My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on September 23, 2025

Don’t get me wrong, I love having an older Honda Odyssey as our Florida car. We leave it outside in the condo parking lot most of the time and the hot sun, tree sap and “sitting” do take their toll on cars (photo below from a couple years ago). So last year we decided to drive it back (as I have done for years) so we could haul a few bigger items back with us (like remodeling projects) and I thought I would take care of some overlooked maintenance on it while it was home.

Fast forward: As the drive south creeps closer … and after I postponed the entire summer what I thought would be a simple couple of updates, it gets a little more complicated. I put off replacing the front struts and waited until time grew too short to do it myself, unlikea the rear a couple years ago. Instead, I took it to a local franchised repair shop that I’ve used for minor things before (first mistake: it was not either of my favorites, Mr. Godwrench or Academic Automotive). Anyway when removing the front suspension parts, they broke a part (to be fair, it was rusty) and that required additional replacement parts and a higher bill than initially expected. It was also time to rotate the tires (replaced in 2021), one which has a slow leak and has been bothering me … so I asked them to take a look at it while they rebalanced them. They did and didn’t find anything unusual … but did they really look? As is custom, they dinged my credit card with all the extras, shop towels, disposal fees, etc. Irritating, but nothing unusual. Still irritating.

I then drove the car EXPECTING the ride to have improved, but there was a terrible shake when I hit 65 mph. Something wasn’t right. I had to wait to call them back until Monday and they indicated that it was likely due to rubber bushing that were degraded in a couple of the suspension parts that they did not replace … and quoted an additional $700 on top of the struts which were $1200. Yes .. steam came out of my ears. I explained to them that something likely wasn’t right when they balanced the tire and rotated them to the front. A blank nothing on the phone. Obviously they are only in business to replace more parts. 

So instead of taking it back to them, I took things into my own hands. I noticed that the suspected wheel they moved to the front had been balance with an excessive number or wheel weights … as if perhaps a wheel … or more likely a tire was bad. Unfortunately there is no way for me to check this in my home garage. I decided to take the morning off and headed down to Pick and Pay Junkyard with my battery powered Impact wrench. After paying the $2 to roam through the three old Odysseys they had listed, only one had wheels left. I pick up the best of the matching aluminum wheels with a halfway decent tire.

I swapped it out for the suspected bad front tire and crossed my fingers just to see. In my option, it seemed like a logical move — and it was a much smoother ride. The older unmatched tire and wheel (photo left)  smoothed things out … although it is not perfect. 

I’m hesitant to replace the old unmatched tire with the one that might have a leak (even if it is newer), but also dislike making the drive to Florida with a worn tire from the junkyard? The decision now is: Do I buy one more new tire to mix with those that have 15,000 mile on them or buy TWO new tires and put them on the front? The later sounds like the best solution … but I’m still not happy about the repair shop that put on the new struts.

(more…)

Category: Automotive, Honda, Repairs | No Comments »
Tags: frustration, honda, junkyard, maintenance, odyssey, repairs, struts, tires

Posted By RichC on September 22, 2025

Even those who didn’t know Charlie Kirk, now know who he was and the impact he had particularly on young college age students through his Turning Point USA organization. As an outspoken Christian, he has inspired young people to challenge the secular direction of our society and his assassination illustrates how deep the political and moral divide is in our country and world (my commentary last week).

For Music Monday this week, I wanted to include something that highlighted the emotions most decent Americans should have when people are assassinated for openly debating and sharing their views — violence and killing those you disagree with is not the answer.

During yesterday’s Memorial Service in Arizona (pre-posting this so the link may be dated) which saw huge crowds filling State Farm Stadium and the love and admiration from people lining up early for this 31 year old husband and father was palpable. Fellow citizens gathered with President Trump, VP Vance and many of our nation’s leaders at the memorial service to remember Charlie’s impactful life, but also to celebrate the amazing Godly direction he gave to so many searching young Americans who instinctively know something is messed up in our country. As always, music played a powerful role in helping us process our grief and is a way to honor Charlie’s memory.
 

Brenda and I heard the song “Like Charlie,” written and sung by Sarah Beth Terry and it was full of emotion. As Christians it gives us hope, yet for his wife Erika and their two children, the sadness brought us to tears. We also watched Charlie’s last interview on Saturday evening and thought how chilling is was to hear him to reference and quote Romans 8:28.

“One of my favorite verses though is Romans 8:28… it says that God works all things for good for those who love him. It’s very freeing and liberating… because we believe that when things can be really bad, God is working it for His good, His perfect and pleasing will.”

“It’s very liberating that God is working all things towards an ultimate good… I don’t have to be in charge of everything. There is a God and I am not him and I surrender to his will.”

Grab a tissue, folks.

Category: Audio, Faith, Human Interest, Music, News, Video | No Comments »
Tags: charlie kirk, like charlie, memorial service, music monday, musicmonday, sarah beth terry, turning point usa

Posted By RichC on September 21, 2025

What do you call a dog that is part Labrador Retriever, part Collie and part Dalmatian? 

A Colaberation. 😊

(photo assistance by Grok)

Category: AI, Art, Humor | No Comments »
Tags: artificial intelligence, colaberation, dogs, grok, Humor, joke

Posted By RichC on September 20, 2025

I saw a story being passed around on social media and because I enjoy Mike Rowe’s story telling AND tear drop campers short post made me smile (I could build one on my trailer someday?). Besides, it is a way to add some Markdown text to my hugo.brenich.com practice website and a link Mike’s Pretty Good Campers. 😉

Last week in Baltimore, Uber charged me $85 for a trip that usually costs $20. I looked into the way their “surge pricing” model actually works, and didn’t like what I learned. So today, after checking out of my hotel in Oklahoma, I called Lyft instead and was picked up by a guy named Mike. He was driving a red F-150. It was clearly a work truck, full of tools and lumber. I sat up front.

“How far to the airport,” I asked.
“Fifteen minutes,” he said. “You in a hurry?”
“Not really,” I said. “Are you?”
“Never.”

As we merged onto the highway and settled into the slow lane, I asked Mike if he was a carpenter in real life.
“Among other things,” he said.
“Jack of all trades?”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” he said. Back in the seventies, I was a plumber’s helper. Then I worked for a spell in the heating and air condition game.”
“How was that?,” I asked.
“Hot and cold,” he said.

I honestly couldn’t tell if he was making a joke or not. His voice had a classic midwestern drawl, and there was no expression on his face as he stared out the windshield.

(more…)

Category: Blogs, Human Interest, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: lyft, mike rowe, story, teardrop camper, trailer, uber

Posted By RichC on September 19, 2025

Artificial intelligence with Grok, Claude.ai, ChatGPT, Gemini, etc has been a real help for rookie computer and server problem-solvers like me. It may be one of the best ways to learn if you’re not in a classroom, have an experienced teacher or coworkers handy?

Occasionally I run into questions in “how to best use” AI. Should we start a new question or continue with old threads? How much does AI remember from previous conversations? Or “in my case” can we pickup where we left of with Linux server fixes on a later session … often days or longer from a first attempt.  Believe it or not, Grok (in this case) has an answer for that too:

Continuing the Thread vs. Starting a New One

• Continuing on this thread is fine and recommended, as it keeps all the context (e.g., the dos-* files, Apache configuration, Fail2Ban setup, and logrotate) in one place. This makes it easier to reference the previous steps, logs, and configurations we’ve discussed.
• Starting a new thread is also an option if you prefer a clean slate, but it won’t affect my ability to assist. I have memory of our entire conversation, including the details of your server setup, the dos-34.174.174.182 files, the empty module files, and the Apache error. I won’t forget where we are, as I can recall all relevant details across sessions.

Memory and Continuity

• I’ll retain the context of this conversation, including the ls -al outputs, the mod_evasive issues, and the Fail2Ban configuration, so we can seamlessly continue tomorrow. If you start a new thread, just mention that you’re picking up on the mod_evasive and dos-* issue, and I’ll connect the dots.
• If you want to ensure specific details are forgotten (e.g., sensitive logs), you can manage memory via the interface by clicking the book icon beneath a message and selecting the chat to forget. However, there’s no need to do this unless you have privacy concerns, as I’ll only use relevant details to assist you.

Category: AI, Computer, Software, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: chatgpt, claude.ai, gemini, grok, linux, programming, server, tech friday, techfriday, update

Posted By RichC on September 18, 2025

Since TheHustings editor often asks me to weigh in on current topics of the political nature, it seemed appropriate to submit a few words on my political thoughts after the September 10th assassination of Charlie Kirk. 

= = =

I am Charlie Kirk:
A Call for Responsible Political Discourse

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, marks not just the loss of a passionate conservative voice, but a sobering moment for American political discourse. At just 31 years old, Kirk had built Turning Point USA into a formidable force in campus conservative activism, inspiring countless young Americans to engage with political ideas and defend their faith and principles.

The circumstances of Kirk’s death — shot while speaking at Utah Valley University — represent a troubling escalation in political violence that should alarm every American who values democratic discourse. This tragedy follows a disturbing pattern of increasingly heated rhetoric that has moved from the realm of words into the realm of violence.

When public figures consistently describe political opponents as “threats to democracy,” “fascists” or “Hitler,” we must ask ourselves: what impact do such words have on those already predisposed to violence? While the vast majority of Americans across the political spectrum condemn violence, inflammatory language can serve as kindling for those few individuals willing to act on extremist impulses.

Political discourse has always been robust in America, but there’s a meaningful difference between passionate disagreement and rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents or suggests they pose existential threats. When media personalities and political leaders frame routine policy disagreements as battles for the soul of America, they risk normalizing the idea that extreme measures might be justified. The hypothetical question is often asked in philosophical discussions: “Knowing history, if you could eliminate Hitler prior to his rise to power, would you kill him?” It may not take much for those who are radicalized by the rhetoric.

Recent years have seen an alarming trend of political violence, with the recent targeting of conservative figures and assassination attempts on President Trump suggesting a particularly concerning pattern that warrants honest examination. We must acknowledge that words matter and those with platforms have a responsibility to choose them carefully.

Charlie Kirk believed deeply in the power of ideas and debate. He built his career on the premise that conservative principles could win in the marketplace of ideas if given a fair hearing. His death should serve as a catalyst for all Americans to recommit to civil discourse and peaceful political engagement.

Media organizations must examine whether their coverage contributes to political hostility or encourages democratic participation. Political leaders must model responsible rhetoric that acknowledges the humanity of opponents. Citizens must resist echo chambers that reinforce the worst assumptions about those who disagree with them.

The best way to honor Kirk’s memory is to recommit ourselves to the vigorous but civil discourse he championed. America has always been at its best when we’ve maintained passionate political debate within bounds of mutual respect. The death of Charlie Kirk should serve as a wake-up call that we’ve drifted too far from that ideal. In a democracy, words have power—it’s time we all used that power more responsibly.

Category: Blogs, Faith, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: charlie kirk, commentary, editorial, Politics, speech, thehustings, violence

Posted By RichC on September 17, 2025

This is a test post for an image uploading issue, but figured that I would include some leaves already coming down – it has been a dry few weeks! 

Category: Personal, Photos, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: autumn, driveway, front yard, gazebo, leaves, testing

Posted By RichC on September 17, 2025

Trying something new in posting something directly from the Hugo.Brenich.com Raspberry Pi’s Markdown post. Curious as to how WordPress does or doesn’t handle the image and text. If the Raspberry Pi goes down, the “map” image likely will be missing below.

It is interesting to at least check out the map published by The Old Farmer’s Almanac for the upcoming 2025-2026 Winter.

Mostly Mild—with Pockets of Wild!

That’s the big picture: most of the United States can expect a typical or slightly milder winter—but some regions should brace for a sharper chill.

“Don’t lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas,” says Editor Carol Connare. “Most areas will experience near-normal to slightly milder temperatures, but from the Appalachians south through the Southeast and Florida, and westward across the Ohio Valley, we’re predicting a colder-than-normal winter.”

Forecast highlights across the continental U.S.:

• Temperatures: Near normal to slightly milder across much of the country—except in the Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, and the Ohio Valley, where colder-than-average conditions are forecasted.
• Precipitation: Overall, drier than usual overall, with extended dry stretches likely. However, Florida, the Intermountain region, and the eastern Desert Southwest may see above-average precipitation.
• Snowfall: Near or below normal for most areas. However, greater amounts of snow are expected in much of the Carolinas, southern Appalachians, eastern Ohio Valley, southern Rockies, and eastern Desert Southwest.

Remember: “Mild” is relative. It’s still winter—so plan (and dress!) accordingly. And if you’re in a snow-prone area, don’t retire that shovel just yet.

Category: Weather | No Comments »
Tags: almanac, forecast, old farmers, winter

Posted By RichC on September 16, 2025

I really thought that I posted a photo last month on the Lanai construction happening at our Delray Beach condo? Nope, can’t find it (photo right).

But thanks to our super nice neighbor, she took a couple updated photos below for us in between the heavy rains they have been getting in south Florida (we could use a little in Ohio). 

Anyway, it was good to see some progress happening and we are hoping the majority of the work is done before we travel down. For those wondering, condominiums in the state of Florida required an engineering survey to avoid another terrible 2021 Surfside condominium collapse. Unfortunately, that means added costs for both the survey and repairs … in our case, foundation and corner structure repairs and railing rebedding ($$$).   Such is life … but the repairs are looking good. 

Category: Personal, Photos, Repairs, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: 2025, condo1718, delray beach, florida, lanai, repairs, updates

Posted By RichC on September 15, 2025

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler, his brother David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers, known for their unique blend of rock, folk, and blues driven by Mark Knopfler’s signature guitar style. Their breakthrough hit, “Sultans of Swing,” was released in 1978 and remains their one hit that triggers my college dorm memories at Ohio Northern University. 

I don’t recall videos to go with the vinyl album and cassette tapes back in the day, but now it is great way to relive the music on their YouTube videos … and perfect for Music Monday. 😊 

Category: Music, Video | No Comments »
Tags: 1970s, dire straits, music monday, musicmonday, rock, sultans of swing, wikipedia, youtube