My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on April 8, 2015

Very confusing numbers in a recent Wall Street Journal graph noting that the number of job openings being posted are way up (green line) … up to the highest level in 14 years. That’s good news right?

Unfortunately a look at the red line shows the number of hiring. Hmm, that trend has moved down, as have the number of Americans who have quit their jobs … helping to create the lowest workforce participation rate in 37 years according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

EDIT: Added some CNBC video and “my” audio below.

Alan Krueger, Princeton University, and Eric Spiegel, Siemens U.S.A. president and CEO had a slightly contentious debate on CNBC’s Squawkbox over wages and the skills gap. Academics would like to see the private sector accelerate wages to attract workers while businesses claim its not a wage issue but that workers don’t have the needed skills. (the included segment on the CBNC archive was missing an “interesting exchange” below. Very telling for the WSJ graphs above.)

Category: Audio, Financial, News, Video-TV | No Comments »
Tags: cnbc, economy, graph, hiring, jobs, krueger, labor, participation, Princeton, siemens, Spiegel, statistics, wsj

Posted By RichC on April 7, 2015

It’s the time of year when our neighborhood ducks and geese look for a place to nest, while being pretty annoying … especially when depositing their “lovely droppings” all over the driveway, road and OUR ROOF. Who knows why our dog Tootsie thinks they are “dog treats,” but just like worms after a rain, she licks them up as she greets us home from work … lick, lick, lick. UGH! 

Today’s pair of geese were bold enough to sit patiently for their portrait on the roof when I’d much rather have them move along. Eventually a small stone encouraged them to find someone else’s roof to sit on … for now.

Category: Environment, Nature, Photos | 2 Comments »
Tags: eggs, geese, house, nesting, tootsie

Posted By RichC on April 6, 2015

Hmm … I just might have some work to do in modifying our Adirondack chairs before the spring and summer sitting season arrives! Pretty creative modification (or conversation starter) if you ask me!

In my spare time (cough, cough) … I could even build a couple extra chairs and see if there was interest from the local wineries? Maybe trade for some wine?

Category: Archive, Woodworking | No Comments »
Tags: adirondack, chair, furniture, outdoor, summer, wine

Posted By RichC on April 6, 2015

There are several issues to address before gaining much confidence in our existing non-electric Cape Horn Self Steering gear … first and foremost is that I’m missing both the light and heavy air windvanes. These are the vanes which set the course based on wind direction and transfer the “off-track” detection to the paddle which in turn rotates the steering quadrant in order to correct course. Unfortunately replacing the two missing vane is expensive and most likely are not the only parts required to put the gear back in service (note the plastic parts above and current $145 price).

For short sails, we can always used the existing reconditioned Raymarine SPX-5 autopilot but it is a bit noisy and uses electricity. The required amount isn’t overly significant unless the 12 volt motor has to run busily as it does in less than perfect conditions. The required power is definitely more than a simple lightweight unit which might be a possibility IF it can be rigged to our existing Cape Horn gear?

Here’s a Cruising World “tip” article and photo detailing the idea:

A Hybrid Self-Steering Solution

Meet Hermione, our Aries Lift-Up windvane, and Wanderer, our Raymarine Autohelm 2000 Plus. Over the winter we took our Reliance 44, Lyra, on a 3,600 nautical-mile winter escape. We estimate that 2,800 of these miles were steered by this duo, affectionately nicknamed “the autovane.” While this setup does not steer as straight a course as a properly sized electric quadrant-mounted autopilot, it was good enough to stay in the channel on the Intracoastal Waterway and capable in up to 5-foot seas offshore. Power draw averaged less than 3 amps, 12 volts offshore and made it an inexpensive alternative to a proper electric autopilot. With the remote, we can steer a compass course, keep on course in light air or go directly to a waypoint, all from under our dodger or the companionway steps.

1. The “custom adaptor,” made from G10, replaces the air vane in certain conditions, though the vane can be quickly installed for upwind or heavy-air sailing.
2. A panhead screw serves as a hinge and connects the tiller-pilot extension to the adaptor.
3. The tiller-pilot extension is made from durable PVC.
4. A quick-release pin allows for instant removal in an emergency.
5. With Lyra balanced on a 6.5-knot beam reach, the vane is properly tuned with the tiller pilot. The servo-rudder, blade and tiller pilot are in the approximate middle of their throws, allowing for maximum course corrections.

Category: Archive, Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: cape horn, cruising world, encore, self-steering, windvane

Posted By RichC on April 5, 2015

The advantage of having a “desultory” blog is that  I can archive any and everything without guilt.

This post includes a collection of photos from last weekends’ projects aboard Encore.

First, I added a small semi-permanent shelf to the galley for our Sodastream device. Although I haven’t convinced Brenda to give up her cans of Diet Pepsi, converting to concentrates and a “fizz machine” would be a big help when it comes to storing and disposing of garbage while cruising for those of us addicted to soft drinks.

Comfort items aside, I used the last spare alternator belt after the new bearing and new digital-regulator, so purchased a new spare. The old set-up was grinding thru this single small 3/8” belt partially because of the bearing but also because the high-output 100amp alternator wasn’t being smart-regulated (stepped down) to reduce the wear on the belt. After programming the new Balmar ARS-5 Multi-Stage Regulator (PDF).

A primary repair was to continue with the fresh water leak. Last trip I replace the small plastic expansion tank and this time the pressure pump itself as well as pre-fillter (clamps and new lines)

I also added a few more inexpensive ebay LED lights over the table in order to save a few more precious AMPs. Each new dome bulb replacement draws less than 25% of what the incandescent 12 volt bulb would use and contrary to my assumption, the “warm white 48-SMD LED” actually puts out a decent amount of “useable” light (Those making the switch using cheap LEDs know exactly what I’m talking about … although $7.80 seemed worth the try?)

While I could have plugged into dockside 110vac power, I instead let the solar panel replenish a few amps (meter above) and wanted to be sure the alternator would properly charge Encore’s battery bank; it did, although with the regulator in the current setting, 50amps was the maximum it was producing???

Category: Archive, Misc, Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: alternator, belt, encore, led, lights, regulator, repairs, sailboat, sodastream

Posted By RichC on April 5, 2015

Jesus Has Risen

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8Then they remembered his words.

Luke 24: 1-8

Category: Faith, Holiday | No Comments »
Tags: biblehub, christianity, easter, jesus

Posted By RichC on April 4, 2015

I watched several broadcasts from the new iOS app introduced this past week called Periscope. It enables iPhone/iPad users to broadcast live video to other “socially networked” viewers (Twitter) just as with the early competitor app MeerKat. Periscope differs slightly as it saves an archive for 24 hours or until deleted (not possible with MeerKat) … and maintains the comments within the app rather then into the Twitter stream. Perhaps an advantage might eventually be to control “who sees” the feed as users can limit their broadcast to select individuals. A few I talked to about these two apps have asked, “what good is this and why do I need it?” Most likely it’s the same question people asked when setting up a social networking account like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter … but to answer directly, it isn’t needed as far as I can tell at the moment, but it is very intriguing. Times they are a changin’ …

I think watching the astonishment from the talk radio/TV personality Glenn Beck after what he invested in his Texas studio had me realizing what was happening. He spent millions to set up his Internet broadcast setup and The BlazeTV  (and conservative news network) only to see how this really shortcuts distributing live content. The “Average Joe” is now able to share live breaking stories with a video feed “as events happen.” Imagine things we’ve yet to see?

Besides Periscope being a media disruptor (like Twitter and Facebook), these new live video apps will also be a way for speakers and musicians to show off their talent. I participated in a couple live sessions (MeerKat vs Periscope, Auto Show reveals and musical performances) noting just how much can be shared to a small or large group in real time. It is going to be hard to slow things down from here … and I can only imagine the kind of mischief celebrities, politicians … and under-aged kids are going to get into (lawsuits galore?) Yikes!

I was going to include an archived Periscope feed from @ezpcmusic but realized the time had passed and that there isn’t a way to embed the video … anyway, visualize a live one-man musical concert taking request sounding like Patrick Carroll’s YouTube channel.

Category: Music, Social Media, Technology, Video | No Comments »
Tags: broadcast, live, meerkat, Music, News, periscope, youtube

Posted By RichC on April 3, 2015

No matter which side of the political tug-of-war you are on when debating “marriage,” there is something distasteful about using ordinary people as political fodder. Crystal O’Connor was one such naive pawn used for divisive purposes as Indiana’s Governor Mike Pence tiptoed around modifying the Religious Freedom Restoration Act know as Senate Bill 568. The national media and LGBT activists highlighted O’Connor’s Christian opinions regarding “providing pizzas for a gay wedding” as the nation debated the freedom of religion, an individuals’ rights and what is discrimination when religious convictions clash with changing societal views.

O’Connor, the small town co-owner of Memories Pizza in Walkertown, Indiana was an easy target for a reporter working an angle as the RFRA debates flames were being fanned. With Christian crosses on her storefront windows and likely traditional small town values concerning marriage (which only a few years ago were shared by the overwhelming majority in America including President Obama), a reporter published O’Connors comments. The story as they say … grew legs … and a politically left leaning media salivated over O’Connor’s answer to the hypothetical question.

“We are a Christian establishment,” says O’Connor, “If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no.” 

I assume most journalists and news organization who reported on this story did not intend to hurt her or the  small town Memories Pizza business, but instead saw one more divisive news story — and perhaps as a way to advance a liberal cause (my wrong assumption)???  Unfortunately, Memories Pizza and O’Connor became more than just an ink-on-paper story and took an ugly turn with some targeting the pizza shop and owners.  Like it or not, the little pizza shop became the front line and something to shut down … or burned down if some are to be believed.

For those who practice their Christian faith and live these values in their lives beyond the four church walls on Sunday, the Indiana debate and Memories Pizza story became a line that should not be crossed. Conservatives took to social media and rallied support when they heard just how rattled this small town proprietor was after threats were hurled at her. A crowd-funded GoFundMe site was set up by Lawrence Jones III and supported by national talk show host Dana Loesch after Memories Pizza closed their doors … the support was/is amazing. As a Twitter friend Ted Skibinski commented to my Tweet: IMAGINE THAT >Leave it to Christian’s to HELP others & turn BAD into Great!

Category: Faith, News, Politics, Social Media | 2 Comments »
Tags: debate, gofundme, indiana, lgbt, marriage, pizza, rfra

Posted By RichC on April 3, 2015

Ok … so you’ve done your part and registered your phone numbers with the National Do Not Call List and you’ve done your best to keep phone numbers from undesirables … BUT you’re still getting annoying calls (and text messages!) Below is the new (1) iPhone (Settings>Phone>Blocking) method to block phone numbers from your smartphone and the old (2) method to semi-block those automated dialers that refuse to give up (older iOS and some other smartphones). 

1. iOS iPhone with Settings > Phone > Blocking

With the newer iOS there is a build in blocking feature enabling you to enter the contact or contacts that you want to block. Go to “Settings,” scroll down and select “Phone” then “Blocked” and enter your contact.

2. Add them to your contact with a “silent ring”

The phone number by number “blocking” technique has been around for a while and I’ve used both on my Palm phones (Samsung i500, Treo 700/700p and Pre) and current iPhones. The technique has been posted and reposted on a few blogs … and I have a few listed on my contact list — SPAM, Ignore, Marketing, etc. The list continues to grow and if I were to do it over again, I’d probably create “one” contact and list all the number under the contact name BLOCKED and only assign “silent ring” to that contact (right-click/save-as SilentRing.m4r and follow the instructions below).

Here’s how to add the Silent Ringtone to your phone:

1. Download a silent ringtone to your computer.
2. Open iTunes. Under LIBRARY on the left-hand menu in iTunes click TONES.
3. Copy the silent ringtone into TONES.
4. Connect your iPhone to the computer and sync (make sure Sync Tones is checked). The silent ringtone should now appear in your list of ringtones and you can assign this ringtone to specific contacts

Here’s how you assign the ringtone to the number you want to “Block”:

1. Open Phone App.
2. Go to RECENTS on your call list and click on the arrow to the right of the number for more options.
3. Select Create New Contact.*
4. Fill in the name field, I usually put SCAM or TELEMARKETER so I know at a quick glance in the future.
5. Select on the ringtone currently shown as Default.
6. Choose the SilentRing ringtone from the list.
7. Press the SAVE button.
8. Depending on your default settings you may also need to set Vibration to NONE.
9. Press the DONE button in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
10. Now when that number calls again you’ll see the call as SCAM (or whatever you entered) but it won’t ring.

Credit: davidmehary.com

Category: Cellphone, How-To | No Comments »
Tags: blocking, do not call, ios, iphone, smarphone, techfriday

Posted By RichC on April 2, 2015

If you are interested in or an alum, you’ll love visiting Miami University in this way …

Category: Archive, Education, Video | No Comments »
Tags: aerial, campus, drone, miami university, tour, youtube