RichC | January 9, 2012
A couple of“rat” stories (and a photo above) caught my attention today — and I thought all the “rats” in Washington DC were on vacation? City: Rat population has ‘exploded’ around Occupy D.C. camps By Annie Gowen The rat population around the two Occupy D.C. camps at McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza has “exploded”since protesters […]
RichC | January 4, 2012
Not that it matters much, but Gov Mitt Romney and Rep Rick Santorum were the two top vote getters in Iowa on Tuesday night as it took until the wee hours of the morning before a winner could be declared – Romney by 8 votes. The 24.55% vs 24.54% split barely made up the majority […]
RichC | January 1, 2012
Hmm … not that I have any of these, but it was interesting to know just what the largest currency denomination was … $100,000, but it was retired as well as other bills over $100. Seeing that our nation’s debt limit will soon rise yet again, maybe we need to bring back bigger currency denominations? […]
RichC | December 29, 2011
I’ve lost my share of days by spinning my wheels or tucked under the covers while sick in bed, but I’ve never heard of literally losing an entire day; that’s what is going to happen this week in Samoa. Samoa is at the tail end of the International Date Line and they have found it […]
RichC | December 16, 2011
I never realized just how restrictive New York firearm laws were until reading this story. It never occurred to me that transporting a pistol in a locked case could be a class C felony, even in a liberal state like New York? I suppose if someone spends their life living under NY restrictions … as […]
RichC | December 3, 2011
China can’t sit back comfortably while watching the U.S. and Europe struggle to regain footing, as their economic struggle is showing vacant streets and stopped housing projects (click photo above for Reuters slideshow). China could be the third economic domino as the slowdown rolls west to east around the globe. Here in the U.S. we […]
RichC | November 15, 2011
The news from Europe and lackluster leadership in Washington DC continued to dampen investors hopes that we might see a rebound in both jobs and economy, but for today the markets closed up after an early down move today. The Dow was up 17 points, S&P 500 about 6 and the Nasdaq an impressive 29 […]
RichC | October 20, 2011
After 42 years of dictatorial power, the Libyan people look to be finally free from they dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Claims, photos and shaky video on Thursday show a dead Gadhafi as he an his fighters made a final hometown stand according to rebel leaders in the battle weary north African country. Although the end was […]
RichC | October 19, 2011
Never a dull moment in my Ohio travels as today I’m on the lookout for wild “exotic” animals. Well, probably not where I’m driving at the moment, but it is an interesting national story just the same. Police hunting escaped exotic animals in Ohio ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The owner of a wild animal preserve released […]
RichC | October 12, 2011
Love it or hate it, this week marks Fox News 15th year of growing into the “most trusted name in news” or at least the most popular name in cable news. They began competing where news was for the most part controlled by left leaning news organizations (and news anchors) and shook things up […]
RichC | September 30, 2011
As someone who has never been comfortable with President Obama’s policies or what he says publicly (particularly his “apologies for America” overseas) or in regards to terrorism (does the Obama administration even use that word?) — I will acknowledge that there has been continued aggressive actions to the exterminate top Al-Qaeda leaders (and pretty successful […]
RichC | September 26, 2011
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gave the kingdom’s women the right to participate in local elections and to become members of the country’s top advisory body, a sign that the elderly monarch hasn’t abandoned his program of cautious social reform despite political upheavals elsewhere in the Middle East. via Saudi Women Win […]
RichC | September 24, 2011
Although my question wasn’t answered as to how many are due to plummet to earth in the next few years, it is good to know that “more recent satellites are designed so that operators can bring them out of orbit and control their trajectory as they take the final plunge through the atmosphere.” With an […]
RichC | August 29, 2011
Late August here in SW Ohio feels more like an autumn evening; the air has cooled and the late day sunset very still. I do like this time of year and am trying to enjoy the moment (photo over the house on Monday evening). Also I realize how fortunate we are not to have been […]
RichC | August 25, 2011
"I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it, and I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.” — Steve Jobs (56), resigning CEO continuing Chairman of the Board Although for the most part, my Apple loving days are probably in the past, I’m saddened to […]
RichC | August 16, 2011
While listening for updates from the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris today, a CNBC guest analyst made the observation that “If all countries were like Germany, Germany would not survive. Germany needs the weaker European countries to export to in order to prosper.” (paraphrased) BTW, no news from the […]
RichC | August 10, 2011
Perhaps China adding their first aircraft carrier is just a sign of the times, but I see the modernization of China’s military as an unsettling long term move; call me distrustful considering their original statements and China’s questionable authoritarian government’s history. A Chinese company purchased the empty hull of a carrier called the Varyag from […]
RichC | August 8, 2011
Double dip or not? That is the question investors are facing, especially if they are holding stocks and bonds. After lunch today the markets are still seeing heavy selling … panic selling perhaps … after the S&P downgrade this weekend. Realistically though, companies and even banks are much stronger than they were back in 2008 […]
RichC | August 5, 2011
While checking the stock market over lunch, it was again another depressing day. The Dow continues to march down as does the Nasdaq even on relatively positive news that we did have some private sector job grow and a slightly backed off unemployment claims rate of one tenth. It now stands at a high national […]
RichC | August 1, 2011
As I watch the talking heads on CNBC blabber back and forth, their premarket guest politicians covered their bases for the “lite” deal which in reality kicks the can down the road. It is expected that there will be enough votes to pass the small bill … enough to keep the government functioning and bills […]
RichC | July 21, 2011
While Americans wait and watch politicians haggling in Washington DC, the stock markets seems to be banking on a deal. Mid day on Thursday, the NYTimes mid-day reported that President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner were close to a deal … only to have Whitehouse spokesman Jay Carney quickly say that there […]
RichC | July 21, 2011
“Mission complete, Houston. After serving the world for over 30 years, the space shuttle has earned its place in history. Atlantis has come to a final stop.” — Shuttle Atlantis Pilot Doug Hurley With its recognized dual sonic booms, Space Shuttle Atlantis touched down this morning at the Kennedy Space Center completing the final scheduled […]
RichC | July 19, 2011
Press Conference President Obama 07/19/2011 A surprise jolt of bipartisan support emerged Tuesday for a $3.7 trillion deficit-reduction plan that had been in development for months, though it was thought to be dead just several weeks ago. Roughly half of the Senate’s 100 members sat through an hour-long briefing on the plan, which was designed […]
RichC | July 12, 2011
A recent article in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal highlighted what I already know about my line of work – the printing industry is losing jobs. Most of us working in printing and publishing business continue to struggle to stay a float and are wondering if business will ever come back. Thankfully I’m no longer a […]
RichC | July 5, 2011
Just as most Americans were shocked by the verdict in the OJ Simpson case in 1995, most are once shaking their heads in the “much publicized” trial of Casey Anthony. Accused of the killing of her 2 year old daughter Caylee, the jury returned a not guilty verdict for all but charges of lying to […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
RichC | June 2, 2011
The Republican heavyweight contender (at least in raising campaign funds) has announced his candidacy for presidency today at an event in New Hampshire. It was an expected move from a somewhat calculating and predictable politician/businessman – perhaps something the country needs? Former Governor Mitt Romney, a hardened campaigner, made the announcement at the Bittersweet Farm […]
RichC | May 5, 2011
With the fascination of Seal Team Six’s operation in taking down Osama bin Laden, the timing of former Seal Team Six member’s Howard Wasdin’s new book couldn’t be better. He was interviewed by WSJ’s Lee Hawkins after the successful mission in Pakistan on Sunday and offers a little bit of detail one what it takes […]
RichC | May 2, 2011
Hours before the world knew that U.S. Navy Seals helicoptered into Abbottabad, Pakistan, Twitter blogger @ReallyVirtual (Sohaib Athar) fired off a tweet after hearing helicopters at 1 AM. He continued to post comments not fully realizing what was going on … just that he was annoyed by the noise of the helicopters in the wee […]
RichC | May 1, 2011
11:36PM Sunday night: President Obama announced tonight that the world’s number one terrorist Osama bin Laden was killed today and his body is in United States possession. For Immediate Release May 1, 2011 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON OSAMA BIN LADEN East Room 11:35 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to […]
RichC | April 29, 2011
The most anticipated wedding of the year took place this morning between Prince William and ‘now’ Catherine (Kate Middleton) in London. The royal event started for me, when my wife’s alarm went off at 4 AM EST, which is when she turned on the television to watch the ceremony. I suspect I was not the […]
RichC | April 12, 2011
NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr.’s announced the locations for the three operating shuttles and one gliding prototype on Tuesday afternoon: Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex in Florida – Atlantis California Science Center in Los Angeles – Endeavour Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., — Discovery Intrepid Sea, Air and Space […]
RichC | April 6, 2011
The fiasco in Washington DC over the 2011 budget, legislation that should have been passed last year by the previous congress is coming to a head once again. Some think we’ll see another extension delay tactic, but entrenched politicians are getting louder and seem to be unwilling to compromise. There are those wanting to cut […]
RichC | April 3, 2011
Citizen journalism was alive and well (‘alive’ being the appropriate word) this weekend as an emergency landing was made by a Southwest jet in Yuma Arizona. Shawna MalviniRedden, a blogger at The Bluest Muse, ‘tweeted’ comments and photos. Shortly after take off the Boeing 737 had a hole 5 foot long and 1 foot wide […]
RichC | March 31, 2011
The annual Sun ‘n Fun air and trade show is a rite of spring for many pilots who regularly enjoy one of the premier fly-ins in the country. This year the weather in central Florida (Lakeland) did not cooperate and sent heavy ran and damaging winds through the airport ground. Early reports indicating that people […]
RichC | March 25, 2011
Although I regularly complain about my cable bill … as well as all my other semi-necessary monthly bills … I’m thankful it isn’t $16.4 million like Daniel DeVirgilio’s recent bill. BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (AP) — Try fitting this cable bill into the monthly budget. An Ohio man says Time Warner Cable told him he owed the […]
RichC | March 22, 2011
Although I’m not a big Don Imus fan, KT McFarland discussed the point that has been bothering me seeing the many uprisings in the middle east. At what point do we restrict our military involvement around the world to our security and national interest … and at what point do we commit our blood and […]
RichC | March 21, 2011
The air assault on Libya on Saturday March 19th came as no surprise as the dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi continued to send his hired mercenaries into areas held by the rebels seeking freedom. The motivated, but under equipped rebels, are at a decided disadvantage when it comes to combatting Qaddafi’s military aircraft, tanks and heavy artillery; […]
RichC | March 14, 2011
As FoxNews anchor Bret Baier commented, “This is perhaps the most chilling video yet – to see how quickly the tsunami came in.” [flv:Tsunami_after_9_earthquake_in_Japan.flv 490 255]
RichC | March 11, 2011
After a day out of touch with the ‘goings on’ of the world, it was depressing to come back to the dock and read about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan – the images are sickening. It is hard to imagine what the death toll will be or how they will be able to clean […]
RichC | February 28, 2011
As the crowds of protesters dissipate in Madison Wisconsin (previous post), some of the more intense union members or bussed in supporters are still sticking around to get their point across. The Capitol police in Madison have for the most part been clearing out the state house and the door have been closes to prevent […]
RichC | February 28, 2011
On the heels of a tragic ending for the Americans traveling on s/v Quest, another sailboat has been taken by Somali pirates. According to news reports, the pirates have hijacked a family (parents and three children) as well as two others onboard. Report translated from DR.dk News: Danish sailing ship hijacked by pirates A ship […]
RichC | February 25, 2011
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery rocketed on its final voyage about 3 minutes late due to a computer problem yesterday afternoon. Mission STS-133 (PDF Summary) is sending six astronauts into space to dock with the International Space Station and plans to spend 11 days orbiting the earth. This launch has been delayed for four months in […]
RichC | February 23, 2011
The stock market was down on Tuesday in its biggest drop in 2011. The unrest in the Middle East and North Africa sent oil prices soaring while those buying considered gold or precious metals with the recent news from Libya. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 178.46 points, or 1.4%, to 12212.79, the Standard & […]
RichC | February 22, 2011
I was sad and angry to hear that the sailors aboard the s/v Quest off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea were killed today. Americans Scott and Jean Adam, along with sailing friends Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle, were taken hostage by Somali pirates last week and as their captors headed toward Somali, […]
RichC | February 20, 2011
Although I’m not a NASCAR fanatic, I do enjoy watching the Daytona 500 each year. This year a rookie named Trevor Bayne (age 20) ran a superb race with a strong Wood Brothers car to win the 2011 Daytona 500. The drivers nowadays are unbelievably talented having to handle the 200 mph speeds of Daytona […]
RichC | February 18, 2011
On the heels of the Arizona shooting and the liberal media blasting their favorite “target” Sarah Palin, as well as blaming other rightwing conservatives for using incendiary speech … I wonder why they remain silent as union protestors put crosshairs on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker? Could it be there is a bias … I […]
RichC | February 12, 2011
I’m not comfortable quoting the Muslim Brotherhood’s English PR website, but today does seem to be a historic day for pro-democracy seekers in Egypt – “Peaceful Protest and the Reward of Perseverance.” The non-violent tactics in conjunction with social networks, news media and international pressure looks to have toppled the dictator Hosni Mubarak’s role as […]
RichC | January 29, 2011
While I’ve been anxious for the new tablet computer device from HP-Palm, expected to be announce at a California press event on February 9th, I wasn’t holding my breath as to when the devices would actually make it to market. Most industry watchers either have been told or expected them sometime this summer, although a […]
RichC | January 28, 2011
As the middle east boils and Egypt joins Tunisia in a public uprising against their governments, world markets grow nervous seeing oil rise 4% today on worry over disruption. Not only is our U.S. stock market giving back it’s gains from the past few days, but the political unrest a half a world away reminds […]
RichC | January 26, 2011
A comment in President Barack Obama’s State of the Union call for corporate tax cuts and a spending freeze along with good corporate earnings reports have helped the Dow Jones Industrial Average to cross the 12000 mark. Let’s hope jobs follow? On a totally separate subject, I just heard that singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett fell from […]
RichC | January 26, 2011
Wh.gov’s web and social networking team did a great job with enhanced State of the Union coverage, as well as pre and post-coverage tonight. I wish I could say the same for my confidence in President Obama’s leadership and vision for our country. (SOTU Transcript and Republican response video below the split) First a positive […]
RichC | January 22, 2011
The husband of a close friend of ours is in the middle of a community awareness and missions project that has been both eye opening for him and a chance to bring community attention to the homeless. Ryan Riddell, a pastor and real estate agent , is spending the month of January ‘homeless’ rather than […]
RichC | January 9, 2011
To honor the victims of Saturday’s shooting in Tucson, Arizona, we will follow the Presidential Proclamation and fly our flag at half staff until sunset on Friday night. The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release January 09, 2011 Presidential Proclamation–Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Tucson, Arizona As a mark […]
RichC | December 29, 2010
Words of the Year (video below) … wsj.com “A data analysis of words printed in The Wall Street Journal reveals a trove of intriguing terms that starred in 2010 but could barely wriggle their way into 2009 coverage. Luge, robo-signer, Tamaulipas and jeggings registered spikes in usage.”
RichC | December 22, 2010
Census report says U.S. population at 308,745,538; up 9.7 percent since 2000.