Catch-up Tuesday personal blog posts are becoming a habit
Posted By RichC on October 5, 2021
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Music Monday: Tavares – Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel
Posted By RichC on October 4, 2021
When it comes to listening to the music, it is appropriate to be a bit more inclusive when it comes to songs 
that we listened to (and some danced to) in the 1970s. That included R & B, funk, disco and soul music from bell-bottomed 
dancing vocal groups like The Taveres Brothers or just Tavares.
Although they were not at the top of my daily listening or even “own albums” selections, hearing the 1976 song “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” the other day on SiriusXM 70s on 7 brought a smile to my face. Check out this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/vu7RSfHYH74
Patriotism and respect for our American Flag #audio
Posted By RichC on October 3, 2021
While slowly getting going on Saturday, the Fox and Friends Weekend broadcast was on in the background. A frustrating … and depressing story … from an older veteran, retired Col Leonard B Scott III, the “Old Ranger,” from 
Edmond, Oklahoma (who had his flags stolen), caught my ear and irritated me a how some people in our country disrespect both those who serve and the flag these patriots honor and serve under.
What is it going to take to get some current and future Americans to appreciate this country, the freedom we have and show some respect for those who put their life on the line to preserve liberty? I particularly thought his comment about 1 minute 30 seconds into the interview was poignant: “.. so many people don’t appreciate the sacrifice and its sad for us … to have people go by and shoot us the finger and cuss us out … it just really heartbreaking for us old guys holding the American flags.” (audio below) (more…)
The cooler weather has us enjoying working in the backyard
Posted By RichC on October 2, 2021
As summer turned to autumn, Brenda and I found ourselves enjoying a few more evenings and weekends walking around and working in the backyard. Last week it was cleaning up “the mound” (although we have a few) and getting it ready for winter.
I dug out some deeper rooted plants that had spread and planted a couple of new plants, while Brenda used her new saw, chopped and tilled (below). The still damp ground was the perfect time to work on the mounds as they are mostly hard clay soil. Standing back after a couple days working, I’m not sure it looks all that much different? Just maintenance I guess?? (but we still enjoy it)
Lunch with Jeff, the economy, inflation and more nukes in China
Posted By RichC on October 1, 2021
What once was a weekly or at least bi-monthly lunch with my friend Jeff, has shifted to once every 3 months or so since COVID19. It’s not all due to the pandemic as changes in work habits and eating out habits has contributed to neglecting getting together. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable to spend an hour catching up and talking this week at one of our many Mexican Restaurant options.
Years ago when we first started our lunches together (late 1990s) … the “chips and salsa” lunch options were few and far between. Chili’s was our stand by option since it was a favorite of his when he lived in Orlando and a favorite of our family after church each Sunday. We shifted to a local Sharonville Mexican restaurant when he moved to Cincinnati and then spread to others locations as they multiplied (as we did .. cough, couch .. probably a correlation). We still enjoy the occasional lunches, but no longer find it an affordable lunch option. The once “cheap sit-down lunch” that became an under $20 for two lunch is not ringing in at over $30. It is shocking to see the lunch menu that once read 3.95, $4.95 and $5.95 (depending) now reading $10.95 – $12.95. Besides the currently 40-45%+ rise in energy prices this year, the price of food and service is also a big indicator to me that INFLATION is with us and not being
offset by productivity gains or wage gains to offset these kinds of increases.
As if the economy wasn’t concerning enough, Jeff shared a link from the growing threat coming from China. Jeff, being in cybersecurity, pays attention to where the most online threats are coming from (China and Russia) … but also is paying attention to China when it comes to their aggressive expansion and growing military. An area that is particularly concerning is their Nuclear silo construction. They have been a nuclear power for years, but are now accelerating development of 120 silos near Yumen in Gansu province. Are we facing another Cold War?
The Hami missile silo field is in a much earlier stage of development than the Yumen site. Construction began at the start of March 2021 in the southeastern corner of the complex and continues at a rapid pace. Since then, dome shelters have been erected over at least 14 silos and soil cleared in preparation for construction of another 19 silos. The grid-like outline of the entire complex indicates that it may eventually include approximately 110 silos.
Pondering the worth of our Amazon Prime annual membership
Posted By RichC on September 30, 2021
Currently, Amazon Prime costs $119/year if you opt for an annual subscription and after the charges shows up each year on our credit card, I ask the same question: “Is Amazon Prime worth it?” (where are those 2015 prices)
Eventually the irritation passes, the bill gets paid and we’re off to ordering and streaming for another 12 months, but … I’m still not sure it is worth it especially since we are semi-trying to do our part and buy locally or from vendors who don’t control so much of our lives.
A colorized photo triggering interest in Ernest Shacklton
Posted By RichC on September 30, 2021
"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success." –Ernest Shackleton
Seeing a colorized version of a photo on Twitter the other day from the British National Antarctic Expedition at the turn of the century triggered memories of reading about the ships and men that explored Antarctica. Perhaps it is time to re-read a book a few of the many articles from the day or a couple newer books? Many the movie Shackleton?
My eye doctor appointment has been checked off for the year
Posted By RichC on September 29, 2021
Although my eyes are still a little dilated, I’m glad to have my 2021 vision appointment out of the way. Thankfully my prescription didn’t change, although the presbyopia is definitely not on the improve (suspect everyone will have aging eyes someday)?
I’ve pondered the entire vision insurance gimmick (my opinion) before going back and forth wondering if we would be better just paying out of pocket for our vision and for that matter our dental care?
In the past, I noticed that I have been able to shop for vision items and arrive at a cheaper overall cost without insurance … that is even before adding up the relatively low monthly cost of group plan vision coverage with an employer. I suspect some vision providers know that they can upcharge for nearly everything plus collect the insurance reimbursement?
My advice after years of irritatingly being overcharged, is to skip the vision insurance … if you have to pay for it, and negotiate the eye exam and bare minimum of service with your local provider. Then use them if they are reasonable but be prepared to go elsewhere if you find out they are gouging on fitting fees, selling glasses, contacts, etc. From my experience, you will nearly always come out ahead shopping around and using your cash. There will always be headaches and “red tape” when in come to getting reimbursement … not to mention the hassles of filling out forms and sending in the receipts when you play the out-of-network game. Insurance or no-insurance, be sure to work in the manufacturer’s rebates and always pay with an FSA or my preference and HSA account.
Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta with the press of a button
Posted By RichC on September 28, 2021
Look out on the roads … and no I’m not talking about driving dogs. HA!
FSD Beta is an unfinished version of Tesla’s premium driver-assistance software, FSD, which the company sells in the U.S. for $10,000 upfront, or $199 a month.
Tesla has rolled out a software update for their controversial Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD beta) program which offers the Full Self-Driving mode to testers. There are a few caveats although suspect some drivers will figure out how to still ignore the road … and plenty of non-Tesla driving sharing the road who have safety concerns.
Electric vehicle maker Tesla rolled out a long-awaited software update Friday night that allows customers to request access to its controversial Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software.
The move delighted fans of CEO Elon Musk and Tesla, but it risks drawing the ire of federal vehicle safety authorities who are already investigating the automaker for possible safety defects in its driver-assistance systems.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Supernova in the East #podcast
Posted By RichC on September 27, 2021
A couple of weeks ago, Taylor introduced me to a Dan Carlin “Hardcore History” podcasts. He thought I might enjoy them, since both of us particularly appreciate learning more about military history. The series is called “Supernova in the East” detailing the Japanese Empire from pre-World War Japan through WW 2 in six long lectures (6 have been recorded so far) covering the war in the Pacific in much detail. Currently I’m on Carlin’s number 64, or III in the series, and up to the point early in 1942 when General MacArthur is pushed back onto the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. It is long winded, but very informative … and complements the Ian W. Toll volumes I’ve read on the subject.
The segment being discussed is shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack and the United States entering World War 2. It was also a reminder to me that America left our troops, citizens and allies alone to fend for themselves … too reminiscent of how we recently left Afghanistan. The difference is that in 1941 we lost much of our Pacific Fleet and were prioritizing for war in Europe … unlike just leaving folks behind for our selfish political reason. It was irritating in both cases, but at least in 1942 President Roosevelt didn’t really have the capability to do much in the Pacific … something that can’t be said for President Biden in August 2021.
Anyway, if you believe we can/should learn from history, or just appreciated knowing what previous generations did to keep our nation free, you might enjoy listening to Dan Carlin’s “Supernova in the East” … that I’m listening to on Apple Podcasts.
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.