RichC | April 7, 2014
I don’t necessarily call Sidney, Ohio “home” since I only spent the last couple years of high school there and then was off to college, but I do returned regularly to visit my dad who has been there over 30-some years. I’m not really sure exactly what I should call a “hometown” … something my […]
RichC | March 28, 2014
Will Burrard-Lucas has been at the cutting edge of African wildlife photography using his BeetleCam and now BeetleCopter Camtraptions. The above video is from a GoPro Hero 3+ … but there are some excellent stills from the BeetleCam using a DSLR after the launch of his company in January 2014. Some great innovations. Click image […]
RichC | March 11, 2014
While I was uploading a short knot tying video for a blog post the last week, it occurred to me that very few people know how to tie a proper Trucker’s Hitch as a way to secure a load to the top of their car or in a trailer (great for securing a tent to […]
RichC | March 10, 2014
For a country that should have a robust economy, we’re not showing it when looking at the employment numbers or the average family’s purchasing power (link Gallup). The U.S. Payroll to Population employment rate (P2P), as measured by Gallup, continued its recent decline in January, dropping to 42.0% from 42.9% in December. This is the […]
RichC | March 6, 2014
Earlier this week I used a term in the title of a post, “Jury rigging SeaTalk connections on marine electronics,” and was sent an email questioning me about using the term Jury-Rig instead of Jerry Rig. Jury-Rig is the term used in my nautical books and magazines and I’ve adopted that, but I like the […]
RichC | March 1, 2014
I’m intrigued with marketing and advertising when it comes to what makes people tick. We see something and then decide to buy it. My education is not in marketing per se, but I know that I respond just as the advertising agency intended once in a while. Sometimes it is a newspaper or magazine ad […]
RichC | February 27, 2014
Check out the full post over at Jalopnik.com.
RichC | February 26, 2014
With the popularity continuing to grow for Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, it is great to know that they still remember “the Van Session” as a way to share their music. Check out their Van Session version (below) of “Dire Wolf” — Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead album – 1970 — on the way to […]
RichC | February 23, 2014
People have been fascinated with the intelligence of dolphins and this amazing video of a bottlenose dolphin coming up to a diver during a night diver in seek of help will continue that fascination. Watching this and knowing what “man” does to them has me wondering who is really the most humane?
RichC | February 22, 2014
A friend of mine sent me a great Wired article this week that twisted together sailing, aviation and robotic technology … very interesting? There are driverless cars and military drones, but Richard Jenkins has plugged a brain into a high-tech sailboat called Honey Badger, kind of a big high-tech Snoopy Sloop … see my 2012 […]
RichC | February 18, 2014
A 180+ton Boeing 767-200 needs well engineered landing gear, not to mention every other part that needs to hold up to the flexing and torsion mechanics on display. Watch a recent landing at England’s Birmingham Airport (BHX) where the windy and gusty crosswind conditions made for a challenging and probably questionable decision to land on […]
RichC | January 26, 2014
What do you do with a ship when it is time to retire it? Cut it into piece so it can be salvaged for scrap … or sink it as an artificial reef. In the case of this 27,000 gross ton ferry, they’re going to beach it first, so you better get out of the […]
RichC | January 23, 2014
Would you like to have an “aha moment” in understanding why and how we attempt to manage our economy? Then watch this 30 minute YouTube video by Ray Dalio, founder of the largest hedge fund in the world, Bridgewater Associates. If you prefer reading, visit economicprinciples.org and download the research paper … the light bulb […]
RichC | January 3, 2014
Those who enjoy cruising, but aren’t on the water as often as they’d like, still enjoy armchair sailing — reading about those who are liveaboard cruising. One of the most inspirational sailing and cruising blogs is Windtraveler.net by Brittany and Scott Meyers. Their story over the past few years of sailing from Chicago to the […]
RichC | December 21, 2013
RichC | November 20, 2013
I listened to an older NPR story forwarded to me after a book conversation with a friend after we discussed leadership qualities companies value. The book Quiet: the Power of the Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain offered an interesting perspective and set up an analysis regarding where on the […]
RichC | November 18, 2013
My son Taylor checked in with me during the Bengals win over the Browns for another “battle of Ohio” NFL game this weekend. He is ‘im‘patiently waiting for his new big screen TV to arrive and complains that his little TV is not satisfactory for watching football — in the day of HD it is […]
RichC | October 25, 2013
RichC | October 21, 2013
If you are looking forward to seeing the new Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. space oriented movie Gravity, here’s an interesting real life International Space Station demonstration showing just how much (or little) effort it takes to move in zero gravity. While thinking about it … check out the Gravity Trailer.
RichC | October 18, 2013
While watching Kent Bergsma’s latest video on a smooth shifting W108 280SEL Mercedes Benz, I stumbled on a video clip of old Mercedes photos set to The 5th Dimension’s Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In music. Although the era was slightly before my time (and a decade before my MB 300D Turbodiesel), I admired and […]
RichC | October 7, 2013
RichC | September 12, 2013
Abby and Brittany live a life that is worth admiring. Kudos to their parents, friends, etc!
RichC | September 7, 2013
I’m at a loss for words … and might even have a nightmare about this! (video below)
RichC | September 2, 2013
It is not like my long distance swimming wife needs an additional incentive to keep swimming further and further, but hearing this is sure to keep Brenda’s motivation alive. Congratulations to long distance swimmer Diana Nyad in succeeding in her open water swim “without a shark cage” from Havana to Key West this Labor Day […]
RichC | August 21, 2013
With the best of intentions to show the “power of epoxy,” I planned to glue a board end to end and either have the car supported or have the fiber of the wood tear apart. Neither happened (43 second video below). #fail 🙂
RichC | August 18, 2013
A friend shared a video a YouTuber, Amy Siewe, collecting Northern Water Snakes a couple years ago and he asked me if we were concerned about snakes crawling aboard when we sailed on Lake Erie … my answer was “no, we never even though about it.” It is interesting to see the perception people have […]
RichC | August 7, 2013
http://youtu.be/kjDvaT5z1Lk
RichC | August 6, 2013
http://youtu.be/34-vgeCIMMU
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 30, 2013
I watched Taylor climbing pine trees in order to cut of a few dead branches and started to wonder if he was going to cut the ones below him … the ones he needed to climb back down. Besides the odds and end chores around the house and yard, we bought new tires for Brenda’s […]
RichC | July 24, 2013
Alexander Polli, BASE-jumper, amazes viewers with daredevil flights in a wingsuit by high risk maneuvers like flying through a narrow mountainside cave in Spain.
RichC | July 20, 2013
I might wear the “invisibility cloak” swim skin or wetsuit if it offers protection from ocean rash or as SPF sunblock (UVA and UVB protection), but am not sure the white and black horizontally striped suit is for me? On the other hand, if I were swimming in waters that are regularly visited by those […]
RichC | July 19, 2013
RichC | July 10, 2013
I’ve been paying attention to crowdfunding micro-venture capital websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and RocketHub this past year or so and watching innovative ideas raise money for their projects. Personally, I think there are too many entrepreneurs using their connected friends for less than innovative ideas, but there are other creative thinkers with unique dreams. […]
RichC | June 26, 2013
It has been a while since I’ve posted anything on surfing … so here’s a feel good story from down-under.
RichC | June 24, 2013
Too lazy to post any original content today … besides thinking about posting more from this weekends car repairing marathon, but I’ll resist!
RichC | June 19, 2013
A travel oriented video clip for today’s post from a guy in the Peace Corp. The Bamboo Train of Cambodia iis built on narrow gauge French tracks in a region called Battambang. According to the videographer, “it goes crazy fast, its crazy rickety, its held together by momentum and weight, and its just plain crazy.”
RichC | June 18, 2013
Lexington Lab Band for more
RichC | June 14, 2013
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the […]
RichC | June 13, 2013
I’ve delayed opining on the latest NSA and whistleblower story over the last couple of days because I can see both sides and like most Americans , value the liberty our constitution protects, yet expect our government to protect us. It is a frustratingly difficult conundrum we face … or I should say, those we […]
RichC | June 12, 2013
My sister-in-law shared some of her cellphone video with me last week at the funeral and I enjoy remembering Brenda’s dad working in the garden at the farmhouse. This one is a few year old, but he was doing what he enjoyed. Great clip Chris!
RichC | June 10, 2013
Encore’s sailing projects have taken a back seat to illness, funerals and wedding this past year, but I’m doing my best to do some project planning and research for next year. I received a reply from the Rich Boren, the CEO of CruiseROWater after I made a comment about his infatuation with fish tacos. In […]
RichC | June 7, 2013
Life returning to “normal” doesn’t feel right after being with family and friends for the funeral and burial of Dr. Frederick Howard, Brenda’s father – I’m not sure when I will realize that he is gone. We remembered dad’s life through stories and humor this past week and as Christians, knowing he is now truly […]
RichC | June 3, 2013
With funeral preparations underway for my father-in-law, it has each in the family working to celebrate the extraordinary life of Frederick Howard (obiturary). I’ve been searching through some old photos and video … and getting plenty distracted. I came across a short segment of my daughter Katelyn in 1989 and couldn’t help but smile.
RichC | May 31, 2013
RichC | May 30, 2013
Adding another interview from the hard working young band, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, that appeals to those of my generation — mentioned their van sessions in the past. I wish the music recording audio was better, but the HD video and interview from Baeble is excellent. (video below) Watch the full video at Baeblemusic.com
RichC | May 30, 2013
Although there might be a way to improve on the “hatch” in order to store a phone, wallet, car remote, etc … these Stash Waterproof Pocket Shorts are a great idea for beach-goers, water sport enthusiasts or … cough, cough … sailing. I’d like to think the new upstart company will raise the funding, but […]
RichC | May 29, 2013
RichC | May 20, 2013
My son mentioned a video produced by his alma mater, Lakota East High School, and after first thinking it was just another goofy video, I realized that the community and student body effort was a lot of work – I even watched it to the end as the music gets more appealing to those of […]
RichC | May 19, 2013
Great series of 13 photos from St. Maartin’s Princess Juliana International Airport on Weather.com this month where Maho Beach-goers get up close and personal with landing aircraft (one of many posted short videos below).
RichC | May 16, 2013
As Taylor wrapped up his senior year in college and reviewed his posted grades for the last time, he read me his 20-some page capstone paper and showed me a video he did for another class. I enjoyed the history lesson …
RichC | May 15, 2013
The first Canadian to walk in space, who also was the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, is now the first human to shoot a music video in space on his last day on the job.
RichC | May 6, 2013
I’ve posted a few Van Session links in the past and figured why not at a SiriusXM Jam_ON session recording a “Little Too Late.” It has been fun watching the Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers expand their audience last year as they toured the country. The “cream rises the top” and it is great to […]
RichC | May 4, 2013
Jay Leno does a great job shooting automotive videos in between his real job duties (aka: The Tonight Show) and occasionally detours into subjects that interest many of us. His recognition for aviation history and those who fought for our country is appreciated … as is talking about the amazing B-17. Nice job. On a side note, I would love […]
RichC | May 3, 2013
The first 50 professional wedding photos from Shuey Mills Photography have trickled in to be reviewed. I know I’m not suppose to be sharing the previews, but can’t help myself and will include two, ok THREE since they are so good (but here were a few photos from our guests – thanks for sharing on […]
RichC | April 30, 2013
Dance, ballet, juggling, rhythmic gymnastics? Whatever it is, this is impressive.
RichC | April 30, 2013
I appreciated a video from America’s Test Kitchen on Lifehacker and thought it was worth archiving and sharing … not that I fix lobster everyday. Twist off the tail, split the shell on the back, pull legs apart, push meat out with small tools, use a rolling pin to squeeze meat from legs. […]
RichC | April 23, 2013
After the big wedding weekend (4/13/2013), my daughter Katelyn and husband Drew, no longer fiancé Drew, left the Savannah Center in a helicopter for a short flight looping counter-clockwise from West Chester, Ohio. They circles south over downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River and then looped back north over Kings Island, Mason, our house in Liberty […]
RichC | April 14, 2013
The day was perfect for Katelyn and Drew’s wedding and the evening before was equally as nice for the rehearsal … and the most appreciated rehearsal dinner, hosted by the Oostra’s at Jags. I can’t speak highly enough of Barb and Randy … and Drew’s two brother’s Carson and Tyler (right); Katelyn is very blessed […]
RichC | April 3, 2013
BJ Baldwin’s Monster Energy truck with 850 HP and 34” of suspension travel … and some pretty impressive driving.