Eventually I’d like to upsize our Bruce claw anchor (photo below) and will be looking at the Mantus or Rocna.
New music and events for Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers
RichC | February 18, 2015
I’ve posted, and have been following, Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers for the last couple of years ever since hearing their first Van Session. I’ll keep updating since the new music continues to appeal to me … and might even check with Brenda to see if we should plan a night out on April 29th […]
The Intuit Turbotax fiasco for 2014 tax preparation software
RichC | February 14, 2015
There was no love lost from customers of Intuit’s Turbo Tax software, and like many, I quickly looked to their competitors when I saw Intuit’s “money grab” in January 2015. Although the company responded with an apology and offered a $25 rebate to those who eventually figured out they needed to upgrade their Deluxe edition […]
Astroturf and manipulation — a Tedx talk by Sharyl Attkisson
RichC | February 10, 2015
A journalist I really respect, Sharyl Attkisson, delivered a Tedx talk a couple days ago and discussed “Astroturf and manipulation of media messages” as it relates to the perversion of grassroots reporting and marketing. The concept of astroturfing is to deceptively use all forms of media and social networks in order to manipulate thoughts and […]
Rescued Film Project: WWII undeveloped rolls
RichC | February 3, 2015
Undeveloped World War II Film Discovered from The Rescued Film Project on Vimeo.
Shake it Off video starts the 2015 year with millions of views
RichC | January 19, 2015
One can’t help but smile watching the Dover Delaware Police cam video with one of their officers lip syncing to “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. That said, one of my videos infringed on an Oprah Winfrey segment years ago and YouTube takes down my account and deletes over 100 of my personal videos spanning […]
Gum foil and a battery makes a perfect emergency firestarter
RichC | January 18, 2015
I’m sure this idea has been around for a while since I’ve even tried my hand at welding with a car battery … but did you know you can create fire by cutting gum foil and using a small 1/1/2 volt battery?
TechFriday: The movie Unbroken and ebook on Overdrive app
RichC | January 16, 2015
It has been a few years since my wife and I have gone to the movie theatre, but when Katelyn and Drew were visiting they convinced us to go with them to the movie Unbroken. Besides being a history oriented true story based on the book by Lauren Hillenbrand, the WWII timelined story put to […]
Always looking for the next cool thing in automotive aviation
RichC | January 14, 2015
Imagine the Elio if it also came with wings? It might look something like the Aeromobil 3.0 prototype. I have to admit that I’m one of those dreamers who envisioned a flying car in my lifetime. Perhaps it is just a pipe dream, but I do envy those fortunate enough to be working on projects […]
Can downtown Toledo follow the urban revitalization trend?
RichC | January 8, 2015
The answer is YES if ProMedica’s President and CEO Randy Oostra has anything to say about it (video below). The company plans to move their corporate headquarters to the abandoned historic Toledo Edison Steam Plant property on the Maumee riverfront in a bold move which will play a significant role in boosting the local Toledo […]
Favorite new-found music in 2014: Counting Crows
RichC | December 31, 2014
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A boat project: The Easy Climb for sailboat mast climbing
RichC | December 30, 2014
One of the challenges aboard a sailboat is go up a mast to inspect or take care of maintenance items. The tasks is not for those who are uncomfortable swinging back and forth on a stick 55-60 feet in the air. When I was in young and stupid, and only 165-170 lbs, the thought of […]
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.