Posted By RichC on July 4, 2014
For those of use experimenting with free wireless plans and wondering if it is possible to have free cellphone service WITH data, Freedompop is inching closer. So far my experience has been marginal with both the limited free phone service and wireless hotspot. Usually when using data I push my 500MB per month limit and found it worthwhile to pay the $3.99/mo to “bank” data for the future. Freedompop is weak in the customer service department and getting things straightened out is a test of patience … growing pains I suppose? Anyway, a recent Tech Crunch article highlighted a new approached being experimented with as a way to give customers additional free or low cost data — apps centered. For those using their mobile device for only a couple primary apps, this might be the ticket?
Category: Cellphone, Tablet, Technology |
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Tags: Cellphone, data, free, freedompop, techcrunch, techfriday, wireless
Posted By RichC on July 3, 2014
If you’re thinking about saving a few fuel dollars and are contemplating driving an electric-vehicle like the Nissan Leaf, 
be sure to factor the price of a new battery into your “energy savings” numbers. Nissan’s replacement battery for the popular EV Leaf is $5,499, which includes a $1000 credit for the old battery. That’s a big OUCH for those wanting to make their cars last a few years.
It will be interesting to see if complaints continue from owners who live in hot climates – warranty changes last year to address. They have complained about rapidly degrading batteries … probably not something that only affects Nissans. I’ve often wondered how owners who look to their 8 year/100,000 mile warranty for battery replacement when they begin to experience “range problems” in the 6th or 7th year of ownership? Currently “Nissan will repair or replace a Leaf’s battery within five years or 60,000 miles if it loses more than 30 percent of its charge capacity.” I’ve heard from Chevy Volt insiders who say that battery preservation is one of the primary reasons they do not extend the “EV-only” range on their vehicles and cycle the engine start – perhaps smart in the long run.
IMHO, the EPA window sticker is less than truthful if it does not not factor in a “battery replacement” as part of the “fuel cost” calculation. Buyer beware … or instead lease.
Category: Automotive, Energy, Environment |
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Tags: alternative, car, ev, fuel, leaf, nissan
Posted By RichC on July 2, 2014
I’ve been doing some reading lately from those concerned about an uptick in inflation. Since many of the writers are the same people who have been warning for years about inflation, it is easy to take their analysis with a yawn and a bit of skepticism. Still, my commonsense indicator has also kicked in and can’t help but wonder how any government can inject the billions of dollars into the economy without devaluing the currency? So far so good unless you’re paying for college (graph above), unemployed or your paycheck has been stagnant. (the charts in this post may be a couple years off but close enough to make a point)
Note the end points for the images below, Gasoline, Crude Oil, Corn and Gold
graphs, all end up nearly on par with the inflation adjusted dollar.
One online resource (charts in this post) has been independently collecting numbers and comparing Inflation Data for a few years and demonstrate that most commodities have not rise outrageously in recent years (compared to historical numbers). Some of the data goes back to the early 20th century while others covers the more recent 30 years. All in all, prices are definitely “up” but most have risen appropriate to the inflation rate over time … that is EXCEPT FOR ONE. Take a look at the cost of college (and those saddled with college debt); it has risen significantly in comparison to the inflation rate. Economics talk about the cost of energy taking money out of the economy and being a tax on every American, but what about the years of student loan payments preventing the next generation from buying a home or purchasing “things” that keep businesses humming and the economy growing?
Category: Education, Financial, Politics |
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Tags: charts, debt, economy, Education, inflation, student loans
Posted By RichC on July 2, 2014
Arrived at the boat Tuesday evening after a long day of traveling … flight delays and rain squalls driving I-95 south from Orlando. All was well but wet as expected. Hopefully Tropical Storm Arthur will track a little faster and as expected taking the current 50 mph wind and rain with it. I’d like to have a little dry and calm weather in order to store the sails and canvas.
Category: Sailing, Weather |
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Tags: encore, hurricane, tropical, weather
Posted By RichC on July 1, 2014
The U.S. Marine Corps has some talented pilots, including Capt William Mahoney landing his AV-8B Harrier aircraft, along with equally skilled U.S. Navy 6th Fleet support crews. What a landing. Thanks for protecting our country and keeping us safe!
Category: Aviation, Millitary, Video |
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Tags: AV-8B, aviation, harrier, marine corps, military, navy
Posted By RichC on July 1, 2014
Packing list for this week:
- Repaired autopilot: ck
- Tool bag: ck
- Hurricane prep list: ck
- Clothes bag: ck
- Computer bag: ck
- Weather forecast – pack RAIN GEAR …
Well that last one might not be going quite like I planned. So much for scheduling my trip for Encore’s hurricane prep for the first of July. Yes, I know the season begins June 1st, but really, what were the chances?
Hopefully INVEST91L will just fizzle out or better yet … head north and east and take all the rain and wind with it.
I really need dry weather and light winds in order to strip the sails and bimini as I don’t want to store wet canvas.
Category: Sailing, Travel, Weather |
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Tags: encore, Travel, tropical storm, weather
Posted By RichC on June 30, 2014
It is nice to know (sarcasm) that with up-to-date inventory systems connected to customers by computer, tablet and smartphone, that companies like Newegg still find ways to remind us that ordering online is not always efficient. Here I am checking to see if my order will arrive as expected today … but instead my order from 3 days ago was just plain canceled – not even backordered (which would have been disappointing enough). Hmm, this is a good way for companies to turn their customers to Amazon.
Thank you for choosing Newegg!
We regret to inform you [3 days late] that we are unable to ship one or more of the items in the order below. While our website may have indicated an in-stock status [it did], one or more items in your order were not in stock at the time your order was to be fulfilled. [only one item in the order – what about backorder as an option?]
Category: Shopping, Technology |
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Tags: amazon, electronics, newegg, online
Posted By RichC on June 30, 2014
After blogging about my kids for years, it is difficult to stop archiving events in their lives, so I might as well mark another milestone for my daughter. Katelyn completed her pediatric residency at Columbus Ohio’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital (seems like she just matched) and is anxious to start her practice at Wayzata Children’s Clinic, as well as living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her husband Drew moved to their new place last week and will begin his fellowship a few days while Katelyn is headed that way as I type (drive safe “little” girl). I’m sure leaving Columbus was bittersweet for both as both enjoyed their 3 and 4 years in central Ohio – but I’m sure they will enjoy this next phase too.
EDIT: She sent me this with a “Bye-Bye” as she drove out of Ohio.
Category: Archive, Health, Personal |
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Tags: childrens, clinic, drew, family, katelyn, medicine, pedicatrics, wayzata
Posted By RichC on June 29, 2014
Drew sent me some photos from a festival in Wayzata in Minnesota after getting a few chores like expensive auto registration done ($60 in Ohio vs. $300 in MN … based on the value of a car). He said he is already enjoying himself, but looking forward to Katelyn being up there (she is leaving this afternoon for Minneapolis).
I told him to start collecting corks for my MGB!
Category: Automotive, Personal, Photos |
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Tags: drew, family, festival, minnesota, wayzata
Posted By RichC on June 29, 2014
Aging sneaks up on most of us and before you know it your muscles have atrophied and often joints become a painful reminder that we may have abused them in our youth. Thankfully, I’m still functioning on all cylinders even if I’m regularly reminded that I can’t (and shouldn’t) try to physically work as I did in my 30’s and 40’s. Inevitably we’ll all suffer from “sarcopenia” – but maybe we can slow it down? (Did you know that we achieve peak muscle mass in our early 40’s? Hmm?)
Laura Landro’s Informed Patient column in the WSJ had a few tips on “How to Keep Your Muscles Strong as You Age” and I’ll include cheat sheet below:
- Until treatment/drugs that inhibits a protein call myostatin are approved (hopefully soon), remain active and balance diet with exercise.
- Step up basic household chores and add purposeful walking to your daily routine
- Ask your doctor about losartan (Cozaar) if you are being treated for high blood pressure. John Hopkins researchers are seeing promising results in the rate of muscle decline.
- As long as you are watching your diet and exercising, eat more “lean” protein
- Talk to your doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement IF LOW (shown to increase strength and reduced falls)
- Don’t be sedentary. Include aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance training exercise.
- Build up a reserve of muscle tone and overall “health reserves” to compress the end of life frailty that inevitably will come to those who live a long life.
Category: Health |
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Tags: aging, Health, medical, muscle
