My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on January 16, 2025

Last year I was invited by a longtime automotive writer and friend, Todd Lassa (photo), to help with writing right column commentary for a political news site — TheHustings.news. The network of writers and journalists he taps into skew politically left for the most part … and he felt my Republican right-leaning (and pro-Trump/Vance) views as a long time reader (and commenter) might help balance right-column content. I obliged after the VP political debate and after the presidential election, even though I’m NOT really a writer … although I pretend to be one by blogging. 😊

This week after he posted a “Twisted Logic” comment from a reader for the left column, he asked if I could perhaps offer a right-column perspective or comment. Again, I took the invitation as if it were a school assignment and they posted my “Let’s Start With a Clean Slate” this week (for the blog, I also tinkered with a new voice on ElevenLabs to see if it has improved reading ability — it does!)  

ElevenLabs AI “Sully” reading “Let’s Start With a Clean Slate“

For those raising alarm about alleged threats to “democracy” while ignoring the blatant overreach of unelected bureaucrats and activist judges against President-Elect Donald J. Trump, it’s clear you’ve succumbed to a narrative driven by Democrats and the biased media. The weaponization of government institutions by partisan actors has exposed just how fragile our republic has become under the influence of radical leftist ideology.

For years, Democrats have leveraged every tool in their arsenal — be it impeachment attempts, endless investigations, or politically motivated indictments — to undermine those who challenge their grip on power. This lawfare isn’t about justice; it’s about silencing dissent and punishing anyone who dares stand in their way.

The Constitution and rule of law are meant to serve as safeguards against tyranny, yet they are being bent and twisted to suit the whims of a political elite that cannot abide opposition. Conservatives and independent thinkers should take heed: today’s targeted leader could be tomorrow’s silenced citizen.

As Americans, we must demand accountability, transparency, and an end to the misuse of power for partisan ends. Without these, the freedoms that define this nation risk becoming relics of a bygone era, sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. Let’s start with a clean slate next week and give President Trump an opportunity to prove his competence and ability to lead America and all our citizens towards a brighter tomorrow. 

–Rich Corbett

Category: AI, Audio, News, Politics, Social Media, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: ai, editorial, elevenlabs, News, opinion, Politics, thehustings, writing

Posted By RichC on January 15, 2025

After updating on the Apple Watch Series 10 Complications yesterday, the new Peak Design iPhone case arrived in the mail. The Oostras gave me three items by PD for Christmas this year:

1. iPhone case,
2. three or so card wallet and
3. a mini fold-up tripod.

The case was the wrong size so Katelyn returned it and had the corrected size sent for my iPhone 16 Pro Max. After sending her the photo when it arrived, she exclaimed, “Massive!!”

Category: Apple, Cellphone, Gadget, Photos, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: iphone 16 pro max, peak design, phone case, wallet

Posted By RichC on January 14, 2025

It is taking me a while to learn how to use my new Apple Watch Series 10 and tinker with what apps I want to be draining the battery. With my Fitbit Versa 2 four days of battery life was the norm, but as expected, the Apple Watch is only good for a day — a full day though. 

When it comes to the watch face and complications running, I’ve opted for the Infograph (below) due to the extra apps on the screen (I would have preferred a digital watch face like the Versa, but this works.)

When in comes to monitoring my exercise, I’ve grown used to the “step count” monitoring of the Fitbit and smiled each time the fireworks would burst when it hit 10,000 steps each day. I suspect in time that I will adopt the Apple Rings, but for now the Steps/Distance complication is in the top left corner (see below) and the “Workout” app open on touching. Currently I’m using the Duffy app too, but it is a bit simple and suspect it will soon be gone? 

I’m still in the process of shuffling around a few apps and might give up the wind strength and direction (bottom left), but currently don’t find any other bit of “always on” information all that essential. For now this is a work in progress and can comfortably use the watch 24 hours a day (quick charging it only when waking up, showing, dressing and eating breakfast).  

Category: Apple, Gadget, Watch | No Comments »
Tags: anigif, apple watch, duffy app, exercise, fitbit, smartwatch, versa2, watch

Posted By RichC on January 13, 2025

While listening to a 1970 oddity song this week as the wildfires ravaged areas around Los Angeles California, a song by Albert Hammond (co-written by Mike Hazlewood) triggered Music Monday thoughts.

It is an “oddity” in that “It Never Rains in Southern California” is the only hit I remember Albert Hammond recording (photo upper left from 2013) — although his songwriting credits and resume is a bit more extensive.

Category: Music, Video | No Comments »
Tags: albert hammond, california, mike hazlewood, music monday, musicmonday, youtube

Posted By RichC on January 12, 2025

Depending on which generation you were born often factors into how you remember inflation. Those born in the 1930 thru1970s likely saw decades of relatively high inflation; they lived through years of 5-6% and higher inflation. Until recently, those born later … 1980 to today … saw a more moderate annual inflation number to begin their adult lives. The last four years will likely change this a bit as we saw inflation over 9% a year or so ago.

Personally I’m not in full agreement with this chart, even though I did experience a long stretch of high inflation (stagnation) when first starting out … and have definitely lived a few boom/bust cycles with recessions that had me wondering if we could ever return to the American Dream again?

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Category: Archive, Art, History, Human Interest, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: drawing, family, graph, graphic, inflation

Posted By RichC on January 11, 2025

It is difficult to fathom the amount of devastation happening in Southern California due to the out of control wildfires fueled by the yearly dry vegetation and Santa Anna wind blowing through the canyons and mountains around Los Angeles. 

Having dense population and homes in the hills around the suburbs adds to the risk when it comes to life and property … but shockingly to most who pay the highest taxes in the nation … their state and local officials seemed ill prepared to deal with wildfires. One would think that this area and state would have well prepared plan, firefighting equipment, water in the reservoirs and FIRE HYDRANTS with water pressure would be a given. It is unforgivable that California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has put more effort into “Trump proofing” the state’s sanctuary status of protection of illegal immigrants, the squatting homeless population and in removing dams to protect the Delta Smelt than in keeping his tax-paying residents safe from disaster.

What to Know (Jan 11, 2025)

• Officials say at least 5,000 structures have been destroyed, with the devastation from the Eaton and Palisades fires ranking among the worst in California history.
• Firefighters may get a break Saturday as winds are expected to decrease, but strong winds are in the forecast for next week.
• The Palisades Fire continues to grow, burning homes in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, with evacuations ordered for the hills of Encino and Tarzana as it heads toward the Valley.
• The county medical examiner reported Friday that 11 deaths are connected to the fires.
• As of Saturday morning, the Palisades Fire was about 21,600 acres with containment at 11 percent.
• The Eaton Fire northeast of Los Angeles was at 14,100 acres with containment at 15 percent early Saturday.

Obviously the memes write themselves (one below) when it come to wondering why there’s no water to put out fires, not enough brush clearing and back-burning to keep danger away from population centers and DEI hires that demonstrate incompetence at every turn. 

Category: Environment, Financial, News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: california, disaster, los angeles, meme, Politics, wildfires

Posted By RichC on January 10, 2025

Elon Musk’s verson of email called Xmail can’t come soon enough for a lot of Google Gmail users and as a way to dump my 70,009 Gmail SPAM collection. 😊 

Although did remember an older Windows 95 X Mail (logo above and insecure link) and I was hoping for some kind of improvement from ProtonMail … had an interest in their privacy, security and encryption … but it has become cumbersome and was even down for an hour in December.

I’m not relying on it at the moment, but I did think it might be worthy of replacing my work address. Unfortunately after trying to port over my CPPNET.com email address to the Proton servers, there was an issue since other addresses still need to remain on my Linux mail server (never indicated on checking their servers list). So I’m back to Roundcube for CPP emails and my original USA.net subscription email (once upon a time it was a free perk with my American Express Small Business account — that was 25 years ago! Wow, time flies.)

Still for personal and advertising addressed emails I’m stuck with Gmail. I’m still using the free version since Miami University finally closed my Workspace account (from my grad school and teaching days).  the free version and I sort of put up with their “scanning my emails” and tossing marketing in my way. But for now, it is wait and see what Elon Musk and his crew comes up with — although something tells me nothing is really going to change. 😉 

Category: Computer, Productivity, Software, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: elon musk, email, gmail, pcworld, protonmail, spam, tech friday, techfriday, x.com, xmail

Posted By RichC on January 9, 2025

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 (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. 

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. 

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Category: Books, Human Interest, Politics, Social Media, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: brilliantmaps.com, earth, maps, temperature, weather, wikipedia, world, x.com

Posted By RichC on January 8, 2025

Listening 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.

Category: Apple, Audio, Radio, Streaming, Watch | No Comments »
Tags: app, apple watch, cellular, Music, News, siriusxm

Posted By RichC on January 7, 2025

My 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).

Here 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.”

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Category: Blogs, Misc, Tidbits | No Comments »
Tags: annual, banished, lssu, Skibidi, words