My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on March 13, 2009

After spending the last couple years running Microsoft’s Vista OS on my traveling notebook computer and recently installing the new Windows 7 Beta, I can’t imagine ever being forced to go back to such a pitiful operating system as Vista. Perhaps it was Microsoft’s strategy that users suffer so no matter what came out next that it would be praise? I doubt it, but can’t imagine that the company that sold the world on Windows could blunder with the release of  such a lousy operating system? Now that I’m back running an acceptable OS — Windows 7 — I’m beginning to worry about the beta’s expiration — which I’ve heard is August 1, 2009. I don’t want to reinstall Vista … NO … I WILL NOT reinstall Vista. Join me in making this point clear to Microsoft.

Dear Microsoft,

As a satisfied Windows 7 Beta tester, I am concerned that the release of Windows 7 may trail the expiration of the current Version 6.1 (Build 7000).  If users are asked to reinstall the Vista OS prior to a Windows 7 release, it will be a marketing mistake.  Personally, I will purchase a new computer before reinstalling Vista and it will be a Mac Book Pro running Apple’s OS.

Sincerely,
A satisfied Windows 7 Beta user

***

Category: Computer | No Comments »
Tags: windows 7 beta

Posted By RichC on March 12, 2009

This past week, folks on Twitter celebrated the birthday of popular actor, martial arts/fitness star and conservative political supporter Chuck Norris as he turned a very young 69 — Happy Birthday. (Chuck Norris search) In keeping with one of the curious trends started some years ago, fans began sharing the short “tough guy” jokes, or one liner quips, in a birthday recognition on the popular 2 year old social networking service through “tweets.”  No doubt those using the Internet have run across at least one of the one liners like — “Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.” These quips were so popular that they even found their way into a Gov. Mike Huckabee’s campaign ad the Republican Presidential nomination last year, so was no surprise to see the 140 character short messages of Twitter begin relaying (and creating new) Chuck Norris facts in celebration of his birthday.

Elizabeth Holmes of the WSJ included a few in her article Chuck Norris is Your New Bicycle.

“Chuck Norris” became the No. 1 trend on search.twitter.com.

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest got in on the game as well, alerting his 73,000+ followers to Mr. Norris’s birthday and asking them to send in their favorites. Here’s a sampling of some of the birthday tweets that have responded to Mr. Seacrest’s call:

superman2789: @RyanSeacrest Chuck Norris doesn’t read, he just stares the book down til it gives up it’s information.

kaner_A: @RyanSeacrest Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, he decides what time it is.

PingTech: @RyanSeacrest There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

bbrearle: @RyanSeacrest Giraffes were created when Chuck Norris uppercutted a horse.

AHalbers: @RyanSeacrest Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

Interesting anecdote: “Chuck Norris Facts originally started appearing on the Internet in early 2005. Conan O’Brien‘s Chuck Norris jokes on Late Night with Conan O’Brien (which generally center on Walker, Texas Ranger) have been seen as an inspiration for the fad.”

Category: Humor, Social Media | No Comments »
Tags: chuck norris, Elizabeth Holmes, twitter, wsj

Posted By RichC on March 11, 2009

Twitter comment at twtpoll: http://twtpoll.com/95t1wv

Category: Cellphone, Misc, Poll | 2 Comments »
Tags: Cellphone, Poll, smartphone

Posted By RichC on March 11, 2009

Keel Brightman, the son of a friend of mine (Donna Lange’s) is participating in an adventure of a lifetime this spring in the Pacific Northwest. He is part of a small group who has started in British Columbia, Canada this March and is hoping to paddle the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean. The team sees the Columbia River as one of the most dammed river drainages in the world and is using their expedition to bring attention to the river, the environment and alternative energy. They post updates on their website and one member uses a great product call the Spot Satellite Messenger to check in and post his position daily.

They originally wanted to depart from the headwaters of the river but due to ice had to start a bit further downstream and intend to return to the headwaters to finish the full length of the Columbia later in the season. Still they have found snow and ice challenging and the lake paddle distances mentally grueling. Here’s wishing the team well.

Current video …

Category: Environment | No Comments »
Tags: backpacking, ecology, hiking, kayaki, outdoor, Recreation

Posted By RichC on March 10, 2009

Palm Pre gets a unique appearance on NBC’s  Late Nite with Jimmy Fallon as Joshua Topolsky from Engadget brought one along in his pocket — he must rate pretty high in the tech world to have had that priveledge! The Pre has made only a handful of appearances since the introduction, so is sort of a big deal for gadget fans and Palm PDA/Smartphone advocates. I thought the “geek riot” comment was pretty funny.

Category: Cellphone, Technology, Video-TV | 2 Comments »
Tags: engadget, nbc, palm

Posted By RichC on March 9, 2009

Small and informal (as usual) EAA284.org gathering on Sunday afternoon and continued to discuss a couple rib stitching  and wing/fuselage covering options. Stewart Systems less toxic EkoBond were looked at (PDF Manual) and we entertained thoughts on possibly creating a How-To video for making stitching needles from welding rods. Although I’m building an aluminum aircraft, learning about rib stitching is enjoyable. (I’m going to have to work on my knot-tying, although I’m sure I’ll find myself dreaming about sailing?)
😀

I also appreciated the information one member brought in as to “incident” vs. “accident” reporting and how it might be wise not to call 911 for non-lifethreatening situations. He shared a horror story of airplane butchery by emergency responders when they cut open a flipped plane rather than lifting the tail. Educating the fire department near a local airfield could be an excellent community outreach project for EAA chapters?

Another subject that came up is continuing our pursuit of non-profit tax exemption and this years filing of our IRS 990N paperwork — postcard. I’m starting here for both the EAA284.org and CinciTDI.com groups. I’m all ears if there are experts willing to offer their advice in keeping things simple.

–

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: February 04, 2009

Category: Aviation | 2 Comments »
Tags: chapter, eaa, eaa284, stewart, systems

Posted By RichC on March 8, 2009

Although her life was full and death was peaceful, it is difficult for me to say an earthly goodbye to my wonderful Aunt Lois. She was my closest aunt (my mother’s only sister) and growing up we were always together with her and her family. My brother and I were practically best friends with her two children spending every holiday and special occasion together. Aunt Lois was always the one to remember a special occasion with a thoughtful card, a short note and often a few dollars … even to my kids.  She was a close and loving big sister to my mom and I know she will be deeply missed. (Toledo Blade Obituary)

I am grateful she passed away comfortably and offer my sympathy to her two children, my cousins Diane and Bob — and their families.

Lois R. Lois R. Sevrence, 85, of Toledo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Lois was born on July 27, 1923, to Richard and Ruth Bluhm, in Sandusky, Ohio. She was a 1941 Graduate of Libbey High School. Lois worked for Toledo Scale Company and also worked as a secretary for Bunting Brass and Bronze, where she met her husband, Robert. Robert preceded her in death in 1988. Lois was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, fishing and her many travels to Panama City Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Her most favorite moments were those spent with her family and friends at holidays and special occasions. Lois is survived by her daughter, Diane (Bert) Mears; son, Bob Sevrence; grandchildren, Kari (Chris) Young, Corey Mears and Laney Rodgers; great-grand-son, Austin Young and sister, Jeanine (Bud) Corbett. Friends may call at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave. on Tuesday, March 10th from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Bethel Lutheran Church, 1853 South Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43609. Lois’s family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their tender care and compassion. www.walterfuneralhome.com

***

Category: Obituary, Personal | No Comments »
Tags: aunt, family, lois severence, obit, Obituary

Posted By RichC on March 6, 2009

Since I haven’t been traveling this week, I’ve had a few minutes to do a full database backup and reinstall on a new server. One of the primary reason I’ve been anxious to do was because of some significant slowing in access. Thankfully the upgrade was painless and looks to have corrected my primary speed problems. If you read this online and notice the improvement, you now know why.

Category: Misc | 4 Comments »
Tags: blog, database, update

Posted By RichC on March 6, 2009

TopGear.com American is working on their “triple 7”  — $7000, 70mpg, 0-60mpg in under 7 seconds. They have purchase a VW Rabbit diesel in New York and are transplanting a TDI engine in  Regina, Saskatchewan and have labeled the project the “Sipster.”

The current video shows the engine transplant (below) although the  project was announcmed in February. As a  VW diesel fan I’m anxious to see if this old a 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel with a 2003 VW TDI engine will be able to succeed in their goal.

Topgear embedded video no longer supported

Category: Automotive, Video, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: diesel, Rabbit, tdi, topgear, volkswagen, vw

Posted By RichC on March 5, 2009

Powerenz.com makes a very portable set of solar panels that looks to provide a great way to charge or power low wattage electrical devices while away from conventional power sources. The flexible panels can be easily toted in a bag or backpack and will provide up to 180 watts of power. They can also be linked together to provide up to 300 continuous watts, with the downside being the cost — $3000.

Category: Technology, Video | No Comments »
Tags: backpacking, cell, panel, portable, power, solar