RichC | November 30, 2012
Playing the tax game as a big business or 1%-er investor must be a challenging problem to have? [sarcasm] Here’s a Wall Street Journal op-ed commenting on Costco’s recent “early” dividend announcement. Uncertainly in the tax code, along with the credits, deductions and complexity, slows economic growth, deters job creation and demonstrates that the more […]
RichC | November 30, 2012
I started a post earlier in the week with the intent to demonstrate my ability to “Rise Above” and to recommend a compromise solution that would address the fiscal cliff, but I realized that I was banging my head against a wall even when dealing with people I get along with. I can’t imagine reaching […]
RichC | November 29, 2012
So much for the model robot boat “Snoopy Sloop” and the planned unmanned crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Whoops! The technology packed and lake tested 4 foot sailboat set sail from England on November 27th and intended a six month voyage to the Bahamas, but unfortunately the little boat encountered “strong tides” … something neither […]
RichC | November 28, 2012
I’m doinh little minor WordPress blog housekeeping by “deactivating” the Shareaholic plug-in due to what I’ve perceived as an overall site slowdown … for very little gain. Most reposts and forwards are done the old fashion way (copy and paste) and besides the few reads of older links, I’m not sure using it has generated […]
RichC | November 27, 2012
Be careful when selling (missing dividend) or holding stocks (fiscal cliff) — they could potentially payout a one-time dividend in 2012 before the expected tax changes in 2013 or they could suffer share price losses if congress and President Obama fail to come together. Fearing a tripling of dividend tax rates next year, some companies […]
RichC | November 27, 2012
The topic of computer and Internet security came up this past holiday weekend as several family members wanted access to our home Wi-Fi. My son, having an “open attitude” when in rental houses on his college campus, complained about my “passphrase” security method when trying to help each of his cousins connect their computers and […]
RichC | November 26, 2012
Mobile smartphone and tablet devices are closing in on replacing at least our portable notebook and laptop computers (story link), but according to early “Cyber Monday” sales numbers, laptop/notebook computers are the number one sellers. I’m personally not ready to eliminate the notebook or desktop computer, but mobile OS devices have improved dramatically and I […]
RichC | November 24, 2012
I’ve enjoyed beachcombing and ocean exploring all my life, but I never realized just how important the prehistoric looking horseshoe crab is to biomedical science and pharmaceutical research. For 30 years I’ve had shells, sand terrariums and even a horseshoe crab shell hanging in my office but never knew all that much about them … […]
RichC | November 22, 2012
We’ve survived another bitter election and our country remains strong. Americans, and those who reside within our borders, are fortunate to live in the freest and most prosperous nation in the world. There isn’t another country which attracts immigrates the way the United States of America does (and will continue to do) and many of […]
RichC | November 21, 2012
While surfing for family news and goings-on for Thanksgiving, I saw a photo on my son’s Facebook page with a couple of his high school friends. I recall that they recently visited with him at Miami University and remembered Taylor told me that they were still pursuing their music dream. Of course after seeing […]
RichC | November 21, 2012
There was a large truck and trailer sitting in front of our house at the crack of dawn this morning and curiosity got the best of me so I went outside to investigate. Brenda mentioned that I might want to get the license plate number considering this is the Thanksgiving holiday week and neighbors might […]
RichC | November 20, 2012
My Ram Mount iPad car mount has a weak point and I am wondering if I’m alone or if this is a design problem? From what I can tell, the weak point is where the latch makes a 90-degree turn (see photo). Initially it was very tight to snap the roller-latch mechanism to hold the […]
RichC | November 20, 2012
Although Honda Civic diesel I commented on will probably remain overseas for the next few years, Audi confirmed that additional diesel models will be added to their U.S. line-up next year (press announcement). 2014 Model Availability A8 TDI Spring 2013 A7 TDI Fall 2013 A6 TDI Fall 2013 Q5 TDI Fall 2013 These new models, […]
RichC | November 19, 2012
Upgrades, discounts, sales, coupons … way too much temptation. There is yet another reason to ignore email advertising or online marketing. Unfortunately I’m not taking my own advice and caved in to SlingMedia’s offer of a discount to upgrade my device either of their newer Slingboxes – 350 or “melted and warped” 500. I’ve opted […]
RichC | November 19, 2012
After 40 years at the helm of Intel ($INTC), CEO Paul Otellini intends to retire in May of 2012. The announcement has delayed the opening of Intel’s stock today and after a significant downturn in stock price will be another concern for investors. Intel Corp. (INTC) President and Chief Executive Paul Otellini intends to retire […]
RichC | November 18, 2012
My wife is a dolphin lover … NOT the Mahi-mahi fish type, but the intelligent and always smiling marine mammals. Me on the other hand, I like both … and enjoy blackened or grilled Mahi-mahi almost as much as “viewing” a pod of dolphins swimming along side a wind-driven sailboat. Nevertheless, I knew Brenda would […]
RichC | November 17, 2012
"Mix bulk creamer and your preferred sweetener in a bowl and then freeze as ice cubes." If you take creamer and like your coffee to be warm and not boiling-magma-hot you should consider freezing non-dairy creamer—you'll cool down your coffee while adding your preferred amount of creamer. Reddit user wadel posted this tip. Most readers […]
RichC | November 17, 2012
There is a Rise Above movement afoot and it is being promoted by business news network CNBC. Supporters and business leaders from both political parties agree that politicians must work together to focus on the financial health of our country and rise above partisan politics. We have yet to see progress and the stock market […]
RichC | November 16, 2012
Hostess Brands Inc., an 82-year old business with household brands such as Twinkie, Ho-Hos, Ding-Dongs and Wonder Bread will close its doors and liquidate assets after a bitter battle with unions and millions of dollars from venture capital in hopes to save the company. This morning CEO Greg Rayburn talked for 10 minutes with […]
RichC | November 16, 2012
I have purposely not entered an “excuses” comment or worse since everyone in the conservative political realm has an opinion and I’m tired of hearing the internal bickering. I personally prefer the conclusion that neither party had a decisive mandate – the country is indeed split – but know that the Republicans will have to […]
RichC | November 15, 2012
In keeping with the last couple days of family and personal posts, my daughter and future son-in-law shared their engagement photo proof pages (slide show) from their recent photo session with Shuey Mill Photography. The weather on Sunday afternoon was perfect for the shoot and it helps that the two of them are photogenic. Katelyn […]
RichC | November 14, 2012
I tuned out for a couple days since wifi is scarce at my in-laws farmhouse in western New York. Brenda and I made our annual pilgrimage to pack up her mom and dad and are bringing them to Cincinnati for Thanksgiving and then on their way to Florida for winter. They take the a slow […]
RichC | November 13, 2012
Adding at least one day worth of make-up postings with this past weekend photo of Taylor as we visited with his Grandma … very possible it could be his last? That said, my mom is handling the heavy antibiotics for her pneumonia pretty well and is much more comfortable than earlier in the week. She […]
RichC | November 12, 2012
It would be nice to be off today, but I will be spending most of the day driving in the rain. Minus that, I should be enjoying dinner tonight with a WWII vet (my father-in-law) so that will be respecting at least the Federal holiday, Monday following Veterans Day. "To us in America, the reflections […]
RichC | November 11, 2012
Maybe I shouldn’t have purchased six 50 star flags IF we’re going to be adding Puerto Rico as our 51st state? (still a little work to do in Washington DC though) A referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico was held in Puerto Rico on November 6, 2012. Puerto Rico has been an unincorporated territory of the United States since the Spanish-American War in […]
RichC | November 10, 2012
I had an eye appointment this week and decided to mention that reading, particularly in the evening, was becoming more of a challenge. I’ve been trying to fool myself into thinking that it was the lousy CFLs next to my chair or the added eyestrain of using computers, tablets and cellphones during the day, but […]
RichC | November 9, 2012
The AP/Wall Street Journal published a color coded county map which does a pretty good job displaying the voting split in our country this past Tuesday. We are a divided country when it comes to political philosophy — I just hope we can survive another 4 years and stay the “United” States. Posted via email […]
RichC | November 8, 2012
If you’re thinking about a new midsize 4 door car … be sure to test drive the new Volkswagen Passat TDI. Our mileage has been pretty remarkable — so far we’re averaging just shy of 46 MPG, with a one-day high of 50.2 MPG (moderate speeds and only a few steep hills to climb) and […]
RichC | November 7, 2012
I’ve unfortunately been watching the financial markets react negatively to the re-election of “less than business friendly” President Obama this morning and I am struggling to decipher what the future holds for investors and those saving for college or retirement. In the middle of a 300+point DOW drop is probably not the time to form […]
RichC | November 7, 2012
The 2012 presidential election is over and I am reminded of my subject line four years ago … “life goes on.” Of course at that time my conclusion was that the nation was tired of the excessive deficit spending, a slow economy, the housing and banking woes, job losses and continuing unrest overseas under a […]
RichC | November 7, 2012
We’re talking rumors here, but it did come from a slide at a source attending a BMW North America meeting. If you want to see those performance oriented and highly efficient diesel coming to North America, this is good news. 3 Series sedan diesel – first half 2013 3 Series Sport Wagon – second half […]
RichC | November 6, 2012
Our resident Great Blue Heron has decided to take up a new perch which irritates our dog Tootsie to no end. I’m not particularly happy with the dropping on the roof either, but having a large bird like this sitting on one’s roof does make for an impressive sight when driving up the driveway (unlike […]
RichC | November 5, 2012
One more post before election day as we’re finally on the home stretch to 11/6/2012. Thankfully a presidential election, and the ridiculous amount of money being spent, takes place only once every 4 years. Let’s hope we can shift this same kind of energy to governing our country and dealing with the enormous fiscal problems. […]
RichC | November 5, 2012
Politics and the recovery from Superstorm Sandy in the northeast have moved down a notch on my radar this past weekend as my mom is having difficulty breathing (let alone eating or drinking). She is struggling to overcome heavy congestion and fluids which are building up in her lungs. Yes, the fear of pneumonia is […]
RichC | November 4, 2012
Discussing politics can get a person in hot water with friends and family (thankfully in my case it is not with family). Unfortunately after I posted my blog commentary on Saturday regarding a local GOP rally held in our town Friday night, I obviously ruffled the feathers of a friend who has views that differ […]
RichC | November 3, 2012
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and supporters gathered in West Chester, Ohio last night (my home town) and warmed the large crowd of 30,000 on a cold night north of Cincinnati. He gave a critique of President Obama for the lack of leadership over the past 4 years, as well as for running a campaign that […]
RichC | November 2, 2012
I found an excuse to use the Apple iOS Passbook app on the iPhone 5 yesterday while adding tickets to a Romney Ryan Real Recovery Road Rally being held tonight just north of Cincinnati in my hometown of West Chester Ohio. The ticket distribution site EventBrite makes easy checkout and automatically adds the QR coded […]
RichC | November 2, 2012
Oh my … one would think there were limits to just how low someone would go to embarrass both diesel and Corvette lovers with one modified vehicle. Obviously not as they created the CorVegge. The builder converted one of the finest of diesel engines – cough, cough — the Oldsmobile 350 longblock to run on […]
RichC | November 1, 2012
I’ve been seeing one of the more powerful political ads appear regularly as the election inches closer and it may be the only one that grabs my attention (posted a few days ago). Below are a couple more points that were recently shared with me by email. This first one was from Bret Baier who […]