My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 18, 2025

Really this is a “to be ignored” post that is to test MarsEdit after a big update and Linux server issues. I’ve cleared out a bunch of bulk, cleaned up and hopefully secured a few more things and am trying (without all that much success) into combatting the Chinese BOT that hammer the site everyday. 

Stay tuned as to what can be done pre-PHP as it all seems to tax the CPU and memory when banging away for a couple hours. 

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Category: Blogs, Computer, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: grok, linux, marsedit, wordpress

Posted By RichC on July 18, 2025

The rise of AI in search and browsing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI-powered tools offer efficiency, delivering quick, synthesized answers without the need to navigate multiple websites. For users, this can feel like a leap forward—why sift through links when a chatbot can summarize the best information? However, this convenience comes at a steep cost to the open web’s ecosystem, which thrives on human interaction, curiosity, and the organic discovery of content.

This week the Internet articles reaching my feed have been warning about AI “choking off” traffic to content sites is alarming but not hyperbolic. Websites, from independent blogs to major publishers, rely on search engine referrals to sustain their business models. If AI agents bypass these sites entirely, creators lose not only revenue but also the ability to engage audiences directly. This risks creating a homogenized internet where a few AI gatekeepers control what information surfaces, stripping away the diversity and serendipity that make the web valuable. The analogy of a librarian summarizing a book instead of handing it to you is apt—while convenient, it robs you of the chance to flip through the pages yourself and stumble upon unexpected insights.

Yet, dismissing AI’s impact as mere hype, as SparkToro CEO Rand Fishkin suggests, feels shortsighted. The data is clear: AI-driven tools are growing rapidly, and their potential to reshape how we interact with information is undeniable. An article in TheWeek.com’s tech section, it was noted that while traditional search still dominates, the launch of tools like Comet and Google’s AI Mode signals a shift toward a future where AI mediates our online experiences. This could lead to a less vibrant web, where the joy of “falling down rabbit holes” or chancing upon niche content is replaced by sterile, algorithmically curated responses.

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Category: AI, Blogs, Human Interest, Productivity, Social Media, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, google, internet, opinion, search, tech friday, techfriday, theweek.com

Posted By RichC on July 17, 2025

I couldn’t help but remember a Memorex tape advertisement that ran in the 1970s for cassette tapes (above) … then in the 1980s for VHS tapes … when seeing the photo below: “Is it live … or is it Memorex?“

What do you think of when you see the shape of this island off the coast of Italy? My first thought was … “it must be generated by artificial intelligence as are so many photographs on social media these days.” 

So of course I asked AI … and then curiosity had me adding a couple links from Wikipedia 😉 
Tell me about this island off the coast of Italy (photo)?

Yes, the photo appears to depict an island off the coast of Italy. Based on its distinctive shape and features, it is likely the island of Gorgona, one of the smallest islands in the Tuscan Archipelago. Gorgona is located about 19 miles from the Italian mainland and is part of a national park. It is known for its rugged terrain, small population, and a historical prison that has been in operation since the 19th century. The island also has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to Roman times, and it is home to a monastic community. Access to the island is restricted due to the prison, and it is not a typical tourist destination.

– Grok

Category: AI, Human Interest, Photos, Social Media, Tidbits | No Comments »
Tags: artificial intelligence, chatgpt, dolphin, gorgona, grok, island, itally, memorex, tuscan archipelago, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on July 16, 2025

After finishing the book “Kent State: An American Tragedy” by Brian VanDeMark last week, it occurred to me that the tensions in the U.S. aren’t all that different today than they were in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Radicals on the political left today (we often see Antifa), just as some with like minds did 50 years ago, choose violence. They fan already red-hot embers of the anti-Trump liberal-left’s non-violent protests (probably half the active Democrats) into the destructive and dangerous protests/riots that include spray painting, damage to vehicles and public property and rock throwing at law enforcement. Those who may still remain non-violent, end up hiding the anarchist sect and camouflages those committing acts of destruction and physical violence.

Not surprising, this was a tactic 60 years ago by the “new left” SDS and the even more so the violent Marxist far-left Weather Underground; they tirelessly recruited and coerce anti-Vietnam War college students into campus unrest and sometimes college town community violence. Let’s think long and hard before we go down this “blood in the streets” path again. And although my “fearsome foursome” buddies may have looked like the “longhaired college radicals of the day” … we were thankfully insulated from the draft, violence on campus and the nation’s unrest (read/listen below or see my commentary on TheHustings.news — Right-Column of course).
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Category: AI, Audio, Books, History, Human Interest, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: antifa, artificial intelligence, commentary, elevenlabs, kent state, sds, thehustings, violence, weather underground

Posted By RichC on July 15, 2025

Let’s start the archive of weekend photos with our immediate family selfies. Taylor, Megan and Gigi were over to cool off in the pool (before the strong storms hit on Saturday afternoon) while KDAE were up in Michigan for a extended weekend having summer vacation-ish fun. It would be difficult to find a much more beautiful place to visit in the summer, but staying in our backyard on a hot weekend wasn’t bad either. 

After taking a few photos of the family I realized that we rarely see the back of our house and before the “struggling with disease” Red Bud tree completely dies, having a photo with it might be nice. I’m not sure what we’ll eventually replace it with just yet. 

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Category: Archive, Audio, Computer, Personal, Photos, Video, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: drew, family, granddaughters, imac, katelyn, megan, michigan, microphone, oostras, rain, storms, taylor, testing, weather, wind

Posted By RichC on July 14, 2025

This content is restricted.

Category: Music | No Comments »
Tags: jack johnson, jimmy buffett, kenny chesney, mp3, music monday, musicmonday, somewhere in the sun, summer

Posted By RichC on July 13, 2025

Here’s some advice you’ve probably heard before: “Purchase the best quality tools that you can afford” … and I’ll add, “when young.”

I’ve found myself in this situation many times before. Likely the advice is simple, but in practice, stretching the dollar factors into our calculations. A couple weeks ago I went to my workshop plumbing drawer for a copper pipe or tube cutter knowing that it needed to be the small “restricted space” style. I’ve used it many times before and wondered why I didn’t purchase a better quality one the first time I needed it. Of course the larger one in my plumbing box is a little bit better, but I still find myself using the small one more often than not.

After replacing four valve last month with the assistance of my granddaughters and struggling with the old, dull and difficult to tighten lessor-quality cutter, I decided for $6.99 that it was time to upgrade (way too late in life). Point being, like a good quality lightweight step ladder (hint, hint), people should spend a few dollars more and buy the better one when they are young. 

Category: Advice, Tools | No Comments »
Tags: copper pipe, ladder, pipe cutter, plumbing, replacement, tool, tubing cutter, workshop

Posted By RichC on July 12, 2025

It might be a little concerning if I didn’t actually know my neighbors and neighborhood as well as I do … but another couple has decided the time is right to sell their home. The Groseth family has lived here for 30 years and we’ve watch our families grow up together. Both Marvin and Arlene have been perfect neighbors, and if I were not happy for them, I’d be depressed see them move (although I sort of still am since Marvin and I saw eye to eye on nearly everything).

Like Pam and Jim Miller earlier in the year, it was time to sell in a strong real estate market and find a place a little more fitting for a couple in retirement. I think we’ve all thought about it … especially since most of us living around our little lake neighborhood no longer have families at home or children in the excellent Lakota public schools. It would be hard pressed to find another community as perfect as ours for raising a family. That said, it is understandable that several couples have decided the time is right.

Occasionally Marvin and Arlene’s youngest son David brings his kids to fish and drive the John Deere Gator around the lake. I talked with him a couple months ago and he mentioned that his mom and dad spotted a nice house and property not too far away in Lebanon, Ohio — right next to their daughter and her family — so I knew that they were tempted. So when Marvin called me to let me know they bought a new place were going to be listing, I was prepared for the news — and will mention it to those who might be interested it their house (Listed by: Cory Keller 513-260-5023, RE/MAX United Associates 513-655-2300 – Source: Cincy MLS,MLS#: 1847294). 

It does have me wondering again …  “should we be doing the same?” Still, giving up so much would be challenging unless the perfect place existed … and I don’t think it does considering my workshops, car garage, pool and privacy (photo), back porch, comfortable home office, etc. 😉 

Category: Archive, Financial, For Sale, Local, Personal, Photos, Retirement | No Comments »
Tags: for sale, home, house, neighbor, real estate, zillow

Posted By RichC on July 11, 2025

The Bombardier beetle is a remarkable insect known for its unique and powerful chemical defense system. Belonging to the family Carabidae, these beetles are found on nearly every continent and are especially famous among entomologists and naturalists for the way they defend themselves from predators.

Key Characteristics:

• Chemical Defense:
  The Bombardier beetle can eject a hot, noxious chemical spray from its abdomen when threatened. This spray is not only irritating but also produced at near boiling temperatures (up to 100°C or 212°F) and delivered in rapid-fire pulses with an audible popping sound.
• How It Works:
  Inside its abdomen, the beetle stores two chemical compounds—hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide—in separate reservoirs. When danger is sensed, these chemicals are mixed in a specialized combustion chamber along with catalytic enzymes (like peroxidase and catalase), resulting in an explosive chemical reaction. The force of the reaction propels the spray toward the predator.
• Accuracy and Control:
  The beetle can aim this spray with impressive accuracy, even swiveling the tip of its abdomen to hit specific targets. Some species can release the spray in multiple quick bursts rather than a single shot.

Additional Facts:

• Species: There are over 500 species of Bombardier beetles.
• Size: Most are small, typically about 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long.
• Habitat: Commonly found in forests, fields, and near water sources.
• Diet: Generally predatory, feeding on other insects.

Fascination in Science:

The Bombardier beetle is often cited in discussions about biomimetics (mimicking natural processes for technological solutions) and is frequently referenced in debates on evolution and intelligent design, given the apparent complexity of its defense system.

ChatGPT (photo from Wikipedia) and an Apple Shortcut script from Notes test

Category: AI, Nature, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: artificial intelligence, beetle, bombardier beetle, chatgpt, insect, tech friday, techfriday, testing, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on July 10, 2025

It has been a “wonderfully” warm summer so far … at least in Cincinnati. I good with it since I like the heat, even if I could do without the humidity. So far though, even with the regular thunderstorms, the humidity has been okay.

Our granddaughters are up north with the Barb and Randy … Drew’s parents … for a couple of days before being joined by Katelyn and Drew. It is beautiful looking over Lake Michigan this time of year and know they will have a good time … despite missing mom and dad. Hopefully they will look back fondly on the times they were with their grandparents.

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Category: Archive, Personal, Photos, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: family, granddaughters, homebuilding, hot, house, michigan, oostra, pool, rain, summer, vacation