Music and weather: Dave Loggins 1974 – Please Come to Boston
Posted By RichC on February 20, 2015
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TechFriday: Comparing Cloud storage services in 2015
Posted By RichC on February 20, 2015
I made the big 99 cent plunge a couple months ago in paying for more Apple iCloud space primarily to keep data on my iPhone and iPad safely backed up (although it is easy enough to do with and iTunes Lightening to USB connected computer). What I’m finding is that using iCloud is becoming a little more routine as my go-to cloud storage choice for Apple OS and iOS, but is a little more limiting than I would like.
Each computer needs to be logged into the iCloud account and have "Documents & Data" syncing turned on. You can check if "Document & Data" syncing is turned on by checking in the iCloud System Preferences Panel.
You need to create a folder to hold all of your documents and create access to that folder through the Finder Sidebar. You need only create the folder once on one computer, but you will need to add it to the Finder Sidebar on all your computers.
To create a folder:
- While the Finders ‘Go’ drop down menu is visible, press and hold the option key (alt) which will reveal the hidden "Library" option.
- Select the "Library" option from the list and the contents of the Library folder will be displayed in the Finder.
- Locate and open the "Mobile Documents" folder.
- Create a new folder inside the "Mobile Documents" folder, name it appropriately (e.g. "My iCloud Documents").
- Create an alias of the new folder (⌘+L) and drag it to the "Favorites" section of the Finder Sidebar.
- Repeat steps 1 through 6 (with the exception of step 4) on each computer.
You can now add files and folders to the folder in the sidebar and they will sync between your computers. You can also open the documents within the folder and save any changes you make. You can not currently access this folder from an iPad, iPhone, iPod or iCloud.com
Once upon a time back in 2008 I used Sugarsync, 
but they were slow to improve space recovery (wouldn’t permit recovering space when photos were deleted) … and so I moved to the more costly Dropbox. In my opinion, Dropbox is still the best solution, but you pay a premium if you want more than their token free space. Cheapskate Rich decided to build up space using “perk” and referral space (currently at 8GB free) and instead of paying, added several other clouds services. All of the others continue to entice with more and more free space … particularly if you buy products or services.
The big players like Google and Microsoft both add extra Gigs of data if you subscribe to their software suites or buy hardware … and both Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive have free promotions that will add space too. Google is running their security checkup and will add an additional 2 GBs through the month of February 2015 and Microsoft is giving away 100GB free for 2-years if you sign up for Bing Rewards (feeding out line so they can set the hook).
Another notable, the online behemoth Amazon with their CloudDrive, has their cloud storage option too … but fall a bit short in one place or the other, as of this writing. I’ve decided to use the Amazon space for long term backups, even though I really thought maybe their CloudDrive would work similar to the AWS Amazon S3 best in class data space. It doesn’t.
Finally there are the other competing for your data
… Box.com, Copy.com, BitCasa, Spideroak, Wuala, JustCloud and Cubby among others. Of this last grouping, I use Cubby everyday to exchange temporary files and photos between devices. It works efficiently, but still falls short when it comes to organizing and searching on a mobile device. Still, using a combination of cloud storage services gives me a chance to compare one with the in “real use situations” before going all-in and paying for synchronized cloud storage.
Victorinox Swiss Army knives/tools and customer service
Posted By RichC on February 19, 2015
As mentioned previously, I returned my “out of production” (Europe only) Victorinox SwissFlame knife in for warranty service, and although they could not repair it, they honored the lifetime warranty. Not only did they sent me the new SwissTool™ Spirit X as a replacement, but they return the defective knife – superb customer service.
As a Leatherman tool user (my good one is on Encore), I can say that the pricey SwissTool™ Spirit X is a step up in quality. Now the only question standing is how can I comfortably carry this hefty tool “in a pocket” for everyday wear?
Talking about knives and tools, this reminded me of a previous top ten list post. 
New music and events for Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers
Posted By RichC on February 18, 2015
I’ve posted, and have been following, Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers for 
the last couple of years ever since hearing their first Van Session. I’ll keep updating since the new music continues to appeal to me … and might even check with Brenda to see if we should plan a night out on April 29th for their appearance at the Taft Ballroom here in Cincinnati (schedule).
The new album, “Loved Wild Lost,” will be available on April 21st and the band recorded a couple new promotional YouTube clips with audio from the country/folk flavored “Simpler Times” cut from side two of the new album.
EDIT: Adding the full concert video from Lincoln Hall in Chicago (2013) — thanks Alan!
Long weekend trips for Taylor and Katelyn
Posted By RichC on February 18, 2015
Taylor and his friend Nick took advantage of a long weekend to take a trip from frozen North Dakota to Boulder, Colorado and Wyoming, just as they did over Thanksgiving. They skirted just east of the Rocky Mountains and had great weather. Since there were only two guys to split the gas this trip, I’m sure they appreciated the lower fuel prices – he sent me a $1.85 gasoline price in Wyoming – nice! For the most part the weather was clear and scenes beautiful, but there were patches of ice keeping drivers cautious.
Not to be outdone with having a good time, sister Katelyn met up with a few of her Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital friends from her residency for the weekend in Chicago. Besides having a good time catching up on each of their personal and professional lives, they did some movie watching, eating out and shopping while in downtown Chicago. I’m glad to know they all enjoy staying in touch.
Vistaprint has one of the better television commercials
Posted By RichC on February 17, 2015
Vistaprint produced a great television commercial that is currently running on a couple national cable channels. Perhaps I like it because it is “printing” or “entrepreneur” related, but the passing down of a small business does tug at my heart strings. (here’s an additional video on the making of the commercial).
An update on my dad and checking the weather
Posted By RichC on February 16, 2015
On a personal update, my Dad is doing a better with a bit of supervision and improved eating and sleeping habits … thanks to my brother Ron and his wife Claire. The last couple weeks instead of living alone at home, they have moved him in with them temporarily (we’ll see?) in order to get him thru the winter. I don’t think we’re really kidding ourselves into thinking that dad will be able to live unassisted again though. Still it is great to see him doing better and appreciating the help … although there was initial resistance. A day at a time. For now, I’m enjoying stopping in to see both dad and my brother … and playing some pool.
The weather on this Presidents’ Day is reminding me that we are still in February and that winter and snow is still here.
Forecast for Monday, February 16, 2015 … I’m sticking around the house today as there is not much sense into driving south into the snow (was today’s schedule).
Archive: Saving the dimensions for missing Cape Horn vanes
Posted By RichC on February 16, 2015
Eventually I’m interested in getting the Cape Horn Self-Steering gear working aboard Encore, but I’m still missing a few parts. Two of the crucial items are the Light and Heavy vanes that make the corrections that pivot the steering gears paddle. The paddle (in the water) amplifies the force in order to control the rudder … eventually steering the boat back on course all without power. I priced replacing the vanes from Canada, but after reviewing the dimensions, it almost looks as if the sail cloth light air and aluminum heavy weather vane could be self fabricated?
Mailing address :
Cape Horn Marine Products
316 Girouard st.,
Oka QC Canada J0N 1E0Phone: +1 450 479 6314
mail@capehorn.com
My Valentine set a great table for just the two of us
Posted By RichC on February 15, 2015
After reading the subject line, I realized that “more that the two of us” would have been a little odd … but thank you Brenda for making dinner special.
One of Saturday’s projects was taking apart a Whale Galley water pump and ordering a rebuild kit online. After pricing it on a few boating sites, I ended up on eBay and picking up the #AK0553 kit for $26 including shipping. The jury is still out if I can’t get this manual galley footpump working again.
The Intuit Turbotax fiasco for 2014 tax preparation software
Posted By RichC on February 14, 2015
There was no love lost from customers of Intuit’s Turbo Tax software, and like many, I quickly looked to their competitors when I saw Intuit’s “money grab” in January 2015. Although the company responded with an apology and offered a $25 rebate to those who eventually figured out they needed to upgrade their Deluxe edition to the more expensive Premier or or even more expensive Home & Business … most were not happy with that particular apology or the $25 peace offering, only available after they e-filed their tax returns.
Now, to give credit where credit is due, Intuit CEO Brad Smith stepped up to the “mistake” with what could be the model of how CEOs should address customers after offending them (YouTube video above). Perhaps Intuit won’t able to correct the 2014 marketing decision, but they have recognized the massive backlash from customers … who at one time were most likely customers for life. I’m not sure what more could have said after the fact, but the January 29th apology and steps that announced to address customers anger and frustration is a good template for CEOs who find themselves in similar hot water. I’ve yet to see the reinstated forms in the Deluxe version, or where pricing will be set next year, but Mr. Smith’s response was good.
I still dislike the decision Intuit made in 2014 to gouge their customers … and am still puzzled why their website does not reflect what I think CEO Brad Smith said … but I’ll give credit to Brad Smith and his mea culpa so long as they follow through with the “reinstating all the previous forms” in the Deluxe version of TurboTax.
January 29, 2015 / TurboTaxBlogTeam — LINK
We recently communicated with customers about the changes we made to TurboTax desktop software products and apologized for mishandling this important decision.
Many of you told us that our apology and explanation were just not good enough. You said that our offer of money back was too complicated. And you wanted to know what would happen next year. All valid points. You also clearly told us what would make this right.
You want your TurboTax desktop product to do what it always has done – handle the same tax situations as it did in years past. We’ve heard you, and we’re going to fix it.
Next year, we’re changing back to the TurboTax desktop software you know and love, restoring the forms that you’ve counted on for years.
Beginning February 7th, returning Deluxe desktop customers who need to upgrade will be able to do so within the product for free, making it simple and seamless.
For returning customers who have already upgraded to Premier at the higher price, we are continuing to offer $25 cash back through April 20. Just go to www.TurboTax.com/25back to get your money.
We will be communicating to our desktop customers in the coming days. In addition, Brad Smith, Intuit president and CEO, posted this video on LinkedIn.
I realize this hasn’t been easy on you, and I’m sorry for that. I also recognize that it took us too long to make this right. We are committed to regaining your trust.
You matter to us. You always have.
Sasan Goodarzi, General Manager
Intuit TurboTax
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.