My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on November 25, 2024

Not that my daughter appreciated that her 2018 VW Tiguan left her stranded on the “highway” … but sometimes automotive breakdowns are a part of “life.” So it seemed somewhat appropriate to feature the catchy Tom Cochrane‘s “Life is A Highway” as today’s Music Monday song. Sorry about the water pump failure Katelyn! 

Tom Cochrane originally conceived “Love Is a Highway” in the 1970s while in the band Red Rider, but shelved it. After a trip to Eastern Africa, he revisited the song with his friend John Webster. He eventually released in 1991 as part of his second studio album, Mad Mad World. The song became a huge success, reaching number one on the Canadian charts and peaking at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Life Is a Highway” has “a catchy melody, driving rhythm, and poignant lyrics about freedom and adventure” as has been said about it online. The song remains a beloved Canadian classic and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials for years … even if it isn’t the the happiest of moments for Katelyn.
   

Category: Automotive, Music, Personal, Photos, Video, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: katelyn, life is a highway, mad mad world, music monday, musicmonday, repair, tiguan, tom cochrane, volkswagen, waterpump, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on November 24, 2024

With all the expenses associated with owning a Florida condo these days (HOA monthly dues, large engineering related assessments, increases in insurance and real estate taxes, not to mention normal utilities and repairs) … I’m wondering if being an owner is worth it?

Nevertheless, Brenda and I do enjoy the longer escapes these days as we thankfully have the luxury of semi-retirement to spend more than a week or two at a time … and as the photo above indicates (testing the panorama mode on the iPhone 16 Pro Max) … but we do miss walking the beach when we are back in Ohio.

Good news is that my minor BeachBub umbrella issue has been “hopefully” solved with a package delivered today. Our neighbor has volunteered to receive it and will make sure it stays secure until our next trip. Thank you Kristen!
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Category: Archive, Misc, Personal, Photos, Repairs, Retirement | No Comments »
Tags: atlantic dunes, beachbub, condo1718, cords, delray beach, florida, hoa, inflation, iphone 16 pro max, meeting, panorama, umbrella

Posted By RichC on November 23, 2024

The Cleveland Browns have endured a challenging season with a dismal 2-8 record, but they finally managed to bring joy to their fans on Thursday night. Brenda and I are long time Browns fans from our years in NE Ohio and cheered seeing them win in “Cardiac Kids” fashion on Thursday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers (11/21/2024).

Amidst a blinding snowstorm that transformed the field into a surreal landscape reminiscent of a movie, the Browns orchestrated a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, securing a hard-fought 24-19 victory against their formidable AFC North-leading rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Jameis Winston displayed remarkable composure, making crucial throws even in the face of limited visibility, while Nick Chubb delivered the go-ahead touchdown with just 57 seconds remaining.

Despite enduring a season marred by disappointing football and the treacherous conditions of the blizzard, the Browns fans remained resolute, filling the stadium to the brim in the final minute to celebrate their well-deserved win.

Category: Sports, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: browns, cleveland, football, nfl, Pittsburgh, steelers

Posted By RichC on November 22, 2024

This past week, while digging up answers for tax planning for a Barron’s Advisor group that I participate in, I searched for the standard 2024 deduction changes based on age, etc. At the top of my Brave Browser search (their Leo AI engine), which I’ve found helpful several times, pop the summary below: 

This recent search started me questioning a mathematical error (above) and sent me digging a little deeper in to the IRS publications to clear up the discrepancy. Yup, the AI is pulling data from different sources and didn’t bother to even check the obvious math (add this to the Brave Community Support pages too). 

Artificial Intelligence may not be purposefully misleading as we often see in social media, the mainstream media (journalism) or even the more overtly biased opinion media, but it is not to be trusted without some personal triple checking. 

Kiplinger.com on 2024 Standard Deduction

Category: Advice, AI, News, Social Media, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: advice, ai, artificial intelligence, brave browser, mistakes, msm, social media, tech friday, techfriday, trust

Posted By RichC on November 21, 2024

The first autumn snow of the year marks the beginning of winter in my book, but since I still would like to rake up the rest of the leaves and get a final grass cutting, it would be nice to have one more warm-up and dry sunny day. For now though, here’s the dusting of snow on November 21, 2024.

EDIT Add: Just an early evening Wyze Cam photo as the BMW X5 35d sit out in the new snow … but nothing like Wayzata, MN. 😉 

Category: Local, Photos, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: autumn, BMW, Cam, cincinnati, ohio, snow, weather, wyze, x5 35d

Posted By RichC on November 21, 2024

While Taylor was at his conference and staying with us the other week in Florida, we started talking about good friends … and “old friends” who are still good friends. My thoughts automatically go to my college friend Jeff and Taylor’s to his grade school friend Mike. 

One thing led to another and he pulled an old photo on his phone  … ah, memories that are only appropriate in hindsight.

I told him I’d at least like to archive it on the blog for a Throwback #TBT — but suspect it will mean little to those who don’t know the full Kentucky Fried Chicken story … and the details that involve a ban from the restaurant and a visit from a deputy. Need I go further??? I think NOT!  😉 

Category: Friends, Memories, Photos, TBT | No Comments »
Tags: jeffp, kfc, michael agler, Restaurant, seth, taylor

Posted By RichC on November 20, 2024

President-Elect Donald Trump is currently preparing his list of nominees for the cabinet he needs to help advise him. Along with a few controversial picks, Trump has also added a couple of high profile names, Elon Musk and the Vivek Ramaswamy to a new advisory panel … a committee that is smugly being referred to as DOGE: Department Of Government Efficiency. 

In the ongoing debate over the role of government in American society, one perspective continues to gain traction: the call for a smaller, more efficient government. Proponents argue that reducing the size and scope of government can lead to numerous benefits, including increased economic freedom, enhanced individual liberties, and a more effective allocation of resources. I believe that a reformed smaller government can yield substantial improvements and move us closer to a balanced Federal budget.

One of the primary arguments for a smaller government is the potential for enhanced economic efficiency and growth. Large government bureaucracies often lead to inefficiencies due to the complexity of regulations and the burden of compliance costs on businesses. By streamlining government functions and reducing unnecessary regulations, businesses can operate more freely, innovate, and expand without excessive governmental interference. This, in turn, can lead to job creation, higher productivity, and overall economic growth.

A smaller government can also contribute to greater fiscal responsibility. The United States faces a significant national debt, currently exceeding $33 trillion. Much of this debt is attributed to extensive government spending on programs that may not always yield the intended results. By reducing the size of government and focusing on core functions, it is possible to cut wasteful spending, prioritize essential services, and work towards a balanced budget. Fiscal responsibility not only secures the nation’s financial future but also reduces the burden on future generations.

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Category: Advice, Financial, Human Interest, Politics, Productivity | No Comments »
Tags: donald trump, elon musk, opinion, smaller government, vivek romaswamy, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on November 19, 2024

According to Brian Roemmele on X.com:

Magnetic North is now drifting faster than 30 miles per year.

It has already moved back past geological north, a place it has not been for 1000s of years.

… and Elon Musk added:

We live on a thin crust of solid rock, beneath which is vast ball of molten rock.

Earth’s core, which generates most of our magnetic field is ~85% iron and moves independently from the surface plates, which is why the magnetic pole changes position.

Category: Sailing, Science, Social Media, Tidbits | No Comments »
Tags: compass, elon musk, magnetic, Navigation, north, x.com

Posted By RichC on November 18, 2024

Although I listened to a fair amount of “easy listening” music through the years and have posted music by Lobo years ago on Music Monday, I don’t recall listening to his 1972 song back in the day.

According to Wikipedia, Kent LaVoie (Lobo) released the “Don’t Expect Me to Be Your Friend” on his “Of a Simple Man” album and it peaked at number 8 in on Billboards Top 100 U.S.  It was a number 1 hit on Billboards easy listening chart for 2 weeks.

To be fair, 1972 was before my music listening years, but sounds quite familiar to me these days since it is played on a few of the SiriusXM channels I listen to these days.

Category: Music, Video | No Comments »
Tags: kent lavoie, lobo, music monday, musicmonday, siriusxm, wikipedia, youtube

Posted By RichC on November 17, 2024

On our recent trip to Florida, we saw stronger than usual winds on the beach most of the trip. Unfortunately the excellent BeachBub umbrella broke, although I’m unsure it was due to the stronger wind (but likely).

I’ve written an email to the company just to see if there is a new “frame” part even though it does not look easily replaceable. Suspect I’ll need to at least buy a new frame … but that part is not cheap. 

I’ve taken a few measurement to see if perhaps I can make a part that might work to replace the hinged piece and strut (see photo right), but not sure if will be worth it? We have used it a lot and we are very happy with the design to replace the entire umbrella if necessary. Plenty of time before our next trip to decide on what to do, but don’t want to haul it on a plane as it does look as if this part “could” break easily if handled roughly.

Category: Photos, Recreation, Repairs, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: beach, beachbub, florida, shade, umbrella