Posted By RichC on September 28, 2016
Thanks Tim for sending me the video from the Mr. Godwrench service day in Jackson, Kentucky (last week’s post). It was great to see the good times and teaching moments … both "hands-on" car maintenance and emulating what it is to have a Christian heart … and I’m sure it felt good for the givers too.
Brenda loved seeing her old polished up Toyota Rav4 being appreciated
Posted By RichC on September 27, 2016
After watching David Stockman on Wall Street Week this past weekend, I was intrigued enough in his message of economic panic to pick up the Kindle version of his latest book. Although he is not new to the "Henny Penny" view that economically we can’t continue on the current path, hearing and reading his analysis rings the bell of worry (again) in my head. I’ve been on the "hesitant path" when it comes to a true recovery and what it means to our government, the Fed and the majority of Americans regarding our money and future. Pointing out problems isn’t new, but so far we’ve found innovative ways to avoid addressing what most of us see as the inevitable: the inability of governments to print and borrow more money without severely impacting the value everyone places on that piece of paper or digital number on our accounts.
Stockman begins by looking at the upcoming November 8th election and what he sees coming from politicians of both political parties. Since I’ve not finished the book yet, hear are a couple early quotes to give a flavor to the "laying out the problem."
I’ll be reading as fast as I can since the first debate will have already happened (Monday night) and I’m writing this on Sunday night for Tuesday AM.
Part two – WSJ comment:
On another tack, the Wall Street Journal posted one of it’s best "explainer" type full page graphics filled illustrations on September 23, 2016 which illustrated how soft worldwide economic growth really is. 
The "Bond Basics" starts the page pointing out that savers have had to chase growth (risk) in order to "reach for yields." In some countries (Japan, Germany and Switzerland) they have even gone negative. Who want to buy a bond or put money in the bank only to have it be worth less in a year than when you deposited it?
We continue to hear the fiscally minded discuss the ongoing shortfalls regarding tax revenue and spending, as well as the growing number of Americans who are depending on the government for everything from food and housing to their medications and healthcare. Both the costs and the number of people depending on Washington DC is rising, while the numbers paying in is smaller each year. Population growth is slowing and the number aging is growing.
The Road Ahead, as the final graphic illustrates, is a Warning Sign that our monetary policies may not be able to "jolt" the economy as governments and economist have done in the past. The landscape has changed and hurdles are enormous lending even more ammunition to those who see dark days ahead if something isn’t done to reset our economic path (Hm, I sound like the Climate Change environmentalists?)
Posted By RichC on September 26, 2016
Just when you thought this years presidential campaign couldn’t get any weirder … Gov Gary Johnson steps it up a notch on MSNBC. I don’t have (or want) the full context.
Posted By RichC on September 26, 2016
We already regularly “hang” spray bottle in our laundry room and in my workshop, but why not use a spring rod to take advantage of two layers of storage under the kitchen sink?
Another one from the same website was in dresser drawer storage. Instead of piling folded clothing flat, fold it so it fits vertically. The thought is that you can see everything when it is on edge rather than buried several layers deep. I’m not sure how it works, but a great organizational idea (below). Great tips … I wish I remembered where I snipped it from to offer up credit.
Posted By RichC on September 26, 2016
Really just an excuse to post a beginning of autumn photo of roses from the flower beds … but for semi-straggly looking Knockout Roses, they add a bit of color to the greenery around our house.
Actually I was painting the natural gas pipes on both the house and poolhouse as they were starting to get a tad bit rusty. Every couple of years it is probably a good idea to touch up the pipes and meter in order to make them last long and look a little bit nicer.
Posted By RichC on September 25, 2016
A photo is worth a 1000 words — and this photo is a chilling reminder for those of us who travel regularly on the interstates.
I purposely allow for more buffer than many when following a line of traffic (a car length for every 10 mph) AND in particular give semi-trucks even more breathing room. This Chevy Silverado pickup truck crushed by an 18-wheeler is a frightening example of what can happen if there is not enough space between vehicles (I read that neither driver or passenger of the pickup survived).
Posted By RichC on September 24, 2016
We are humbled to call Tim Ellison of Mr. Godwrench our friend. A few years ago when he started his automotive repair business I knew his unabashed and outspoken Christian "modus vivendi" was attractive to me, so I quickly 
promoted his automotive services and did as much business with him as I could. Due to his integrity and excellent service (and perhaps blessed by evangelizing faithfulness), his business has flourished. Tim continues to do for others, especially for those in need. He regularly does a charity outreach seeking to make life a little better for those struggling. I knew about his "bikes for kids" during Christmas and helping widows and single moms with oil changes, maintenance and giving of vehicles … so instead of selling our Rav4 (we shouldn’t have waited so long), we asked Tim if he could give it to someone who needed a car. With a smile he took it and fixed and polished it up and let me know he would find someone in need. He recently sent me a photo and told me he was taking it to Jackson, Kentucky to give it to someone who needed a reliable car— and it "was" reliable for many years we owned it. I only wish it were in better shape.
So … if you live north of Cincinnati and need automotive service, call Tim Ellison at Mr. Godwrench (513-755-7146). He is a faithful man worthy of Matthew 25:21.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Posted By RichC on September 23, 2016
While Twitter shareholders seemed to like the rumor of Salesforce.com showing interest in $TWTR, those holding shares of $CRM are not quite as enthused. This has happened before so we’ll see if there is any real substance … OR if others might be interested? Google???
Salesforce.com Inc. is considering a takeover of Twitter Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, as the social-media company’s efforts to ignite growth sputter.
The exploration is in early stages, one of the people said, and might not lead to a deal. It’s unclear who else might be circling Twitter, which had a market value of about $13 billion as of Thursday’s close, down from its all-time high of $40.7 billion in December 2013, according to Thomson Reuters.
Posted By RichC on September 23, 2016
Volkswagen isn’t the only automaker skirting diesel emissions laws—many automakers build cars even dirtier than VW.
Source: Study Accuses Other European Diesels of Polluting More Than VW TDIs
A study concludes that Volkswagen TDI diesel are among the cleanest of all the European brands. That could be the reason the Paris Auto Show are showing fewer diesels and more EVs?
In a Switch for Paris Show, Automakers Turn From Diesel – @nytimes https://t.co/lLjEHqSAP7
— Rich Corbett (@RichC) September 22, 2016
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2016
First off, I am not a snob when it comes to coffee. I have my likes (and quirks) when it comes to coffee, but drink all coffees … even the cheapest 
boiled campfire coffee will do. That noted … I do enjoy a few of the specialty roasts like the Jamaica Blue Mountain and Kona bean coffees, but the price usually keeps me away. A decade or so ago I also developed a taste for a local Coffee Beans & Brew establishment as well as Caribou Coffee likely because I regularly met a friend or was killing time there waiting for my son to get off work at the Vietnamese restaurant next door — pre-driver’s license (now all are closed in our area). I regularly drive-thru and pick up McDonald’s basic coffee on my way to northeast Ohio or mostly make my daily Chock Full o’Nuts coffee in my one cup brewer. Whatever way you slice it … I’m addicted to coffee.
BUT … on our recent visit to Wayzata, Minnesota (see posts one, two and three) to visit my daughter, husband and "baby in womb," they perked up my taste buds to flavored coffee. So I added the Dunkin’ Donuts Hazelnut coffee to our grocery list — I’m going to blame Katelyn and Drew for this extravagant splurge (although I’m currently only adding a half-tablespoon to my cheapo grounds!)