My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on August 2, 2013

Disappointing to say the least.

The latest device available from Freedompop (low cost/ free wireless hotspot) is the Sierra Wireless Overdrive Pro utilizing the Sprint 3G/4G WiMaxx network which I thought might be similar to their previous 4G only devices – Photon. Unfortunately the refurbished Overdrive Pros are all that impressive from the moment one opens the box and sees the “sticker” stuck to the mobile hotspot device.

The disappointment didn’t end there as the standard micro USB charging cable was a 110volt only model AND would not initially charge the device. I attempted to plug in another USB from my computer which was do-able but very slow. I tried another USB 110v (one from my JamBox) and it fully charged the puck overnight.

In the morning turn the Overdrive Pro on and found that my signal quality was low on both the 3G and 4G connections. Both my Sprint base iPhone and Photon 4G Freedompop devices worked just fine in precisely the same spots. I was able to finally connect by placing the new Overdrive device on a window ledge … but obviously an external antenna will have to be used (unless this puck is faulty?)

 
Speedtests proved disappointing as well using both the 3G and 4G Wimaxx connections

Once connected I updated the admin features and renamed the hotspot device as well as the password. I was able to connect with both my notebook and my iPad and after updating the Overdrive Pro’s firmware (a 50MB download) and I ran a couple speedtests at my home location. (3G registered 60% signal strength and 4G only 20% according to the admin web interface) The speeds were not all that different from my old tethered Palm Pre when it came to 3G, but were way behind the Photon device in the same location. The device also disconnects the WiFi regularly and frustratingly will not continue to charge when it is being used and plugged in. I receive the message “charging paused” from the control panel. Another glitch is that twice now the device has discharged to 45% battery power and completely turned off. This second time I have been unable to recharge and turn back on … it is now a “brick” … albeit a small brick.

I’ve put a service ticket call into Freedompop but who knows how quickly they will respond or even if they will be able to help. At this point I’m expect they will ship a new device … (update pending)

Your request (#11xxx11) has been received and is being reviewed by your Personal FreedomPop Support Agent. You can expect an answer within the next 1-2 business days. Please reply to this email if you have any additional questions/concerns, as submitting a new ticket will increase the time it takes to respond.

Check out our Support FAQ at http://www.freedompop.com/support to find answers on commonly asked questions.

Category: Cellphone, Computer, Photography, Tablet, Technology | 2 Comments »
Tags: freedompop, hotspot, overdrive, photon, sprint, wimax, wireless

Posted By RichC on August 1, 2013

Last year I animadverted about the inserts in my boat shoes and recently noticed that my August 2012 post was a recent MyDesultoryBlog’s top five … according to Google Analytics. Considering it is a top 5, it might be time for a boat shoe update?

Boat shoes are a go to shoe in our house especially in the summertime … as well as when on the boat. I’ve worn several different brands since high school (yes we had boat shoes way back then!) and I have always been particularly fond of Sperry for their consistent quality and decent construction. To be fair, I’m not overly hard on shoes in comparison to others, like my son for example … who’s sweaty feet can ruin even a good pair of shoes in short order. Him aside, Brenda and I can stretch our shoe into years of service, but we also spend a little more time caring for our leather shoes … something my dad expected me to do every Saturday night. Nowadays I’m slipping when it comes to polishing and caring for shoes, but for leather boat shoes I do use a lanolin based Kiwi product, albeit once a year, besides I always dry my shoes shortly after getting them soaked (adds to the leather’s life). Still, the weak link is the insole, hence last year’s quandary.

After that post, I ended up tossing the attempted epoxy repaired Topsider insoles after failing to revitalize them. Instead I found SofSole insoles at a local Finishline. They were a bit thicker than the originals, but because the older shoes had stretched, they fit nicely.  Now after almost of year of wearing them I can highly highly recommend SofSole insoles for shore use … I’m not sure how well they work after getting wet on deck?

Shop around though, because SofSole inserts aren’t the cheapest way to stretch the  life out of a pair of boat shoes, although they are comfortable! They locally retail for $25 (saw them for $20 online) compared new purchasing new Topsiders which I found for $60 (the darker brown shoes in the photo above). Let me know if there are better options.

Worth sharing a little Sperry history via video:

Category: Advice, Photos, Sailing, Shopping, Video | 2 Comments »
Tags: boat, boatshoe, boatshoes, insert, insole, shoes, sofsole, sperry, topsider, topsiders, youtube

Posted By RichC on July 31, 2013

A friend of mine took a photo of his wife while on a bike ride in southwest Ohio.

This is really impressive "stalk" growth for the end of July. I hope the ears are equally as impressive come harvest time.

Category: Misc | 1 Comment »
Tags:

Posted By RichC on July 31, 2013

My son Taylor shared a bunch of eighth grade exam questions and wondered if I thought today’s high school graduates could even pass this test. Not only were we shocked with what students from 1912 were expected to learn, we were doubly impressed that the test was from a county school in Kentucky (no offense to Kentucky residents).

see http://www.bullittcountyhistory.com/bchistory/schoolexam1912.html

Category: Education, History, Misc | 2 Comments »
Tags: 8th grade, Education, History, kentucky, school

Posted By RichC on July 30, 2013

FORT MEADE, Md.—A military judge acquitted Pfc. Bradley Manning of the most serious accusation against him—that he aided U.S. enemies—but found him guilty Tuesday on most other charges related to his disclosure of documents to the antisecrecy website WikiLeaks. (WSJ)

No matter which side of the argument you come down on in dealing with soldiers or personnel with “clearances” who expose confidential military or government data, the recent trial of Bradley Manning and the current in limbo man Edward Snowden highlight the risk. In PFC Manning’s case, the presiding judge, Col. Denise Lind “convicted Private Manning on charges related to taking information from government databases, bypassing security mechanisms and using classified information for other than its intended purpose.”  His most obvious “leak” was to provide WikiLeaks a video of a 2009 Iraqi airstrike.  Most seeing the video are appalled at how our military functioned, as no doubt did Manning. On the other hand, there is a appropriate change of command and implication for the security of our country as well as troops in harms way. The way I see it, those appropriately serving around the world receive the brunt of any reaction from our enemies when others are not professional or leakers bypass the chain of command and release confidential information. To Mannings favor, judge Lind acquitted him of the most serious charge of aiding the enemy.

In the current case of Edward Snowden, he is reluctant to return to the U.S. and face charges. He continues his “vacation” at a Moscow airport attempting to negotiate the best option for his decision to leak files of secret information about U.S. surveillance programs to the foreign press. Snowden faces criminal charges of stealing and passing secret information.

Category: Millitary, News | No Comments »
Tags: leaks, manning, snowden, treason, trial, wikileaks, wsj

Posted By RichC on July 30, 2013

I watched Taylor climbing pine trees in order to cut of a few dead branches and started to wonder if he was going to cut the ones below him … the ones he needed to climb back down.

Besides the odds and end chores around the house and yard, we bought new tires for Brenda’s aging Rav4. It looks like we’ll have to keep it until at least 300,000 miles now!

Category: Personal, Photos, Video | No Comments »
Tags: lumberjack, taylor, tree

Posted By RichC on July 29, 2013

My brother’s daughter Keira was married this weekend to her “ONU Sweetheart” Ben Ankrom at a nice ceremony and reception in Dayton Ohio – Engagement Announcement (FYI: Sweethearts = Ohio Northern University’s name for alumni couples who marry – which includes Brenda and me). We enjoyed the entire day on Saturday and the friends and family reception. Everyone had a great time.

Congratulations Keira and Ben … we couldn’t be happier for you. (Archiving a few  phone pics below, some of which I need to start deleting for space reasons – click for larger)

Category: Archive, Personal, Photos | 1 Comment »
Tags: ankrom, ben, family, keira, wedding

Posted By RichC on July 27, 2013

The question posed by the WSJ this past week was “will the young and give up disposable income to pay for health insurance” or with they pay the penalty until it becomes too expensive?

It has been difficult to explicate the complex and questionably titled “Affordable Care Act” – Obamacare to many who are politically uninterested when it comes to the cost and care when government dictates health care decisions. The WSJ graphic (below break) is a poignant illustration for those who are younger and healthier when it comes to paying for health insurance. The “seller” of Obamacare (President Obama himself) has ballyhooed the early perks and at what is perceived as “free” in the short term, particularly since nationally we’ve extended childhood until age 26, expanded Medicaid and included pre-existing conditions.“Children” are now covered by law on a parent’s health plan, but its not free, someone is paying. Those who are younger  and statistically healthier notice few negative changes since going to the doctor is a rarity, unless they have a baby. Some Gen-Xers might be sharp enough to realize that Obamacare is one of the reasons they may be under or unemployed … that is unless they are jaded by politicians, left wing activists and the liberally slanted media outlets, all who support a more socialized America. Those groups, willingly or unwillingly, support policies that expand America’s entitlement class and growing divide between the takers and the makers.

Come on PEOPLE! Independence and ambition is what built our great country … sadly, it is entirely possible that dependence and a sense of entitlement may be what brings our undoing. Do you need current day examples — Greece, Spain, etc.

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Category: Health, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: government, healthcare, obamacare, wsj

Posted By RichC on July 26, 2013

It is difficult not to be in awe by the photos our space probe Cassini has sent back from near our solar systems second largest planet.

The first photo shows the distinctive rings of Saturn and the tiny blip that is our planet Earth. The second is enlarged and shows our blue marble being orbited by the moon. We are small … very tiny indeed.

Category: Photos, Space | 1 Comment »
Tags: cassini, saturn, space

Posted By RichC on July 26, 2013

These are the kinds of stories that I need to keep away from my job-seeking son … but that I would have used as “dream material” when in high school or college!

ESCAPING THE RECESSION BY BOAT

When the Great Recession hit, young people found a million different ways to cope with their battered job prospects. Alex and Nick Kleeman found the best way, scraping together enough cash to buy a 32-foot sailboat, then plunging into the Pacific for the adventure of their lives. So what if they didn’t know how to sail?

FULL story in Outsideonline

Test: Apple’s iCloud online Pages app. Converted text to archive text of article to PDF

Category: Archive, Sailing | No Comments »
Tags: adventure, recession, sailing, south pacific