My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC 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. 

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. ☹️  

Category: Apple, Gadget, Idioms, Technology, Watch | No Comments »
Tags: apple watch, christmas, fitbit, present, tech friday, techfriday, versa2

Posted By RichC 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 and 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. All 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.

Category: Advice, Human Interest, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: 2025, america, donald trump, government, new beginning, new year, opinion, thehustings, united states

Posted By RichC 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.

Category: Automotive, Entertainment, Hobby, Video | No Comments »
Tags: cars, firebird, hagerty, james garner, jay leno, pat mckinney, rockford, rockford files, youtube

Posted By RichC on January 1, 2025

This content is restricted.

Category: Archive, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: annalyn, brenda, christmas, drew, ellerie, family, katelyn, megan, richc, taylor

Posted By RichC on December 31, 2024

Wishing all who read My Desultory Blog a Happy and Healthy New Year … and may you all have the household size you desire and live in an ideal sized home.

Playing with #AI (results not verified, but interesting)
A chart comparing the average household size to home square footage in the US from 1940 to 2024. #ChatGPT pic.twitter.com/cUZgikfz63

— Rich Corbett (@RichC) December 21, 2024

Category: AI, Computer, Human Interest, Social Media, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: artificial intelligence, chart, chatgpt, comparison, graph, home size, household size, interesting, x.com

Posted By RichC on December 30, 2024

Today’s Music Monday song is from 1972, a few years before my music listening days, but the supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer was definitely played on stereos during my college dorm listening years.

The album Trilogy featured Greg Lake’s song “From The Beginning” which became the progressive rock band’s highest ranking U.S. single at #39 … and the album was Lake’s favorite. He died from pancreatic cancer in 2016. The late Keith Emerson (1944-2016) and Carl Palmer were the other two founders and band members through 1980; they continued to perform music throughout their careers.

Currently, Carl Palmer, the youngest member (who join the band Asia after ELP broke up) is still performing according to sources. He was the eleventh drummer to be inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.
   

Category: Music | No Comments »
Tags: asia, Carl Palmer, ELP, From the Beginning, Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, music monday, musicmonday, progressive rock, super group, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on December 29, 2024

Every once in a while I come across a idea from a library-borrowed digital woodworking magazine that get snipped and stored on my iPad as a photo (some are overseas even). Sometimes its a better idea to add them to MyDesultoryBlog’s Woodworking section as it is easy for me to find them again (there are way too many photos on the iPad).

Who knows, the tidbits might even help a reader out years from now? 

Category: Repairs, Tidbits, Woodworking | No Comments »
Tags: dovetail, idea, joint, repair, snippet, woodworking

Posted By RichC on December 28, 2024

The word titanic is hardly one we would pick to describe something huge today due to the history of the RMS Titanic.

BUT, back in 1911-12 when it was built and sailed, the RMS Titanic was an enormous and impressive ship. If not for the arrogance in believe the design was nearly invincibile to the ocean … and carelessness of Captain Edward Smith … it would have been a ship and cruise of envy. 

Today the luxury ocean liner is relatively small compared to the enormous cruise ships and of course aircraft carriers, but the Titanic has still has generated a few more posts than the others on My Desultory Blog, but then not all have been seafaring in reference.  😉 

Category: History, Human Interest, Misc, Sailing, Tidbits | No Comments »
Tags: cruise, definition, enormous, ships, size, titanic, words

Posted By RichC on December 27, 2024

It will likely be busy in our household this weekend (as we’re having a belated family Christmas) … but saw this Friday Filler photo on social media and thought it was interesting enough to share (I’m not sure it is real or AI — click for larger)? 

Category: AI, Holiday, Photos, Social Media | No Comments »
Tags: artificial intelligence, filler friday, ocean, photo, sky, x.com

Posted By RichC on December 26, 2024

Sleep has never been a problem for me until this past year or so. I don’t know if it is age or that my mind is filled with too much stuff — my running out of hard drive space theory (a worthless thought for another time). Anyway, I mentioned this to my primary care physician durning my last wellness check and it was also one of the questions on the “65 and older” sheet his offices hands out before spending 15 minutes in “the small cell” exam room with me.😊 

Anyway we discussed my routine (how much TV, blue light screen time, thought provoking reading, caffeine, etc) and all the things to try prior to heading down the meds route. He also agreed with my wife (a pharmacist) that Diphenhydramine is an inexpensive and safe OTC drug to try.

Previously my “doctor daughter” had discouraged me from taking melatonin, which is often suggested as a natural sleep aid — but not by my PCP either. Some are concerned that taking additional melatonin long term may discourage your body from naturally producing what your body needs, but Healthline disagrees. I had previously tried a 10 pill sample 10 MG bottle from Puritan’s Pride, but didn’t see an improvement so decided not to continue down that path (before talking to physicians). 

The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic also have a couple worth reading webpages on common medicines and so I’ll link them for those finding getting a good sleep a continual problem.

All things aside, my sleep has finally improved, … likely because I’ve changed a couple of habits and included a couple new things to my evening routine. I’m not sure which deserves the credit, but I’m crediting #3, although pharmacist Brenda would say it is #4  (once a “legal” drug pusher, always a drug pusher).

1. Cut out the Diet Mountain Dew — last is generally late afternoon, but I still could cut back (in the past, I always had a can with pretzels while watching TV)
2. Drink a cup of milk in place of the pop/soda … but I do put a little Nestlé Quik in the milk.
3. Turned off sports or the news and AGAIN re-watch an episode of Hogan’s Heroes (cast) before going to sleep (but as Sgt Schutz would say, “I know nothing”).
4. Take a Diphenhydramine an hour before going to bed.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine).Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. 

WebMD Link

Category: Advice, Entertainment, Health, Humor | No Comments »
Tags: cleveland clinic, comedy, diet mountain dew, diphenhydramine, doctors, hogans heroes, mayo clinic, melatonin, Nestlé Quik, sleep, television