Websites and social media feeds highlighting maps intrigue me

Posted By on January 9, 2025

Temperature ranges around the globe
A map by region illustrating the larger variations of temperatures than below

Since I love looking at maps of all kinds, I’m always attracted to the ones that trigger intrigue me and helps me learn a little more about our world. I especially enjoy weather related maps Accidental Super Power - Peter Zeihan(perhaps they often relate to aviation and sailing), and more specifically maps illustrating “temperatures” around the world depending on latitude. Most of us learn or know that it is warmer near the equator and cooler near the North and South Pole, but what is interesting to me when looking at different countries around the world is that a few countries are located where there is a significantly wider range of warm and cold weather (above) even if average temperature maps don’t show it (below)

The temperature mapping and BrilliantMaps.com post reminds me of a book I read last year by Peter Zeihan called “The Accidental Super Power: Ten Years On.” The history of the rise and fall of global powers and current domination by the United States is premised in a variety of geographic strengths regarding our country’s location (and I’ll add our founding as a democratic republic to tie in politics). The abundance of natural resources, global position relative to adversaries, navigable ports and waterways and ambitious people with an incentive to innovate (Capitalism) does give America the edge when it comes to excelling not only during the 19th and 20th century, but in this 21st century, if we govern ourselves in a way that prevents dissent from within and as a super power that is respected by others. 

Average Annual Temperatures
The annual average temperature of each country based over its entire land area

Check out Brilliant Maps X.com feed if you enjoy a daily look at the world through maps. 

(more…)

SiriusXM on an Apple Watch Cellular a no-go so far in 2025

Posted By on January 8, 2025

Apple Watch Series 10 playing PandoraListening to SiriusXM directly on an Apple Watch, especially a cellular model, is not straightforward due to several limitations (disappointing for me) and I have failed at my first attempt to port from one app to another. The current test for some “music” is to try going back to Spotify or Pandora (photo) and use the SiriusXM app on my phone. Of course my entire thought was to be able to leave my phone behind occasionally and just listen streaming on the watch and Aeropex AfterShokz headset.  

GROK AI assist: 

No SiriusXM App for Apple Watch: Currently, SiriusXM does not offer a native app for the Apple Watch. This means you can’t directly stream or access SiriusXM content from the watch itself.

 **Alternatives**

  – **Using iPhone as a Relay**: If you have your iPhone with you, you can use it to stream SiriusXM through Bluetooth to wireless headphones connected to your Apple Watch. This requires the iPhone to be in Bluetooth range.

  – **Streaming via Cellular on Watch:** While the Apple Watch with cellular can stream music and podcasts independently, it doesn’t support streaming from the SiriusXM app directly since there’s no app designed for it. However, if future updates or third-party solutions become available, this might change.

– **Other Streaming Services**: For similar content, you might look into alternatives like Pandora, TuneIn Radio, or iHeartRadio, which do have Apple Watch apps that support streaming over cellular connections

– **Future Possibility**: There’s always a potential for SiriusXM to develop an app for Apple Watch or for Apple to expand its radio streaming capabilities, but as of now, direct streaming of SiriusXM is not an option on the Apple Watch.

For those keen on listening to SiriusXM without an iPhone nearby, you might need to wait for an official app update from SiriusXM or explore if any third-party applications or services could bridge this gap in the future. However, at this time, without an iPhone nearby or an app specifically designed for the Apple Watch, listening to SiriusXM directly from the watch isn’t feasible.

LSSU’s 2024 list of Banished Words

Posted By on January 7, 2025

Skibidi ToiletMy favorite January post each year has been the Lake Superior State University list of banished words, acronyms and phrases. Most of the words I know and have heard used … and definitely agree with … but admittedly I did not recognize Skibidi (see after the break).

LSSU LogoHere are the 2025 words and phrases selected for banishment, along with the reasons they made the list:

Cringe

While “cringe” once packed a punch, it has now overstayed its welcome. Overuse has dulled its impact, and ironically, using it might now cause the very reaction it describes. “Saying someone ‘caused you to cringe’ or stating that ‘you cringed at something’ is a pretty easy and proper way to use the word,” writes Ash from Newton, Alabama. “Hearing someone say ‘someone is so cringe’ makes me cringe!”

Game Changer

How many times can a game change before it is no longer recognizable? This phrase, often used to describe anything remotely innovative, is as tired as a well-worn cliché. “Nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer,” writes Patrick of Washington, DC.

Era

Unless you are Taylor Swift, it might be time to leave “era” behind. The term’s overuse has made every fleeting moment feel like it demands a historical marker. Leah of Holland, Michigan submits, “Thanks to the name of Taylor Swift’s tour, now there is an ‘era’ for everyone and everything! ‘He’s in his fatherhood era’, ‘She’s in her pottery-making era,’ etc., etc.. It’s overused and tiring.”

Dropped

Once edgy and cool, “dropped” has become more of a letdown. Whether it is an album, a trend, or a product, this term has fallen flat. “Books, music, and all kinds of unnecessary things are currently being ‘dropped’ rather than introduced, released, or offered for sale. Banished for overuse, misuse, abuse, and hurting my head when all that “dropping” stuff lands on me!,” laments Susan of Littleton, CO.

IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)

Internet slang and texting abbreviations are often fan-favorites of Banished Word submitters each year. Cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase offers little clarity or substance. If you know, you might agree it is time to let this one go. Amy from Redford, MI feels this phrase should go for being both irritating and nonsensical.

Sorry Not Sorry

A half-hearted apology masquerading as bold honesty, this phrase feels as disingenuous as it sounds. Banished Word enthusiasts recommend just saying what you mean or in at least one case showing a little kindness. Sabrina from Wrenshall, MN writes, “It is really tiring to hear, and it is giving people another reason to be jerks to one another.”

(more…)

Our recent snowstorm reminds me of the old days in Ohio

Posted By on January 6, 2025

Winter has arrived in much of the heartland to the east coast for January 2025and here in Cincinnati too. It is a storm that is impacting travel on roads, by air and even the power lines since there was ice and freezing rain included with a significant snow.

Taylor and Gigi as snow started to fall Annalyn Ellerie and Katelyn in the NW Ohio snow

Taylor was out with Megan and Gigi as the snow started to fall on Sunday, but in Toledo, Katelyn commented on Monday that they could still see the grass. Hm .. not here in Cincinnati on Monday afternoon (the dog photo reminded me of this post with Tootsie)! 

Here’s a short update from our local meteorologist John Gumm:

As of 1pm [1/6/2025], we had 10.4 inches storm total in #Cincinnati. This will be *at least* the biggest two-day snowfall since 2008 for the area and will be at least in the top-12 for all-time two-day snows on record. Will be curious to see what we end up with before the last flakes fall!

Two day snowfall in Cincinnati, Ohio

Music Monday: “One Particular Harbor” by Jimmy Buffett (1983)

Posted By on January 6, 2025

Alan Jackson and Jimmy BuffettA newly married friend recently returned from his honeymoon in a beautiful and tropical location. He sent a photo overlooking the turquoise water of a harbor filled with anchored boats. It definitely pulled at my “dream” strings and has me missing boats and the sailing life.

As the cold weather continues to make me think about going where it is warm … and then a song on Radio Margaritaville by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett … had me remembering the song from Buffett’s 1983 album — “One Particular Harbor.” Ahead and the old video makes today’s Music Monday that much better! 

A clean and very funny Silent Letter Day comedy #video

Posted By on January 5, 2025

Before I add the humor (video below), I wanted to include a photo of the girls ice skating on their last day of Christmas break. It was so nice to have the extra time with “Mommy Katelyn on Friday and doing something special (great smile and photo)!

Spotted this on X.com and it made me laugh, so I’ll add Michael McIntyre‘s “Silent Letter Day” clean humor as a Sunday filler.
 

Automakers banking on EV sales may need to buckle up in 2025

Posted By on January 4, 2025

After four years of inflation impacting everything Americans need and want, the optimism for improvement might not come all that easily to the next administration. Wages are struggling to keep up with prices, and although the Fed has started an easing cycle with rate cuts, everyday citizens don’t see that when it comes to necessities or financing a big ticket purchase, be it a home or a new vehicle

EV Charging damage

If automotive shoppers do find themselves fortunate enough to afford a home and can consider a new car, they are often faced with the decision to buy a gasoline powered car or an EV (semi-interested in a Tesla myself). For many, its a logical choice EVEN if there is a tax credit considering the relatively poor charging infrastructure (damaged, unreliable, out-of-order, etc), concerns for repairs and reliability or resale values. 

The Trump administration is likely to not be as friendly to EV automakers which could mean higher demand for hybrid vehicles or their fossil fuelled counterparts (???)most auto industry watchers suspect the tax credits for EVs will be either reduced or eliminated. Big automakers may be able to absorb some of the higher cost to make EVs … but will likely see fewer sales no matter their discounting. The scenario does not look good, at least for 2025 if you are an investor or employed in that industry (see Al Root’s 12/31/2024 Barronsonline article — or PDF). 

Key takeaways from the Barron’s Advisor editorial team

Electric-vehicle makers and investors should buckle up for 2025, because President-elect Trump could eliminate EV purchase tax credits for as much as $7,500 a vehicle.

That would be a de facto price increase on most electric cars and likely would stifle demand.

Germany presents an example of what could happen. The country cut purchase subsidies for EVs, and EV sales there plunged during the first 11 months of this year.

LINK

Tech Friday: The Apple Watch Series 10 requires me to adapt

Posted By on January 3, 2025

Take this post will a grain of salt since I’m new to using an Apple Watch. That said, I’ve been an Apple computer user since 1986 and iPhone user for over a decade. My wife is on her second Apple Watch, my best friend on his third and my son Taylor has been using an Apple Watch for a few years now … but since I’ve been overly satisfied with the Fitbit Versa 2 for the last 6 years, I’ve been in no rush to make a change. 

Apple Watch Series 10 - 42mm with This past year though, I can see the writing is on the wall now that Google purchased of Fitbit and is pushing full-featured smartwatch users to their Pixel watches (great for Android users … but so good for Apple Fitbit users). Perhaps Google will still keep the slender and simpler “workout trackers” for a bit longer, but who really knows?

The first thing for me come to grip with in learning to use this new Apple Watch Series 10 present, is that it does not have the battery life of the Fitbit Versa. Four days was the norm on the Versa 2 … and I’m already finding myself eliminating “notifications” and thinking about cutting out some “complications” too. I’m still not sure I can make a charge last for a full day and still sleep with the watch on at night (18 hours is Apple’s estimate). Still one great thing about the Series 10 is the much quicker charging time, so we’ll see.  

Unlike the “always-on” display of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this is not something that seems do-able on the Series 10 IF trying to stretch the battery a full day. So that’s the first setting to change … which will be the same for me as on the Fitbit Versa 2, so no loss. I’m still planning to keep the “Wake on Wrist Raise” at this point and am trying to cramp as much simple data as I can on the “Infograph” watch face (photo). Since I’m accustom to seeing “battery” and “weather info” on my Versa … I’m planning on keeping it for now.

A couple new “complications” on the Apple Watch for me will be seeing the Sunrise/Sunset and Wind indication. As with most long term Fitbit users, I have focused on hitting 10,000 steps each day, so am including that in the bottom sub-dial rather than seeing the normal Apple Activity Rings (which are easy to pull up in Smart Stacks, a nice feature although I’ve yet to learn how to customize it).

For now, the Apple Watch is an upgrade with a learning curve. Still I’m hoping to be able to reply to messages and add a “like” here or there when using social media (keeping a few notifications for now). Stay tuned to figuring out IF I can use SiriusXM “somehow” with the watch … but am doubtful. ☹️  

A New Dawn: American Optimism Flourishes Post-2024 Election

Posted By on January 2, 2025

A palpable sense of optimism has swept across America since the November 2024 elections. The nation, having navigated a period of intense political division, now looks forward with renewed hope Grok - Statue of Libertyand confidence. The election results have sparked a collective sense of relief and of possibility, with many Americans believing that the future holds great promise under the leadership of President-elect Donald J. Trump, his cabinet picks, and a Republican controlled House and Senate.

One big reason for this optimism is the emphasis on an America First agenda and a “second chance” for Trump. A strong America and freedom-loving leadership defeated the fascists and autocrats during World War II and the communists of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, resulting in extraordinary innovations and prosperity for much of the world. A strong and prosperous United States makes for a safer, more peaceful world. 

Leaders from both major parties have expressed a commitment to working together to address the country’s most pressing issues. All Americans desire to return to values in line with a sense of fairness and common-sense principles. 

Some thought this bipartisan approach would happen under President Biden, who in 2020 campaigned on “unity.” Politically centered citizens yearned for this, but instead of unity, the Biden/Harris administration veered radically to the left. If there is a “spirit of cooperation” taking place, it is being demonstrated by Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat. If more Democrats with moderate views, like Fetterman, would commit to cooperating with Republicans, we would get a more harmonious national discourse.

The election also has injected new energy into the American economy with Trump’s promises of innovative policies aimed at stimulating growth, relaxing heavy handed central planning and excessive government regulation, helping businesses create better jobs, supporting small businesses and reducing tax burdens. Grok - USA flagAll have been met with enthusiasm. Economic indicators are already showing signs of improvement, with consumer confidence on the rise. The focus on sustainable development and technological advancement is poised to drive economic progress and enhance the quality of life for millions of Americans.

The election has highlighted the importance of advancements in such fields as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotechnology. Investments in research and development will spur technological breakthroughs, drive economic growth and improve quality of life. America’s tradition of innovation is poised to continue, paving the way for a future marked by progress and prosperity.

Finally, the 2024 election has reinvigorated civic engagement, especially on social media platforms that invited robust, balanced debate. Several platforms had previously discouraged the discussion of issues censored by left-leaning moderators, often under pressure by politically biased bureaucrats. Mainstream media also had noticeably veered even further from journalistic principles. They are no longer viewed as reporting the news but are often viewed as “opinionists.” Americans also proved their “civic engagement” with historic voter turnout, which reflected our deep-seated belief in the democratic process. This robust engagement underscores a vibrant democracy where every voice matters and collective action can drive meaningful change.

Hope is alive again in America. Patriots who believe in the United States should embrace this “second chance” with optimism. Let’s help our country move forward with a sense of renewed energy and a determination to build a better and more prosperous America for all.
 


My commentary was printed in The Hustings News on December 16th, 2024.

There are Rockford fans and then there are super Rockford fans

Posted By on January 1, 2025

Television has made a lot of people famous, but only a handful of cars have tagged along with a show’s protagonist to lasting fame. One such example is the pairing that rose to a lasting stardom is the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula and James Garner as the stars of The Rockford Files.

While Garner passed just over 10 years ago, the gold Firebird is primed to live forever thanks to one superfan and his years-long restoration of the star car, and Jay Leno got to hear the story and take it for a spin.

Check out the full story on Hagerty.com.

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog