Tech Friday: Frustrated with WordPress search options?

Posted By on June 21, 2013

relevanssibettersearch

Are you frustrated with the basic search feature available in WordPress? If so, join the club. I’ve been back and forth with several different search plugins and have even tried customizing my own using a Google API. Unfortunately none of them worked well for me when I was searching my own site for items that were posted years ago. Eventually I would give up on the built-in or customized search and go to Google directly and tried the advanced settings. I can only imagine what a normal reader would do?

After all the trial and error, I’ve finally agree with what many believe is the best search option for WordPress – the Relevanssi plugin. I’ve decided to stick with it for now and wait for complaints or praise. Give it a try.

Relevanssi (free version) plugin page

Testing the Avast VPN wifi option while traveling

Posted By on June 20, 2013

avastvpnconnection

Looking at using the paid Avast VPN option while connecting to unsecured wifi connections. So far it works just fine and seems transparent … except LastPass does not like the overseas routing. Speeds are good, at least at McDonald’s; not so sure about busy hotels or the marinas?

An Oahu, Hawaii photo that was too beautiful not to share

Posted By on June 20, 2013

MakapuuLookoutOahuHawaii

Karen Hutton of KarenHuttonPhotography posted a gorgeous photo from Makapu’u Lookout in Oahu, Hawaii yesterday that makes me want to return to Hawaii. (our 2006 trip) Her description was nice too:

I could almost see the curvature of the earth on the horizon… it was dizzying! And wonderful, and blue, green, gorgeous and stunning. I stayed up there for awhile, just soaking in what had to be a blessing from all of Creation. Who, incidentally, said "take this home and share it with as many people as possible!" So… here we are.

Video: The Bamboo Train of Cambodia

Posted By on June 19, 2013

A travel oriented video clip for today’s post from a guy in the Peace Corp. The Bamboo Train of Cambodia iis built on narrow gauge French tracks in a region called Battambang. According to the videographer, “it goes crazy fast, its crazy rickety, its held together by momentum and weight, and its just plain crazy.”

Lexington Lab Band playing the music of my generation

Posted By on June 18, 2013

Lexington Lab Band for more

Should plan a trip home to Sidney for the movie Jimmy

Posted By on June 17, 2013

jimmyboxThe movie Jimmy made its début in early June and will be screened in my hometown with a high school classmate of mine introducing the movie and answers a few questions (it shows at 3PM and 9PM at the Historic Sidney Theatre for those interested or in the area).

It would have been great to have planned my work week and a returning trip on Friday to Sidney in order to go with my dad, as this kind of non-offensive movie would be something he would enjoy (he’s not a big movie go-er). Even though some of the critics were downright cruel (OUCH), the movie … or perhaps listening to the music composed by Rob Pottorf would have still been worthwhile. For now we’ll just keep our eyes on it showing in Cincinnati … or maybe have our own showing IF I ever get the home theater in the basement put back together?

What does an old car tell the world about you?

Posted By on June 16, 2013

Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver talks about his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D and closes with, “it’s solid, reliable, robust, well made, it’s got a lot of integrity … and I hope that I represent those values.”

How fiscally responsible are the charities you support?

Posted By on June 15, 2013

Every year we see and hear of charities wasting money and the generous gifts given by their donors and unfortunately some charities and their hired solicitors are just out and out crooks (and unfortunately able to get away with it year after year). If you intend to give to organizations that you are not intimately aware, then be sure to at LEAST do your own GuideStar review. Take a look at their expenses and decide if they are using your donations appropriately or at least have a reason you can accept for their high expenses.

If people supporting the 50 listed as Worst Charities by the Tampa Bay Times knew how their money was being spent, they would demand their donations back (just look at how much of the money raised goes to solicitors – its criminal in my opinion!).

worstcharity2013topten
Click for the full list published at TampaBay.com

A couple crazy ladies are coming our way

Posted By on June 14, 2013

This content is restricted.

1982 Mercedes 300D AC diagnosis

Posted By on June 14, 2013

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the correct amount of PAG oil is in the system. It does seem that after it has been running for a while the noise goes away? What is it and is there a fix?

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog