RichC | October 12, 2010
The 33 miners trapped in the San Jose mine in Copiapo, Chile are expected to be pulled the 2000+ feet to the surface tonight. The rescue attempt uses a ‘capsule’ lower through a 24 inch pipe & shaft recently bored into the mine. This amazing story of human ingenuity and spirit reminds me of Apollo […]
RichC | October 5, 2010
I’m generally not surprised how casual some people are when it comes to abortion (some even late term abortion)… but I was shocked to hear British television pundit Virginia Ironside on a BBC Sunday talk program saying she would suffocate a child with a pillow to end its suffering. Ms. Ironside was equally as “loving” […]
RichC | September 14, 2010
Why don’t politicians understand that uncertainty is a primary deterrent to planning for the future, for an individual or a business … but especially for businesses. In order for small business owners and managers to reinvest and expand … and hire new employees … the political environment needs to be one where the prospect for […]
RichC | September 7, 2010
When I heard about a radical church protesting at US soldiers funerals 4 or 5 years ago (Westboro Baptist Church), it pained me having to think about families having to endure such cruelty. I wondered, “just what they were hoping to accomplish by this action?” Now, another radical church called Dove World Outreach Center in […]
RichC | September 6, 2010
A blogging friend from New Zealand shared a photo that helped me visualize what impact of Saturday’s earthquake had on the island country. He mentioned that some of his neighbors had the walls of their ‘newly constructed’ cement slab homes crumble and that another has “a pool of water 6 inches deep around their house […]
RichC | July 30, 2010
There is a part of me feeling sorry for this driver and for her regard for safety in stopping at lights, but since we once had our car hit by an uninsured driver with a suspended license and had to pay 100% of the repairs, I don’t want them getting off easy either; the judge […]
RichC | July 28, 2010
Safety is always of concern for organizers of airshows, especially ones that attract 1000s of pilots, aviation enthusiasts and airplanes. The week long EAA airshow and fly-in at Oshkosh Wisconsin called Airventure is no exception — accidents can and do sometimes (rarely) happen. The routine at Airventure is for Wittman Regional Airport to open runways […]
RichC | July 23, 2010
Nice to know the area we live in is recognized nationally in the “Best Places to Live” section of Money Magazine. Top 100 rank: 32 Population: 60,000 Compare West Chester to Top 10 Best Places What do dogs, kites, and beer have in common? West Chester holds festivals celebrating all three. It has an active […]
RichC | July 22, 2010
This should be a bigger story (editting with Poster for WordPress on the Palm Pre) … “The Ohio EPA said Thursday, July 22, that the latest lab tests for toxins produced by the cyanobacteria at Grand Lake St. Marys show readings still too high to recommend resuming contact with the water.” “The latest microcycstin levels are […]
RichC | July 22, 2010
Who doesn’t appreciated the magnificent and mostly gentle giants of the oceans we think of as whales. The appreciation has created an entire industry around whale watching and has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands around the world. One such “watcher” relayed their story from South Africa after a close call capture in photos … […]
RichC | July 2, 2010
Let’s not forget those who continue to serve in Afghanistan … be they our troops or those from coalition countries. As I watched this video posted in , it is a reminder just how dangerous a job they do for us. Thank you. A BRITISH soldier sprawls in the dust with his face bloodied after […]
RichC | 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, […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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.
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | 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
RichC | May 31, 2010
Just returning from a trip to Washington DC with Veterans and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, remembering those who have died in service to our nation is fresh on my mind this Memorial Day. The visit was not only moving because of the hallowed grounds, but because I was privileged to be there with […]
RichC | May 12, 2010
Gold, the investment that rises when risk becomes too great has reached its highest level trading up on Tuesday and continuing to push record areas on Wednesday morning. The $1240 per ounce price has investor’s worried about markets and inflationary pressures. The stock market is opening higher today renewing a bit more confidence that the […]
RichC | May 7, 2010
If the whipsaw moves in the stock market didn’t make you sick to your stomach today, then you’d make a great bluewater sailor. I’ve followed the market as an investor and occasional daytrader since the crash of 1987 and I don’t ever recall as rapid a selloff as we saw Thursday afternoon. As I was […]
RichC | May 6, 2010
Here’s Newt Gingrich in a one minute MP3 sound-bite offering clear, concise and commonsense solution for our SW border problem. His short talking points would make a great template for those in Washington DC who are suppose to be securing the borders, addressing illegal immigration and protecting the citizens of this country. The short audio […]
RichC | May 4, 2010
According to an Associated Press report, the casualties are starting to show up on the Gulf of Mexico. Experts are hesitate to point to the oil spill as the cause of death for every specie, but it is easy to speculate that oil is a contributing factor for many of the fish and birds. Sea […]
RichC | May 2, 2010
Since I follow, and have posted, the rowing and progress of Roz Savage, I thought I would post her recent Tedprize MissionBlue TED Talk (Wikipedia info). Although I don’t see eye to eye with her robust embrace of the‘green political’ bureaucracy, I do recognize the impact we humans have on oceans and the marine environment. […]
RichC | April 29, 2010
It has become challenging to fly commercial airlines in recent year, especially since 9/11. Not only has the process of going through most airports become time consuming with all the additional security precautions, but the airlines themselves have made changes which most agree have become irritating to down right miserable for passengers, I’m thinking about […]
RichC | April 28, 2010
In sticking with the sailing theme, the youngest non-stop solo circumnavigating sailor is nearing her starting point of Sydney, Australia. Jessica Watson, age sixteen (17 on May 18th), is in her country’s home waters and nearing Tasmania, but is experiencing rough conditions and large seas. Her spirits are good as seen on a Skype call […]
RichC | April 28, 2010
Good news for Palm … I think? Hopefully HP shareholders feel the same way. Hewlett-Packard Inc. agreed to acquire Palm Inc. for nearly $1 billion in cash, ending months of speculation about the fate of the troubled wireless handset maker. H-P said it will pay $5.70 per share in cash for Palm, representing a premium […]
RichC | April 28, 2010
Glad to know we haven’t come to this in the U.S. — yet. A few harsh words … maybe … but at least our national politics are still relatively civil. Video is no longer available, but you can still view on WSJ In a raucous session marked by fist fights, smoke bombs and a volley […]
RichC | April 23, 2010
An ongoing poll at the WSJ had some surprising early results in regard to illegal immigration, at least to me. I expected more concern for privacy and profiling, yet most respondents are more concerned over illegals crossing our southern border with costs taxpayers higher social service taxes and bringing associated drug crime. (testing posting an […]
RichC | April 23, 2010
Few of us remembering the first Earth Day back in 1970 will argue that mankind was not damaging the environment or that seeking to pollute less wasn’t worthwhile goal. Now looking back 40 years, we can’t deny the significant improvements in both personal and industrial practices — at least in the United States. Still, there […]
RichC | April 19, 2010
Letter from Mike Tobin: “… this trip is the one that ends more than half a decade of living in Jerusalem and moves me back to the US. It is with no small amount of doubt that I packed my bags and left the Middle East. The threat of a conflict with Iran is still out […]
RichC | April 19, 2010
Although I’d like to see new jobs in our country, it sure would be nice if they were not on the backs of taxpayers. In a WSJ article this morning, cities looking to transform themselves into ‘green central’ are finding out that it isn’t easy and that they are pinning success on incentives from government. […]
RichC | April 10, 2010
Wikileaks.org, a news-ish organization organization that publishes anonymous submissions and leaks of sensitive documents operating under the moniker of the “Sunshine Press",” is in the hot seat again with recent Internet based journalism (info from Wikipedia). Their story selection or submission (depending on point of view) shows little attention toward responsible journalism or concern as […]
RichC | March 30, 2010
Following their 2005 DARPA research, Stanford University has continued to work with Volkswagen in pushing the envelope wish computer controlled automobiles (previous post). In a FoxNews story on computer controlled racing cars and Pike’s Peak, I recalled the success VWs have had on this mountain climb in the past (Touareg TDIs and RallyTDI).
RichC | March 28, 2010
We’ve been thinking about replacing our humble (less than functional) dishwasher for a couple years now and the latest government giveaway stimulus program is just the push we needed. There is a small window of opportunity and a limited number of dollars available for each state to stimulate consumers to upgrade their existing appliances with […]
RichC | March 25, 2010
I’ve been spending a bit of time on the road this week (who parks like this? – image right) which finds me listening to the non-stop news and talk radio programs discussing health care reform; the Senate bill was passed by the House and signed by President Obama earlier this week. Even after a year […]
RichC | March 22, 2010
As the the Democrat’s health care bill passes under less than optimum circumstances, tempers and emotions flare in both congress and between citizens of our nation. My representative, the Honorable John Boehner, lead the Republican minority in a valiant fight, in this case speaking for the majority of people across our nation (video below). Unfortunately […]
RichC | March 18, 2010
Check out the great photo of a Russian space craft returning to earth this morning (click for larger). The two returning, one American and one Russian, have spent 5 months at the International space station and used the Soyuz TMA-16 capsule for their return ride; they landed in Kazakhstan as planned and coordinated by Russian […]
RichC | March 17, 2010
Enjoyed a TWiT broadcast by streaming Security Now over a late lunch while catching up on my email today. The weather is starting to feel like we are turning the corner and closing in on spring; sunny and near 60 degrees today. The news of the day seems to be focused on the house Democratic […]
RichC | March 3, 2010
A large rogue wave, actually three “abnormal” waves, hit a Greek cruise ship with 1350 passengers and 580 crew in the Mediterranean north of Barcelona, Spain killing two passengers and injuring fourteen. The Louis Cruise Line ship, Louis Majesty, has 14 decks and is over two football fields long. It hit the three 26 foot […]
RichC | February 27, 2010
After tuning into the news early on Saturday following the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake which struck the coast of Chile, I checked back in this afternoon after 4PM as Hawaii waited to feel the effects from the earthquake after a tsunami warning. The large earthquake has taken the lives of over 800 people (edit: 3/4) and […]
RichC | February 26, 2010
I tuned the XMRadio into bits and pieces of President Obama’s 7 hour Health Care Summit with congressional leaders at the Blair House yesterday and came away tired of hearing the same thing I’ve heard all year. It was carried live on CSPAN and picked up in whole or part by many of the cable […]
RichC | February 23, 2010
After American citizens were heard ‘loud and clear’ during the Obama administration’s attempt last year to ram though health care reform, the President and a ‘agenda-driven’ liberal congress are planning to give it another go. In a feeble attempt to cloak the “retooled $950 billion health care plan” and continual expansion of government as “bi-partisan,” […]
RichC | February 23, 2010
I don’t pretend to understand how a man concludes that crashing an airplane into an IRS building is justified, but I know that stress can push reasonably sane people into saying and doing some pretty radical things. I get pretty worked up over government waste and irresponsible spending, but can’t imagine striking back at innocent […]
RichC | February 22, 2010
If you are like me, you like having a regular routine to start the day; for me it’s the newspaper, the Gordon Deal podcast, a large cup of coffee and review of my email inbox, although I won’t encourage the large cup of coffee. Today, one of the lead stories in the news pertains to […]
RichC | February 18, 2010
It looks like the Lakota Board of Education has decided to place a new levy on May 4th’s primary ballot in our area – LINK – not a well timed request, in my opinion. I’ve been mostly supportive and relatively pleased with the education my kids have received in our local public schools, but from […]
RichC | February 15, 2010
The El Niño as certainly brought it share of precipitation this year, although I’m not sure where the warmer weather is? Here in Cincinnati we’re surpassing our February snowfall averages and nearing records, so I have been hearing – WCPOWeather Tweet. We’ve already past last year for snow for this time of year (21.5”) by […]
RichC | February 4, 2010
The Dow Jones Industrials moved down over 270 points on Thursday as the economy stumbles yet again despite the promises of recovery from those spending taxpayer dollars in Washington. The move from equities by investors and traders is likely due to a rise in U.S. unemployment claims (up 8000 last week or 480,000 new claims) […]
RichC | January 28, 2010
Hmm … I don’t want to be negative just because I dislike big government and excessive borrowing … but will a high speed rail service really be the best investment for our state? I drive from Cincinnati to NE Ohio every week, but unless I could park safely and cheaply on this end and rent […]
RichC | January 22, 2010
After President Obama, and most of the U.S. Congress (the Democrats), wasted a year on massive health care legislation, many are suggesting our nations’ leaders may finally be getting the message: Focus on jobs and the economy before spending money we don’t have on taking over health care. The current bills, according to some, will […]
RichC | January 16, 2010
I’ve been debating on how to archive the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti since there isn’t one article or report that has summarized the disaster appropriately. After 96 hours, one thing that is significantly clear is that the loss of life in this poor country is tremendous — estimates of the number of dead range from […]
RichC | January 5, 2010
While I enjoyed reading on my daughter’s new “Nook” last week, it still leaves much to be desired. A well designed “tablet” might eventually be the best option. It will be interesting to see how Apple sees there up and coming device fitting in to the niche. By Geoffrey A. Fowler With Apple’s much-hyped tablet […]
RichC | January 4, 2010
News for tomorrow’s WSJ: Apple to Ship Tablet Device in March — Sent from my Palm Pre Posted via email from richc’s posterous EDIT:
RichC | December 31, 2009
A strange GPS story and follow-up courteous of the Air Forces Space Command Twitter account to usher out 2009 and welcome 2010 … Happy New Year, by the way. GPS strands couple in snow for 3 days GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A Nevada couple letting their SUV’s navigation system guide them through the high desert […]
RichC | December 24, 2009
The year 2009 is closing with our federal government’s Christmas present making big changes in America’s healthcare system. Today, the senate passed legislation moving a massive 2000+ page healthcare bill one step closer to law and will in essence give significant control of over one-sixth of our nation’s economy to bureaucrats. Although supposedly promising needed […]