WSJ’s Walt Mossberg has a few thoughts on the HP Touchpad
RichC | June 30, 2011
Although Mr. Mossberg is rightly critical about some of the shortcomings regarding HP’s late entry into the tablet computing market with the webOS Touchpad, he had a few complements too (LINK). Clever Interface I like the interface a lot. Instead of a screen full of app icons, the main screen of the TouchPad’s operating system, […]
“Me thinks” early HP Touchpad pre-sales must be slow?
RichC | June 30, 2011
While I continue to put of buying new technology including a phone, computer, a low cost e-reader (yesterday’s post), I continue to ogle the HP Touchpad and Apple iPad. Wouldn’t you know that HP is tempting me … June 28, 2011 Early adopters: your new TouchPad just got $50 closer When the first webOS phone […]
Debating the Kindle vs. Nook e-reader
RichC | June 29, 2011
Still contemplating an e-reader or tablet computer and reading a WSJ article and opinion. At least for now, the Nook is in the lead. Even without its touch screen, the Nook has a few other features that the Kindle lacks. Its company-estimated battery life is two months when used for reading an hour a day […]
Is anybody really happy with their cellphone plan/bill?
RichC | June 29, 2011
A friend of mine recently switched carriers from T-Mobile to Sprint after grumbling about service … and the cellphone subject gave me something to make small talk with to a few of my customers on Tuesday. What I realized is that no matter the carrier, every customer complained. One plan did stand out … Virgin […]
Greek Austerity Vote Seen Passing
RichC | June 29, 2011
The euro edged higher on Wednesday, supported by expectations that the Greek parliament would vote in favor of an austerity package, though wariness that this would only be a short-term solution to the country’s debt problems limited gains. News Headlines
Lubricheck gets a little more press
RichC | June 28, 2011
Last month I posted on a new start-up project raising funds for an engine oil analizer gadget … Lubricheck … and heard the @wsjthismorning radio spot/podcast talking about it.
And you think your diesel or hybrid gets impressive fuel economy
RichC | June 28, 2011
How about topping this hypermiling diesel concept vehicle developed UK’s Cambridge Design Partnership and driven by an eleven-year old kid – 1,325 mpg. When I told my parents how far this car could go on a gallon of fuel they were absolutely amazed! It wasn’t too hard. The Go system helped me use as […]
NYTimes: The Lawyer Surplus, State by State
RichC | June 27, 2011
Probably don’t want to be mounting up too much law school debt?===The Lawyer Surplus, State by State Researchers seek to quantify how many lawyers are being produced in each state, and how that compares with how many jobs for lawyers are being created. New York has the biggest legal oversupply. http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/the-lawyer-surplus-state-by-state/ Posted via email from […]
Tax “credit” reform might change who pays taxes
RichC | June 27, 2011
Why do only 53% of the citizenry of the United States of America pay federal income taxes? Something’s not quite right when nearly half of the people benefiting from from living in this country are voting for, but not funding, those who are elected to spend others peoples money. This could change if congress eliminates […]
The first day of the rest of your life …
RichC | June 27, 2011
Stressful but exciting is what I remember upon leaving college and beginning to make my way in the world. I’m not sure that I would want to do it again, but it was great to believe that opportunities were there for those who worked hard for them. Now … I’m not as sure about the […]
Internet privacy and security
RichC | June 26, 2011
Although I’ve not been overly concerned with “my personal” Internet browsing and how my habits are being watched, I am conscious that more and more of online habits are being tracked and marketed to interested parties. It does seem a bit intrusive. After reading a few more articles on the subject the use of https […]
Most interesting story of the week: Uncontacted tribes in Brazil
RichC | June 25, 2011
On of the most interesting stories this week had little to do with politics, the economy or the wars and “not” wars involving US troops around the world – instead it has to do with a newly discovered and previously unknown indigenous tribe in the Western Amazon (Brazil). The group believed to be as many […]
Tech Friday: Mozilla rapid fire update to Firefox 5
RichC | June 24, 2011
Firefox 4 has only been around for a few months, but Mozilla’s Firefox 5 is already being push to users (beta out about a month). According to reviews, the version 5 of Firefox has "more than 1,000 improvements," which include the "Do Not Track" privacy feature and support for the CSS Animations standard, among other […]
Netflix quality setting helps users control data use
RichC | June 24, 2011
The online streaming component of Netflix is tweaking their user preferences that should help with both ‘paused’ streaming delays and data caps many users are facing. The Good, Better, Best quality adjustment will be a welcomed addition for heavier bandwidth users and helpful for those struggling with inconsistent provider speeds. One sacrifice to setting quality […]
Helloooooooo … and a little pulled-pork
RichC | June 23, 2011
Subject line stated in a Jerry Seinfeld voice … Helloooo | Seinfeld Yes … I stopped in on my daughter this week while traveling and enjoyed seeing her new apartment a bit more organized that when she moved in. The new “orange” wall was bold for my taste but brightened her living room and […]
Fed Chairman sees ‘slower than expected’ growth in US
RichC | June 22, 2011
It should come as no surprise, but after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered his remarks on Wednesday saying the U.S. economy was recovering more slowly than expected, Wall Street had little interest in continuing to move indices positive. More than likely the fact that the Fed saw no reason to tighten money supply in […]
Suggestion/Advice: Finding time to read
RichC | June 22, 2011
Posting something marked as “advice” is rather egotistical, don’t you think … but then I’m not sure how else to label this? Reading for pleasure (and personal edification) is something many of us do and yet feel guilty when we take the time. It is a private/personal activity that closes one off from family, spouse […]
Obama Health Care Law Glitch Opens Medicaid To Millions
RichC | June 21, 2011
It’s not often the AOL/HuffPo finds fault with Obamacare … but it looks like this costly oversight even has liberal universal healthcare lovers questioning the new law: President Barack Obama’s health care law would let several million middle-class people get nearly free insurance meant for the poor, a twist government number crunchers say they discovered […]
LightSquared – Sprint Agree to 15-Year Network Accord
RichC | June 21, 2011
Looks like a technology change in Sprint’s 4G strategy? The Clearwire 4G / Sprint future is not as ‘clear’ as it once was now that the LTE networks seem to be the path forward. No announcement from Sprint just yet, but Lightsquared seems to be boasting about the billions headed their way from Sprint. Billionaire […]
Current/Olbermann and NPR linked on NPR.org website
RichC | June 21, 2011
It probably doesn’t surprise many conservative readers to see Keith Olbermann’s face on the NPR.org website, but I WAS surprised to see ads for the new Olbermann show. I would have thought that management at NPR was using a bit more discretion, so as not to so blatantly hightlight the left-leaning bias suspected of public […]
Trident Iceni 70 mpg biodiesel supercar
RichC | June 20, 2011
Although I’m a big advocate for diesel power and biodiesel fuel, call me at least a little skeptical regarding the boastful numbers … At the heart of the sleek Iceni is a modified 550 bhp, GM 6.6 liter, twin-turbo diesel V8 running bio-fuel, and according to previously released info, the Iceni will run to 230 […]
Sorry HP, but my enthusiasm is Slip Slidin’ Away
RichC | June 20, 2011
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Ten second sound-bite: KT McFarland
RichC | June 20, 2011
Every once in a while I hear short and succinct statements which makes me wonder why politicians in a “United” States of America complicate issues for our country — is there that much disagreement over everything? Not promoting and maintaining one language … English … as our national language, in the end the lacks commonsense […]
Thoughts on the ‘doing it yourself’ of booking travel
RichC | June 19, 2011
A friend of mine and I discussed buying tickets for a couple of upcoming trips which included flights and rental cars this past week and neither one of us were convinced we picked up the cheapest tickets or were able to find decent rates for renting a car in July. We bounced our shopping sites […]
Catch a wave you’ll be sitting on top of the world
RichC | June 18, 2011
Body and board surfing … who really does it better? (click on images for larger photos) Catch a Wave (mp3) — The Beach Boys Summer of 1963
VW CEO says plug-in hybrids are the future
RichC | June 17, 2011
Volkswagen’s CEO Martin Winterkorn (Germany) is committed to plug in hybrids according to a translation posted: I am firmly convinced that plug-in hybrids are the right solution for the next ten years. You can drive 50 to 60 kilometers all-electric and have the full flexibility of an internal combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid will be […]
Sprint probably not seeing the HP Palm Pre3 anytime soon
RichC | June 17, 2011
Well after hearing the latest rumor news from the Precentral blogs (Pre3 on Verizon and AT&T in July), I’m realizing that my days with a Palm Pre are numbered … maybe a good thing since I’ve enjoyed playing with a couple of the new Android phones in recent weeks. For now I’m not in a […]
Here’s a real estate deal … if you like living with snakes!
RichC | June 17, 2011
An interesting human/reptile interest story from Rexberg Idaho … not too far from Targhee National Forest, Grand Teton National park and Yellowstone National Park. Some houses turn into moneys pits, but for one Idaho couple their dream home was a real s-s-s-snake pit. Ben and Amber Sessions bought the sprawling house for a song in […]
Belated post announcing my friends the Handley’s U.S. return
RichC | June 16, 2011
Many who know me are well aware that I enjoy following sailors who set out on voyages across the oceans of our world. One couple, Mark and Judy Handley, have been exceptional at posting daily updates and making their travels both easy and interesting to follow. I’ve corresponded with them over the years and have […]
RHM Camp Day #2 Wednesday 6-15-11
RichC | June 15, 2011
Adding another update from Chris for my family regarding RHM in Constanta Romania. === Dear all friends and family and supporters, Misu welcomes ALL! Wednesday started with another incredible worship and Jessica and Lucianna song time. Almost all the parents returned and all the kids were back along with helpers, siblings and cousins. We […]
Archive: 10 Biggest Money Wasters (2011 edition)
RichC | June 15, 2011
Saw this and thought it might be good to talk about with my kids … or add to that Life Lessons Learned advice book I’ve always talked about writing. 10 Biggest Money Wasters CNN Money lists the 10 biggest money wasters as follows: ATM fees Lottery tickets Gourmet coffee Cigarettes Infomercial impulse buys Brand-name groceries […]
Audi wins Le Mans with diesel AND shows of their e-TRON
RichC | June 15, 2011
Not a bad week for Audi; they continue to dominate with diesel powered Le Mans racing TDIs and show of the tweaking o their diesel-hybrid technology in the e-Tron Spyder plug-in diesel as well. From my perspective the supercar styling isn’t half bad either. It was a big weekend for Audi, which debuted a new […]
Still pondering the need/want of a tablet or reader
RichC | June 15, 2011
It is hard to believe, but yesterday was the first chance I had to play with an Apple iPad – thanks @jwestwood. I surprised at just how snappy the large touchscreen was on her second generation tablet as compared to my aging Palm Pre. I especially liked the optional Logitech Bluetooth cover/keyboard … although the […]
2011 Camp – Day #1: RHM
RichC | June 14, 2011
Reposting the Romanian Handicapped Ministry information for a few in our family … Day #1 of camp was fabulous as usual with lots of excitement, flowers, and gifts for us, kisses, and lots of hugs! Anna was so excited for ‘camp’ to start that she woke up @ 6 am and would not leave her […]
Couldn’t be happening to a nicer guy (sarcasm)
RichC | June 14, 2011
A story that might make more than a couple people I know smile when they go to bed tonight. (I’m thinking of my hard working brother-in-law). The hearing to determine if Cincinnati attorney Stan Chesley will be able to keep his law license to practice in Kentucky and possibly in Ohio ended in Lexington Tuesday […]
2011 Camp in Constanta :Romanian Handicapped Ministry
RichC | June 14, 2011
Reposting for family following the RHM trip to Constanta, Romania. 2011 Camp in Constanta Monday June 13th-Set Up Day Arrived safe and sound! We slept in a bit today and began set up at camp about 11 AM. We have an amazing camp room this year! It’s more like a huge BALL Room with 2-story […]
Would you buy a VW 1.9 TDI diesel on a Caddy platform?
RichC | June 14, 2011
Although this Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L TDI isn’t available in the U.S. (yet), I know many diesel TDI enthusiast who could comfortably live with this ugly duckling when it comes to styling. The small van like cargo-carrying diesel mini-van with a 5-speed manual would be considerably more efficient than what North America offers today — and […]
Let it be known that registration is open for the 2011 TDIFest
RichC | June 13, 2011
The invitation to the annual TDIFest may not be the biggest and best car show in the nation, but for a group of loyal Volkswagen (and Audi) TDIClub members, it is the big bash of the year – and not to be missed. Previous “fests” have been hosted by local dedicated members of the TDIClub forum […]
Vintage flying WWII B-17 goes down in northern Illinois
RichC | June 13, 2011
It was a good day for pilot and passengers aboard the flying historic WWII bomber Liberty Belle (LibertyBelleFoundation.org), but not so good for those who have devoted their lives to the restoration and preservation of flying history. From the crash video above, all were lucky to be out with their lives, but the damage to […]
Who doesn’t PLANK while reading the morning paper?
RichC | June 13, 2011
I’m just keeping my kids on their toes … and trying to stay one step ahead of their assumption that I’m just an old 52 year old fuddy duddy dad. Hey, I may not be doing all that much more cliff diving, but am probably in the top ten percent of 50+ year old “plankers!” […]
Book: We Were Pirates by Robert Schultz and James Shell
RichC | June 12, 2011
Enjoying a World War II audio narrative and reading about the book We Were Pirates. It is a book that help us understand the life of WWII American submariners, particularly Torpedoman Robert Hunt and his point of view. He shared his memories and his collection of photos and documents from his service aboard the USS […]
Belated Tech Friday Google account and Gmail security advice
RichC | June 11, 2011
Planned on making this a Tech Friday post, but Saturday will have to do. I’ve been talking with a few people who have adopted Gmail as their primary email and semi-forget about security issues. It is increasingly a problem as evident by the concern over government officials email accounts possibly being accessed. Although most of […]
Road testing the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI
RichC | June 10, 2011
Here’s a write-up by Jonathan Spira for Diesel Driver that highlights the new American built mid-size TDI sedan coming from Volkswagen … The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI will be arriving at VW dealerships soon and we had an opportunity to pick up the car at the factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and drive it to Nashville. […]
Mulling my options when it comes to replacing my cellphone
RichC | June 10, 2011
I’ve been keeping my eye on the new Sprint “Android” offerings since both Sprint and HP Palm have been a bit quiet on the slow motion release of the HP Palm Pre 3. The recent news from Sprint is that it will have the Motorola Photon 4G running Gingerbread 2.3 – the latest Android release. […]
Down for the sixth week – Dow Industrial Average heads south
RichC | June 10, 2011
I wish I would have been a better listener to the old adage: “Sell in May and go away and play.” (INDU heads below 12000 Friday morning) It looks as if we’re in for a 6th week of down markets; a tough summer for those Americans hoping President Obama’s “bump in the road” comment was […]
Volkswagen Passats rolling off the line and being test driven
RichC | June 9, 2011
I enjoyed exchanging emails and text messages (and tweets below) with a couple automotive writers touring the newly opened Volkswagen facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee the other day. The photos were great to see (above from Kiplinger’s Jessica Anderson) and the initial opinion regarding the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI exciting to hear as well (below from […]
World Oceans Day may not be your highest priority …
RichC | June 8, 2011
… but we should at least think about how we care (or poorly care) for this resource. Today (June 8th) is World Oceans Day … and not many of us even know it. I felt including a graphic below which illustrates just one aspect of our oceans – the need to pay closer attention and […]
Protected: Someone I know will enjoy this stream of photos
RichC | June 8, 2011
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Just another reason to switch to Android
RichC | June 7, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FoIA1boSFc As someone who enjoys the latest technology and appreciates ways to simplify tracking my business expenses, the new “Jot” app for the Chase Ink card makes sense. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MTZuYxz-1Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y224SnLTKrM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aCoXn184_k Posted via email from RichC’s posterous
Obituary: John M. Goloback (1924 – 2011)
RichC | June 7, 2011
I debate including obituaries of people I know, but after remembering the 67th anniversary of D-Day yesterday, it seems appropriate to recognize the life of John M. Goloback. Brenda and I want to offer our condolences to Mark and his family on the passing of their father … and I wanted to share the life […]
VW Cabriolet looks nice from the front, but …
RichC | June 7, 2011
Probably only my biased opinion, but I found the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept attractive only from the front? Perhaps we’ll see this aggressive grill in the VW EOS with a few optional powerplants (hint, TDI?) … now that would be nice.
HP Palm Touchpad at Cannes 2011
RichC | June 6, 2011
Posted via email from RichC’s posterous
The truth emerges regarding Rep Weiner’s tweeted photos
RichC | June 6, 2011
Over and over again, “men” in powerful positions repeatedly show little self-control or respect for their elected positions (or their families) while serving in congress … or governorships or even as President. Today, the week long scandal involving Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and his Twitter account and the tweeting of images of himself to a […]
Linda A Sandbo and her beautiful seaside photography
RichC | June 6, 2011
In a conversation with a sailing friend last week, I happened to correspond by email with an acquaintance — talented photographer and liveaboard sailor, Linda Sandbo. I wanted to highlight a link to her work on my blog … and with permission she sent me a most appreciated photograph. I wish I had half the […]
High Res photo gallery for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
RichC | June 5, 2011
If you like the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, check out the high resolution photo gallery at gorideit.com.
New drugs improve skin cancer survival
RichC | June 5, 2011
Postive advancements for those of us baby-boomers who may spend too much time in the sun. For patients with advanced melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, a vaccine combined with an immune-boosting drug is showing promise in a large clinical trial. Therapeutic cancer vaccines, unlike typical vaccines that prevent infections, are meant to […]
Music Monday: Escapism – I think we all need it some days
RichC | June 4, 2011
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Dow Jones Industrial lower for 5th straight week
RichC | June 3, 2011
The Dow Jones Industrial average continued its slide back towards 12,000 and most other indices followed suit. Unfortunately the stream of negative news relating to the economy has been pressuring buyers to either remain on the sidelines or sell shares in all but a few hot IPO offerings. From companies slow to hire new workers, […]
Alan Greenspan talks debt ceiling and concern over deficits
RichC | June 3, 2011
At age 85, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan talked candidly with the CNBC hosts this morning about the looming “debt ceiling” debate and more importantly our country’s lack of unity in addressing our deficit spending. Interestingly he is currently supporting some increases in taxes as a compromise realizing that in a divided government one […]
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.