My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on October 5, 2024

In case you are looking for guidance when it comes to who you elect to run your city, county, state or country … put this thought in the back of your mind when it comes to who has been putting their thumb on the scale (think lawfare) and which political party “might” … no guarantee these days … do a better job?

When it comes to your family’s safety and when spending your tax dollars … Democrats running most cities are really, REALLY bad at it. And while it is true (at least from my perspective), almost all politicians do a lousy job of governing, passing and enforcing laws, securing our borders, managing “legal” immigration and wisely spending tax dollars (and borrowing from future generations), those with a “D” behind their name have turned our biggest cities, biggest states and much of our country into places we no longer want to live.

It is time for some sweeping changes, so when in doubt, at least vote for a Republican who claims they want to change it, not those who prefer the status quo.
  

Category: Advice, Politics, Video | No Comments »
Tags: cities, democrat, elected, governor, mayor, mismanagement, mp4, Politics, representative, republican, senator, troy nehls

Posted By RichC on October 4, 2024

There is little doubt our family and friends aren’t the only ones who struggle with differences of opinions … be they political or technology related. In today’s case it’s not politics,  Microsoft Windows vs Apple MacOS or Linux … but Google’s Android text messaging vs Apple’s iOS and their proprietary encrypted “Messages” app. Thankfully Apple has caved and accepted their users “improved messaging requests.” Apple is finally offering RCS (Rich Communication Services) support … meaning we can now exchange higher quality images and video with Android users by sending and receiving “RCS Messages.”

My son-in-law Drew has been on top of this for the past year and we’ve exchanged a few hopeful text messages. Since Brenda and I are iPhone users and they are diehard Android Google Pixel phone users. We’ve both thought it would be nice to receive better quality photos and videos of our family (our granddaughters deserve high quality photos too … well, at least “we” deserve higher quality photos of them!) 😊 

Anyway, part of the problem has been solved since Apple is no longer holding out … now that iOS18 has rolled out … but the fact that it still requires carrier support. The big carrier names are moving it along, but the MVNO carriers are a little slower. Thankfully US Mobile’s founder and CEO has been pretty transparent on Reddit boards and keeping us in the loop. Almost to the day US Mobile had it up and running at least with their WARP product which is their Verizon as carrier service (they offer AT&T and T-Mobile services too). 

The process to get RCS up on running required a couple step, at least for me, on two of our iPhones … and then to make sure it was working on both my iPad and MacBook Air. I suspect RCS require running updated operating systems and for me the iCloud sync backup running (iPhone Messages app data to the other devices). I’m not sure older devices (my 2012 iMac) will be able to exchange quality images and video, but it does receive them IF iCloud is synchronizing.

The steps I took to enable RCS on an iPhone:

1. Updated the iPhone to iOS18
2. Flipped the Messaging App completely closed (may not be necessary)
3. Turn on RCS under Settings>Apps>Messages … then under TEXT MESSAGING select RCS Messaging and toggle it “on” (mine was already on)
4. IMPORTANT: Turned US Mobile’s Verizon WARP line off, wait until it completely disconnects and then toggled it back on
5. Reopening Messaging App and look for the indication that RCS is available in a message thread with Android user (see below) 

Much Better: We can now exchange RCS images and video with the family. In a test below, Drew’s original 12.5 MB image was reduced, but still high-quality compared to what could be sent and received previously — video quality is 100 times improved.

Category: Apple, Cellphone, Computer, Gadget, Software, Tablet, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: android, apple, google, images, ios18, ipad, iphone, mac, messaging, mvno, RCS, tech friday, text messages, usmobile, verizon, video

Posted By RichC on October 3, 2024

Although I’ve never fancied myself a journalist or a writer, in today’s socially connected world, it is interesting to see news and opinion evolving closer to the people. Citizen journalism is really real, now that all of us can share our thoughts on a variety of subjects, not the least of which is politics. 

An online automotive publisher in Chicago introduced me to a lifetime journalist friend of his who started a political site … along with a few likeminded friends. They were mostly journalists … and like a ghostwriter I used at CPP in Cuyahoga Falls …  the right words flowed easily from his keyboard. What is difficult for many of us, comes easy to those with that “developed” gift. 

Anyway, because my views come from the political right, I’ve been asked on a couple occasions to offer an opinion in order to better round out the political “Right” column of TheHustings.News. This latest request was to offer my take on the CBS Vice-Presidential Debate on Tuesday (10/1/2024). Reluctantly I said yes and took unusually detailed notes (at least for me). So instead of tossing them, I’ll archive them below my opinion below. 😉 

Vance Was Rock-Solid

By Rich Corbett

As a conservative voter, my reaction to the vice-presidential debate is that Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) was rock-solid. He reinforced Republican strength when it comes to the economy, border and foreign policy stability. 

Vance was likable, polite, connectable, professional and convincingly competent. By Vance answering the moderators with … “you asked the question, so I’ll answer the question” … it reminded voters just how few answers we have received from Kamala Harris on her flip-flopped positions. As a running mate, he definitely is an asset to former President Donald Trump. 

As for Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), he did no harm to Kamala Harris. He was good enough on the Democrat positions in talking about health care and abortion, but less convincing that Trump is a “threat to democracy” or that Americans would see much change from the last three-and-a-half years. His defense over his past embellishments such as a visit to Hong Kong and Tiananmen Square in his non-answer, “I’m a knucklehead at times,” was memorable, but a reminder that politicians mislead — lie — if they think it will benefit their political future. 

If voters came to the debate not knowing JD Vance or with a negative impression, he likely improved his stature and may have advanced the Trump/Vance ticket. For Tim Walz and his “neighborly guy” image, it disappeared to what seemed artificial anger over January 6th. He appeared far more nervousness than Vance and had difficulty in defending himself and Harris, but quickly deflected into to blaming Trump. It was a hard sell after three-and-a-half years of Biden/Harris. 

Corbett is a longtime reader and a contributor to The Hustings’ right column.

My debate notes on my iPad with my eyes barely open: 

Vice Presidential candidate debate 10/1/2024
Gov Tim Walz vs Sen JD Vance (more…)

Category: Archive, News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: cbs, debate, jd vance, thehustings, tim walz, vice president

Posted By RichC on October 2, 2024

The government under Biden/Harris has been totally irresponsible when it comes to spending.  They’ve shown zero interest in working towards a balanced budget and have put us another $2.3 TRILLION dollars further in debt (they are spending way more than they collect in taxes).

Of course there’s nothing new to this fiscal malfeasance … it happens no matter who is running the government. Politicians spend and have rarely, if ever, had their feet held to the fire for their actions (as posted one year ago – September 30, 2023).

• Is the current administration to blame — Yes.
• Were previous administrations to blame — Yes.
• Will a second Trump or Harris administration change this — I doubt it. 
• Does Congress enable — of course … they hold the purse strings and approve the bloat and budget proposed by the executive branch.
• Very few say, “NO More” … and yet we the voters keep electing them and send them back to Washington DC to continue this same debt-spending. UGH! 

Someday, as with all nations throughout history, we Americans will suffer for such careless and reckless fiscal mismanagement (let alone our moral decay). When will the shoe drops — time will tell. Are there ANY “fiscal conservatives” left?  ☹️ 

Last year (9/30/2023) on this date:

Category: Blogs, Financial, Human Interest, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: bidenomics, big govt, clock, congress, national debt, spending, united states

Posted By RichC on October 1, 2024

Since it has been raining and because there was 1/2 cup of workbench top Zip Guard sealer left … and the Bame Utility Trailer was still in the garage … I decided to remove the cover in prep for raking leave and added the leftover sealer to the rail areas. 

After removing the cover, I also check the epoxy and screwed snap to hold the rear  the cover. It gave me an excuse to tryout the new iPhone 16 Pro Max macro lens and setting. Not bad .. let the tinkering continue. 😉 

Category: Apple, Archive, Misc, Photography, Photos, Repairs | No Comments »
Tags: bame, cover, iphone 16 pro max, macro, sealer, snap, trailer, utility, zip-guard

Posted By RichC on September 30, 2024

While out and about, the 1969 folk music song by Simon and Garfunkel popped up on SiriusXM. I was sure I included it once before for Music Monday, but it has been a while so here’s “The Only Living Boy in New York” from 55 years ago. Wow! 

Interestingly it was a Side-B song (‘Cecilia’ was the A side) and may have receive extra play (???) or it may have taken on a popular appeal all on its own? In either case, it is one of my favorites by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel to this day.
 

Category: Music | No Comments »
Tags: art garfunkel, folk music, music monday, musicmonday, paul simon, siriusxm

Posted By RichC on September 29, 2024

It isn’t as if I think about missing my mom everyday, but when her birthday approaches, I definitely do. In that way we are a lot alike — remembering her missing her mom.

Brenda and I often comment, “oh how my mother would love this or that” … usually when talking about preparing the table or the great granddaughters (below) that she never knew. 

So Happy Birthday Mom … I hope you are proud of me.

EDIT ADD 10/1/2024:

(more…)

Category: Archive, Memories, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: birthday, family, memories, momc, remembering, thank you

Posted By RichC on September 28, 2024

It has been a few years since the last raccoon has found a way to get into the house again, but it looks like one has made an entrance again. 

I’ve tacked up heavy galvanized screens, screwed aluminum panels and trapped and trapped and trapped them over the years, but the raccoons that live in our area  can’t be deterred. This time we’ve only heard a noise once and I quickly set a trap, but the remnants o Hurricane Helene has set me back. 

I’m not sure once I trap this guy just how I’ll patch up the soffit this time, but might go with the vinyl soffit backed with some pressure treated plywood. Stay tuned. 

Category: Misc, Nature, Photos, Repairs | No Comments »
Tags: attic, critters, helene, house, hurricane, raccoon, soffit

Posted By RichC on September 27, 2024

Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas with a furry as a category 4 storm. The early damage looks heavy, not to mention the death count (22  from the WSJ article as I post this).

Currently in SW Ohio we are getting heavy wind and rain (not sure when I’ve seen this much wind), but it should hopefully be over quickly;  Helene does seems to be moving fast. Prayers and the Red Cross link as a lot of Americans have been impacted. 

At Least 22 Dead as Helene Rips Through Southeast

Storm surges and powerful winds knock out power to millions, cause catastrophic flash flooding

Helene swept across the Florida panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas as one of the Southeast’s most powerful storms, knocking out power to millions and leaving at least 22 people dead.

(more…)

Category: News, Video, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: anigif, helene, hurricane, red cross, storm, tropical storm, wsj

Posted By RichC on September 27, 2024

Since the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the first Apple phone that I’ve had with induction charging capability, I’ve been curious how to best manage the longevity of the new battery. I’ve generally plugged my iPhones in to charge once a day (overnight) for the last decade or so BUT did use the induction puck with my Palm Pre … but it still was an overnight charge.

So far with the new iPhone, I’ve been using the MagFast Air Qi-wireless charger on my desk (not available anymore) to charge my phone. Because I put it on and off all day, it is important for me to know if it would be better to just charge overnight rather than a little here and a little there?

Ah … a perfect opportunity to let AI respond with a “best guess” answer. 😊 

iPhone Magsafe Charging Patterns

Based on available information, leaving your iPhone connected to an unplugged MagSafe charger throughout the day may not have significant negative effects on battery health. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

• Heat generation: MagSafe charging does produce some heat, particularly during the initial charging stages. However, this heat is generally considered to be within a safe range for battery health.
• Constant contact: The constant connection between the charging coil and iPhone may cause some battery degradation over time. However, this effect is likely to be minimal and only noticeable after extended periods of use (e.g., months or years).
• Battery health: Apple’s MagSafe accessories, including the Leather Wallet with MagSafe, are designed to be connected at all times. This suggests that the company does not anticipate significant battery degradation from occasional or constant connection to an unplugged MagSafe charger.
• Charging cycles: The number of charging cycles, rather than the frequency of charging, is a more significant factor in battery health. As long as you’re not overcharging or undercharging your iPhone excessively, the occasional or constant connection to an unplugged MagSafe charger is unlikely to have a substantial impact.

In conclusion, leaving your iPhone connected to an unplugged MagSafe charger throughout the day is unlikely to be detrimental to battery health. However, it’s essential to maintain good charging practices, such as avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping your iPhone away from moisture, and updating your device regularly to ensure optimal battery performance.

Recommendations

• Use a high-quality MagSafe charger and cable to minimize the risk of electrical issues.
• Avoid overcharging or undercharging your iPhone, as this can affect battery health.
• Keep your iPhone away from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical damage.
• Regularly update your iPhone’s software to ensure optimal battery performance and overall device health.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience of MagSafe charging while minimizing potential risks to your iPhone’s battery health.

Brave Leo AI

Category: AI, Apple, Cellphone, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: ai, battery, brave leo ai, charger, charging, iphone 16 pro max, magfast, magsafe, tech friday, techfriday