Seeing oil leaking in to the Gulf of Mexico is sickening

| May 20, 2010

As headlines announce that oil is arriving to the shore of Louisiana in headlines of the paper today, the leaking BP drill site continues to gush oil at unknown rates. On the low side, NOAA has estimated 210,000 gallons per day, but after looking at the Enterprise ROV camera video I’m guessing it closer to […]

Video: American Heart by Jon David

| May 19, 2010

After reading the article about Jon David in the WSJ the other day, I’ve been wanting to listen to the song that is played at Tea Party rallies around the country … it’s moving (video below). It has me remembering  the 1980s Reagan Revolution and  Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” (check out AmericanHeartMusic.com) Posted […]

Off the wall: Promised that one day I would post this

| May 8, 2010

I’ve enjoyed lunch with my friend Jeff nearly every week for many years and one of his quirks is to collapse his taco salad shell after finishing his meal — yes “mom” … he plays with his food. I told him that someday I would post a video of “his talents” for posterity. So today […]

Flanigan’s newest clay pigeon world record

| May 7, 2010

I can’t forget Patrick Flanigan’s 11 clay targets posted a couple years ago, but how about with one hand?(video below)

Solo sailor Abby Sunderland sails into Cape Town

| May 6, 2010

Sixteen year old solo sailor Abby Sunderland has sailed safely into Cape Town South Africa in her circumnavigation adventure. She was met by her father and brother who took the same trip last year. Although I’m an advocate for those who cruise and sail oceans (Jessica Watson and previous post), the record seeking trend to […]

Roz Savage TED Talk and spreading oil slick off Louisiana

| May 2, 2010

Since I follow, and have posted, the rowing and progress of Roz Savage, I thought I would post her recent Tedprize MissionBlue TED Talk (Wikipedia info). Although I don’t see eye to eye with her robust embrace of the‘green political’ bureaucracy, I do recognize the impact we humans have on oceans and the marine environment. […]

My daydreams: What are yours like?

| April 28, 2010

Since I spend part of my day on the road, my mind wanders from the tiring chatter of political radio talk that never ends (and focusing on driving) to daydreaming about sailing and escapism. I suspect most everyone has dreams or plans for retirement, but some are probably a bit more realistic than mine? I’ve […]

Daredevils with gliders and a chute

| April 25, 2010

  Austrian skydiver Paul Steiner reaches up to grab the tail fin of the upturned glider which he had been flying in only minutes before An EAA friend forwarded me this link … gulp … READ MORE or video after the split

Humor: “Bring a chicken to the doctor” – funny campaign ad

| April 24, 2010

This campaign ad is juvenile even for a Harry Reid, but it’ had me laughing pretty hard. Sorry Sue Lowden, even though I’d comfortably vote for your over your opponent Senator Harry Reid (if I lived in Nevada), it’s just too funny not to share. Hmm, I wonder if my daughter will be able to […]

Time to open the pool and enjoy a fire on the back porch

| April 20, 2010

It was a pleasant spring evening on the back porch after opening the pool on Monday. We are a bit late this year in getting the cover off and I expected to see some pretty grungy water … but was pleasantly surprised; I think it’s the best it has ever looked after pulling the cover […]

Spoof: ‘Mission Accomplished’ Reporter Mike Tobin returns to US

| April 19, 2010

Letter from Mike Tobin: “… this trip is the one that ends more than half a decade of living in Jerusalem and moves me back to the US. It is with no small amount of doubt that I packed my bags and left the Middle East. The threat of a conflict with Iran is still out […]

Lt Dan Band to be at EAA Airventure 2010 in Oshkosh WI

| April 17, 2010

It’s hard not to appreciate Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band and what they do for veterans as they travel around the country (and world) supporting causes that benefit our troops … and the children our soldiers find themselves protecting: Operation Iraqi Children both in Iraq and Afghanistan. For aviation advocates, and in particular […]

Idol like talent Lin Yu Chun generates millions of YouTube views

| April 16, 2010

Although I’m not a fan of the “idol” television program(s), I archived the impressive performance by UK’s Susan Boyle who shocked the world about this time last year – by the way the online web video of that has generated over 90 million views. As shocking as it was to hear Susan Boyle, a similar […]

Reid Stowe on his ‘Mars Ocean Odyssey’ Day 1088

| April 13, 2010

As I continue following Reid Stowe (previous) and his sailing “Mars Ocean Odyssey,” I wanted to post a short video of him and Soanya shortly after setting sail 3 years ago (below). They began their “odyssey” as a couple in April of 2007, but Reid has continued on alone after Soanya left the schooner as […]

Wikileaks video generates controversy in biased reporting

| April 10, 2010

Wikileaks.org, a news-ish organization organization that publishes anonymous submissions and leaks of sensitive documents operating under the moniker of the “Sunshine Press",” is in the hot seat again with recent Internet based journalism (info from Wikipedia). Their story selection or submission (depending on point of view) shows little attention toward responsible journalism or concern as […]

Will the iPad blend?

| April 5, 2010

This Will it Blend video will probably will get a few snickers from those who love their ‘old fashion’ eReaders or just can’t handle all the hype Apple generates from introducing new devices. Posted via email from richc’s posterous

Speeding up the hands of time with the barrel of a pen

| March 29, 2010

I had trouble finding the little half-notch with the adjusting crown on my son’s new watch (the one that forwards just the date), so I improvised and used a soft rubber barrel of an old pen on my cordless drill to speed up the hands of time. Surprisingly it worked great. So  for the fun […]

Video: Humorous YouTube “Car 4 Sale” idea

| March 27, 2010

I’ve been pondering how we will eventually sell my wife’s 1998 Toyota RAV4 with a quarter million miles? I think this might work!  😀

WhasSUP? How about Stand Up Paddling Surfing

| March 22, 2010

Great to know there is hope for me in getting up on the board yet! Thanks for the inspiration John Zapotocky (at 91, he’s probably the oldest SUP surfer in the world) Personal note: Due to my dealing with Menieres disease in the late 1990s necessitating endolympatic sac decompression surgery, my stability and balance has […]

Reducing stress while monitoring health care votes

| March 21, 2010

While watching news from Washington DC this Sunday afternoon over the unpopular heath care legislation being voted on by congress, my wife has found a good way –“her way” — to reduce stress: she burns things (Palm Pre video snippet below). This genetic activity will only mean something to those who know her and her […]

Pete Bethune fighting for his freedom and The Cove

| March 18, 2010

A few long time blog readers remember my blogging and supporting Earthrace her captain publicizing renewable fuels in a record breaking trip(s) around the world a couple years ago. More recently Captain Pete Bethune and his renamed vessel, Ady Gil, became part of an anti-poaching marine wildlife conservation organization called Sea Shepherd – see previous […]

Irritating day of travel, but better with tasty Key Lime Pie

| March 7, 2010

We had a slow start to the day after a frustrating delayed flight out of Cincinnati — we were switched to a smaller plane. I was sardined into the just in front of the lavatory seat behind two babies (with full diapers) and a 3-4 year old (really a very good kid). Thankfully things got […]

This day in Aviation History – airships.net

| March 4, 2010

March 4 is the anniversary of the first flight of the airship Hindenburg, which is better know for the 1937 German Zeppelin disaster at Lakehurst Naval Air Station New Jersey. Aviation contact Dan from airships.net (Twitter: @airships) emailed some information about the website which includes sections of special interest for pilots, such as flight procedures, flight instruments […]

Testing video off the TV with the Palm Pre

| March 2, 2010

Curiosity had me pondering just how well the Palm Pre could capture video directly off of an HD Plasma television broadcast? Not too bad it turns out, considering up until webOS 1.4 update was implemented this past weekend that the diminutive smartphone couldn’t even shoot video. When the update was first installed on my phone, […]

World War II aircraft, their aviators and our heroes

| March 1, 2010

While watching an aviation video online highlighting the P51 Mustang (30 min video below) and thinking about the ever dwindling number of WW II heroes from the greatest generation, I gave a bit more thought about an upcoming trip with my son. We’ll be spending a week with a World War II aviator from that […]

Palm webOS update went smoothly today

| February 27, 2010

The Palm webOS 1.4 update finally arrived and we’re still in February. It has been an anticipated update that includes new video and camcorder like features. While waiting for the substantial download and nearly 30 minute upgrade process, I ended up fiddling with a new piping or cording foot that arrived for my wife’s sewing […]

Video: A little “Bossy-Pants, Google” humor

| February 16, 2010

“Google, are you playing nice … or do you need a little parenting?” (WSJ Digits).

Happy Valentine’s Day: Tim Hawkins shares his advice

| February 14, 2010

Men … how about a little humor from Tim Hawkins as we remember to wish those we love a Happy Valentine’s Day. Just to be clear — my advice is to avoid ‘all’ the pitfalls he sings about! 😀

Video from EAA284’s Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast

| February 5, 2010

A friend of mine forward me a nicely produced video that Doug S., Doug G. and Jim W. from PRA Chapter 40 posted online after their visit to the Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast on Labor Day 2009. I also added the clip on the Taildragger Fly-In tab on our EAA284.org website as it highlights a […]

Good products, better advertising and best placement

| February 1, 2010

Apple not only makes great products that their customers love, but does and even better job of advertising and creating ‘buzz’ with product placement. Here’s the new iPad being showcased by Stephen Cobert at the Grammy Awards.

Cute mousetrap Youtube video

| January 27, 2010

EDIT: Switched to cropped version 1/30/2009.

NASA Puffin concept returns to the birth of aviation

| January 23, 2010

NASA’s Puffin electric-powered, super-quiet personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft concept is ideal for those wanting a quick commute to work on a traffic congested morning … particularly if you’ve got a charging station on your buildings helipad  … and who doesn’t? The USMC V-22 Osprey looking aircraft could offer a bit more promise […]

Japanese whalers escalate war with Sea Shepherd

| January 15, 2010

While monitoring what my friend Pete Bethune has been up to since he and his biodiesel powered boat Earthrace circumnavigated the world in 2008, it was with distress to see the unique boat destroyed (see previous posts). In 2009 the futuristic boat joined up with an anti-poaching marine wildlife conservation organization Sea Shepherd which utilized […]

Will President Obama be held accountable for his promises?

| January 8, 2010

President Obama, for all the “hope and change” that was promised, seems to have no problem with the lack of openness and transparency being demostrated under his tenure. Obama’s promises of “openness” are empty … or perhaps only apply when concerning Republican leaders? For many, President Obama is a bigger disappointment than his predecessors  because […]

Video interview with rescued sailor Dennis Clements

| January 8, 2010

Posterous.com test post with video, but also a harrowing story from a sailor who was miraculously rescued from his boat of the coast of North Carolina. Posted via web from richc’s posterous

Geoff Holt sailing the Atlantic at Day 8

| December 20, 2009

For need of inspiration, I’m following a British sailor on his boat Impossible Dream with a few more physical challenges to sailing than most of us. Geoff Holt has refused to let being a quadriplegic prevent him from attempting a sail across the Atlantic, although is finding it challenging. I’ve been following his upbeat attitude […]

Trackhoe waterskiing: A perfect recreation for the NASCAR fan

| December 11, 2009

After spending the week listening and grumbling over politics (and unfortunately blogging about it), I was ready for something to lighten my mood — How about Trackhoe waterskiing … or if you’re not from the south, it might be called Excavator waterskiing? Whatever … its a recreation fitting for the NASCAR lover!

JBS.org: Robert Welch’s deja vu commentary

| December 10, 2009

Although I’m not a John Birch Society focused guy,  a friend of mine forwarded a YouTube video from its founder Robert W. Welch, Jr. compiled from 1958 and 1974 speeches (embedded below). It is interesting that after our American Republic watched the Soviet Union’s heavy handed, centrally controlled communist government collapse in the 1980s, that […]

Advice from shipwright and rigger Jerr Dunlap

| November 30, 2009

I’m archiving — and sharing — a good sailing advice blog and video series by shipwright and rigger Jerr Dunlap (@myboatworks) out in Marina del Rey, California — thanks Jerr. He has several great video “how-to” clips …  here are two on how to fit a Norseman Fitting.

Politics and testing new flash plugin for WordPress

| November 16, 2009

Currently upgrading and testing a new embed for flash video, although it might not work with current 2.8.6 version of WordPress. Nevertheless, it offers a few extra features that most have become accustom to such as a poster frame and full screen video. I’ll be tweaking the flash encoder on the Mac in order to […]

Hydroptere shatters old sailing speed records

| November 14, 2009

The high performance wind powered Hydroptere (blogged about back in 2007) has shattered sailing records the world over by averaging 51 knots over 500m (.5 kilometers)  in 28 knots of breeze. It’s hard to imagine traveling that fast on the open water, let alone one a boat without an engine.

Concerns with relying on GPS for terrain display

| November 10, 2009

An EAA284 friend of mine sent me a YouTube link of a “near death CFIT” (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) and watching it reminds many of how we’ve become too dependent on low cost electronics. Many recreational pilots have become too GPS focused and a video clip of a close call reminds us not to use […]

Why car companies are offering auto parallel parking features

| October 28, 2009

Enjoyable to watch the patience of drivers … how long do you suspect this woman took to park her car? It’s no wonder automakers are building cars with automatic parallel parking features. From comment on previous post — thanks Marielle.

Model making – a Pan Am World Airways 747 cabin

| October 27, 2009

Some of us  have built some interesting things in our garages … but Anthony Toth in Redondo Beach California tops most of us — he’s built a vintage Pan Am World Airways 747 cabin from the 1970s and 80s. His cabin replica comes complete with Pan Am logo swizzle sticks, napkins and salted almonds sealed […]

Having fun riding the waves even without standing

| October 21, 2009

Since my balance and stability are no longer functional enough even for a longboard, my only wave riding is going to come from the bodyboard or sponge. Here’s an encouraging — and well done — video demonstrating spongeboard surfing can still be quite the adrenaline rush! 😀

Tech Friday: Vidly.com & “Mmm, mmm, mmm” indoctrination

| September 25, 2009

Since I’m becoming more and more anti-YouTube (partially my own doing), I’ve been tinkering with a couple other online video sharing sites. Vidly.com (or the shortened Vid.ly) is easy to use and has both a simple Twitter interface for phones, and an easy uploader tool while using the computer. Editing and organizing (tags, notes, etc) […]

World War II POW and B-17 Pilot Howard Claflin

| September 3, 2009

While talking with a long time client and friend Bruce Claflin about  the business climate, our conversation turned from that sour subject to our  families.  We both have close ties to living World War II USAF veterans and  have sons heading in a similar direction — AF ROTC. His son being older and finishing up […]

The comments of David William Hedrick need to be heard

| August 23, 2009

As the August recess for our congressional representatives draws to a close, the concerns of many Americans have been clearly and forcefully expressed in townhall meeting across the country. One such American expressed the growing opinion of many citizens regarding the change in government happening in our country.  David William Hedrick, a USMC veteran, expressed […]

Woodstock – trying to remember 40 years ago

| August 14, 2009

The word — the place — the music — the festival called Woodstock still evokes passion either ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ and the music, politics and lifestyle branded the generation who came of age in the 1960s.  The 40th anniversary of the three day concert in Bethel, New York takes place this weekend marking the event […]

Catching up on Geekbrief.tv on the Palm Pre

| June 14, 2009

Spending a busy weekend away from the computer, but found time to catch up on some tech updates on my Palm Pre. Really I’d prefer watching video on a big screen, but I was impress at how well I was able to watch a couple YouTube videos and episodes of Cali Lewis on Geekbrief.tv. Very […]

Just another recreational activity for college students

| May 28, 2009

How many hours does it take to record a 3 minute and 42 second YouTube video of college guys shooting ping pong balls into cups? Probably hours that could have been better used focused on higher education … but they now have a popular YouTube video to put on their resume … and who knows […]

A little history behind Twitter from a Kara & Walt D7 interview

| May 27, 2009

Day two of the All Things D D7 conference had Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher interviewing Evan Williams and Biz Stone of  Twitter. The short on stage sit down offered one of the better reviews both the history and future thinking behind this fast growing social networking company (watch your audio volume in embedded video […]

The Agenda with Steve Paiken on the social media tool Twitter

| May 17, 2009

So you want to understand Twitter? Here’s an excellent interview. VIDEO REMOVED An Internet friend of mine was on a panel of new media experts earlier this month with The Agenda with Steve Paiken. Mathew Ingram from The Globe & Mail,  Jay Rosen from NYU journalism professor, David Cohn Spot.us founder, and The Twitter Book […]

An anticipatory “pre” release Palm Pre video

| May 15, 2009

Note to self — don’t get excited just yet as the Palm Pre is NOT in the Sprint inventory. But seeing it being unboxed doesn’t help the anticipation factor.

Online video performers Rhett & Link here in SW Ohio

| May 14, 2009

I was disappointed last week to have missed seeing Rhett and Link in Fairfield Ohio while out of town on Thursday, but since then I’ve noticed them on several network news shows talking about a controversial  Red House Furniture video (my previous post).  I didn’t find the video all that offensive or really all that […]

Rumor: the Palm Pre may be released by Sprint on June 7th

| May 8, 2009

The MyPre website posted comments about a possible June 7th release of the Palm Pre. They pointed to an alleged leaked internal meeting agenda that will be taking place from June 3rd through June 5th. Historically June 7th has been a Sprint  launch day for new products. Also, according to the buzz in Palm Pre […]

Fun with Rhett & Link and iPhone app Leaf Trombone

| May 6, 2009

Short on time tonight, so here a YouTube comedy video from Rhett & Link that promotes an iPhone app called Leaf Trombone World Stage. They are best known for their internet videos and are self-proclaimed “Internetainers”. In addition to their web presence, Rhett & Link are also musicians and filmmakers, and have worked in network […]

Hot topic: H1N1 Flu and our health concerns

| May 1, 2009

Watching and archiving the hot topic and some better information as it relates to H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu is a misleading “pork” hindering name). Hopefully this pandemic will only lightly impact our population due to good planning and early information (see Google map in previous post) I do see over the top hype coming from […]

One year in 40 seconds video by Eirik Solheim

| April 24, 2009

While checking on our neighborhood gazebo project live webcam, I ran across a neat time lapse video by by Eirik Solheim — One year in 40 seconds. He has another one that covers a year in 2 minutes in his backyard in Norway, which I enjoyed as well. His 2009 should be of even higher […]

Type-A personality, EcoDriving and Road Rage

| April 18, 2009

I’m not a Type-A personality, nor do I frustrate easily, but that said, I do spend a significant amount of time on the road and appreciate being able to liberally use the throttle to get where I need to go … which in a diesel vehicle can still be pretty efficient. Thankfully, I haven’t noticed […]

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