My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on December 2, 2015

Thought these were great links:

Here are 30 of the best sites where you can learn as an individual or connect your team to professional and personal development:

1. TED Talks:
Ted is all about ideas worth spreading TED’s tagline is “ideas worth spreading.” usually A video collection of sin the form of short, powerful talks on every subject imaginable (18 minutes or less)..

2. Brain Pickings
Interesting posts drawn from art, science, design, history, and philosophy.

3. 99U
An actionable insights on productivity, organization, and leadership to help creative people push ideas forward.on

4. Lynda
Thousands of video tutorials covering technical, creative, and business skills, all taught by industry experts.

5. University of the People:
A nonprofit tuition-free online university based in California and committed to educational access and inclusion.

6. Learnist 
A collaborative knowledge-sharing site where users create and curate “learning boards” composed of text, images, vide and audio.

7. Alison
Free online courses with certification and diploma options.

8. Mental Floss 
Mental Floss test your knowledge through quizzes, brain teasers, and games.

9. Brain Pump 
Brain Pump learn something new and feed your curiosity, l earn from a vast library of entertaining videos on topics ranging from Chemistry, Physics and history.

10. Peer 2 Peer University
An open education project in which learners gather in lightly organized circles that meet at public libraries and other accessible sites.

11. Platzi
Platzi is a live-streamed courses–many free–on topics including web and app development, online marketing, interface design and server admin.

12. edX
EdX offers free online courses and classes from the world’s best universities, a collaborative project of Harvard University and MIT, with free online courses from universities and other institutions worldwide.

13. OpenSesame
Open Seasame a marketplace for business-oriented online training.

14. Udacity
Udacity you can find free online courses when wanting to make a career change, or get a new job they are self paced online learning with code reviews.Self-paced online learning.

15. Coursmos
Coursmos is a micro-course platform with short video lessons ranging from topics business to lifestyle.

16. Highbrow
Highbrow choose one course receive new knowledge every morning Learn, grow, repeat… in all subjects from  art; health; history; literature; logic; nature; philosophy; productivity …all courses aree super-brief courses delivered to your inbox.

17. Coursera
Coursera is a platform that you can take free online classes from 120+ top universities and educational organizations. They partner with schools like Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and world universities with online courses that are open to all.

18.  University Webinars
University Webinars and Videos for Blended Learning. Top College faculty, staff, and experts in their field share knowledge from their courses and programs. Online learning targeted for higher education professionals.

19.DataCamp
DataCamp is the most engaging way to learn R and data science. Learn in the comfort of your own browser via tutorials and coding challenges. Learn all R programming and data science; monthly or annual fee provides access to all courses.

20. CreativeLive 
Creative Live take free live online classes taught by the world’s most inspiring instructors. From video workshops in photography, video, design, business, audio, music, crafting, and software training.

21. Investopedia 
Investopedia is a premiere resource for investing education, personal finance, market analysis and free trading simulators. Free educational content and tools on topics of investing, markets, and personal finance.

22. Gibbon
Gibbon is a peer-to-peer learning network that connects users that want to teach each other and learn about anything. An enterprise knowledge portal for employee development and learning. Individually accessible courses are also available.

23. BBC Languages
BBC Languages is a free online language learning: courses, audio, video and games, including the alphabet, phrases, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, activities and tests.Free interactive tutorials in 40 languages.

24. Future Learn
Free courses in categories including law, psychology, and teaching offered in partnership with universities in the UK and around the world. Enjoy free online courses from top universities and specialist organizations.

25. MIT Open Courseware
MIT OpenCourseWare is a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content. Virtually all MIT course content, open and accessible.

26. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a digital library of free ebooks. Includes Book listings, search engine, newsletter, articles and information on how users can help create more free ebooks.More than 50,000 free ebooks to read online or download.

27. Quora
Quora: the best answer to any question. Ask a question and receive expert answers on any topic or subject.

28. Udemy
Udemy is an online education marketplace with limitless variety with more than 30,000 courses developed by subject-matter experts.

29. Skillshare 
Skillshare is a learning community for creators. Anyone can take an online class, watch video lessons, create projects, and even teach a class themselves.

30. Inc
Inc is all about advice, news, tools, and services to help small businesses grow. Everything you read on Inc. will make you a smarter leader and entrepreneur–especially articles like this one.

Which websites do you visit that make you smarter?

LINK

Category: Photography, Tidbits | No Comments »
Tags: links, repost, smarter

Posted By RichC on December 1, 2015

This is a new post for after the move … no photo, just text … now edit with an image.

Category: Blogs | 2 Comments »
Tags: test

Posted By RichC on November 27, 2015

There is something about mirrors, garage doors and Brenda that do not get along. This time it was pulling into the garage, not backing out – I’m suspecting her weak left arm??? Unfortunately the flexing or snapping was so hard that it also broke the driver’s window. Wow!

Thankfully, Rich at Kiss Autoglass was able to quickly replace the side glass ($170) so I opted not to submit an insurance claim. Also, I did a little shopping on Ebay and made a $50 offer for a used mirror (listed $79.99) which was accepted. Hopefully it will match and then will a little door buffing and a single door “re-tint” ($$$) … I’ll have the aging 2006 Honda Pilot looking as good as new? We’ll see how it goes.

Category: Automotive, Personal, Shopping | No Comments »
Tags: broken, ebay, honda, parts, pilot, repair, window

Posted By RichC on November 25, 2015

As mentioned last week, the Volvo raw water pump (840557) aboard Encore was beginning to drip. This usually indicate a little corrosion (cough, cough) and leakage around the seal closest to the impeller. Instead of sending the pump out to be re-built for $165, decided to purchase a new Johnson “direct replacement” (10-24707-01) pump ($350) from a guy wanting to reduce his new pump inventory – $225 shipped. I’m thinking about ordering seals and rebuilding mine myself for a spare? Hopefully with a little careful learning, I’ll be able to clean things up and replace the seals at home on the workbench without damaging the shaft (most common “home” re-builder issue). This will make for two spares in my inventory … maybe I should sell one? So far so good … now to find the best price for the seals.

Category: Diesel, Sailing | 1 Comment »
Tags: diesel, encore, pump, rebuild, replace, sailboat, volvo, water

Posted By RichC on November 24, 2015

After cleaning out the garage workshop to prepare for my woodstove addition, I removed the drawing table/desk area that I added when I was building the Sonex airplane (no longer needed since selling my project). The desktop was almost a perfect fit for the corner area in my basement workshop so I put it in this past Sunday while cleaning up the shop. Nice … now it is both functional and added that finished corner look that use to be just dead space.

Item two … was a new tool … well actually a Kreg jig. I’ve wanted the full kit for years but they are just too expensive. The single little bit and guide though was only $19 AND I needed it wanted it for a project (there are always ways around). It is a great timesaving system … next time I might even buy their special fasteners! This time I just used 3” drywall screws.

Category: Misc, Personal, Photos, Tools, Woodworking | 2 Comments »
Tags: jigs, kreg, tools, wood, workbench, workshop

Posted By RichC on November 23, 2015

As I mentioned to my Liberty Mutual agent … “at least I know what my premiums are paying for – mailings!” It is hard to believe that removing Taylor’s car from our policy and adding the X5 could generate 14 multipage envelopes of policy information?

That said, our annual auto policy renews in November… so that may have been part of it. Unfortunately Liberty Mutual is inching up rates again too (see 2013); the mailing included an eye-opening 8% premium increase over the exactly the same cars and coverage two weeks earlier in October when I added the new car (BTW, no claims since a “glass” breakage 2 years ago). I’m beginning to wonder why I loyally stay with this company … it doesn’t seem to matter.

On a completely different note … below is the BMW X5 35d computer summary of the last 8.5 hours of driving (mostly interstate). Averaging 25.5 mpg is not bad, but not the 28 mpg EPA estimate either.

Category: Automotive, BMW, Diesel | No Comments »
Tags: 35d, BMW, insurance, liberty mutual, mailing, policy, x5

Posted By RichC on November 22, 2015

The first time I tried to use my relatively new Sea-Dog Impeller Puller and it FAILED. Really bumming that the threads seized at first use and I had to resort to the needlenose pliers again. As soon as I applied a little torque to the T-handle, it froze in place. No amount of heat or “penetrant” would release the bind (zero corrosion). Even removing the thumb screw and placing in a bench vice with an extender bar on the T-handle would not encourage the threads to release. What could have bound this up so tight?

So after this post I’m going to contact the company and see if they will replace the tool … stay tuned below to see just what kind of support Sea-Dog Line offers to buyers of their tools? (FYI: purchased in December 2013)

Category: Sailing, Tools | 1 Comment »
Tags: encore, impeller, pump, sailboat, seadog, tools, volvo

Posted By RichC on November 21, 2015

What a duffus! I don’t want to admit, but I made a MAJOR airport security mistake on Friday morning … and am thankfully a free man to tell the tale. KUDOS to the much maligned Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for doing their job and doing it well. Neglectful Rich left an extended round full 9mm magazine buried in an inner pocket of in his carry-on bag … OR as I refer to it, my “battle bag” … BOB … or just mini-briefcase. Brenda is probably more accurate and calls it my “man purse.”  
 
I couldn’t believe how foolish I was to leave the ammunition and magazine slip my mind, although the TSA personnel at FLL in Fort Lauderdale were extremely polite and understanding (commenting that it happens more often than you would think). I of course wasn’t a complete idiot as at least I wasn’t carrying my Kahr PM9 (right) or even my normal Swiss Army Knife (whoops, questionable link) or Victorinox Leatherman like multifunction tool. Still, it was a heart stopping moment to watch the TSA agent dig into my bag and pull out something that was not suppose to be going through security or onto an airplane … and doing it just days after security was elevated (November 2015 Paris attacks).

The process went like this:

1. I passed through the security line and the agent looking at the bag brought someone else over to look at it. They moved it to the security desk behind the scanners and had me walk over the the pat-down mat.
2. I had already put items back in my pocket put my belt and shoe back on, but was asked to remove all again.
3. The bag was completely disassembled and searched while I was patted down with several TSA agents around. All were friendly and polite.
4. It was pretty clear they had seen this before and although they cataloged and took photos on their whiteboard with my name, etc on it, they followed the procedure in bring in their supervisor.
5. After all the information was gathered, they made the call to the Deputy who ran a background check along with a couple of my IDs – Driver’s license, Ohio and Florida Concealed Carry License.
6. Thankfully all involved were understanding although the only option (besides getting arrested) was to relinquish the magazine and rounds … which I did without hesitation.
7. I was released to continue to my flight … which thankfully  was still 30 minutes until boarding due to light traffic and a great UBER driver.

Let’s hope this is the first and last time I make this mistake … BUT I’ll never make a joke about TSA again. They were very impressive.

Category: Aviation, Misc, Personal, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: airplane, carry, conceal, firearms, kahr pm9, security, tsa

Posted By RichC on November 20, 2015

Yet another part to be serviced, rebuilt or replace on Encore’s Volvo diesel. This time it’s the raw water pump dripping from the weep hole … and indication the seal is no longer keeping the water in the pump. This is a normal wear item and most cruisers not only carry a spare impeller and possibly seals (requiring bench work) but often a spare raw water pump. In my case, the previous owner left behind the old water pump … frozen and in need of a rebuild.

Initially my plan was to take it home to my bench and order the parts to rebuild it (may still attempt), but after talking with a marine pump rebuilder, he happened to have a direct replacement not requiring me to ship back my core — he asked for an offer since it had been in his inventory a while. I came in on the low side (near the cost of rebuilding my current pump) and he said ok plus a few bucks for shipping. If all goes well, I’ll call with a card tomorrow and have a new pump heading my way. A few more dollars, but nearly half the price of a new bronze pump. (let’s just hope it really is a direct fit replacement!)

Category: Diesel, Sailing, Video | 1 Comment »
Tags: encore, video, volvo, water pump, youtube

Posted By RichC on November 19, 2015

I know semi-famous boats can end up anywhere, but ever since I saw Robert Mandry's Tinkerbelle (Ohio) when I was a young boy dreaming of sailing … and Robin Lee Graham's Dove on our honeymoon after idolizing his adventure as a teenager … I keep my eyes open. Low and behold, Tania Aebi's Contessa 26 Varuna (different owner) is tied up one dock over from Encore. I could resist taking a photo too send my daughter Katelyn since I had Tania sign her book Maiden Voyage as a “reach for the stars” role model when I met her many years ago. The boat still looks great, although needs a mast!

Category: Books, Sailing | 1 Comment »
Tags: book, circumnavigation, encore, sailboat, sailing, varuna