The Pretender from 1976 by Jackson Browne never gets old
Posted By RichC on August 8, 2016
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The Raspberry Pi 3 is running a little hot again
Posted By RichC on August 7, 2016
Once again, the little Raspberry Pi 3 is running hotter than optimal for long life and performance. I’m adding the small heatsinks as with the first Pi3 which eventually failed to boot — exchanged under warranty BUT it was running consistently hot. I have purposely monitored and kept the case open (saves a few degrees) … but it still isn’t cooking like the ZDNet tests.
When not under load, the Pi’s CPU operates at 600MHz, increasing its speed to 1.2GHz when tasked with carrying out a heavyweight operation. Operating at this higher speed will begin to raise the temperature of the board and when it goes over 80C the Pi 3 will start to reduce its operating frequency in order to reduce the heat emitted by the CPU. Its speed is gradually reduced, dropping down to 600MHz if the board hits 85C or over.
The Pi 3 is based around a 64-bit processor, compared to the 32-bit CPU used in the Pi 2. The Pi 3’s processor is based on a newer architecture, the ARM Cortex A53, than that of the Pi 2’s processor, which is built around the ARM Cortex A7 core. This newer architecture is capable of carrying out more work per processor cycle. The Pi 3’s CPU is quad-core, like the Pi 2’s, but is faster – clocked at 1.2GHz, some 300 MHz higher than that of the Pi 2.
Source: No, your Raspberry Pi 3 won’t overheat in everyday use, says its creator | ZDNet
How does your monthly smartphone bill compare to Ting?
Posted By RichC on August 6, 2016
After years (30 years to be closer to the truth!!!) of comparing the best cellphones and carriers when it comes to device and service, I can finally say that I’m satisfied. Back in 2014, as our kids (and parents) moved on to their own plans, I switched our two iPhone5s to Ting. From day one they have done an excellent job as a ‘reseller’ carrier for our Sprint CDMA phones when it comes to customer service and pricing.
Yesterday the company announced that they would also be reducing data rates — very welcomed. If there was one bone left to pick, it would be that I still had to be focused on our data use each month … because even at $10/GB, it adds up fast. Thankfully we keep our joint use to under 2 GB most months due to the plethora of trusted Wi-Fi connections (traveling is the exception).
If you are thinking about a no-contract plan that bills you on the basis of how much you use each month, give Ting a try — using my referral link is also appreciated!
==> REFERRAL LINK <==
What was the best present you ever received as a child?
Posted By RichC on August 5, 2016
Sometimes there are things that seemed to be written just for me … like the response to a serious of questions posed to Mike Rowe. I can relate 100% to the want of a Crosman BB gun at the 9 year old mark (and dad was understanding, but mom was worried — a "worrywart" was she!).
The difference, ever so minor, was that my yearning was for a Crosman 760 Pumpmaster with bolt action … but it was Mike very creative Freudian misspelling which tickled my funnybone.
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
When I was nine, I got a Crosman Arms M1 Air Rifle. It was just like the scene in “A Christmas Story,” except it was my birthday. My mother was worried I’d shoot my eye out, but my father overruled her. I’ve never felt so much excitement or anticipation as I did pulling that Crosman M1 Air Rifle from it’s long, cylindrical box and felt it’s comforting weight in my sweaty nine-year old palms. An hour later, I shot the tire swing in the back yard. The BB bounced back and hit me in the forehead, really hard. Scared the hell out me. I told my mother the red welt above my eye was a pimple.
7. What’s the best present you ever gave?
The day after I turned nine, I gave my little bother a Crosman Arms M1 Air Rifle. And wished him well.
https://t.co/T3pbO4T80E
Lisa who writes for @TownHall called and asked if I’d be willing to answer a few questions. pic.twitter.com/xknJ3adeQ0— The Real Mike Rowe (@mikeroweworks) August 4, 2016
Archive: Katelyn and Drew are having a baby
Posted By RichC on August 4, 2016
Brenda and I are SO excited for our daughter Katelyn and her husband Drew — they are having a baby (photo above “just a couple years ago”). They called us with the good news last week that they are expecting (considering both are doctors, I assume they are pretty sure). Katelyn has not been to see her OBGYN yet, but the home tests say that she is pregnant … and from her calculations, should put the due date about March in 2017.
I had to keep my mouth shut (and blog quiet) until they were together with the Oostra family this weekend in Michigan (and she was back to Minneapolis to tell her coworkers and friends), but now that the all clear has been signaled I’m free to smile and say “I’m going to be a grandfather.” From the happiness of friends and family who are already grandparents, it looks like it is even better than being a parent! I CANNOT wait!!!!
Drew sent a couple photos (click for larger) from their Michigan trip last weekend (they took the nighttime ferry/ship across Lake Michigan on Friday night) and had a great time together with the Oostras. Brenda’s comment after seeing the photos, “it is hard to tell if she is pregnant?” Ha! … we’ll be watching!
EDIT 8/1/2016:
I still can’t say anything BUT — after the Monday OBGYN visit the due date has been calculated as March 9, 2017 — and they have Baby Oostra photos already!
GroupBibleStudy.com website traffic is exploding in India
Posted By RichC on August 3, 2016
An online website project that I have the privilege to be involved with is GroupBibleStudy.com. My good friend Pastor Keith Thomas, a super nice guy and one of the more scholarly writers and teachers that I know, writes and teaches small group Bible studies from his home base in Cincinnati, Ohio. His online reach is far beyond that, which is fitting since he is from England and lived in Israel years ago (he still take a trip/tour back every spring if you are interested). His excellent Bible studies are available FREE as a PDF or DOC file download — so zero commitment or a "passing of the virtual offering plate" on his part. On the other hand, if you prefer DVDs and CDs, there is a small charge to offset the production and distribution cost — LINK.
A recent "refresh" of the ClustrMap for 2016 helps us eyeball where the hunger is for learning about Christianity … India! In previous years, downloads and site visits outside the United States has primarily been from China, 
along with a few Arabic speaking countries (all with effective Christian censorship I might add). Recently, India has exploded in activity … so we’ve started work on translating studies to Hindi. For those who are looking and praying for a mission field or just want to help other Christians spread the Gospel, India is currently an interested mission field.
Keith does not go out of his way to ask for donations in order to keep his ministry growing, instead he continues his writing and teaching knowing God has always provided, but I’ll gladly encourage those who read this to consider using the donate link on the GroupBibleStudy.com website. More importantly, visit his regular blog posts and use them as devotionals … or download some of the hundred studies and use them with your small group. On the ohter hand, maybe just keep the link handy and when someone ask you about your Christian faith write the GroupBibleStudy.com link inside the cover of a Bible and give it to them!
In the planning stages for a kitchen update – August 2016
Posted By RichC on August 2, 2016
Now that we’ve been in our house for over 20 years and haven’t really done much to update our kitchen and the builder grade cabinets and appliances. It is time to start the ball rolling and at least get a few ideas. 
Brenda thinks our kitchen is too small by today’s "big house" standards so as a compromise we’re exploring ways to accomplish this without a major addition … we’re close to agreeing on something (more on that after working with a designer).
We’ve made a few minor upgrades over the years like replacing the sink with a Corian sink and counter combo … and replaced our dishwasher (very happy) and last year our refrigerator; we would like to keep those. As for cabinets … we both like "white" and will likely at least go light colored if not white again. I’m concerned over the grade of the cabinetry and have discussed options with my retired Florida sailing friend as he was in the cabinetry and trim business – love bouncing my thoughts off him. Thanks Mark!
One of our biggest compromises at this point (instead of adding on) is to replace our cooktop island with a smaller work-surface section that stretches out towards the door and becomes a large cabinet height kitchen eating area and replaces the table. The outcome is that the kitchen becomes larger and if removing the bar height chairs would then double as a huge serving area or even preparation area. It would be perfect if setting up a buffet for eating in the dining room, great room or outdoors. I’m sold on the idea … not sure about Brenda.
Since I’m sending my photos and sketches out to a designer for input, I’m going to post a few photos/sketch on my blog and archive the zip file for posterity.
How To: Cleaning silicone sealant from a car window
Posted By RichC on August 1, 2016
What a pain! Silicone all over the side of my Honda Odyssey.
Have you have ever had to remove silicone sealant from a surface? It is not fun. Thankfully the majority of what was purposely or accidentally (hmm?) drizzled or wiped all over my minivan this past year in Florida was on the side windows.
Here is how I removed it:
- Use a sharp razor blade and slightly pivot it as you slowly move it along the bulk of the "drizzle." This removes the bulk of the silicone.
- Replace the blade and use a clean "new" blade with pressure and remove the balance of the goo still on the windshield … I would not do this on paint or in my case the rubber gasket for the sliding door.
- Use a product called Xenit if you have it or can find it … I have been told that it cleans silicone residue "if permitted to soak after brushing with a stiff brush." I don’t have it, but would try it on paint in a small area if I did.
- Use a clean cotton rag and a couple different window cleaners. I’m not sure which kind works best — it was a hot day and the car was in the sun (not sure if that was helpful or not?)
Clean!
Archive: Photos and researching Cape Horn steering gear issue
Posted By RichC on July 30, 2016
Last trip to Encore I attempted to loosen up the Cape Horn self-steering gear and failed. Seems the paddle arm that is currently in the upright or vertical position is stuck or binding even after taking off the line preventing it from swinging down. I’ll admit, I’m unsure if there is a different locking mechanism since the temps down below in the aft were even hotter than in the cabin … in other words, I didn’t dig to deep on the inside of the boat.
Instead, I took a few photos and will archive as I ponder and research what might be wrong. It could have some corrosion or a bad bearing section … or even bent?
Including a photo from the top since I will eventually be replacing the degrading plastic caps and parts.
Email answer from Cape Horn:
I can send you the course adjustment disk and the 2 roller with no problem. The top cap is the same for everyone and the back cap of the base of the tower is held with screws, so there is no problem for those also. Its basically the cap at the top of the oar tube that is pressure held for which I need inside diameter measure, as well as the mounting tube bushings, if they need to be replaced.
Cap Horn is in French and was always spelled like that.
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.