Bosch Dishwasher Recall – US and Canada
Posted By RichC on October 3, 2015
Wouldn’t you know … ours!
On October 1, 2015 BSH Home Appliances Corporation, the manufacturer of Bosch® dishwashers, voluntarily agreed, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada to conduct a recall to replace the power cords on certain models of Bosch brand dishwashers. The Bosch brand dishwashers were manufactured from January 2008 through December 2013 and sold through appliance and specialty retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
Please read this notice carefully and enter your model and serial numbers below to determine if your dishwasher is affected or to register for the free repair.
Affected Model and Serial Numbers PDF
Source: Bosch Support
TechFriday: Apple filed patent for a smart ring device
Posted By RichC on October 2, 2015
What do you think??? I think I need thicker reading glasses. 
Apple could be developing a new wearable device even smaller than the Apple Watch: an Apple ring.
That is, if a recently filed patent leads to an actual product.
The ring, which could be made with or without a touch display, would be linked to a larger device such as an iPhone, according to the patent filing.
The U.S. eastern seaboard keeps a leery eye on Joaquin
Posted By RichC on October 2, 2015
Projection are currently up and down the east coast of the United States (and offshore) for Hurricane Joaquin’s path, but most models have it turning north and gaining speed. As of posting this on October 1st, the storm is a category 4 and pounding the Bahamas with rain. It is moving slow and expected to reach peak wind intensity over the next couple of days. Hopefully it will remain offshore until it weakens (or forever), but many models have it coming ashore up near New Jersey and Long Island … triggering not so distant memories of Superstorm Sandy. Yikes!
A lack of foreign policy experience and a portrait of weakness
Posted By RichC on October 1, 2015
The world around us is degrading into chaos as Russian “tough guy” President Vladimir Putin sent his militarily into the middle east and has quickly backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against the supposedly the terrorist group ISIL/ISIS who is aggressively building their Caliphate and the American backed pro-western rebels (well, maybe … but who really knows?). The entire diplomatic sideshow by the Obama administration which has been lingering on for well over a year has turned into a fiasco. The U.S. leaders not only looks feckless (as Sen John McCain would say), but have our allies around the world wondering if we would even defend them? Is it possible our intelligence service and military has been caught as off-guard again (as pre-9/11) considering we haven’t been able to secure any previous gains successfully. It was pretty obvious after the testimony of General Lloyd Austin to congress that our $500 million training program is a complete waste of taxpayer dollars – “told congress that only 4 or 5 of the first 54 U.S. trained moderate Syrian fighters remain in the fight.” For those willing to open their eyes, the foreign policy failure is transparent –President Obama and the advisors he chooses to surround himself with and listen to are incompetent. If there is one trait the next president must have, it is a solid grasp of foreign policy.
Thankfully life in my small world is improving. My wife is healing from her injuries and surgery and has been cleared to work by the middle of the month AND my brother and I are making inroads with my dad’s affairs after the memorial service in August. We are taking it slow, but have most thing under control. Thankfully we are in agreement on how to proceed 
(always helpful).
On the downside, work is light for autumn (generally busier) and both the economy and financial markets are struggling. My conservative dividend paying energy stocks remain depressed … and my speculative holding in Twitter ($TWTR) are down 7.5% as of mid-day today. Some thought that after yesterday’s pop on the rumor interim chief executive Jack Dorsey would be the new permanent CEO that the company could move forward off of its low of the year??? I guess not … but then Apple ($AAPL) not looking all that great either and they are profitable. After fearing bonds as the Fed hints at a rate increase, watching oil and other commodities drop along with precious metals, the conclusion is there there really isn’t a safe place to invest – trading for short term gains seems to be the only option?
Getting to know the candidates: Marco Rubio in @theskimm
Posted By RichC on October 1, 2015
Marco Rubio and his family in Parade.com from September 2013
Getting to know those running for office is always interesting … but most likely knowing his coffee preference and reasoning isn’t most important factor in supporting a candidate. Early on, we only hear the debate snippets and talking head conversation, but it is also helpful to know a little more about candidates and their personal life. It is enlightening to read an autobiography for those details or in this case of Senator Marco Rubio, the Daily Skimm.
Who knew? … “obsessed with football at every level” and prefers his coffee black because “it makes life a lot easier.”
SKIMM YOUR CANDIDATE:
Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), RepublicanSkimm’d over the phone. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is one of many Republicans who want your vote in 2016. Get to know your candidate here. Note: ALL candidates have been offered the chance to Guest Skimm. Opinions are of the candidate, not theSkimm.
HOMETOWN:
Miami, FL
FUN FACT:
I’m obsessed with football at every level. From high school to college, even little kids playing because my sons play.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
In terms of why I got into public service, it’s pretty straight forward. I feel like I have a debt that I’ll potentially never repay. My parents were both born into poor families and had little opportunities to get ahead. They came to America. They were never rich or famous here either, but through hard work they were able to achieve home ownership, retire with dignity, and left us with the chance to do all the things they never could. And so I feel like people like that who have been able to enjoy those benefits and those blessings, have a unique opportunity to ensure that we do everything we can so that people trying to do that now have the opportunity to do it as well. And that’s really what led me into public service and ultimately into running for president.
WHO SHOULD WE CALL FOR A REFERENCE?
I think on a personal level, my wife, who knows me better than anyone in the world. And then beyond it, I think the people of Florida.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?
That I believe what I stand for, even though I do so in a way that’s respectful of other people’s views. I understand we’re a diverse society and a free one and I respect people who disagree with me, including on controversial issues. But I honestly believe what I believe, and I don’t believe in these issues for the purposes of judging anyone or for the purposes of winning an election.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?
My wife thinks I have more than one, but, I just think sometimes that fact that because I feel so passionately about what I believe in, you know I find myself talking too fast about it or not spending enough time to go into the details on it. Instead of picking three things to prioritize, I pick five to focus on.
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE FOLLOWING…
THE ECONOMY.
We need to be globally competitive. We now live in a global economy and we need policies in taxes, regulations, energy, debt….we need policies that make America the easiest and the best place in the world for the private sector to create millions of 21st century jobs. 21st century jobs pay a lot more than 20th century jobs.
EDUCATION AND STUDENT LOANS.
Well I [had] student loans. I just paid them off four years ago. When you’re in school and you’re borrowing this money, you don’t really think about what it means later on or what the monthly payments are gonna be like… I’m a supporter of student financial aid….I think we need alternatives to student loans like my student investment plan idea, which allows people to have their college funded through a private entity that invests in you the way they would in a small business. I think for those who already have loans, they should be allowed to pay it back on the basis of how much they make. So the more you make, the faster you pay back your loans. And the less you make, the less of a burden it is.
THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL.
When I’m president, we’ll cancel it on my first day in office. We’ll reimpose the sanctions that are on the books. I’ll ask Congress to increase them on every sector of their economy. And it’ll make it very clear to Iran, if they want a peaceful nuclear program, they have to pursue it the way South Korea does, the way Japan does, by importing the enriched material. And if they try to build weapons, we’re going to destroy their weapons program.
CLIMATE CHANGE.
As a policy maker, the decision I have to make is what do we do about it? And many of the solutions being presented to me won’t have any impact on the climate, other than symbolic. But they will have a deep impact on the economy….I think that if you look at the scientific arguments about [climate change], while there appears to be a scientific consensus that man contributes to it….[they] don’t know how much of it is due to human activity, and that’s a very big deal. It’s the reason why these ideas they’re presenting to me are ones I can’t jump on board.
IMMIGRATION
I think we have three immigration problems….First, we have to bring illegal immigration under control through more border security by preventing visa overstays through a mandatory e-verify system. After you’ve done that, the second step is we need to modernize legal immigration. And after we’ve done those two things, I think Americans are going to be very reasonable about what you do with someone who’s not a criminal….And I personally argue that those people should come forward, have a background check, pay a fine, start paying taxes, and learn English. And in exchange for that they get a work permit. And that’s all they’ll have for at least 10 years. And then I personally think that after 10 years if they’ve complied with all the conditions, those who want to, should be allowed to apply for a green card through the normal process, not through a special process.
WOULD YOU CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT HOW THE US IS HANDLING THIS WHOLE ISIS THING?
I would change everything about it. For starters, we would lead a coalition with our Sunni allies in the region. And we would support them with with training, with weapons, with airstrikes, with logistical support. And we would embed special operations forces alongside them to help them in that endeavor….That’s much different than what we have now which is limited airstrikes, which have left our allies wondering what our strategy is and has left a vacuum that the Russians are now trying to fill.
WHAT ABOUT SYRIA?
It would have been a lot easier if the president had done what I asked him to do [about Syria] three years ago and that’s to find defectors from the Syrian regime and train, arm, and equip them so that they can be the predominant rebel force on the ground. Because they didn’t do that, this uprising left a vacuum that was filled by radical jihadists.
RIGHT TO CHOOSE. YES OR NO?
Well that’s not a yes or no question….I have said repeatedly that I understand how difficult it is, a young 15-year-old girl who finds herself pregnant and she’s scared and she has her whole future ahead of her. And I don’t in any way diminish that and I do believe women have the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. But in the case of a pregnancy there’s a second person involved and that’s an unborn human being…When confronted with two competing rights, the right to live and the right to choose, I’m forced to make a choice. And I’m gonna choose the side of life….in the cases [of rape or incest], they’re terrible tragedies, they’re horrifying. And luckily in the 21st century, we have treatments available early on after an incident that can prevent that fertilization from happening. And that’s why I support the morning after pill being available over the counter and I certainly support them being made available immediately for rape victims.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON GAY MARRIAGE?
It was wrong constitutionally. Marriage has always been regulated by states, and that’s where it belongs.
WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THE WHITE HOUSE CHEF TO MAKE FOR YOUR FIRST MEAL?
Something Tex-Mex. I love Tex-Mex. I like enchiladas of every kind.
HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU HIT SNOOZE IN THE MORNING?
I don’t, actually. I’m pretty good about that. I usually don’t even wake up with an alarm clock.
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?
Black. It makes life a lot easier.
It might be time to get some blue paint – #ThinBlueLine
Posted By RichC on September 30, 2015
Although government is too big, there is a place and a need for it … especially outside of Washington DC. I’m thinking particularly those elected and hired to keep us safe in the military, law enforcement, as rescue workers and the fire department. 
When they are under attack, as some in law enforcement have been in 2015, it is time to support them in the voting booth and with acts of kindness … especially those working in our local communities.
Another gesture might be adding the thin Blue Line symbol to your curb … as proposed by Anthony Welichko of San Antonio, Texas? (below)
A day with doctors and shoulder surgery follow-up
Posted By RichC on September 29, 2015
It was the first day of rain and ugly weather that we’ve had here 
in Cincinnati for a while as we have had a near perfect end to summer and beginning of fall … so, it was not all that bad of a day for doctor appointments. First, I had my annual physical knowing that that “oh so exciting” referral for a colonoscopy was coming. My last was in 2009 and I’m past due for another; Oh, yippee! (/sarcasm)
After the check up it was off to Brenda’s surgeon’s office for a follow-up on her hip and her shoulder surgery … which went great. Her fractured pelvis is healing and her rehab progress is better than expected. Dr. Wyrick discussed 
the new updated x-rays and pointed out the continuing new bone growth … as well as the unfortunately missed shard of bone from her “blown up shoulder” or it may have worked its way loose from reconstruction area during rehab? The new “bionic” humerus fits perfectly and after seeing her active movement (about 90 degrees on her own) and her passive movement (close to 180 degrees), he was pleased. I remember after the surgery, Dr Wyrick told me that he expected her to regain about 80%, so today Brenda told him emphatically that she was going to regain 100%. He smiled and said, “if you do, I’m going to write it up in a medical journal.” I think she just might!
All in all it was a very positive check-up … and Brenda has been cleared for some light resistance (15 lb maximum lifting). As of mid-October she will be able to go back to work and resume her daily activities (she is finally able to sleep in a bed this past week – woohoo – a major relief and only appreciated by those who are only comfortable in a pillow filled recliner).
It has been a challenging couple of months for Brenda (and me) but we are thankful to live in a time and a place where have the care offered by a big city Trauma 1 facility and have skilled surgeons like Dr. John Wyrick. For all the depressing politics pertaining to our country’s costly healthcare, our world leadership and our stagnant economy, I’m still grateful to be living in the United States of America in 2015.
Dr John Wyrick with UC Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Watched the phases of a super moon lunar eclipse Sunday night
Posted By RichC on September 28, 2015
A few of my photos on Sunday night of the Super Moon Solar Eclipse in the sky over Cincinnati, Ohio. Very cool.
Graphic from skyandtelescope.com and usatoday.com below.
Music: Put a little sugar on it honey, put a little sugar on it baby
Posted By RichC on September 27, 2015
My brother-in-law Gary is in the hospital in Atlanta recovering from surgery this past Friday … and while we were thinking about him, Brenda and I laughed at the few odd things that Gary says and does (some funny and some just odd … I smile just thinking about it!) At one of our family gatherings a few years back when “streaming music” was new, I fed Pandora into our home’s background music. On this occasion I had my Jackson Browne Pandora station playing and Gary was astounded when song after song was tailored to his taste; it gave him pleasurable memories from observing his excited comments and movement!
Music, especially from a happy time in life, can help a body releases endorphins which are natural pain and stress relievers. With that in mind, I played an old song for Brenda the other day … one she hadn’t heard for a long time and it made for fond memories which had her singing and dancing like a kid. She in turn sent the YouTube clip to her sister to play for 
Gary with the thought that it might make the day after surgery a little better.
Do you remember the lead vocals singer Ron Dante (left — doubt you remember or even know him?) … but suspect you will remember the Bubblegum Pop genre “song” …
| Name That (this) Tune in 3 notes! – 1969 |
… AND the fictional Garage Band from the comic book series and the 1960-70s Saturday morning cartoon television show? (video clip below)
“Sugar, Sugar” written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim. Originally recorded by the Archies.
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.