RichC | April 18, 2008
Although you won’t find me supporting Senator John Edwards, he made a comedy appearance last night on the Colbert Report — very funny. Besides John Edwards (in his segment “Ed Words”), Senator Hillary Clinton made an in person visits along with Barrack Obama by video screen.
RichC | April 18, 2008
Google Inc. (GOOG) surprised many last night as they release better than expected earning. In pre-market trading, GOOG is up over 18% … that’s $84/ share to over $530. This kind of over night move just added $2.07 Billion dollars of wealth to co-founder Larry Page and $2.03 Billion to Sergey Brin‘s portfolio.
RichC | April 17, 2008
Its been a while since watching yachting on television, but I enjoyed ESPN2’s coverage of the Acura Miami Grand Prix. If you like sailboat racing, set your TIVO and ‘vote’ for more! See additional footage at Jobson Sailing.
RichC | April 16, 2008
As someone who holds entirely too many share of Intel (INTC), I’ve been dreading the anticipated news of a bad quarter from Intel. They at least should offset the weak quarter with a positive outlook. Wednesday pre-open electronic trading has INTC at 22.45 Up 1.54 (7.36%) as of 7:52AM ET. Intel Corp. posted a 12% […]
RichC | April 15, 2008
The Rocket Racing League plans to exhibit their rocket powered racing planes for the first time at EAA Airventure this summer on August 1st and 2nd in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Granger Whitelaw, a co-founder and the CEO of Rocket Racing League, indicated that they still need to firm up sponsorships and media deals before expanding the […]
RichC | April 14, 2008
According to a story in the Wall Street Journal, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. may unveil their long-delayed merger announcement on Tuesday. As airlines struggle with high fuel prices and a softening economy, they are all looking for ways to control costs and salvage markets. If the merger goes through, it would […]
RichC | April 14, 2008
A couple months ago I posted “Would you like a lemon with your water?” and have personally decided that it is something I can do without. Since my daughter, who is in medical school, was home this past week on spring break, the “Lemon story” came up when we were out to eat.We had a […]
RichC | April 13, 2008
I’ve posted a few times before about different renewable oil crops used produce biofuels and have concluded that the most promising is algae grown to product biodiesel. (here’s an excellent PDF document) The desert cement pond approach has been my thinking all along, although several innovative companies are working on even better ideas. The efficiency […]
RichC | April 13, 2008
IndUS Aviation has flown a two-stroke diesel Thorpedo DP concept airplane from Dallas to Lakeland, Florida for Sun ‘n Fun. This new diesel powered light sport aircraft (LSA) has a unique a three-cylinder, liquid cooled, turbocharged diesel engine installed in an inverted mount. The Thorpedo DP will be the first diesel LSA and is said […]
RichC | April 12, 2008
I noticed that the free wifi spot that I occasionally frequent over lunch is restricting connect times to 30 minutes. It is understandable, but will probably for me to change my lunch stop (personally speaking 60 minutes would have been more appropriate). Interestingly a friend of mine who regularly connects at Panera Bread has come […]
RichC | April 11, 2008
I’m on a text messaging roll … three posts in a row … but this one is a good one — très cool. Amazon.com launched a new service this week which allows looking up pricing from their site from your text messaging enabled cell phone — TextBuyIt. Picture this … you head into you local […]
RichC | April 11, 2008
In keeping with the text messaging theme, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) by 2010 is preparing a nationwide text messaging alert system that will be used for three primary purposes. First it would be a message from the President of the United States to warn of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. The second would […]
RichC | April 10, 2008
Even though sending unsolicited commercial text messages on cell phones is illegal, SMS spam is increasingly finding its way to your cell phone. I have been ignoring the occasional beep during the day and just delete them as is so common with computer based email. Unfortunately the problem is growing just as they did on […]
RichC | April 9, 2008
Besides photo sharing, Flickr now offers ‘pro’ users (paying) the ability to upload short video clips limited to 90 seconds. While this limit is hardly competitive to other video sites, it does offer a place to offload those short cellphone video clips. In a quick test, I uploaded a one minute clip of my son’s […]
RichC | April 9, 2008
Like clockwork, the gas station in our my area (Cincinnati, OH) moved the gas price up in concert again. The $3.13 per gallon that “I should have filled up with” on Monday was back up to $3.35 by Tuesday afternoon. It will probably go even higher according to the U.S. Government Energy Department. Estimates suggest […]
RichC | April 8, 2008
In a test to see if the Palm Treo photo to blog still works, I’ll post the last addition to the new porch … a redwood surround fit for the hot tub. So far it looks nice but we will need to come up with a finish for redwood. Any expert suggestions? EDIT: Didn’t post […]
RichC | April 7, 2008
I was sad to hear of the passing of Charlton Heston (84) this past weekend, but the last few years of his life did bring to light (as it did with President Reagan) the struggle nearly 5 million Americans face — Alzheimer’s Disease. Heston, due to his notoriety, drew attention to the disease (2002 article) […]
RichC | April 6, 2008
Posting a day late, but I told my son I would get photos of his Sunday afternoon Rugby match posted over lunch today. What a beautiful weekend in Cincinnati … and a great facility at Moeller High School! (I was told it was only the second game on their new turf) Besides the ‘rug burns,’ […]
RichC | April 5, 2008
Over the next few years, there will be an increase in ‘light’ hybrid vehicles similar to the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, especially from General Motors (see Chevrolet Fuel Solutions). From what is in the press, GM in particular intends on meeting new economy standards with smaller engines and a small electric motor and battery. […]
RichC | April 4, 2008
There is an interesting article in MSNBC’s online Environment section where Boeing’s experimental aircraft researchers have flown a manned hydrogen fuel cell powered airplane. According to the article, Boeing Chief Technology Officer John Tracy told reporters that the fuel cell breakthrough is “full of promises for a greener future. Boeing recognizes that pollution represents a […]
RichC | April 3, 2008
Those of us using Palm Treos (and Centros) are curious as to what’s next in the Treo lineup … and Andrew from the Treonauts blog posted an interesting illustration. He speculates that there is a significant Apple influence at Palm and points to the latest hires from that innovative company. I’m not sure what this […]
RichC | April 2, 2008
The radical looking biodiesel powered circumnavigating boat has delayed their start in going for a record run around the world by two week (see last years blog entries). The re-start was to take place at the end of last month, but according to Captain Pete Bethune the biodiesel supply planned for their stop in Portugal […]
RichC | April 2, 2008
As the online social networking trend continues to grow, there seems to be a site for every interest. If you enjoy trading and investing UpDown.com has a smooth running site that might even pay you for your participation. First, if your portfolio beats the S&P 500, you’ll earn monthy monetary rewards. Second, if you are […]
RichC | April 1, 2008
Google Docs , the online Microsoft Office or Open Office substitute, is systematically rolling out the offline component for documents. The popular Internet based ‘free’ collaborating software and document storage solution has now answering the problem of what to do when traveling away from an Internet connection … use Google Docs Offline. To use Google […]
RichC | March 31, 2008
My daughter mentioned the movie “Unaccompanied Minors” last week and said, “Dad you’ll love it.” She refused to tell me anymore about it, but was anxious to here my reaction. So I added it to the top of our “one at a time” Blockbuster Online subscription and it arrived in time for movie night. Although […]
RichC | March 30, 2008
Since this is a politically hot topic, I’m just going to only briefly mention Earthhour. It is a publicity event taking place around the globe Sunday which aims to draw attention to the environment and climate change issue. Not everyone is on the same “global warming” page as to the cause, but the majority of […]
RichC | March 29, 2008
I’m too tired to type much of anything, so will just include a “baby label” and link to a list of Do’s and Don’t with Babies. Here are a few more labels
RichC | March 28, 2008
About a week ago, Sharpcast introduced SugarSync, their new automated Internet backup and synchronization service which allows computer users to backup directories online and also sync multiple devices. (ie. laptop, office computer, home computer) The convenience of keeping 10 plus gigabytes of data safely backed to a server and available on multiple computers ‘might’ be […]
RichC | March 27, 2008
This is an older photo that was published in African Geographic in December 2006, but I saw it framed on an office wall and thought it was pretty cool. Can you imagine Kayaking and being tailed by an interested Great White Shark? (by the way … its real — click photo for larger scan or […]
RichC | March 26, 2008
The space shuttle Endeavour was picked up on infrared camera gliding back to earth on Wednesday evening at the Kennedy Space Center after an ambitious an successful mission to the International Space Station. The crew spent 16 days on 5 space walks and installing the first part of the Japanese Kibo laboratory, as well as […]
RichC | March 26, 2008
Earlier this month I noticed that the online video sharing giant YouTube was improving the quality streams for some of its content. (it is about time) They have started by offering an extra link at the bottom of some videos offering higher quality streams. Another technique to try is by adding a bit of code […]
RichC | March 25, 2008
Of the two television programs I watch, one will end tonight: Jericho. The final episode will conclude at 10PM eastern time to a outraged fan base. Last year the show was cancelled, but when fans united to petition CBS for its return, executive gave it a second breath. (link) Unfortunately, the number of viewers were […]
RichC | March 24, 2008
Now that Apple’s excellent Safari 3.1 Browser for the PC is out of beta, I figured it was time to give it a try … and its fast — faster than IE and Firefox in my quick look at surfing through sites. Apple’s promotional graphics seem to show the same thing too. (below) I’m not […]
RichC | March 22, 2008
The Republican Party snagged me in asking for support ($$$) for John McCain’s upcoming Presidential run. Although I side-stepped the campaign donation, I did say that I would encourage others to learn more about him. To start with, I’m including a “timeline” history of John McCain below. He and his fatherand his grandfather, served the […]
RichC | March 21, 2008
After work today I opted to download the large 434MB SP1 stand-a-lone update installer. The download went swiftly since the broadband connection I was connected to was a bit faster than dial-up. (Beware … if you dial up and the download, it could take 17 hours — click highlighted to see full image) Most using […]
RichC | March 20, 2008
A few days ago I included a post about Hulu.com, an Internet based TV/Movie site, which serves up exceptionally high quality video for those with high speed connections. (previous post) Each time I visit I find even more interesting segments, including a news clip from FoxNews tailored for Hulu. Since I had mentioned Presidential hopeful […]
RichC | March 20, 2008
I was chastised by one of my friends who supports Senator Barack Obama who suggested that I relied only on news sound bites. He asked if I would “archive” the entire 37 minute speech delivered in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008? He forwarded to me so I’ll include it even though I suspect it is […]
RichC | March 19, 2008
Newsy couple of items from the last feel days — from politics to the economy. Here’s are the two biggies for March 2008. First, the big news has been the offensive remarks associated with Democratic candidate for President, Barack Obama. The anti-American and racial messages from his long time pastor and friend, Rev. Jeremiah Wright […]
RichC | March 18, 2008
It’s wet outside … but I suppose it is better than more snow? When our dog no longer has a place to do her business because the ground is so saturated, we’ve had too much rain! (Palm Treo 700p photo) 🙂 EDIT: Tinkering with a Twitter script in the right sidebar tonight. I’m sure the […]
RichC | March 18, 2008
Wow … an 83 cents per gallon spread between unleaded regular gasoline and ultra low sulfur diesel. I ran out to Krogers (grocery store) last night and noticed the fuel prices again … as we all have been noticing lately. This 83 cents per gallon spread even starts make the diesel vehicle fuel economy benefit […]
RichC | March 17, 2008
A friend of mine asked me where he could find television content streamed on his notebook computer when he was away from home, and I joked “get a Slingbox.” After thinking, I mentioned that most networks air their recent episodes online (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) and that I tried a service call Joost which I […]
RichC | March 16, 2008
Having lived in the Cleveland Ohio area for 13 years, and about 5 or so miles from Hinckley Ohio, I know what the “Turkey Vulture” means to this area … especially on March 15th. Each year the annual return of the buzzards to Buzzard Roost (State Rd. & West Drive – see map) in the […]
RichC | March 15, 2008
When I heard about the passing of renown conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. on February 27th 2008, I started to reminisce about the impact he had on my life. I am able to put a finger on a few people who have played a significant role in developing my personality, my interests, my views and […]
RichC | March 13, 2008
A few months ago mention the name Ikea would have meant very little to me. After an Ikea Store grand opening in my area today (North of Cincinnati), it is difficult to ‘not’ know about this Swedish company. For those of you living under the same rock I must have been under, this is very […]
RichC | March 12, 2008
Speculators traded crude oil up to an all time high of $109 per barrel Tuesday morning while fuel stations in SW Ohio bumped gasoline prices up 20 to 25 cents per gallon. Most local stations in my area are matching each other at $3.45 per gallon for unleaded regular gasoline; this seems to have caught […]
RichC | March 11, 2008
The large 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI SUV equipped with the 3.0 Liter diesel was reviewed on the PBS program Motorweek this past weekend. I took a test drive back in August (here) and was impressed with this expensive and large vehicle. It certainly benefits from the diesel powerplant which will be upgraded with Urea injection […]
RichC | March 10, 2008
RichC | March 9, 2008
As reflected in my recent blog posts, I’ve been drawn into the Presidential primaries and battle for the nomination. Thankfully for the Republicans, the bickering is over and McCain now only has to raise money and have his appearances reported. (a challenge perhaps?) For Clinton and Obama the end is not quite so clear, and […]
RichC | March 8, 2008
Last night Bill O’Reilly, of the O’Reilly Factor, had former Bush advisor Karl Rove on his television program to discuss campaign strategies. Rove concluded that although last Tuesday was a win for Senator Hillary Clinton, she will need to win 58 percent of the remaining delegates whereas Senator Barack Obama needs only 42 percent. That’s […]
RichC | March 7, 2008
If you have a website or a blog, try the script from Answers.com called AnswerTips. The script allows for the display of small bubbles of information triggered by double-clicking any word on an AnswerTips-enabled page. Try double-clicking desultory since that’s still the most common question emailed to me. 😉 Want to try it on your […]
RichC | March 7, 2008
Well I’ve gone a bit to political lately as I look back on the last several days of topics, but then that’s been the news in the U.S. this week. Unfortunately as I look beyond our borders, politics and events are even worse, so one more day on this topic. The middle east is a […]
RichC | March 6, 2008
As crude oil hit $103.98 per barrel today, President Bush spoke at the 2008 Washington International Renewable Energy Conference. Although he stressed ethanol and pointed out that the federal government has invested more than $12 billion to research, develop and promotion of alternative energy, he did mention biodiesel in a positive light. (link) Biodiesel is […]
RichC | March 5, 2008
On Tuesday Republicans selected their nominee for President and as expected Senator John McCain took the prize. With Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island voters selecting McCain over Mike Huckabee, the magic delegate number of 1191 has been reached. For the Democrats, the picture is much less clear. The states have resulted in a much […]
RichC | March 4, 2008
Although there are local elections and issues on the ballot here in Ohio, the biggest attention is the selection of a Republican and Democrat candidate that will run for President in November. In the “delegate rich states” of Texas and Ohio, Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama have gone head to head in aggressive […]
RichC | March 4, 2008
I’m slow in mentioning Volkswagen’s Geneva Auto Show announcement of a Diesel/Hybrid hatchback. I’ve been waiting for a more definitive news from Volkswagen and how North America fits in to their plan. Nevertheless, enough time has passed that I should a least say something … and I’ll say what most TDI owners are thinking, “what has taken a company so long to […]
RichC | March 3, 2008
Leasing a car is a popular option when shopping for a new car and it makes sense in some situations. In fact as prices of new cars rise, so do the number of people opting for leasing since the initial monthly outlay is generally lower. According to Motorweek, over 17 million Americans are now in […]
RichC | March 2, 2008
The Geneva Auto Show will have another new clean diesel vehicle which would probably appeal to families here in the U.S. — the Volkswagen Sharan BlueMotion. Unfortunately it is headed to the UK later this year with no indication that it is coming to North America. The turbo diesel powered Sharan offers an impressively low […]
RichC | March 1, 2008
I read a Washington Post story regarding border security measures which allows for searching hard-drives of someone’s computer entering the United States. Its a sensible approach to border security, but what will they find if someone wants to protect their data? Is there a way to still secure information? John Sawyer from the University of Florida IT security […]
RichC | February 29, 2008
For those of you with a taste for performance AND a sport utility vehicle that could use some biodiesel, checkout the diesel version of the Porsche Cayenne expected in 2009. Industry analyst Peter Schmidt indicated the the primary motivation for the diesel Porsche Cayenne is the cost of fuel and improving emissions in diesel technology. […]
RichC | February 29, 2008
In a press conference on Thursday, President Bush referenced his administration’s heavy investing in renewable fuels and the problem this expansion creates as it competes for food crops (particularly corn based ethanol). The President stressed that we also “need more oil and gas exploration and for less money to be spent on foreign oil.” These […]