My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on December 13, 2014

Wow … just couldn’t believe the lower gas prices this week as oil continues to tumble down under $60/barrel. The abundant supplies and inventory along with the recession in Europe and slowdown in China has really put pressure on world prices. I’ve seen news photos of gasoline selling under $2.00 out west and while driving in Ohio I noticed prices as low as $2.25. I only wish diesel would drop as much and as fast – as it is still up around $3.50/gallon or so.

The lower price for fuel has made my increased trips to see my dad less expensive, considering I burn about 10 gallons to make the twice a week trip. That aside, I do tie one of those trips in with my business travel to NE Ohio and am glad to be able to see him a bit more. He’s been struggling to live independently and had a quick stay in the hospital after a fall two weeks ago. He now has discomfort/pain related to a fractured vertebrae and it is slow healing. The compression between bongs and swelling puts pressure on the nerves that are in the area so the pain and pinched nerve are giving him difficulty with strength and balance too. The doctors don’t have any quick answers, but we’ve been working on his diet and diabetes meds to get his sugar under control. I’m thankful for my brother Ron and Claire – they are handling the majority of the trips to the doctor, etc. We think “low” sugar due to not eating well and medication is what caused him to pass out and fall –initially the doctors in the hospital were thinking mini-stroke. I think if we can get eating and meds under control (and healed), he’ll be back to normal again; we’d hate to have him lose the ability to live independently.

While visiting this week, he asked me to scare off a sickly raccoon that has been hanging around his bird feeder and concerned he’ll use those little hands to figure away to get into the house. I did my best, but this nasty guy is obviously sick.

Category: Energy, Health, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: dadc, diesel, family, fuel, gas, Health, ohio, raccoon, sidney

Posted By RichC on December 12, 2014

IFTTT = IF This Then That

Think of it as a simple programming app where there is an “action” when a “trigger” is observed. It is set up on a mobile device and works with “channels” … like Facebook, Evernote, Twitter, Email and even WordPress and it will do something when a “trigger” is observed. IFTTT calls putting these things together “Recipes” … and they can be shared with others. Pretty cool … although with the access required to function correctly there is a concern for privacy. Hmm … read and then ponder.

So I started my handful of “Recipes” this week and set up triggers on a spare Twitter account that would post to my blog if the hashtag #IFTTT was observed (it is checked approximately every 15 minutes … so call it semi-live). After tinkering with it, I found it a bit limiting for my WordPress install (maybe it could be tweaked?).

BUT … there are many other areas where this kind of minimalistic phone programming could be really nice. Here’s an example: tweeting out a stock price on market close or immediately posting a photo to a sharing site or even a cloud service. There are 1000s of useful possibilities and I’m looking forward to having this super simple app on my iPhone (available for Android too), although am reluctant to give access to my primary account logins?

Category: Cellphone, Social Media, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: android, app, IFTTT, iphone, programming, techfriday

Posted By RichC on December 11, 2014

The U.S. built 2016 Volkswagen Crossover, teased way back in January 2013, may well be the replacement for my aging 2006 Honda Pilot that already has 200,000 miles – I’m not sure I can wait or whether the styling will change by then?

It is starting to look like VW may give buyers a choice: a 5-seater or the previously announced 7-seater. Either would be nice, but priced right, and with (or even without) an AWD TDI diesel engine and drivetrain, it will be a big seller in North America.

VW Crossover Concept to Debut in Detroit

The German automaker will unveil a five-seat version of its upcoming seven-seater crossover that it will build starting in 2016 at its Chattanooga, Tenn. plant.

Automotive News reports that the concept vehicle will head to production in a couple of years as Volkswagen looks to capture some of the growing crossover segment in the U.S.

MORE

Category: Automotive, Diesel, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: chattanooga, crossblue, crossover, diesel, SUV, tdi, volkswagen

Posted By RichC on December 10, 2014

One of my favorite technology reporters, Joanna Stern with the Wall Street Journal, offered her thoughts on tablet keyboards just as started to use a Zagg Folio Keyboard case that arrived on Tuesday. I’ve been waiting for a Brydge Keyboard for iPad Air2 (the space gray ships on Dec. 15th I’m told) and have been pecking on glass ever since I sold my ‘cheapo’ Logitech keyboard and case with my older iPad 2. Besides the smile inducing video presentations of her findings, hearing from someone who has had a chance to sit down with 20 keyboards is really helpful – LINK.

Obviously the Brydge Keyboard that was pre-ordered should of better quality since it is priced at $169 (thankfully I’m not paying full price) … but some of the others selling for half that price don’t look too shabby. For me, the Zagg is easy to type on since I was already use to the tiny chiclet keys on the Logitech and a big improvement for typing instead of the virtual keyboard. One wonders why Apple hasn’t addressed this?  Since I use the iPad as a notebook having a good keyboard is a plus, but the Zagg is really chunky — weighing in at 2.2 pounds with my lightweight iPad Air 2 mounted in the plastic housing! Granted it offers some protection and has a grippy rubber feel, but dealing with the hefty weight when it should be lighter sort of defeats the purpose of not carrying a notebook computer. Hmm … maybe I’ll use it for a while and see if Zagg will honor their 45 day return policy? Who knows, I might end up liking it.

Of course noting Joanna’s comment about the Brydge Keyboard in her review, I might not be so happy with it’s weight either?

Now, if money is no object in your quest to turn your iPad into a laptop, the $170 BrydgeAir is the best option I came across (and what I plan to purchase myself). It is what I imagine Apple’s own keyboard case would look like—and cost.

Eerily similar to a MacBook keyboard, it’s made of the same brushed aluminum and the black backlit keys are incredibly sturdy. The cover has two hinged grips for holding up your iPad, allowing you to adjust the screen just like a laptop, even when your legs are crossed. That’s because it’s bottom heavy. The 520-gram case weighs more than the iPad Air 2 itself!

That works out to the 2.2 lbs for the Zagg and 2.1 lbs for the Brydge Keyboard. Hmm?

*** If you just want something better than typing on glass, check out this interesting keyboard from Touchfire.

Category: Apple, Computer, Tablet, Technology, Video | No Comments »
Tags: air2, brydge, folio, ipad, keyboard, tablet, touchfire, wsj, zagg

Posted By RichC on December 9, 2014

One wonders if today’s Democrats blindly following President Barack Obama and his administration’s goal of “fundamentally transforming the United States of America” even remember what it was like to support a leader who understood our democracy?John F. Kennedy knew what it was to believe and fight for the words and principles which founded this country. A core difference is in believing that “The rights of man come NOT from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.” (January 20, 1961) Where are those Democrats today? Come back!

Category: Audio, History, Politics, Quotes | No Comments »
Tags: audio, government, jfk, kennedy, leadership, mp3, obama, president, rights

Posted By RichC on December 8, 2014

The last week or so has been busier than usual with my dad needing to make a surprise visit to the hospital after a fall. He lives alone since my mom past away (2 years ago – wow time flies) and has not been doing the best job with fixing meals for himself or monitoring his blood sugar. We at first had concerns that it was a “mini-stroke” as indicated by the hospital, but noticing how out of whack his diabetic blood numbers were, it was probably low glucose. We’ve got him off meds that lower his numbers now and are working on better eating habits and monitoring with a visiting nurse for the time being. He seems back to normal except for a fracture in his back and compression between vertebras causing him some discomfort and movement issues. I’m confident he’ll be back to normal soon.

Besides visiting with dad, I worked and worked on my Poulan chainsaw in attempts to keep it running as it has. It is my smaller and lighter saw (have an OLD heavy duty Mccolloch from our days of heating with wood in Hudson, OH) and the lighter one preferred when cutting up smaller trees and the like; besides it was always a first or second start type saw … I probably over use it? Anyway after taking it apart it seems the ethanol used in today’s gasoline has done a number on the fuel lines and most likely gummed up the carburetor. Even after several hours and replacing all the fuel lines I can’t get it running correctly. I’ve finally gave up and am tempted to just buy a new lightweight saw???

Category: Health, Personal, Photos, Tools | No Comments »
Tags: chainsaw, dadc, ethanol, family, firewood

Posted By RichC on December 7, 2014

And the war with Japan began …

To the Congress of the United States:

Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

LINK

Category: History, Millitary | No Comments »
Tags: congress, half-staff, japan, pearl harbor, remember, war, ww2

Posted By RichC on December 6, 2014

"Make time, save time while time lasts, all time is no time when time is past."

― Unknown – imprinted on a sundial

A few more from writers …

“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” 
― Henry van Dyke

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“Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.” 
― T.S. Eliot

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“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” 
― Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

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“How you spend your time is more important than how you spend your money. Money mistakes can be corrected, but time is gone forever.” 
― David Norris

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“Time is more precious than gold, more precious than diamonds, more precious than oil or any valuable treasures. It is time that we do not have enough of; it is time that causes the war within our hearts, and so we must spend it wisely.” 
― Cecelia Ahern, The Gift

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“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
― Albert Einstein

Category: Archive | No Comments »
Tags: quotation, quotes, time

Posted By RichC on December 5, 2014

It’s not entirely fair to blame President Obama for American decline and China’s rise in economic prominence, but his lack of inspiring American Exceptionalism and worldwide apology tour hasn’t helped. Words and attitude aside, his policies slowing our economic recovery are most to blame as we watch industry evaluate the best place to invest capital; who really want to invest “in the U.S.” with our high corporate tax and regulations which slows corporations from investing in America and keeps entrepreneurs and small business owners from hiring. The aggressive EPA, IRS, concern over regulating wages and of course Obamacare has made it even more difficult to run a profitable business in the U.S.

So … should we be surprise? No, we reap what we ask for when we elect those who prefer big government, higher taxes, reward non-achievers and discourage ambition.

Chinese economy overtakes the U.S…

Hang on to your hats, America.

And throw away that big, fat styrofoam finger while you’re about it.

There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just say it: We’re no longer No. 1. Today, we’re No. 2. Yes, it’s official. The Chinese economy just overtook the United States economy to become the largest in the world. For the first time since Ulysses S. Grant was president, America is not the leading economic power on the planet.

It just happened — and almost nobody noticed.

The International Monetary Fund recently released the latest numbers for the world economy. And when you measure national economic output in “real” terms of goods and services, China will this year produce $17.6 trillion — compared with $17.4 trillion for the U.S.A.

As recently as 2000, we produced nearly three times as much as the Chinese.

To put the numbers slightly differently, China now accounts for 16.5% of the global economy when measured in real purchasing-power terms, compared with 16.3% for the U.S.

Read More

Category: Business, Financial, News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: Business, china, economy, finance, obama, united states

Posted By RichC on December 5, 2014

While traveling to northeast Ohio this past week, I finally tested the “free streaming music” available from T-Mobile on my 4G/LTE connected iPad Air 2. I streamed it for an hour driving on the interstate without a hiccup and glanced at my recently reset 200MB free data “meter” (screen shot left) and didn’t show any data use.

On longer drives the iPad sits on a Ram Mount when I’m in my Honda Pilot and so running a Pandora station like Jackson Browne (my current favorite Pandora Station) is a pretty easy task … so as long as a have a T-Mobile service (not necessarily the service that those with Sprint, AT&T or Verizon are use to). Nice perk from the least expensive wireless tablet data provider I could find.

NOTE: I purchased a 6 month $10 bucket of 5GBs of data in October which kicks in each month when I use up the free 200MB. If the service footprint was better, T-Mobile would be a real winner.

While on the subject of music … and I’m thinking of you Aaron Howard …

Q: What was the 333rd “Greatest Song of All Times” according to Rolling Stone?

A: Norman Greenbaum’s 1969 “one hit wonder” Spirit in the Sky.

Category: Cellphone, Music, Tablet, Technology | 5 Comments »
Tags: free, greenbaum, ipad, lte, Music, norman, streaming, t-mobile, tablet, techfriday