My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 7, 2014

First … my son Taylor took a few days away from work in Williston, North Dakota to going backpacking with a few guys in Glacier National Park – Montana. His weather was picture perfect and besides being out of shape for the long an challenging hikes, he had a fantastic time. I’m so glad he is taking the opportunity while young and single to enjoy the beauty around him … even though driving though Montana isn’t exactly close. Gorgeous views.

Katelyn on the other hand is already enjoying her new home and life in Minneapolis. Husband Drew worked on July 4th, but cousin Justin and his family invited Katelyn to celebrate the day with them. Every time I see Maddy and Evan’s photos I realize just how fast life is moving. I hope Justin and Katie know how much I appreciate them making both Katelyn and Drew feel welcome in Minnesota?

As for me, I spent part of my time in Florida doing some hurricane prep on the boat. I stripped the sails and bimini off of Encore (photo right with just sail down) and gave my friend Mark a hand with one of his “up the mast” projects. He did the hard work of hoisting me aloft, while I enjoyed the scenery from my perch in the bosun’s chair.

I took measurements in hopes to find a fair prices on a few lines (halyards, sheets, furling), and dropped my genoa (sail) off at SouthSails for some restitching. 

Brenda worked on July 4th and so we celebrated our time together on the weekend. We worked in the yard, fixed Angus Dogs and then ribs on Sunday afternoon. The weather was about as nice as one could ask on both Saturday and Sunday … the humidity was low and temperatures warm. For those few times when the working in the yard and cutting down dead trees had me sweating, there was always the pool (which still needs to be cleaned BTW). It couldn’t have been much nicer 4th of July and weekend … except maybe having the the family back home?

As you can tell from the below photo, I pretty good at the supervising!

Category: Personal, Photos, Sailing, Travel | 2 Comments »
Tags: brenda, encore, family, katelyn, rich, taylor, Zola

Posted By RichC on July 6, 2014

Now tell me that these electric surfboards wouldn’t be fun? Depending on charging and battery life, having one of these would be great at a beach cottage or to have when cruising or chartering. An Aquila Electric Board has to be better than “sea lice” when it comes to noise.

Category: Recreation, Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: electric, ev, lake, ocean, Recreation, surfing, watersports

Posted By RichC on July 4, 2014

For those of use experimenting with free wireless plans and wondering if it is possible to have free cellphone service WITH data, Freedompop is inching closer. So far my experience has been marginal with both the limited free phone service and wireless hotspot. Usually when using data I push my 500MB per month limit and found it worthwhile to pay the $3.99/mo to “bank” data for the future. Freedompop is weak in the customer service department and getting things straightened out is a test of patience … growing pains I suppose? Anyway, a recent Tech Crunch article highlighted a new approached being experimented with as a way to give customers additional free or low cost data — apps centered. For those using their mobile device for only a couple primary apps, this might be the ticket?

Category: Cellphone, Tablet, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: Cellphone, data, free, freedompop, techcrunch, techfriday, wireless

Posted By RichC on July 3, 2014

If you’re thinking about saving a few fuel dollars and are contemplating driving an electric-vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, be sure to factor the price of a new battery into your “energy savings” numbers. Nissan’s replacement battery for the popular EV Leaf is $5,499, which includes a $1000 credit for the old battery. That’s a big OUCH for those wanting to make their cars last a few years.

It will be interesting to see if complaints continue from owners who live in hot climates – warranty changes last year to address. They have complained about rapidly degrading batteries … probably not something that only affects Nissans. I’ve often wondered how owners who look to their 8 year/100,000 mile warranty for battery replacement when they begin to experience “range problems” in the 6th or 7th year of ownership? Currently “Nissan will repair or replace a Leaf’s battery within five years or 60,000 miles if it loses more than 30 percent of its charge capacity.” I’ve heard from Chevy Volt insiders who say that battery preservation is one of the primary reasons they do not extend the “EV-only” range on their vehicles and cycle the engine start – perhaps smart in the long run.

IMHO, the EPA window sticker is less than truthful if it does not not factor in a “battery replacement” as part of the “fuel cost” calculation. Buyer beware … or instead lease.

Category: Automotive, Energy, Environment | No Comments »
Tags: alternative, car, ev, fuel, leaf, nissan

Posted By RichC on July 2, 2014

I’ve been doing some reading lately from those concerned about an uptick in inflation. Since many of the writers are the same people who have been warning for years about inflation, it is easy to take their analysis with a yawn and a bit of skepticism. Still, my commonsense indicator has also kicked in and can’t help but wonder how any government can inject the billions of dollars into the economy without devaluing the currency? So far so good unless you’re paying for college (graph above), unemployed or your paycheck has been stagnant. (the charts in this post may be a couple years off but close enough to make a point)

Note the end points for the images below, Gasoline, Crude Oil, Corn and Gold
graphs, all end up nearly on par with the inflation adjusted dollar.

One online resource (charts in this post) has been independently collecting numbers and comparing Inflation Data for a few years and demonstrate that most commodities have not rise outrageously in recent years (compared to historical numbers). Some of the data goes back to the early 20th century while others covers the more recent 30 years. All in all, prices are definitely “up” but most have risen appropriate to the inflation rate over time … that is EXCEPT FOR ONE. Take a look at the cost of college (and those saddled with college debt); it has risen significantly in comparison to the inflation rate. Economics talk about the cost of energy taking money out of the economy and being a tax on every American, but what about the years of student loan payments preventing the next generation from buying a home or purchasing “things” that keep businesses humming and the economy growing?

Category: Education, Financial, Politics | 1 Comment »
Tags: charts, debt, economy, Education, inflation, student loans

Posted By RichC on July 2, 2014

Arrived at the boat Tuesday evening after a long day of traveling … flight delays and rain squalls driving I-95 south from Orlando. All was well but wet as expected. Hopefully Tropical Storm Arthur will track a little faster and as expected taking the current 50 mph wind and rain with it. I’d like to have a little dry and calm weather in order to store the sails and canvas.

Category: Sailing, Weather | 3 Comments »
Tags: encore, hurricane, tropical, weather

Posted By RichC on July 1, 2014

The U.S. Marine Corps has some talented pilots, including Capt  William Mahoney landing his AV-8B Harrier aircraft, along with equally skilled U.S. Navy 6th Fleet support crews. What a landing. Thanks for protecting our country and keeping us safe!

Category: Aviation, Millitary, Video | No Comments »
Tags: AV-8B, aviation, harrier, marine corps, military, navy

Posted By RichC on July 1, 2014

Packing list for this week:

• Repaired autopilot: ck
• Tool bag: ck
• Hurricane prep list: ck
• Clothes bag: ck
• Computer bag: ck
• Weather forecast – pack RAIN GEAR …

Well that last one might not be going quite like I planned. So much for scheduling my trip for Encore’s hurricane prep for the first of July. Yes, I know the season begins June 1st, but really, what were the chances?

Hopefully INVEST91L will just fizzle out or better yet … head north and east and take all the rain and wind with it.

I really need dry weather and light winds in order to strip the sails and bimini as I don’t want to store wet canvas.

Category: Sailing, Travel, Weather | 1 Comment »
Tags: encore, Travel, tropical storm, weather

Posted By RichC on June 30, 2014

It is nice to know (sarcasm) that with up-to-date inventory systems connected to customers by computer, tablet and smartphone, that companies like Newegg still find ways to remind us that ordering online is not always efficient. Here I am checking to see if my order will arrive as expected today … but instead my order from 3 days ago was just plain canceled – not even backordered (which would have been disappointing enough). Hmm, this is a good way for companies to turn their customers to Amazon.

Thank you for choosing Newegg!

We regret to inform you [3 days late] that we are unable to ship one or more of the items in the order below. While our website may have indicated an in-stock status [it did], one or more items in your order were not in stock at the time your order was to be fulfilled. [only one item in the order – what about backorder as an option?]

Category: Shopping, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: amazon, electronics, newegg, online

Posted By RichC on June 30, 2014

After blogging about my kids for years, it is difficult to stop archiving events in their lives, so I might as well mark another milestone for my daughter. Katelyn completed her pediatric residency at Columbus Ohio’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital (seems like she just matched) and is anxious to start her practice at Wayzata Children’s Clinic, as well as living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her husband Drew moved to their new place last week and will begin his fellowship a few days while Katelyn is headed that way as I type (drive safe “little” girl). I’m sure leaving Columbus was bittersweet for both as both enjoyed their 3 and 4 years in central Ohio – but I’m sure they will enjoy this next phase too.

EDIT: She sent me this with a “Bye-Bye” as she drove out of Ohio.

Category: Archive, Health, Personal | No Comments »
Tags: childrens, clinic, drew, family, katelyn, medicine, pedicatrics, wayzata