TechFriday: The movie Unbroken and ebook on Overdrive app

| 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

| 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?

| 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

| December 31, 2014

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A boat project: The Easy Climb for sailboat mast climbing

| 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 […]

Emergency cooking on toilet paper and alcohol can stove

| December 28, 2014

On a previous sailboat and in my backpacking gear I use an alcohol stove for cooking, but the other day I saw a video clip expanding an idea for emergency or “bugout bag” use. (video below) The concept is pretty simple: Use a roll or partial roll of toilet paper as a wick to absorb […]

Living in the Age of Airplanes movie release date April 10,2015

| December 27, 2014

From the trailer (below) and the previous Brian J. Terwilliger films, the new documentary movie Living in the Age of Airplanes should be another beautiful film. Tewilliger produced independent films One Six Right (One Six Left and Flying Full Circle), but the rights to his new film will have the National Geographic Studios brand to […]

Jackie Howard married Ben Wickerham on December 21, 2014

| December 22, 2014

This past weekend was a very special one for my niece Jacquelyn as she married Benjamin Wickerham in beautiful wedding ceremony in Jamestown, NY. Besides the wedding with many personal touches and a 1920-40’s themed reception in an old train station, we were able to be with our family. Her father Mark would have loved […]

My Zagg keyboard case and a WSJ tablet keyboard review

| December 10, 2014

One of my favorite technology reporters, Joanna Stern with the Wall Street Journal, offered her thoughts on tablet keyboards just as started to use a Zagg Folio Keyboard case that arrived on Tuesday. I’ve been waiting for a Brydge Keyboard for iPad Air2 (the space gray ships on Dec. 15th I’m told) and have been pecking […]

Video: Cruiser or Copper Jiggler Siphon demonstration

| December 3, 2014

I’ve entertained putting one of these siphons aboard Encore but haven’t ever used one (still do the suck on the hose thing). Every time I put a Harbor Freight version of this jiggler siphon in my basket, I take it out again since it looks too cheap. Might have to keep it in next time […]

Video: Cool rope cutting tip if you don’t have a knife

| December 2, 2014

Obamacare remarks from Jonathan Gruber draw media scrutiny

| November 15, 2014

Some of the political hot-potato news this past week was related to self described “off the cuff” comments from MIT’s Jonathan Gruber a respected health economist. He helped craft President Obama’s health care law and was captured on video commenting about the “stupidity of the American voter” and suggesting the law was passed dishonestly (NYTimes). […]

Video: Posted as much for the accent as the content :-)

| November 9, 2014

Great tip for those who normally take two or three “buckets of ketchup” for their fast food (but really just enjoy hearing the Russian accent).

Explainer Video: Managing your mobile Facebook news feed

| November 8, 2014

For the past several years I’ve tried to keep Facebook as the social networking place for family sharing, although I did include some close friends. Over time, I’ve added a few more who connected from my past and am finding its no longer just a place for staying up-to-date with the family (I’ve heard  old […]

Pending Sale: Learn as you go when self-selling a home

| 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 […]

Test post from iPad — Surfing at 1000 frames per second

| October 31, 2014

Chris Bryan Films

Sailing Encore with the one I love doesn’t get any better

| October 27, 2014

What a wonderful life. I’ll let our video speak for itself. "God is good, God is good all the time. All the time God is good."  from the movie God is NOT Dead. But it applies …

The Ebola Song – humor from the IMUS in the morning show

| October 22, 2014

Youtube VIDEO was Removed It is probably in bad taste to be chuckling at anything related to Ebola … but neither my wife or I have been able to get the Imus show’s Comedian Rob Bartlett‘s ‘The Ebola Song’ (audio mp3) out of our heads. I’m hoping you’ll don’t have the same problem every time […]

Glen Campbell performing I’m Not Gonna Miss You

| October 18, 2014

Glen Campbell was always a favorite entertainer, singer and songwriter while I was growing up … especially that 1975 “Rhinestone Cowboy” year. He was one of the few musicians enjoyed by both my parents and me, which either made me an “odd” teen or very fortunate to have similar musical taste?  Unfortunately for his family, […]

So Lonesome – Dome homes in Cape Romano Florida

| October 12, 2014

Somewhat an excuse to slip in a Hank Williams song, but the Dome Homes article was intriguing because we explored this area with my college buddies in the late 1970s every Christmas break. I’d still like to get back there by sailboat and anchor for a few days …weeks … or maybe months … and […]

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers with a new Bus Session 1

| October 11, 2014

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Think about it – Internet devices and anti-social networks

| October 5, 2014

Why North Americans will like clean diesel vehicles – Range.

| October 1, 2014

Dashcams in Russia make almost all U.S. drivers seem sane

| September 29, 2014

You might want to think twice before criticizing drivers in your neck of the woods … and be glad you are not driving in Russia (YouTube video below).

TechFriday: Contemplating an iPad2 to iPad Air2 upgrade

| September 26, 2014

As a iPhone, iPad and iMac Apple customer, it is challenging to know what products to upgrade and at what time. As much as I would like an iPhone6 or 6plus, I’ve opted to stick with the current iPhone 5s (and 5) in order to save a few dollars on our cellphone plan as we […]

Video: The Apple iPhone 6 plus and #bendgate

| September 25, 2014

One can help but chuck at the excessive talk and coined term #bendgate regarding damage being hyped in the media regarding bending iPhones (there were 6 user complaints officially reported to Apple). The video below has been used around the world on news programs … who does this with their phones? Anyway, after the 23+ […]

Video: Do drag racers wear seatbeats? Unbelievable!

| September 22, 2014

Music variety: Listening to and enjoying Jesus and Jones

| September 22, 2014

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Video: The Zipper Merge vs the polite Midwestern Early Merge

| September 13, 2014

What do Minnesotans (and a few others) know that Ohio drivers haven’t figured out yet? They realized that the “Zipper Merge” is better than the polite “Early Merge.”   According to traffic experts, the “Zipper Merge” reduces construction congestion, improves highway speeds in work zones and helps to reduce accidents (Sue Groth, MnDOT traffic safety […]

The power of nature on display in Papua New Guinea

| September 9, 2014

Tavurvur is an active volcano and the current eruption on August 29, 2014 sent ash clouds into the atmosphere disrupting flights to Australia. Rabaul residents have been advised to remain indoor to avoid ash. The video demonstrates the power within our planet and the silent danger when and where pressures are released. We humans seem […]

The mighty little Bobcat and the talented operator

| September 2, 2014

Since I’ve owned a variety of tractors and yard implements over the years with my favorite being the multi-function Bobcat branded skidsteer, I knew that I would want to share this little video gem (a friend shared on Facebook).

Coming around to the idea of an Elio

| September 2, 2014

My wife is slowly coming around to the idea of an Elio as a commuter car. The PR swing they have been making around the country seems to have others showing interest too … but can they keep the quality up in order to sell it for $6800???

Who doesn’t love a good end of summer shark video?

| September 1, 2014

Here’s a “large, hungry” Hammerhead Shark feeding in the clear “shallow” waters in Destin Florida … as viewed from a balcony.

What car brands are consumers satisfied or dissatisfied with?

| August 29, 2014

Mercedes-Benz leads the pack in having the most satisfied customers, with only the American brand Buick making the “most satisfied” WSJ screen shot. I can’t say that “satisfied” list was a big surprise, but I was shocked that the “least satisfied” brand was Acura … according to the survey by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

The new halyards for Encore are ready for splicing

| August 23, 2014

The convenient way to replace running rigging on sailboats are to purchase lines pre-made for a particular boat at places like SailboatOwners.com.  Of course that would be the “easy” way, but it does discourage upgrading shackles and thimbles or whipping and splicing your own lines. Since our Encore is strictly a cruising sailboat, the premium […]

Jacob Tolliver pounds the piano in an Ohio hardware store

| August 19, 2014

Don’t you wonder what it must have been like to be picking up a few hardware items in Portsmouth Ohio and hear this coming from a young man and an unfinished piano? Impressive. (after being told the FB was no longer working for someone, I’ll archive the video below the embed) Post by Steve Hayes.

What are the chances for an Apple surprise announcement?

| August 15, 2014

Have you been wondering when the notoriously secretive Apple, known for innovative and culture shaping products, will have the next “one more thing?” We all suspect that TV is ripe for Apple-izing and that trendy wearables are ready for the iWatch, but besides those known in-the-works items, what else is up their sleeves? Will the […]

Video: Cooking thawed vs frozen steaks

| August 14, 2014

The things I’m learning later in life. Huh, might have to give this a try?

Video: A short documentary about living on a sailboat

| August 10, 2014

A well done short video in The Atlantic about David Welsford living the vagabond lifestyle (“dirtbag” – his comment)  on a 50 year old wooden sailboat in the Caribbean. A dream for many … a nightmare thought for others.

Follow up from my TechFriday First World Email Problem

| August 9, 2014

Ok … scratch this week’s Tech Friday post on setting up the iPhone to receive Gmail as if it were “push” rather than “fetch” (the only way Apple’s email client can receive free Gmail nowadays).  Unfortunately my iCloud workaround was a convoluted experiment that wasn’t elegant or simple. I’ve toyed with the idea of switching […]

Video: Slo-Mo shooting clays with a silenced shotgun

| July 24, 2014

A miscellaneous filler video that I found interesting both for the silencer on a shotgun (haven’t seen that before) and the slow motion.

Landing a Harrier jet aircraft on a stool

| July 1, 2014

The U.S. Marine Corps has some talented pilots, including Capt  William Mahoney landing his AV-8B Harrier aircraft, along with equally skilled U.S. Navy 6th Fleet support crews. What a landing. Thanks for protecting our country and keeping us safe!

The Amazing Octopus

| June 27, 2014

One of the bests jobs in the world – Surf Photographer

| June 25, 2014

click for short OneDrive slideshow or a video interview below As someone who loves the ocean and has enjoyed photography since I set up my first darkroom in 7th grade, Surf Photographer Clark Little has the greatest job in the world … or maybe the "surf is just bluer on the other side of the […]

This bird really wants a place for her eggs

| June 14, 2014

So far this spring, I’ve thwarted the building of nests on our front porch … but lost the battle on the rear (two robin nests). Each year in the spring I bring out the coffee cans in order to crowd out the birds who try to build their nests under the protection of the porch […]

TechFriday: How-to video for replacing an iPhone5 battery

| June 13, 2014

It will soon be time to replace the battery in my iPhone 5, and rather than drive to the Apple store and pay them the $80 to do it, it might be worth spending a few dollars on a tool kit and a battery in order to replace it myself. Wish me luck.

Happy 25th Birthday Taylor with a little throwback video

| June 10, 2014

Happy Birthday to my son Taylor … and since we can’t be with him this year, I did a little reminiscing after receiving DVDs from our Corbett Chronicles home videos (#Throwback Thursday Tuesday). In the past we’ve made an effort to celebrate “in person,” but Williston, North Dakota is just a little bit too far […]

Grandfathers: Reflecting on generational differences

| June 4, 2014

Yes indeed … a little soul searching by a grandson brings him a healthy dose of respect for his grandfathers. With a few highlighted examples like this, it would be helpful for many in the “me generation”  and later to take heart because we could all improve when it comes to how we live our […]

Books: Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson (2004)

| May 24, 2014

After seeing some book advice from a friend, I checked with Nooeo.com and downloaded a $5.00 ebook to my Kindle app on my iPad for an upcoming trip. Since Elizabeth Bernstein is also an avid reader, sailor and Scuba diver, her recommendations are usually spot on for me.  After reading the forward to Robert Kurson’s […]

Video: Australian crocodiles in slow motion

| May 13, 2014

These crocs are not the kind a creatures you want to be “playing” with when visiting the Northern Territory of Australia’s Outback by canoe or johnboat. Wow, can they clear the water or what?

Duke Engines holds promise for low vibration and light weight

| May 8, 2014

While sorting and tossing some old “paper” magazines last weekend, I stumbled across an article about New Zealand’s Duke Engines in a September 2011 issue of Sport Aviation (PDF of article) that peaked my interest. I’ve posted on engine design ideas before as they relate to aviation and automotive, but thought this design has some […]

Are you addicted to social networks and technology?

| May 6, 2014

Food for thought … A poem posted to YouTube by Gary Turk. “Look Up” pertaining to a “Generation of idiots, smartphones and dumb people.”

We are the one-percenters when it comes to history

| May 3, 2014

The LearnLiberty.org YouTube channel is one of the better online timewasters learning tools when it comes to educational web surfing. I particularly enjoy the variety of subject matters and guests who contribute to making the short and concise content. In the video below, Professor Deirdre McCluskey points out the radical change innovation made in our […]

Knots and tying and quicker modified Bowline options

| April 28, 2014

I’ve always been intrigued with ways to improve on knots and look for faster ways to tie them. For example, I’ve used the “Flying Bowline” (not mastered it), as well as the one-handed and around the waist versions before – I might try to demonstrate them in a future post. The Flying or Tugboat Bowline […]

Entertained by Dennis Miller and Bill O’Reilly in Cincinnati

| April 26, 2014

In keeping with my springtime mood and a slight (ok, big) twist on some oldies music with a “December 1963” Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons music video below… “oh what a night” we had at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati last night. It was a good time being entertained by a couple “oldies” themselves […]

The Lexington Lab Band continues to perform great music

| April 24, 2014

As usual the guys from the Lexington Lab Band (including a talented high school friend Rob Pottorf) have produced another outstanding music video highlighting a band which started during the 1970s,  Steely Dan. Their efforts might not be the creative talent some are looking for, but these guys really do know how to expertly perform […]

How-to: Which end do you peel a banana from?

| April 23, 2014

Saved a semi-educational filler post about a better way to peel a banana for a day when I didn’t feel up to posting anything else (video below). Pinch the butt end of the banana to split, then pull apart the peel. So easy.

For those who understand a relationship with a Volkswagen

| April 19, 2014

Tom Salt put together a 40th birthday celebration for his 1972 VW Beetle — a drive from Britain to the factory in Germany where the car was built. Nicely done Tom. Video on Vimeo and a post on Katelyn’s goodbye to her 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Video: Girls having fun doing a 4 person chair trick

| April 12, 2014

It’s about time to include a “just for fun” video from the female perspective, rather than YouTube clips from guys (1, 2, 3). Might be worth trying at a teen sleepover or birthday party?

Alaeros Energy to test their floating wind turbine at 1000 feet

| April 8, 2014

Is a helium filled floating wind turbine practical? Alaeros has already tested theirs tethered at 500 feet and is attempting a world record 1000 foot where the winds are stronger and steadier. Hmm, perhaps instead of mounting a wind turbine atop a stainless steel pole on our sailboat I should rig a floating turbine in […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog