VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition in Autoblog’s long-term garage

| June 30, 2010

Including a Posterous.com update from my car groups local website. I’ve been wanting to try linking in this way to see how well Posterous reposts. The popular automotive website Autoblog has put the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition in their long-term garage and will be posting on their findings over the coming months. […]

Wall Street has little confidence in a rebounding U.S. economy

| June 29, 2010

The Dow Industrials closed down 2.6% or 270 points to 9870.30 on Tuesday afternoon. The Nasdaq stay in step down 3.85% to 2135 and S&P 500 closed at 1041.24, hitting its low for the year. A report indicating consumer confidence was way down in June had investors’ concerned about the overall global economy.  Investors headed […]

Sprint’s second 4G phone: Samsung Epic 4G

| June 29, 2010

Sprint announced the second 4G capable phone to be marketed in their offerings and at first glance I thought, “it can’t really be that big?” From their webpage, the image doesn’t necessarily look as if it fits “in the palm of your hand.” It will be interesting to look at it in person. I’ll also […]

The “show must go on” as the Tropical Storm Alex continues NW

| June 29, 2010

As the gulf coast continues to clean up oil damaged shorelines, folks in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida resort businesses welcome home grown singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who with some friends will be helping to promote tourism with a free beach concert Thursday night. While oil gushes and a more noticeable oil slick moves closer to the […]

Google Docs now works much better on the Palm Pre

| June 28, 2010

Thanks for the tip Dieter Bohn – PreCentral.net … Google Docs is much improved on the Palm Pre; it is actually usable now!   Fire up Google Docs on your webOS browser and you’ll find a nicer interface, courtesy of Google finally up and getting Document viewing working for Android browsers. The Google Mobile Blog […]

Enjoyed the Reds/Indians Ohio Cup ballgame in Cincinnati

| June 27, 2010

Thank you Taylor for taking me to the Great American Ball Park where we baked on a hot summer Sunday afternoon with excellent right field seats. The Ohio Cup is a favorite game of mine,  pitting my old American League Cleveland Indians (lived there 13 years) against my hometown team the Cincinnati Reds. It really […]

Valiant effort for USA World Cup soccer ends in defeat

| June 26, 2010

I was drawn into World Cup soccer like most Americans after following their recent advancement … so Brenda, Taylor and I tuned in to watch Saturday’s USA – Ghana from South Africa. Although I’m not a big soccer fan, I did coach a few years and enjoyed playing on an intramural team, still I’ve never […]

Fresh-Water Wind Farm on Lake Erie

| June 25, 2010

Cleveland Ohio is undergoing a skyline change … A fresh-water wind farm is taking shape at Lake Erie and when completed will provide 20 megawatts and get on to about one gigawatt power by 2020. Huge individual turbines 300 feet tall, to be built by GE will be erected off Ohio, Cleveland. Better designs: These […]

Strange YouTube viral video: Oil Rain in Louisiana

| June 25, 2010

One wonders what this is all about – video below. (lots of stories) The auto blog Jalopnik dug up a 2003 study that shows that oil on the open ocean could evaporate under the right conditions. And it’s unclear how the Corexit 9500 dispersant affects evaporation. If it were raining Corexit 9500 in River Ridge, […]

Questions to test analytical thinking

| June 25, 2010

I was reading in a LinkedIn college group which posted ten questions “often asked at Google job interviews that are designed to test candidates’ analytical thinking.” The list might be worth looking over if you are charged with hiring or planning to interview in the near future. The questions are of the brainteaser type and […]

Consider the economical 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI

| June 24, 2010

For many A3 and A4 Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel lovers, it was good to see the TDI badge back on the North American version of their favorite economical and comfortable hatchback — some are glad to see the Golf badge as well. Boston.com‘s car reviewer Bill Griffith came to a similar conclusion in his recent […]

Pilots Caught in Middle of Conflicting Federal Rules

| June 24, 2010

Compliance dilemma for pilots and aircraft owners … stay tuned. On June 15 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released for publication a change to 47 CFR Part 87 that will “prohibit the certification, manufacture, importation, sale, or continued use of 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) other than the Breitling Emergency Watch ELT.” Meanwhile, the […]

Trying Poster for WordPress on the Palm Pre

| June 23, 2010

Since Palm is encouraging webOS Pre and Pixi users with a half price app sale, I picked up a couple applications including one to manage and post to both WordPress.com and server installed WordPress.org  blog sites. So this is a first post from the Poster for WordPress (for $1.00) app posted from the Palm Pre. The smartphone based […]

Windows: So Easy Even a Child Can Do It

| June 22, 2010

I found this online security story from one of the tech blogs I read interesting. This is from Paul Thurrott who co-wrote the book Windows 7 Secrets who shared a bit about his kids online spending spree. This is amusing to me because my kids are 8 and 12 years old. You may have heard […]

BP Oil Spill: Two months after the disaster

| June 22, 2010

  The BP Oil Disaster is bound to be the story to remember 2010 by as historians archive this year. Like most Americans who’ve travelled and enjoy the gulf coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, I’m disgusted and saddened by the damage that is being done to the economy, coastline and ecosystem. As we […]

Beautiful sunny morning then rain on this first day of summer

| June 21, 2010

We are enjoying the changing weather as a thunderstorm rolls through over my  lunchtime break here in Cincinnati. Since I’m at the house today, I had a chance to snap a few “first day of summer” photos. It is awe inspiring to see and hear storms arrive from the west and feel the cooling rain […]

A Happy Father’s Day to fellow dads in changing times

| June 20, 2010

We had my dad over to our house this past week and enjoyed celebrating Father’s Day a bit early on Thursday evening. The conversation was great while reviewing photos from our trip to Washington DC and reflecting on what a great example my dad has been for me. He did a great job in a […]

Techie stuff: Canon 550D/T2i & WordPress 3.0 update

| June 19, 2010

I saw some video shot with an under $1000 Canon Rebel T2i/550D camera today that had me drooling to upgrade my digital camera. Although I’m not really in the market for a new 18 megapixel DSLR, the advertising video shot for Amber Mac’s (Amber MacArthur) book Power Friending had me thinking about it. The encoded […]

A disappointing World Cup moment for United States Soccer

| June 18, 2010

I’m definitely not a soccer fan or someone who closely follows the World Cup, but as the games proceed into the weekend, I’ve been someone conscious of our nation’s team and find myself cheering for a strong finish. Today’s game against Slovenia was one of disappointment after a valiant comeback. The United States rallied from […]

NYC arrival of Reid Stowe’s 1151 days at sea

| June 17, 2010

Reid Stowe arrives in NYC today after his “odyssey at sea.” (previous posts) The homecoming is broadcasting live by UStream below at about 11AM EST on Thursday June 17, 2010 with an expected flotilla arrival between 1-3PM at Pier 81. EDIT: Might be 1152 days … although I thought my count was accurate? This past […]

Helping to “Spread the Stupidity”

| June 17, 2010

I’m not a regular email ‘forwarder,’ but occasionally one tickles my funny bone. Thanks D. Only in  America … do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy  cigarettes at the front. do people order double  cheeseburgers, large fries, and […]

Ordered a couple books for summer reading

| June 16, 2010

I ordered a couple books for summer reading on Tuesday, although I might hold one back for vacation. First, the new “thriller” called The Overton Window by Glenn Beck was just released and it is sure to be a best seller. Thankfully this mass marketed hardcover is priced right at several online booksellers … which […]

Strong technology pushed the stock market higher

| June 15, 2010

After dipping below the 10,000 mark for early June, the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 213.88 points, or 2.10%, to 10404.77 today breaking out of the closely watched 200-day moving average. The S&P 500 was also up 2.35% seeing every sector moving in the up direction. The biggest gains 2.76% were over at the Nasdaq, […]

Testing Brightcove Embed: Rasmussen Reports – Alternative fuel

| June 15, 2010

With so many video embedding options, I wanted to see how well the established Brightcove video works in my WordPress install. The clip below is from Rasmussen Reports which gathered opinions on buying alternative fuel cars and dealing with our insatiable appetite for petroleum. Interesting results.

Prominent King of Kings – Touchdown Jesus statue destroyed

| June 15, 2010

The strong storms which passed through southwestern Ohio Monday evening dumped heavy rain and lightning all around our home (see video clip from Palm Pre at bottom). The pool is full to overflowing and the water retention area  overflowed the driveway and patio areas. Thankfully our two sump pumps worked well to keep our basement […]

Water as windshield wiper fluid and Legionnaires’ Disease

| June 15, 2010

This bit of automotive news is eye opening … If you use standard tap water in your windshield washer fluid reservoir instead of a cleaner, you may have effectively turned your vehicle into a biological weapon. Sure, that sounds cool and all, but according to BBC News, the only person you’re going to be hurting […]

Personifying BP and the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico

| June 15, 2010

BP’s CEO Tony Hayward can’t win for losing … no matter how he handles the aftermath of the oil spill (particularly since the oil is still spewing). Like it or not, Mr. Hayward is the face of the spill and the face of BP. He will continue to rightly shoulder the blame, the frustration and […]

2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Revealed

| June 14, 2010

Fully redesigned 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is set to go on sale in October. Volkswagen says pricing will start around $16,000. It features best-in-class rear legroom thanks to a longer wheelbase. From Insideline.com: HERNDON, Virginia — Information and pictures of the fully redesigned 2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaked onto the Internet today ahead of the car’s official premiere […]

Rep. Etheridge D-NC: How to “not” handle public relations

| June 14, 2010

One has to wonder what would happen if someone manhandled Congressman Bob Etheridge in this way? Posted via email from richc’s posterous

Audi TDI diesels take one, two & three at Le Mans

| June 13, 2010

When it comes to endurance, it is hard to top a diesel engine, a fact know by truckers, commercial equipment owners and a few fortunate automobile owners. The endurance fact was once again reinforced by Audi R10 TDIs Audi R15 TDIs winning their ninth Le Mans 24 Hours race this weekend – dominating and taking […]

Happy belated 21st Birthday to my son Taylor

| June 13, 2010

We took my son Taylor out  to celebrated his 21st birthday at Joe’s Crab Shack on the river in Cincinnati on Saturday, a couple days after his actual birthday (June 10th) – remembering my daughter’s with her friends 3 years ago. 🙂 His friends celebrated with him on “the day” going to Oxford Ohio (Miami […]

Abby Sunderland safe on Board Ile de la Reunion

| June 12, 2010

In following up on the teen sailor Abby Sunderland, I’m including a post from her blog — a note from her parents confirming her rescue onto a French fishing vessel. They thanked all those involved in their daughter’s rescue and in coming to her aid so quickly. Although I flip-flop on expecting someone to risk […]

Enjoyed putting on the miles this week, but I need a diesel

| June 12, 2010

I’ve been putting a few more miles on the Honda Pilot than usual, for both work and personal travel, which has me thinking about diesel cars and the soon to expire tax incentives on a few models. It would be nice to have a new Volkswagen Jetta TDI or Sportwagen TDI, but with the slowdown […]

Mellow men & A Pirate looks at Forty

| June 11, 2010

Just because I like the music … since I’m long past 40. YouTube video Was Removed ☹️

The BP oil spill needs a little comedy

| June 11, 2010

When there doesn’t seem to be answer and the anger for many nears the boiling point, comedians react to BP’s (and the government’s) bumbling giving us a chuckle …  Posted via email from richc’s posterous

Abby Sunderland “is in very good spirits” after being spotted

| June 11, 2010

According to the Search and Rescue crews and the AFESA taskforce leader Will Blackshaw, “Abby is in very good spirits.” From Abby Sunderland’s blog: Search and rescue crew members have described how stricken 16-year-old yachtswoman Abby Sunderland remained “in good spirits” after being spotted from the air yesterday. A crew of 11 SES and FESA […]

Update on teen solo sailor Abby Sunderland

| June 11, 2010

I’ve scanned the heavily reported news stories (over 3000 on Google) on Abby Sunderland this Friday morning after hearing she was safe inside her damage boat Wild Eyes and have concluded that the media does a pretty good job of reporting the sensational side of blue water sailing – and with a 16 year old […]

Concern for 16 year old solo sailor Abby Sunderland

| June 10, 2010

I’ve posted a couple of times on circumnavigators and in particular a couple solo sailors that are female. I followed and shared emails with Donna Lange a few years ago as she rounded the globe and have recently posted on Jessica Watson (Australian teen) who completed her circumnavigation and 16 year old Abby Sunderland of the […]

Bernanke and Laffer on the U.S. economy

| June 10, 2010

After forwarding an “opinion article” (PDF) by supply-side economist Arthur Laffer from the WSJ to friends yesterday, I snipped some audio (mp3) from him in an interview  today with Neil Cavuto after Fed chief Ben Bernanke offered his thoughts on the U.S. economy.  

John Matras offers fair review of 2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition

| June 9, 2010

I enjoyed the “Auto Examiner” review of the limited edition 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition review partly because it was a car I’ve had an interest in. Unfortunately the truly limited production will keep it away from most would be buyers in that they are only taking building after receiving orders — “The Jetta […]

German Auto Club reviews fuel efficiency in real world conditions

| June 8, 2010

The German Auto Club found CNG Fiat Panda to be the most Economical Car in Europe for real world driving conditions. Perhaps before U.S. driivers rush to plug-in electric models for commuting and around town driving we should be looking at a few more ‘current technology’ CNG vehicles? The German equivalent of AAA — Allgemeiner […]

Sly as a Fox: Or is it just ‘genius’ in Apple’s case?

| June 7, 2010

FLASH VIDEO REMOVED While watching smartphones and connected portable devices (tablets and pads) continue to take center stage in the technology world, it is interesting to contemplate the marketing and “name recognition” angle.  I spotted a forum post sensing that Steve Jobs of Apple knew exactly what he was doing in releasing their new iPhone […]

Sunday afternoon is absolutely gorgeous here in Cincinnati

| June 6, 2010

I’ll call this a lazy but productive weekend since I spent most of Saturday working in the yard … or more appropriately on the pool and patio. Most of the  heavy pollen from the pine trees seems to have left it mark and looks to be finally finished coating everything for the season, it was […]

Sprint 4G HTC EVO started selling Friday

| June 5, 2010

I’ve had my Palm Pre about a year now and have been pretty satisfied with the webOS smartphone. Unfortunately the news coming from the acquiring company, HP, isn’t a confidence builder so it’s time to ponder the options …  still most likely a year away. The buzz at Sprint is the higher data speed from […]

Europe’s debt and U.S. jobs report push markets below 10,000

| June 4, 2010

U.S. markets close back below 10,000 today as worried investors see debt in Europe and weaker than expected jobs numbers in the U.S. as bearish for stocks. The slight improvement in unemployment was tarnished by the addition of nearly 400,000 government census temporary hires … leaving only 41,000 jobs being added by the private sector. […]

Keep the TDI ‘clean diesel’ tax credit deadlines in mind

| June 4, 2010

Worth mentioning if you’re considering a new Volkswagen TDI this year … via cincitdi.com Posted via web from richc’s posterous

Roz Savage, Ocean Rower, complete crossing of the Pacific Ocean

| June 4, 2010

Roz Savage finished her row across the Pacific Ocean and is welcomed into Madang, Papua New Guinea by a crowd of 5000 welcomers. Her rowing, endurance and spirit is amazing. Here’s a snippet from her blog, rozsavage.com. The first local people to congratulate me were a few fishermen, out early in their outrigger canoes, who […]

Radium License contest at Mac.AppStorm

| June 4, 2010

An easy way to listen to web-based radio is using Radium on the Mac. By entering a contest at mac.apstorm.net you might even get a license free. (Thanks Scott) 9 Radium Licenses Up For Grabs Today we’re kicking off a new competition to win a copy of Radium. We recently reviewed Radium, and were really […]

Lightning made for a beautiful 11PM photo

| June 4, 2010

While heading home the distant lightning lit night and the sky making for an interesting photo … so stuck the camera out the window for a 2 second exposure just as the bolt brighten the surroundings.

The Palm Pre and Pixi’s future is in question … again

| June 3, 2010

After HP purchased Palm, most developing and carrying around webOS mobile devices had a sigh of relief believed that having a bigger company behind Palm would give them a chance to compete in the crowded handset device market. Unfortunately HP CEO Mark Hurd isn’t seeing things the way Palm advocates did? Thanks for the link […]

Reid Stowe Returns – June 17, 2010

| June 3, 2010

Reid Returns – June 17, 2010 10 am to 1 pm Flotilla to welcome Stowe from south of the Verrazano Bridge to Pier 81 All vessels must register. — Flotilla Plan Noon (approximately) Best viewing of the Welcome Flotilla is at Robert F Wagner Park along the Battery Parkcity Esplanade; Bring signs saying “WELCOME HOME, […]

Stock market averages rebound helped by energy sector

| June 3, 2010

The stock market rebounded on Tuesday after selling on the government’s comments regarding criminal investigations of BP yesterday. Since I regularly reflect on moves down, it is about time to acknowledge that their is still an appetite for value … in today’s case, energy sector stocks. Most stocks were up as the DJIA jumped 225.52 […]

‘Lighten up’ video: Did ‘ewe’ ever see a surfin’ sheep?

| June 2, 2010

I know … that was a  ‘baaaaa-d’ title for this post. 😀

Do we really need a more sophisticated black box for our cars?

| June 2, 2010

Speaking of “more government,” how about adding a few more thousand dollars to the price of a car? Do we really need another electronic gadget … a black box … for our cars? (Neil Cavuto video clip below) [flv:FN_Cavuto100601.flv 480 255]

Wall Street sours on Govt Criminal probe into BP Oil spill

| June 1, 2010

The U.S. Government through Attorney General Eric Holder announced that they have opened a criminal investigation into the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. His comments spooked late day trading on Wall Street –"We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who has violated the law." The huge spill from a well owned […]

Medical Science: How acupuncture ‘may’ work

| June 1, 2010

The needle pricks involved in acupuncture may help relieve pain by triggering a natural painkilling chemical called adenosine, a new study has found. The researchers also believe they can enhance acupuncture’s effectiveness by coupling the process with a well-known cancer drug — deoxycoformycin — that maintains adenosine levels longer than usual. See article in USNews.com

A busy wedding and graduation party weekend

| June 1, 2010

Two of my nephews celebrated milestones in their lives this past weekend … and of course the special events happened 7 hours apart, one in Ohio and the other in New York. My brother’s son graduated from high school and although we missed the Saturday event at Bethel High School,  we timed the Sunday afternoon […]

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