Posted By RichC on August 11, 2014
A plane flies in front of a supermoon above Westminster in central London en route to Heathrow airport on August 10, 2014. The full moon is positioned closest to the earth on its orbit in over 20 years. It is 50,000 kilometers closer than normal and 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. The scientific name for a ‘supermoon’ is a perigee moon, meaning “closest point to the earth.” Credit: AP Image/Gill Allen
Posted By RichC on August 11, 2014
One of the small projects this past weekend was to replace the plastic disposable fuel filter on my John Deere 330 a new inexpensive diesel fuel filter (less than $10). The new filter has a glass site tube and fits my modified fuel lines. The element inside this small filter is replaceable (3 for less than $5) compared to the pricey John Deere filters. This “yard tool” is primarily our trailer pulling and snow blowing tractor, but it continues to run great. The small and expensive diesel 300 series John Deere was probably one of the smartest purchases we ever made for the house and yard … back when “all” John Deere lawn equipment was of higher quality (nowadays you have to know what you are buying). One caveat about this new filter is that it does not look as if it has the smaller micron filtration element that I would have preferred … but then the 30 year old engine isn’t brand new either.
Posted By RichC on August 10, 2014
A well done short video in The Atlantic about David Welsford living the vagabond lifestyle (“dirtbag” – his comment) on a 50 year old wooden sailboat in the Caribbean. A dream for many … a nightmare thought for others.
Posted By RichC on August 9, 2014
Ok … scratch this week’s Tech Friday post on setting up the iPhone to receive Gmail as if it were “push” rather than “fetch” (the only way Apple’s email client can receive free Gmail nowadays). Unfortunately my iCloud workaround was a convoluted experiment that wasn’t elegant or simple.
I’ve toyed with the idea of switching to a 3rd party app like Seed Mail or the like. They have great potential but one wonders if will they be around to support the app once a user is committed to the software?
Instead, I’ve decided to go back to “fetch” and just use the Gmail app as a “notifier.” In other words, go to Settings > Notification Center > Gmail and set the toggles (image right) to sound a “bing” and display the “banner” notification on the iPhone screen – but not swipe the message or go directly to the Gmail app. 
New email arrives immediately which signifies me that a newly arrive message is ready to be retrieved with Apple’s built-in Mail app. Since I also aggregate email from other accounts together, everything arrives in a single “All Inboxes” list (or individual boxes), this make quick work out of monitoring both my business and personal email (junk mail, sign up address and forums mail is kept off my cellphone and is only check when I’m at a computer).
So far so good using this method, although I wish the powers that be at Apple and Google could go back to the way it was because it is so difficult dealing with this “First World Problem™” (the symbol is for my friend Scott Bilik, but his post came up #7 on a Google search so perhaps he has the trademark?). 
Posted By RichC on August 8, 2014
Even after the Sandra Fluke plea to congress over free birth control, is hard to believe the 2700 pages of Obamacare overlooked including feminine sanitary products? [/sarcasm]
Tweet from noted feminist Jessica Valenti:
Twitter friends: Anyone know a country where tampons are free or somehow subsidized?
— Jessica ValentiJessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) August 8, 2014
Posted By RichC on August 8, 2014
I am late to the game in addressing a workaround for a newer Apple iOS devices (recently updated my iPhone 5 to a “secondhand” 5s) and the changed Google Sync services. The changes happened in 2013, but since my old devices were still working it wasn’t a big deal … now it is!
Initially, iOS devices like iPads and iPhones could use the Microsoft Exchange method when setting up their Gmail, Contacts and Calendars 
for instant synchronization. Unfortunately changes were made than affected new iOS devices or ones added after the end of the year. Solutions were thin besides the obvious: 1) use the Gmail app (not the built-in iOS mail app), 2) live with “Fetch” which checked for updates every 15, 30 or 60 minutes, or 3) configure a workaround.
Here is what I did in 5 steps:
The final step is to log onto Gmail and in the “Setting” area (click the gear) and select the “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” link to set up forwarding (you can also set up filters instead of forwarding “all” mail). Add your iCloud email address and your Gmail will appear in your iCloud email AND all replies will look to the receiver as if they are from your Gmail account even when the compose screen indicates xxx@icloud.com or xxx@me.com. 
Click the images for larger screen shots.
Posted By RichC on August 7, 2014
Another year with the Sof Sole inserts in a couple pairs of my well worn Sperry Top-siders. Too bad I’m not making a commission on either the insoles or the shoes, but that doesn’t prevent me from recommending them. If you’ve “smelled up” your original Sperry insoles, or just need a little more cushion, consider ordering a pair of Sof Sole inserts. I’ve been completely satisfied … except maybe a scrunchy-squeak where the rubber instep meets the leather in on pair of my shoes (note: added tape to stop the squeak). 
A few things you can do to keep your shoes from offending 
“even the dog” is to keep shoes dry, or at least dry them before using them again. Consider a second pair and rotate wearing them. Keep your feet clean and do the unmanly thing and wear a pair of socks or footies that can be washed. I’m not a fan of sprays or powders, but for those with really sweaty feet, Gold Bond or Dr. Scholls might be a good habit. I’ve tried the Febreze and drier sheet in our shoe cubby, but that has its own “stink.” Finally if you get really desperate to save your smelly shoes, try washing them with laundry detergent and drying in the sun … or maybe even put them in the freezer for a few weeks (the cold is suppose to kill the bacteria … although I’m convinced it just goes dormant).
Posted By RichC on August 6, 2014
I recently chimed on a forum question regarding dogs for sailboats and a member wanting input on an Australian Cattle Dog. Since we’ve had Tootsie for 16 years now (below), I felt qualified to offer an opinion … besides I wanted an excuse to archive her recent photo.
Our “beast” has been a wonderful addition to our household, although she is far more at home running on acres of space “outside” than cooped up or cuddled in someone’s lap; do not expected them to sit quietly in a house (that’s a non-starter for our dog and this breed). My advice is that cattle dogs need plenty of space and need an exercise routine beyond what can be offered by liveaboard sailors.
In Tootsies’ early years she love playing with the kids … although she would be far too rough for children under 5 or 6. The instinct is to “herd” and unfortunately nip at the heels of children … aka: Red and Blue Heeler.
…the Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of energy, a quick intelligence, and an independent streak. It responds well to structured training, particularly if it is interesting and challenging. It was originally bred to herd by biting, and is known to nip running children. – LINK
She has been high energy until recently and extraordinarily healthy compared to other dogs that I’ve had or have been familiar with. She “was” a proficient hunter and protective of her territory bringing a variety of critters back to the doorstep including mink and even an old gray coyote (I’m thankful it was old and weak … or already dead)! Her thick coat is a nightmare to brush out and she sheds more than most for at least half a year. She’s extremely tough and durable for her size (45 lbs) and loves wrestling around and playing hard, but now at 16 she is suffering from stiff joints and a weak hips (hip displasia). Another hereditary issue for heelers is deafness which Tootsie has now been for a few years, although its not readily noticeable. We’re also aware that her eyesight has declined; initially I thought it was cataracts. Unfortunately not (could have been corrected with surgery) and instead is Progressive Rod/Cone Degeneration (PRCD). Hopeful she’ll maintain “ok” eyesight the rest of her life.
One of the pluses (or minuses) is that she has “calmed down” in her later years. She enjoys just sitting at my feet and being close … the slow down was timed well now that Taylor and Katelyn have moved away. All in all, she is a great family pet. Loving and loyal, healthy and independent, energetic and fun … and she’s a good looking dog too!
Posted By RichC on August 5, 2014
Learning from wise parents and grandparents is a generational gift that isn’t given enough credit, especially since we ask: “What’s happening to America?” A: Families are changing.
I grew up watching teenagers a decade (or less) older than me heading to Vietnam or getting lost in angry 60’s. They (we) followed those dark years of the cold war, race riots and many protests, by the disillusionment of the 1970’s. It is a wonder we ever made it to adulthood? Thankfully we did, but it was in part due to having rock solid parents and grandparents.
The current generation probably has similar concerns wondering if the years of higher education, followed by years of un- or underemployment, will harm their adult children and grandchildren … those who will be in charge of America someday.
I’ll remain positive, in part due to the questionable history of my generation mentioned above and that most still have caring parents and/or grandparents. Those I know are still willing (and able) to sacrifice for their kids. Unfortunately this trend seems to be ending in
part due to financial pressures, but also because more kids are growing up in single parent environments and often have dysfunctional families. Are they get the same boost as those with supportive extended families?
It’s now time for some praise for what I see in our life and the lives of our kids … particularly what I’ve observed from my wife’s mom’s side of the family. Brenda’s grandparents (Hilder and Fritz Holmstrom) emigrated from Sweden near the beginning of the 20th century. Both were uneducated, but vocationally skilled, and excited to begin a new life in a country where so much opportunity was available. They struggled to make ends meet, but found enough money extra in order to save for a top priority – putting their children through college Even though college costs were lower, it was still a substantial sacrifice on their part. Their children (including Brenda’s mom – a teacher) all took advantage of this “leg up” on their peers becoming a doctor, nurse and teacher. Quite the American immigrant story for one generation.
This “importance” in our family has been the legacy for the next generation and each has used their “leg-up” to earn extra dollars so their children have the opportunity for higher education. As college costs go up, it needs to be a parent’s priority to save early in order to afford this opportunity. It is to important to wait and far to expensive to pay out of pocket so “save early.” Thankfully we did this.
Another lesson we learned from Brenda’s parents is that instead of lavishing gifts of toys on the children and grandchildren, they ceremonially placed $100 each year in a fund ($GASFX)and placed importance on reading off the balances each year. The money was to be set aside in these accounts until the grandchildren were older and the funds were unofficially slated for college or if not needed, perhaps a down payment on a first house. Through the years the fund grew and became a wonderful legacy.
What will the next generation do? Are families still together enough to even make this work?
Posted By RichC on August 4, 2014
Net fishing can indiscriminately harvest the wrong kind of fish as 48 year old Cai Chengzhu found out in Xianghzhi, China. Although whale sharks are a protected species, the fisherman says it accidently got caught in his fishing net. He then loaded it up on his truck and drove 10 miles to Shishi to the market where he planned to sell it. He says he didn’t know it was a whale shark and that it died on the way to the market (click photos for larger).