My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on February 14, 2016

Politics and the upcoming presidential election seem to be dominating the discussion in my online social networking circles … at least on my Twitter feed.

The news of Justice Antonin Scalia’s death on the afternoon of the South Carolina GOP Debate Saturday left most who appreciated his 30 years of conservative jurisprudence in a very somber mood (and concerned for the political make-up of the court).  Not only did the Scalia family lose a husband, father and grandfather, but the Supreme Court and the nation lost the strongest voice for holding to the constitution as written … rather than interpretated based on current views. I for one prefer congress append through the process provided for in our democratic republic rather than legislating from the supreme court. Justice Scalia was an outstanding thinker and thoughtful conservative who was appreciated by all who served with him … something evident by the friendships he made regardless of personal political convictions – a lesson for all of us.

BUT that lesson of being “treasured by his colleagues,” as Chief Justice John Roberts stated, must have been missed by those debating before the South Carolina Republican primary; not many of the bloodied GOP hopefuls seemed to “treasure” each other at the moment. The personal insults were flying from several candidates (thanks to Donald Trump this year – cough, cough) and the rather small differences between Republicans were accentuated as if they all disagreed with each others core values and positions (there are no ‘liberals’ in this combative bunch). Of all the differences, perhaps the most notable is Donald Trump’s attack of President George W. Bush and his administration regarding 9/11 and the War in Iraq. Personally I sense the vitriol for a previous Republican president did not sit well with most Republicans … although just as with many previous statements by Trump … I could be wrong again – but, if Reagan was coined the “Teflon president” … then perhaps Donald Trump is the New York City version – “Gotham Steel president” (as in Gotham Steel Pans TV promoted cookware – very fitting for such a self-promoter!). Who knows if anything he says will stick or stand out as too offensive in the minds of voters?

Besides the insults, there was some new content and interesting back and forth. Most analysts that I read and heard agreed that Marco Rubio had a good debate. His knowledge and preparation was evident and he does exhibit the desire to expand the Republican party. Perhap only John Kasich currently demonstrated that ability … although probably at the sacrifice of a few more issues (personally speaking,  that is going to be necessary to win, expand the party and get anything accomplished). Ted Cruz, for all his principled conservative values, is probably the least electable in a general election IMHO, although I admire his unwavering position.

Then their is Ben Carson … what an accomplished and nice guy. I suspect there are some who know him with a little more bite, but it is hard to see it.  His softspoken nature just makes it difficult for him to go on offense in today’s “Rock’em Sock’em Robots” contest (not a reference to Rubio’s prior debate). 

Where are we now??? Who knows … the Donald Trump lead and “Trump Train” of support looks hard to stop. Trump has demonstrated that no matter what politically incorrect comments he makes, his supporters don’t waver. In fact, they seem only emboldened by the fact he is willing to lead with such a populace message of “Making America Great Again” and this demostrates his supporter’s anger. As my son Taylor (a student of history) and I question: What is Trump is doing different from previous popluace leaders from history?  (yes, the 1930 Adolf Hitler does come to mind – although that’s a bit extreme. I suspect Trump may have tapped into the “unity and Nationalism” component, but am hoping not the “conspiring, deceiving and persecution”  … although we would all be wise to keep nationalism in check).

Category: News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: campaign, gopdebate, scalia, south carolina, supreme court

Posted By RichC on February 13, 2016

It has been a rough week for “establishment” candidates …both for Democrats and the Republicans. Donald Trump continues to dominate the headlines and is capitalizing on the anger from those caught between the “new upper class and the new lower class” as the WSJ’s Saturday Essay commented, “in the plight of the working class” as they say. With news of another announcement of over 2000 middle America jobs from Carrier Corp and UTC in Indiana moving to Mexico, the Trump Train may comfortably tap into this anger and roll its way to the GOP nomination.

On the Dem’s side, democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has struck a cord and has many interested in something other than a Wall Street supported Democrat (ie. Hillary Clinton) running on their priniciple which traditionally have been favored by the working class. Who knows if a “socialist” can bring down the Clintion machine … I still have my doubts.

Category: Politics | No Comments »
Tags: campaign, clinton, democrat, republican, sanders, trump

Posted By RichC on February 12, 2016

Markets gave back yesterday’s losses today as some thought the selling was a little too panicked. A bit of news from the oil cartels about curtailing output had oil move up and that kicked off a wave of buying the beat up stocks.The close is near in the posted charts and the close for the Dow was over 300 points. So much for a rush to sell … who knows what a long weekend and close markets on Monday (Presidents’s Day) will bring for Tuesday?

Category: Financial | No Comments »
Tags: investing, markets, oil, stocks

Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016

Markets took a wild ride today on very weak economies around the globe and oil dropping to nearly $26/barrel. UAE minister hinted at OPEC talking about production cuts, the markets Aftercame back from its lows. The pain was particularly hard on banks as monetary policies in more nations move into negative returns (negative interest rates) … and Fed chair Janet Yellen said she would not take it off the table. It is obvious that few know what is happening .

Category: Financial | No Comments »
Tags: fed, investing, money, oil, stocks

Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016

(lower resolution JPG image above – download full resolution PDF from MedAire)

MedAire launched its Travel Risk Map 2016 PDF, an interactive map that highlights medical and security risks across the globe. The online map rates regional security as ‘extreme’, ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘low’ or ‘insignificant’, and medical risks as ‘low’, ‘medium’, ‘high’, ‘very high’ or ‘rapidly developing variable risk’.

Category: Health, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: 2016, map, medaire, risk, Travel

Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016

As a frustrated political watcher, I'm starting to think I may have hitched my wagon behind the wrong GOP horse, although it is still a bit early. I haven't jumped in with both feet or anything, but I thought I was supporting a Republican with “acceptable” values and ability to grow the party … and someone who also has the best chance of beating Hillary Clinton. Up to this point, I felt Marco Rubio held that position, but after a self-inflicted debate flop in New Hampshire … and a kamikaze like suicide attack by fellow Republican Gov. Chris Christie (he dropped out Wednesday, as did Carly Fiorina) … he unfortunately has a big hill to climb again (WSJ photo above doesn't help Rubio … time will tell if he can “joke” his way around of the robotic image?)

Currently, businessman Donald Trump has solidified a strong number one spot, but like many “watchers,” his avid support seems to be tapped out at about 1/3rd of the electorate. He generates passionate support … as well as downright hatred from others. Of course the ever-likable (joking) Ted Cruz splits the GOP about the same way. Even more concerning is that he would be very unlikely to bring across Democrats, even if they are discontented with choosing between the “forked tongue” Hillary Clinton and unabashed socialist Bernie Sanders.

One of the big concerns … or as Bill O'Reilly said “consternation” for GOP primary voters … is that loud conservatives and motivated Republican voters have either aligned themselves with Trump or Cruz … and are leaving pragmatic (but still conservative) Republicans splitting up their votes between several other candidates (link): Bush, Rubio, Kasich and Carson (see checklist in Conservative Review).

We'll see how it goes in South Carolina.

Category: News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: campaign, democrat, election, gop, primaries, republican

Posted By RichC on February 10, 2016

My timing is probably not the best considering the temperature is in the teens this week, but since the BMW X5 35d is in the shop, I’m addressing as many “squawks” as possible. One of the known issues was that the air conditioning wasn’t working (paid less for the vehicle) … so after checking the basics at home, it was time for professional diagnosis while plugged into the BMW computer and paying the diagnostic charge ($112-ouch!)  I noticed it was overcharged when I bought the car and figured someone tried adding refrigerant as a quick fix. It measured way over when I check it at home, but going further requires the refrigerant recycling equipment.  I thought perhaps the compressor high pressure switch was tripped (overly optimistic). Of course hat was not the case … but at least the AC system holds pressure! After a look at the drive belt, it was apparent to the service tech that the AC compressor bearing had seized or were at least dragging.

The fix:  BMW “dealer parts,” even if I could get the 20% discount on parts are not cheap, so I passed on the dealer replacing the compressor and went about looking for aftermarket parts since this is a higher mileage vehicle. What I did find was a second-hand (but working) 2011 BMW original AC compressor from import car friend that I could bartered with … and to top it off … I think I have coerced the dealer to put it on since it is a BMW part (they won’t do aftermarket parts). This is a plus since I failed miserably when putting a new AC system in the old Mercedes – and am still chasing leaks.

Speaking of repairs, the number one reason I took the vehicle to the dealer is that the emission particulate filter is kicking a code on regeneration. They say they have “fixed” that problem by doing a “manual burn,” but it still worries me (these are expensive gizmos yet suppose to go 300K).

The broken sunroof part arrived on Monday, but upon installation they broke the new part – I guess it is not an easy or simple install? The most expensive surprise was that the rear differential was leaking at all three seals … something about miles and age which could be true since Taylor’s BMW had those seals replaced when we bought his car. It doesn’t speak highly for BMW engineering — no problems with Japanese cars, I’m just sayin’.  In any case, the differential seals should last longer. Normally I’d probably top off the fluid and keep driving until I notice drips, but since it is a new car for us, I’ll pay the big bucks to have it repaired.

I’m also trying to finagle an update to the navigation maps while the car is in the shop, but if not, I have a lead on the codes and USB stick for $45, not that anybody really needs built in maps anymore (iPhone is probably easier).

Finally there’s the resetting of all the maintenance codes that haven’t been cleared for a while  … hopefully all we be reset and cleared.  I’ll have the dealer do the $89 brake bleed service to get the required codes reset and plan on picking up my own pads in another 5000 miles or so. Let’s hope I’m done with dealer service for a while.

Category: Automotive, BMW, Diesel | No Comments »
Tags: air conditioning, BMW, maintenance, repairs, x5 35d

Posted By RichC on February 9, 2016

A bit of overnight snow freshened the air, quieted the surroundings and made the morning commutes in southwest Ohio a little more interesting. Although I tweaked the early morning backyard photo since is was still dark (click photo for larger), I enjoyed remembering what it was like to work in tonal photography – it has been nearly 35 years since I was “souping film” in a darkroom.

Category: Art, Personal, Photography, Photos | 3 Comments »
Tags: black and white, photography, snow, souping, tonal

Posted By RichC on February 8, 2016

It is well past time that we elect representatives with a little more commonsense than the ones who churned out “feel good” public assistance help from Washington DC and many state houses. They love handing out “other people’s money.”  Perhaps they think of themselves as do-gooders and either, don’t see or don’t care, that  the complexity of laws and rules they create …  “that is our bureaucracy” … has holes big enough to sink even the most robust economy (and we definitely don’t have that at the moment).

I saw the newspaper op-ed below being past around and when I shared it with my wife, who works in a less than upscale retail pharmacy, she said … “I see it everyday … including a couple emplyees that unmarried with kids, and of course on government assistance and with live-in boyfriends.” 

What changed in America? Where are the people of integrigy? People like Brenda’s late widowed grandmother who refused to take a handout and instead found a way to scratch out a decent life for herself and infant son – Brenda’s dad. That pre-Greatest Generation American was to me the truly “Greatest Generation.” It’s people like “Granny Howard” that were the embodied spirit of those who founded this country; living by biblical principles, neighbor helping neighbor, self-sufficiency, commonsense spending and having pride in their own ability to take care of themselves and their families. Where are these people today? If they exist – I’m sure they are penalized by our system.

Most of those “up by their bootstraps” types from previous generations have been surplaced by a nation of entitled “takers” (enabled by government). They spend more time focused on self gratification (entertainment, gadgets, clothing, alcohol and drugs) and find ways to take advantage of the generosity (and stupidity) of this giving nation (sorry about the broad brush … but the number of “takers” is overwhelming).  We’re closing in on a point of no return as 71 cents of every dollar our government take in now funds entitlements and the interest on our nearly $19T debt. To make things worse, I’m not sure the next generation is ready make a change … as millinnials seem to be supporting an out and out declared Socialist for president (one who sees nothing economically wrong with a top tax rate of over 90% – talk about disappearing jobs!). And millinnials aren’t alone, as the socialist Bernie Sanders (VT) is competing with impressive success against the leading Democrat, Hillary Clinton. JFK would be rolling over in his grave if he saw what was happening to his Democratic Party. I can only assume is that either the opposing choice is SO BAD (perhaps true) or the generation attracted to Bernie Sanders has been totally brainwashed regarding Socialism by liberal educators (I wonder if Friedrich Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom is required reading?)

"The trouble with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money" — Margaret Thatcher

Category: Financial, Misc, Productivity, Quotes | No Comments »
Tags: america, entitlements, government, obamaconomy, op-ed, socialism, way of life

Posted By RichC on February 7, 2016

The Denver Broncos defeated the “team to beat, the Carolina Panthers,” this entire season in Superbowl 50. The game was not pretty as it was dominated by defense … particularly outstanding in SB50 was MVP Von Miller. He and his Bronco teammates shut down the self-proclaimed superman Cam Newton and the the high powered Panther offense. The final score, 24 – 10, was not indicative of the tension most fans felt while watching two of the most capable and explosive quarterbacks in the NFL. “The great,” but aging, Peyton Manning was also well dampered by outstanding Carolina defense. I’d love to say “what a great game to watch,” … but it really wasn’t.

Congratulation to Denver and here’s hoping  Manning has the sense to retire his cleats while he is on the top (something tells me he’ll have a few job offers … and probably a standing offer from Budweiser after his post-game comments!).

Category: Sports | 2 Comments »
Tags: carolina, denver, manning, newton, nfl, sb50, superbowl