My Desultory Blog

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

Posted By RichC on February 7, 2016

I’d be jumping onboard for this Slick Kickstarter Backpack project if the $249 for the TRIP version didn’t frighten me away. Sure looks like the perfect traveling companion for my many trips — both for weekly work trips and those trips to the boat. It looks like they intend to keep the quality high … but who really know until you see it. Thanks again … if I had $250 looking to back “another” project, this would be it!

Category: Business, Sailing, Travel, Video | No Comments »
Tags: backpack, kickstarter, mp4, Travel, video

Posted By RichC on February 7, 2016

While our BMW X5 35d is in the shop and waiting for a few parts, I was given a pretty nice loaner car or the weekend – X3 XDrive 28i.

After buzzing around town for a coupled day, I must say that it is nearly a 10 in my book. I’m impressed with the styling, the large comfortable interior and impressive BMW driving characteristcs.

The 2.8L gas engine has plenty of pep since it is mated to a snappy transmission that can be switched frrom comfort to sport mode. The third setting of eco is most impressive. Love the engine shut off and recharge on braking. Love to be able to really run a full tank of gas on it just to see what would be possible. Maybe they’ll trade my 2010 X5 for this 2016 X3???

Category: Automotive, BMW | No Comments »
Tags: BMW, drive, SUV, test, x3xdrivei

Posted By RichC on February 6, 2016

It has been surprisingly mild in Cincinnati for February that I decided to get the old girl out of the garage.  It wasn’t particularly warm last night when I got home, but the drier air and snow-free roads were excuse enough to drive the old Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel in the winter  … besides the other car was finally getting a few nagging repairs taken care of at the BMW dealership (ouch!).  The simplicity of the old cars is something I appreciate more and more each year.

Category: Automotive, Diesel, Mercedes | No Comments »
Tags: 300d, benz, mercedes, turbodiesel

Posted By RichC on February 5, 2016

Some simple financial steps, 8 to be exact, to follow from Money were shared this month and they are worth reading and remembering. I’ll post below in case they disappear … but you should read it here.

1. Save More for Retirement
How much money will you need each year to enjoy a happy and healthy retirement? That depends on what you want to do after you leave the working world. You’ll need more money if you plan to travel the world, and less if you envision days spent reading, binge-watching TV, and playing with your grandchildren.

A survey released last April by the Employee Benefits Research Institute suggests that more workers understand they’ll need large amounts of money to enjoy their retirement years. The survey found that more than one in 10 workers think they’ll need to save at least $1.5 million for their retirements. That’s a lot of money. One way to reach such a lofty goal? Put away as much as you can each year now, even if your retirement days seem far away.

You’ll never regret your decision to maximize your contributions to your 401K plan or your annual deposits to an IRA. Start boosting those savings today.

2. Building an Emergency Fund
What happens if your furnace conks out today? What if your car’s transmission needs to be replaced? If you’re like too many people, you’ll put the cost of replacing these items on your credit card, building your debt.

The better option is to draw from an emergency fund of cash that you have already saved, usually in a savings account. Financial experts recommend that you build an emergency fund that can cover at least six months of your daily living expenses. (See also: 6 Emergency Fund Myths You Should Stop Believing)

This might seem daunting. But if you deposit what you can each month — even if it is as small as $100 — that emergency fund will steadily grow.

3. Pay Off Your Credit Cards
Carrying a balance on your credit cards each month is a terrible financial decision. That’s because cards come with such high interest rates — sometimes 18% or more. This makes your monthly debt grow by too much, even if you don’t add any new purchases to your cards.

Don’t just make the minimum monthly payment on your cards. If you do this, it will take far too long to pay off your credit card debt. Say you have a credit card with a balance of $5,000 and an interest rate of 18.9%. If your minimum monthly payment is 4% of your outstanding balance, it will take you more than 11 years to eliminate this debt, even if you don’t make any new purchases with this card.

The better move is to always pay more than the monthly minimum. And don’t buy items with your cards that you can’t afford to pay off at the end of every month.

4. Pay Your Bills on Time Every Month
A single missed payment — on credit cards, mortgage loans, auto loans, and other debts — can drop your three-digit FICO credit score by 100 points. That missed payment will also stay on your credit report for seven years.

Decide today to never make a late payment again. Having a low credit score makes it difficult to qualify for loans or credit. When you do qualify for these loans, you’ll be faced with high interest rates.

5. Buy a Home That You Can Actually Afford
It’s tempting when home shopping to stretch your budget to get into a bigger, more expensive home. But buying a home that’s out of your budget, even by a bit, can be a big financial mistake. Those monthly mortgage payments can quickly become a burden.

Instead, buy a home that you can comfortably afford, even if it’s not your dream residence. Mortgage experts recommend that your total monthly housing expenses, including your estimated new mortgage payment, be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income. Follow this guideline if you don’t want to feel the strain each time your monthly mortgage payment comes due.

6. Track Your Spending
You might be surprised by how much you spend each month on take-out lunches or morning coffee runs. But if you create a spending book and track those expenses, it might help you make lifestyle changes that can add up to big savings each year.

A spending book is just a notebook in which you record all your daily purchases for a set period of time, usually anywhere from two weeks to two months. Once you’re done tracking your expenses, add them up. This gives you an idea where you are overspending. (You can also use automated tracking at free sites like Mint.com.) If you’re spending too much on those morning coffees, for instance, you might decide to limit your time at Starbucks to twice a week instead of five times.

7. Create a Household Budget
You might shudder at the thought of drafting a budget for your household. But you can’t get control of your finances if you first don’t know exactly how much money is coming in and going out of your home each month. Fortunately, creating a budget isn’t difficult.

First, write down the income you receive each month. Then write down those monthly expenses that never change, everything from your mortgage payment to your auto payment to your student loans. Then, write down those payments you make each month that fluctuate a bit. This would include your utility bills, credit card bills, and transportation costs to and from work. Estimate these. Finally, include estimated amounts for monthly groceries, entertainment, and eating out.

Once you have these figures, you can determine how much money you should have left at the end of the month. Armed with this information, you can figure how much money you can save, invest for retirement, or put away for a child’s college education.

8. Save First, Then Buy It
You want that new computer or that high-end flat-screen TV. It’s tempting to simply use your credit cards, but the better move is to save up for that big-ticket non-necessity, and only buy it when you can pay for it with cash.

This takes patience, of course. It might take you several months to save up for that new TV. But you’ll enjoy your new electronic treat more if you don’t have to dread next month’s credit card bill.

Category: Advice, Archive, Financial | No Comments »
Tags: finance, life, money, retirement

Posted By RichC on February 4, 2016

While working on aligning the Volvo diesel on Encore last week, I realized that my tool bag didn’t have the correct wrenches to adjust the motor mounts. I’m archiving the correct tools  for the future. To adjust the Volvo alignment requires a feeler gauge and TWO 15/16” open ended wrenches – one needs to be cut off or a stubby.

Category: Archive, Sailing, Tools | No Comments »
Tags: encore, sailboat, stubby, volvo, wrench

Posted By RichC on February 3, 2016

We may be proud to be living in a representative democracy, but watching the political sausage being made is probably as disgusting as going to a slaughter house to see the production of real sausage.

This past week kicked off the 2016 primaries with the Iowa caucus. After months of political speeches from the large field of GOP candidates (and three Democrats), Iowa voters picked their favorite candidates. The big showdown was between Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) and Donald Trump … Cruz came out on top, but the big surprise was  Sen. Marco Rubio (FL) who score a big win coming in a close third. As they say in sports and politics … Rubio has the big MO.

The Democrats had their own knock down drag out battle between former Sec of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT) as Gov Martin O’Malley dropped out. Clinton edged out Sanders by less than a percent after some “interesting” 6 coin tosses that went to Hillary Clinton — most declared the state of Iowa a tie. Personally I see Dems wishing they had another candidate.

Bernie Sanders should improve his position in the New Hampshire primary, but after that, most see Hillary Clinton running the table and becoming the Democrats nominee unless her emails lead to federal charges.

Category: News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: clinton, cruz, election, rubio, sanders, trump