EVs are making inroads – Drew is now a Tesla Model 3 owner
Posted By RichC on April 28, 2019
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Look who has been visiting our house for a few days
Posted By RichC on April 27, 2019
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Tech Friday: The Social Media that has become part of my life
Posted By RichC on April 26, 2019
Likely I am not alone in constantly reevaluating the pros and cons of participating in social media. I’ve purposely limited my exposure to only a couple of platforms even though I enjoy staying in touch with friends and acquaintances … 
and generally don’t have a problem with people respectfully debating news and politics.
Facebook as a platform is NOT my favorite as I really don’t like much about it, but it has been a way to stay in touch with friends and family through the years. The younger crowd (my kids) have move away from the it, likely because their network grew too large and politically heated … or maybe because it became the social circle for older generations (aunts, uncles, parents, etc)? Nevertheless, I purposely have kept FB limited to family and closer friends … even as I’ve added a few personal interest groups, which in hindsight may have been a mistake … but that’s how clubs and organization have decided to communicate? My rule of thumb has been to try to post something family related once a month … and to comment or at least give my extended family and friends a “like” or two in order to stay in touch. So far so good … and thankfully I’ve avoided most things political with some success. I can’t say the same for the ads and forced posts in my feed … what an annoyance.
My second social network is Twitter and it is pretty much the opposite. Not all that much is personal with this feed as it is my newsfeed and a place where I can politely exchange real time business news and stories of interest to me … 
including some political opinions and debate. Generally I have no problem mentally turning off the “hate” and “fake” news … but I do get sick and tired of watching some people do more to try and divide our society and country that to unite it. Very sad.
Over the years I’ve participated daily and can say that I’m not alone. It’s an ego boost to hear people appreciate my thoughts or to tell me why I’m wrong – nothing wrong with an educated thoughtful exchange. Very few of are are right 100% of the time and all of us could learn something if we would listen twice as much as talking (which is why God gave us 2 ears and only one mouth). HA!
Speaking of Twitter, his week Jack Dorsey (Twitter’s CEO) was invited to talk with President Trump, who uses the platform to communicate directly with people. There are pluses and minus to this “straight from the horse’s mouth” communication. I’m not sure where I come down on it as it is far too easy to put one’s “foot in their mouth” when a Whitehouse communications department doesn’t have a chance to polish a president’s tweets. What came out of the meeting from what I could tell is that both the President and Jack Dorsey were able to talk about improving the platform. It is great to have real time information from a lot of smart and educated people, even if that information is surrounded by real time information from a lot of idiots and propogandists.
Unfortunately, just as with any free or open society, Twitter (and other social networks permitting all the ability to share), they are walking a tightrope between authoritarian heavy handed moderation and permitting open ended hate filled and destructive chaos. Finding that safe and sensible middle ground is near impossible … but at least Twitter seems to be trying (BTW, I’m likely biased since I use Twitter and also own $TWTR stock, which has had a pretty good week).
How should we light our next bonfire? #TBT
Posted By RichC on April 25, 2019
We’ve had many bonfires and parties in our backyard over the years and once again the spring clean-up is building up another pretty good sized pile. An interesting “how to light it” video gave me a ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post idea (photo from a YoungLife party in 2007).
Hm … not sure this looks like the smartest or safest way to light the bonfire? (see video below)
All good again as Apple sent a replacement iPhone 7-plus
Posted By RichC on April 24, 2019
It may not be the latest and greatest iPhone from Apple, but having one that works sure beats struggling with a microphone that does not. Thankfully staying persistent that the replacement battery service is likely what caused my microphone problem paid off. 
The local Apple Store may have failed me, but a return call from Apple Support promised to follow up and “make it right.”
After an initial hiccup with having the wrong phone active on my account (last week’s store issue), “Hasan” reactivated my old phone within a day so that he could authorize an “Express Replacement.” It arrived yesterday and after a few steps, an experienced VirginMobile representative was able to activate the old SIM to the new IMEI number of the iPhone 7-plus.
Unfortunately even with a full Apple iTunes backup of my old phone, there are things that do not transfer correctly. Updating apps, password access for each, Apple pay data as well as all Bluetooth and WiFi settings all require pecking in numbers, etc. It’s probably all good for security, but a pain when realizing just how many things are kept in a phone that we take for granted … and usually having to find it at the most inconvenient time. All in all, I’m glad to have a working phone again.
Spring had definitely sprung for Easter Sunday in 2019
Posted By RichC on April 23, 2019
Although Brenda worked Easter Sunday this year, the weather could not have been more beautiful in Cincinnati for a few chores. 
I buffed out the oxidation on our 2002 Honda Odyssey, as the Florida sun is hard on paint. After buffing, I wax and buffed again in order to add a layer of protection … my dad would have been pleased (personally, I think it looks pretty good for a 17 year old “work-wagon.”) Also, before packing a few tools and supplies back in the van for a trip south, I headed out into the yard to enjoy the sunshine … as well as take a few “flowers in bloom” photos for the archive as a few times before (like 4/16/2017). I forgot just how beautiful our Lilac bushes, Redbud trees, Magnolias and Tulips are in the spring, especially against the dark green grass after the first mowing (which was last week).
Music Monday: This Van Morrison song for surgeons, says BBC
Posted By RichC on April 22, 2019
The subject line of this post is definitely one of the quirkier tidbits for a Music Monday song, 
but I thought it was a somewhat unique way to mention Into The Mystic and post a couple different YouTube videos – here’s the LP version (pretty cool) and a live version embedded below. According to a BBC survey, this Van Morrison song is “one of the most popular songs for surgeons to listen to while performing operations.” They say it is because it has a “cooling, soothing vibe.”
Van Morrison’s music ranks high on my list of favorites, especially his music from the 1970s … the release day from the album Moondance was February 1970. His songs have been included before, but I think a live Into The Mystic (lyrics) is worth including (no longer available).
Shuttle launch observed from the International Space Station
Posted By RichC on April 21, 2019
Happy Easter … He Is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed! The resurrection of Jesus and His “ascension” to heaven is a vision we can only imagine.
When I’m too busy to blog, a beautiful photo from space works well as an Easter post. Here’s a photo from the International Space Station (#ISS) just after a Shuttle launch a few years ago. Impressive! (click for larger)
Archive: Photos from Katelyn, Drew & Annalyn’s trip to Yosemite
Posted By RichC on April 20, 2019
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The weather is not to my liking, but it is a “Good Friday”
Posted By RichC on April 19, 2019
After a first cutting of the backyard, the flowering phlox and Redbud trees make even a cold and gloomy “Good Friday” worth taking a panorama photo.
But let’s keep our focus on what Jesus did for us and the reason we refer today as “GOOD Friday” – I like what Rev Franklin Graham shared on Twitter (embedded below).
What’s so good about Good Friday? pic.twitter.com/cKnKKFQSR2
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) April 19, 2019
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.