Archive: A quick trip to NW Ohio to watch the girls this week
Posted By RichC on September 9, 2023
This content is restricted.
Tech Friday: MacBook Air M2, Spaces and portable displays
Posted By RichC on September 8, 2023
One of my social media contacts who knows that I’ve been using computers to monitor investments and trade for decades heard me mention that I switched to 
a tiny MacBook Air M2 from a 27” PC display (iMac with a second Thunderbolt Apple display running Windows 10 on Parallels). He asked how it was possible to do the same thing on a small MacBook without Parallels and on such a small monitor?
Admittedly is was a concern of mine too … enough so that I originally tried to run Windows on Parallels on the MacBook Air M2 (failed) and tried a dongle connected to the OLD 27” Apple Thunderbolt Display — it didn’t work even with a dongle because it was too old. So I’m now finally going without Windows and added an inexpensive portable UPerfect 18.5” USB-C hub powered/connected display (the CocoPar smaller display in Florida has a better image and better brightness). But what really makes things work is learning to use Spaces (Desktops) efficiently in order to handle whatever your daily workload might be. For me, I run 4-spaces giving me 8 separate display views for different purposes (and likely eventually a fifth).
- Investing “space” running IB Trader Workstation on larger “upper” screen,
- Web, multiple email tabs, reading and writing, spreadsheets, business bookkeeping, basic computing, etc,
- Programming, blog writing on MarsEdit, server terminal access and cloud management “space,”
- Graphics and photo editing … mostly GIMP instead of Photoshop these day. I can see eventually AI is going to need a separate “space” since I’m forcing myself to learn more about it (probably “space” 5)?
The downside is that the IB Trader Workstation “hides” when flipping to different “Spaces” but alerts and triggers are helpful. For now … above is my “side” desk set-up … I’m still running the iMac and second display on my main desk (photo at the top), but I’m slowly shifting to the MacBook Air M2 for more and more. The 2012 iMac is getting a little long in the tooth anyway.
The Super Blue Moon and HOT summer days in the yard #TBT
Posted By RichC on September 7, 2023
I used Brenda’s iPhone14 to capture the brilliant Super Blue Moon at the end of August … not bad. It was so bright that it basically lit up
the flowering bushes off the rear porch. The late summer heat (90+ degrees F) have gave me Labor Day afternoon to work on cutting up some downed branches. It was hot, but the pool was refreshing.
On a side note, it is shocking just how much grass build up under the insoles of my old “outdoor work” Sperry Topsiders. Perhaps I should clean the insides a little more often?
Archive: Our family together for Labor Day while Taylor was backpacking in Glacier National Park with a friend
Posted By RichC on September 6, 2023
This content is restricted.
Where are Americans Born?
Posted By RichC on September 5, 2023
There was an interesting tidbit shared on X.com (formerly Twitter) that highlighted in graphical color where a states population was born. It highlights movements from different areas of the country to other areas, populations who were not transient … as well as what state people born outside the US made home.
Music Monday: Jimmy Buffett passed away peacefully at age 76
Posted By RichC on September 4, 2023
Depressing for those of us who grew up in the Jimmy Buffett mindset and have enjoyed his music, concerts, ambitious lifestyle and attitude for our college and adult lives, 
but his passing on September 1, 2023 hit home. Unfortunately it is starting to feel like the norm (but 76 is way, WAY, too young)?
I know that most who are older (and wiser) than me have already come to the realization that arriving at the senior citizen milestone in life comes with the health issues and death of those we’ve grown up with in our lives. I’ve accepted the end when it came to those in my parents generation, since it seemed natural …but when it starts to creep closer … it is more personal and WAY too close.
For me (and Taylor’s girlfriend Megan – photo left – and her recently passed father Dave), there’s probably no other celebrity/entertainer that has had the impact on me as have Jimmy Buffett (my posts). I first enjoyed his music in high school when Buffett was in the pre-salt years and playing country music … he was still in the bohemian leftover from the hippy days. I embraced the music even more when it mirrored my sailing dream and escapism plans. I was planning to either bum around Florida or head off to teach in the South Pacific when I finished college — at least that was the before the Brenda plan.
Most of us grow up a bit, as did I … but deep down I still escaped to the islands (mentally) and planned on living on a boat, cruising the Caribbean and live for the day — “carpe diem,” as Brenda has been known to say! Thankfully she semi-embraced my sailing and put up with my fantasy; she even let me follow my aviation dream (again … another Jimmy Buffett passion). My college buddy Jeff wasn’t much help in teaching me to “grow up” as he was also immersed in Jimmy Buffett music listening. He even collaborated with Brenda to buy Jimmy Buffett tickets when we lived in Hudson and came up for a weekend to make it special.
Over the years I’ve appreciated Jimmy Buffett’s work ethic and business prowess more and more. He may not be the most gifted singer (his voice is questionable), but noting his empire and achievements, he has definitely exceeded what one may have expected from someone promoting a “celebration of loafing” (as the AP article commented).
NEW YORK (AP) — Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who popularized beach bum soft rock with the escapist Caribbean-flavored song “Margaritaville” and turned that celebration of loafing into an empire of restaurants, resorts and frozen concoctions, has died. He was 76.
“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement posted to Buffett’s official website and social media pages said late Friday. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
The statement did not say where Buffett died or give a cause of death. Illness had forced him to reschedule concerts in May and Buffett acknowledged in social media posts that he had been hospitalized, but provided no specifics.
Since this is a Music Monday post, here’s a lesser know song from a segment Jimmy Buffett recorded in a home video when locked down during Covid – “Death Of An Unpopular Poet”. I’ve always loved his ballads more than his party songs. Rest in Peace, I really hope you’re playing music in heaven Jimmy Buffett.
Death of an Unpopular Poet
This song is by Jimmy Buffett and appears on the album A White Sport Coat And A Pink Crustacean (1973).
I once knew a poet
Who lived before his time
He and his dog Spooner
Would listen while he’d rhyme
Words to make ya happy
Words to make you cry
Then one day the poet suddenly did dieBut he left behind a closet
Filled with verse and rhyme
And through some strange transaction
One was printed in the Times
And everybody’s searchin’
For the king of underground
Well, they found him down in Florida
With a tombstone for a crownEverybody knows a line
From his book that cost four ninety-nine
I wonder if he knows he’s doin’ quite this fine‘Cause his books are all best sellers
And his poems were turned to song
Had his brother on a talk show
Though they never got along
And now he’s called immortal
Yes, he’s even taught in school
They say he used his talents
A most proficient toolBut he left all of his royalties
To Spooner his ol’ hound
Growin’ old on steak and bacon
In a doghouse ten feet ’round
And everybody wonders
Did he really lose his mind
No, he was just a poet who lived before his time
He was just a poet who lived before his time
EDIT add: One more video to add ..
About the book “Baa Baa Black Sheep” and Gregory Boyington
Posted By RichC on September 3, 2023
In August I finished up an excellent 1958 autobiography by Gregory “Pappy” Boyington titled “Baa Baa Black Sheep” … mentioned previously. He was a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot who commanded the VMF-214 Black Sheep Squadron during World War II. The book tells the story of Boyington’s early life, his training as a pilot, and his experiences in combat. It also chronicles the exploits of the Black Sheep Squadron, which was known for its unconventional tactics and its rebellious attitude … although the 1970’s television series was considered by most to be heavily Hollywood influenced.
Boyington was born in Boise, Idaho, in 1912. He joined the Marine Corps in 1936 and was assigned to the VMF-211 fighter squadron in China. In 1941, he was transferred to the VMF-214 squadron, which was then stationed in the Solomon Islands. The Black Sheep Squadron was a ragtag group of pilots who were considered to be misfits and troublemakers. However, they were also some of the most skilled pilots in the Marine Corps.
Under Boyington’s leadership, the Black Sheep Squadron quickly earned a reputation for being one of the most aggressive and successful fighter squadrons in the Pacific Theater. In just over six months, 
the squadron claimed over100 Japanese aircraft shot down. Boyington himself was credited with shooting down 26 Japanese planes, making him an ace.
In January 1944, Boyington was shot down and captured by the Japanese. He was held prisoner of war for 20 months, during which time he was tortured and abused. He was eventually released in September 1945.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part tells the story of Boyington’s early life his his training as a pilot and as part of the American Volunteer Group, AVG (Flying Tigers), in South Asia and China. The second part chronicles the exploits of the Black Sheep Squadron in the Solomon Islands and the reason I’m reading the book; I’ve been studying World War II in the Pacific for years. The third part tells the story of Boyington’s capture and imprisonment by the Japanese.
Nothing to see: Sewing my cap and Beach Bub umbrella bag
Posted By RichC on September 2, 2023
Really, there’s isn’t anything to see … just a little sewing. Last weekend I got out the Sailrite Ultrafeed in order to salvage a pair of shorts that had frayed … but I failed, so they are now in the trash (I miss my mom).
But since I hauled home the BeachBub.com beach umbrella bag to repair, I made that repair so it is ready the next time we head to the beach (hopefully soon).
TechFriday: New display “want” vs what I am “buying”
Posted By RichC on September 1, 2023
Samsung announced another “high screen real estate” monitor for those who like to plaster a lot of content on a single screen … or more that likely, play games … 
but besides ogling this massive 57 inch wide display, it is definitely not something I need these days.
There was once a time that I was busy with graphic design, page layout and preparing printing jobs (link), but these days it is only occasional … and more about needing space for spreadsheets and real time financial charts (trading and investing). 
For that, I’ve been pretty comfortable with an additional portable display plugged into my MacBook Air M2 … no regrets.
That’s not to say that I’m not looking for a little more space than the inexpensive 15.6” portable display I added back in the spring … so I’m going to take this small one to the condo (leave it there) and order an 18.5” UPerfect Portable display and will VESA mount it on an adjustable arm.
Watch vintage comedy TV before bed and sleep better #TBT
Posted By RichC on August 31, 2023
Brenda and I have transitioned from “mostly news” in the late evening to watching a half-hour of vintage comedy on TV … at least before bed. The repetitive drumbeat of depressing, anger-inducing news is not very conducive for a good night’s sleep.
One of the funny shows we enjoy is the late 1960’s sitcom “Get Smart.” Hilarious for those of us with an odd sense of humor; why can’t they make comedies like this anymore?
Anyway we seem to notice items in the show that today seem out of place, like the corded phones (and actor Don Adam’ s dial shoe phone), a VW Karmann Ghia and references/terms that are verböten these days.
Our discussion shifted to modern cars that are likely to get old quickly due to technological change rather than rusting or wearing out, much as do computers and cellphones. We concluded that perhaps we should go back to driving older mechanical cars rather than these computers on wheels. She decide a Herbie car (VW Beetle) was for her and I opted for a Willys … perhaps a 4WD Truck instead of a Jeep?
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.