Wasted time filling out and returning my census form today

RichC | October 31, 2009

In my opinion, the American Community Survey — aka: 2010 Census –  is a waste of time and money. For one, it is an oversized packet of paperwork being sent to 3 million Americans and is costly to print, mail and tabulate; wouldn’t it have been far more efficient to produce as a Scantron card. [...]

Living with a large coyote or coywolf in the neighborhood

RichC | October 30, 2009

My apology for the lousy Palm Pre ‘enlarged’ photo of a large coyote who has been roaming our Liberty Township Ohio neighborhood.  It has been a source of concern for neighbors and pet owners  that we’ve had a few more coyotes than normal … and that this particular large male has decided to make his [...]

The new transparency in Washington DC – Where is it?

RichC | October 29, 2009

For those citizens trying to follow the political goings on in Washington DC, it is irritating  to trying to figure out just what is being debated and discussed by those we elect to “do the people’s business.” The current health care debate and varies bills being proposed in the House and Senate are prime example [...]

Why car companies are offering auto parallel parking features

RichC | October 28, 2009

Enjoyable to watch the patience of drivers … how long do you suspect this woman took to park her car? It’s no wonder automakers are building cars with automatic parallel parking features. From comment on previous post — thanks Marielle.

Previewing Google Wave

RichC | October 28, 2009

A quick thanks to Lee for expediting my Google Wave beta request, although I still feel a bit late to the game in getting a chance to play with this new Google app. Although I’ve talked to a few people about how they foresee using this new web based communications tool, I’m still struggling to [...]

Model making – a Pan Am World Airways 747 cabin

RichC | October 27, 2009

Some of us  have built some interesting things in our garages … but Anthony Toth in Redondo Beach California tops most of us — he’s built a vintage Pan Am World Airways 747 cabin from the 1970s and 80s. His cabin replica comes complete with Pan Am logo swizzle sticks, napkins and salted almonds sealed [...]

Our burning bushes are on fire

RichC | October 26, 2009

Color has indeed made it to the trees and leaves here in southwestern Ohio. The autumn sunshine and second Indian Summer has really brought out some spectacular color. I should be clicking away with my Canon Digital SLR, but a Palm Pre photo of the burning bush will have to suffice. Did you know: The [...]

Honda Pilot: Satisfied with the overall cost of ownership

RichC | October 25, 2009

I’ve been happy with the overall cost of ownership of my 2006 Honda Pilot SUV … including the fuel efficiency. Besides oil and fluid changes, the only other expense of ownership over the past 87,000 miles to date has been a battery and of course gasoline. Click for larger image After posting my latest fill-up [...]

Building a TDI diesel engine

RichC | October 24, 2009

Although the Science Channel program “How It’s Made” isn’t one of the most exciting television programs, it does offer a glimpse as to what it takes to manufacture complex items. I happened to watch an episode on how Audi builds its 6-cylinder TDI diesel engine the other day and found it interesting (video clip below). [...]

Windows 7 OS arrived today

RichC | October 23, 2009

The copies of Microsoft’s new computer OS  Windows 7  arrived today! I’m not planning to update anytime soon as I’m  currently running  Win 7 RC on both of my PCs.  (they should operate until 2010)  I’m certainly not planning to ruin this weekend by stripping the computer and re-installing all my software (the scheduled colonoscopy [...]

Having fun riding the waves even without standing

RichC | October 21, 2009

Since my balance and stability are no longer functional enough even for a longboard, my only wave riding is going to come from the bodyboard or sponge. Here’s an encouraging — and well done — video demonstrating spongeboard surfing can still be quite the adrenaline rush!

Algae based Biofuel/Biodiesel highlighted

RichC | October 20, 2009

An article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal highlighted algae based biodiesel as one of the “Five Technologies That Change Everything“  recognizing that a new generation of biofuel made from nonfood crops is one of the more promising sources of energy.

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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.