Great Yachting World tip for anchoring near coral heads
Posted By RichC on September 24, 2017
Part of a 12-part sailing advice series by the UK Yachting World site is worth archiving.
iRobot Verro has been the longest lasting automatic pool robot
Posted By RichC on September 23, 2017
About the only replacement parts I’ve had to purchase for our iRobot Verro pool sweeper/ cleaner were the filter bags that go inside the housing. It has been the best of the pool cleaners we have had.
Originally we started our pool ownership with a hopping Kreepy Krauly gizmo for our first pool back in Hudson, Ohio (probably better for liner pools???) and then built in a Polaris "Pressure" pool cleaner in the early 2000s – requires plumbing and a separate pressure pump. They all worked, but only the iRobot has lasted a long time and continues to run even with HEAVY filtering in the spring and excessive wear of the plastic housing. I’m looking for a couple new pieces or "may" try to epoxy some kind of wear strips and repair this winter? Unfortunately I think it is close to 15 years old and if something electrical fails, it will be time to look for a replacement.
Surprised at what I’m still learning about the Vietnam War
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2017
The Ken Burns and Lynn Novick 10 part documentary THE VIETNAM WAR airing each night this past week on PBS has been eye opening even for someone who "thought" they knew their Vietnam history. I’ve read a lot of books over the years and lived through most of the war stateside in real 
time (to be honest, I was pretty young). As a few of the emotional moments were being shared, I couldn’t help but realize just how relieved my parents were when the war (and draft) ended just as their two boys were coming of age. I was personally relatively sheltered from having to make any decision, but suspect if I were a few years ol
der, it would have been a big deal.
The early episodes (what I’ve watched so far) are exceptionally important for those trying to put the Vietnam War and the protest movement that coincided in context to the cold war and spread of Communism history. From the year of occupation and the long bloody war with the French, it was easy to see why the Americans were seen as no different by the Vietnamese people … particularly rural and in the north. The political struggle and corruption within the South Vietnamese government were many … and realizing the exact same struggle was happening (unknown to most in the US) in the North between Ho Chi Minh and his generals. Neither side trusted or believed each other or in the countries backing them (China, USSR and the United States).
The history and documentary style is something I enjoy, but my wife is not as interested so I’m even more immersed in the 
program since I’m watching it in our home theater … something we just haven’t been doing lately. Both cinematography and sound is exceptional … well worth enriching your understanding of the events leading to, the war and political decision-making struggles, the individual emotions and citizen protests that eventually brought and end to this terrible war (although I’m not sure what war isn’t "terrible?") That said, if you go into the program with an open mind, you’ll come way with a better understanding and "maybe" a little more appreciation for all involved in the decisions in a war that took the lives of about 2 million people (58,318 American) between the years of 1955-1975.
Foto Friday – What car lover doesn’t appreciate this photo?
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2017
There is something about this classic muscle car photo that spoke to me. Maybe it the tone or just the classic American steel? At any rate, I’ll use it as the first “Foto Friday” post and see who else see this as art? Probably the only thing better would have been to include a GM vehicle … maybe a vintage Camaro?
Obit: A good friend of my parents Elinor Korte has passed away
Posted By RichC on September 21, 2017
My brother passed along the message that one of my late mom’s closest friends passed away yesterday. Elinor Korte had many of the same interests as my mother and often enjoyed doing those activities together. Along with her husband Joe, they would regularly take interest in our family … inviting us to Indian Lake or to see their place in Florida. Both of them regularly visited with mom and dad in their final years as all were facing debilitating age issues. They friendship and compassion was most appreciated. Elinor was a wonderful lady and had an addictive smile that couldn’t help but make you feel good. My condolences to the Korte family (ALL of them including her 24 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren! What a life!!)
Answering questions on the Motley Fool Industry Focus podcast
Posted By RichC on September 21, 2017
Tuned into Motley Fool’s Industry Focus podcast this week talking about how drugmakers get patents and drug trials through the FDA. The Q & A segment was helpful for those looking to understand the process and pitfalls before adding shares of these companies to their portfolios.
| Motley Fool Industry Focus Podcast (mp3) | 9/20/2017 |
I enjoyed the education on drug trials, but I also knew they were going to answer my question regarding “the struggling and stagnant drugstore and pharmacy business” even with aging baby boomers with more prescriptions and living longer?
Testing WordPress 4.8.2 prior to updating clients
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2017
In looking at a few improvements and bug fixes, it also looks like the “widget” process has seen a few changes. Will test the Video Widget in the center column of the blog. So far so good — targeting Friday for customers if all goes well.
It might be time to update to Apple iOS11 on your iDevice?
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2017
If Joanna Stern (WSJ) moves too fast, check out this longer list of iOS11 features by David Pogue at Yahoo.com.
Brenda takes a turn at babysitting our granddaughter
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2017
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New Avin Android based Nav PLUS display for BMW X5 35d
Posted By RichC on September 19, 2017
A successful install after receiving the Andrew Rodriguez “group buy” iDrive Android Avin replacement for my BMW X5 35d on Saturday. It was a bit intimidating seeing the bundles of wires and 4″x4″ instruction sheet. But after disassembling the dash, most of the plug n play was very smooth. If there would have been a better audio patch setup, I would have giving this upgrade and A+ … OH, and you’ve got to appreciate the “Dail” typo!
Here are a few disassembly photos as well the CarPlay, Apple Maps, Waze maps, YouTube video, etc on my drive today. An added plus is that the flickering backup camera looks like it is fixed?
Photos below without captions … but from dash disassemble to testing a few of the apps and Apply Carplay connection while on a first drive (click for larger):
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.