My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on September 19, 2012

Ahead of the “hopeful” Friday delivery of a new gadget, the iPhone 5, I figured I’d give the new Apple iOS 6 a try on my iPad2. The download was made available this afternoon, but was a bit slow … which is no double due to it being 561 MB and that a “couple” other downloads are probably going on – huh, who knew people wanted to upgrade?

It does look like the new iOS has some great improvements, but that decision will have to wait until I give it a workout. For now … it is available for those wanting to download it. I’m somewhat concerned with the Maps app and giving up on Google Maps but the turn by turn and Siri will be appreciated. For me the Facebook integration is just “ho-hum” but I’m looking forward to a better and faster Safari browser and email app. The VIP feature is intriguing. More later.

Category: Apple, Cellphone, Tablet | 1 Comment »
Tags: apple, ios6, ipad, iphone, tablet, update

Posted By RichC on September 18, 2012

Call me anxious or just curious to know if I should be keeping my eyes open for an iPhone 5 on Friday. Hmm … what does “shipped and/or” mean in checking the Sprint status page? If it is shipped, how about a tracking number?

Category: Cellphone | No Comments »
Tags: apple, iphone 5, sprint

Posted By RichC on September 18, 2012

Category: Misc | 2 Comments »
Tags: palm

Posted By RichC on September 18, 2012

An article on “do-it-yourself” home improvement ideas for empty-nesters caught my eye since we’re at a place where updates and repairs are on my mind. I currently need to work on the pool tiles before closing, painting is an ongoing update and I know our AC and furnace are showing signs of age … unfortunately the above aren’t really any fun. I’d rather have something new to show for the money and sweat … like the garage improvements above (ain’t gonna happen). Here are a few subject lines from the article that offered a few more details that might be do-able?

Garage shelving
It may not be enough to simply clean out the garage. Your garage may need a complete overhaul. (suggested on part epoxy for the floor too … but what I really need is to stop collecting junk!)

Home gym
There’s no excuse not to work out if there’s a gym inside your house. Turning a spare bedroom into a home gym is bound to get you to work out more and add value to your home if you’re aiming to put your house on the market. (we already have one that I don’t use enough … and it has the recommended mirror wall too!)

Installing a ceiling fan
Whether you’re adding a ceiling fan in your new home gym or in another bedroom, a ceiling fan is a cost effective way to cool down a room without having to run the air conditioning.

Banquette seating
Adding banquette seating (built in seats, similar to window seats) to your kitchen table area is a relatively inexpensive renovation that’s bound to transform the kitchen.

Installing a chandelier
While chandeliers add a striking look to your living room or foyer, they don’t come cheap.

Insulation
If you’re noticing high electric bills, you might need to take a look at your home’s insulation, which helps to keep the home warm in the winter months.

Painting doors and trims

Repainting an entire room is a big DIY project. However, repainting the doors or trim is a less stressful task and is bound to update the look of the room. (I prefer the oil paint for trim)

Library
Do you have bookshelves where your kids would keep textbooks? Chances are it’s time to upgrade the shelves to add a more sophisticated look. 

Memory wall
Finally, instead of purchasing some new artwork for your home, consider creating a memory wall to bring back some of the memories of when your children were younger. (done)

Category: Misc | No Comments »
Tags: home, improvements, maintenance

Posted By RichC on September 17, 2012

I didn’t access the computer much this weekend since Katelyn and Drew were home to “cake taste” and to handle some wedding planning details … thankfully my involvement is minimal.

We did have a nice time together … talking, playing cards, reading some of my mom’s “legacy box” and watching the movie “Hunger Games.” It was an ‘ok’ movie and I’ll give it an 8 just because it had some excellent effects, but personally found it moved a bit too slow. Maybe it was just me?

After church we headed to the _____ … whoops, I’m not suppose to talk about that. Mums the word … my mouth is shut even though those glancing at my blog would not “spill the beans.” Let’s just say it was great to be include in the planning.

I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I couldn’t couldn’t have pick a guy more perfect for Katelyn than Drew. They complement each other perfectly.

Category: Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: drew, family, katelyn, wedding

Posted By RichC on September 16, 2012

The  50/50 political split in America between Democrats vs. Republicans leave our people split in what they want from their government. A reminder from writing of our founders has me reflecting on what they thought made for good governing and “limits to power.” It is worth thinking about  … do we want bigger government an more intervention into the lives of individuals or to continue the experiment in democracy which created the greatest nation on earth? Biased, but I know where I stand … do you?

Category: Politics | No Comments »
Tags: constitution, democracy, federalist papers, filler, founders

Posted By RichC on September 15, 2012

The expression “your mother wears army boots” dates, as far as I can tell, from the First World War. Impoverished or displaced civilians would strip clothing—including, yes, military-issue boots—from corpses on the battlefield, and it was commonplace for “camp followers”—prostitutes serving the soldiers at encampments—to wear such clothing. So “your mother wears army boots” was an insult; it was the same thing, essentially, as saying, “Thou son of a cheap whore.”

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Category: Misc | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on September 14, 2012

I’m not sure when my new iPhone 5 will arrive, but ordered the smallest 16GB version as an upgrade to replace my aging … but much loved … Palm Pre. Unfortunately the Apple website wouldn’t take my order this morning so switched to the Sprint.com site.

Unfortunately Sprint also has a glitch in their online order system as their system priced the phone as a full price $650 order rather than the $200 upgrade – a glitch soon to be corrected according to customer service. To correct they canceled my early morning order (my place in line?) and reissued as a new order with the correct price. Oh well, the phone will show up when it shows up.

Category: Cellphone | 2 Comments »
Tags: apple, iphone, smartphone, sprint

Posted By RichC on September 14, 2012

While the financial markets here in the U.S. climb due to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke initiating QE3 and adding more dollars to the economy, the Muslim fanatics in other parts of the world protest, breach U.S. embassies and kill Americans. The current response from the Obama Administration has been cautious and seemingly sends mixed messages to those with motives to harm America – as they have for the last four-years. I say “mixed messages” because President Obama has used aggressive actions against known terrorists with drone strikes and SEAL raids, but not so clear when he talks to the powers that be in the middle east (or other parts of the world for that matter). I understand the desire for peace and the Carter-like gentler approach, but at some point we must conclude that apologies and perceived weakness only encourages radicals to strike out not expecting much pushback.

I tend to side with those who believe that the Reagan “peace through strength” policies are a better diplomatic approach when dealing with the Arab world. The only way to squelch the uprising is to be clear and decisive as to what will happen if governments permit radicals from breaching “sovereign U.S. property” or “murdering Americans.” Strike immediately, directly and firmly when we are targeted. Expect immediate apologies from nations where uprisings are happening and swift action in securing our embassies if they want to continue relations with the U.S. (and money … although it feels like we’re paying protection to the mob. Very questionable).

I’m hoping that the President is just waiting to get Americans to safety before initiating action … but know we need to demonstrate that attacking U.S. embassies and killing Americans will not be tolerated.

Category: Financial, News, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: finance, investor, markets, middle-east, mideast

Posted By RichC on September 13, 2012

I’m finding a nutty pricing structure for for my morning newspaper and a questionable explanation (or lack of one) from Dow Jones in my attempt to renew my Wall Street Journal subscription. It sort of reminded my of a Twitter conversation last week on how  Amazon sells some paperback and hardback books cheaper than they sell their digital Kindle ebooks (see image below) … but I’m getting off topic. 

For the WSJ publisher, they already have a long term customer who appreciates both the paper edition and the digital edition … but because of travel or leaving the house before the paper is delivered, there are often a few papers piling up each week. Because of that, I’ve been contemplating just the digital edition since it formats well on my iPad and also because I’m getting use to reading at night. After asking a few questions by email, the rep suggested I call the customer service center.

My first question…
Me: “I notice that I can use Skymiles to subscribe to the WSJ but didn’t see an option to specify either the paper version or digital, or possible both?” 
Customer Service:  “You can only use Skymiles to subscribe to the paper version.” 
Me: “Too bad, business travelers probably prefer the digital edition.”

My next question… 
Me: “Well, if I opt for the Skymiles paper edition, how much to add the digital edition to it?” 
Customer Service:  “That would be $130/year to add the digital edition to your subscription.”
Me: “Hmm, paying the $213.72 for both might make more sense rather than burning Skymiles and still paying $130 for the online WSJ?”

Final exchange and the most frustrating …
Me: “Well, maybe I’ll just go with the digital version and forgo the paper version all together. How much will that be again?”
Customer service: “A digital only WSJ subscription is $21.62/mo.”
Me: … thinking … “That’s $259.44/year. I mean, I can receive both the paper and digital for $213.72 per year, but would have to pay $45.72 more to subscribe to ONLY the digitally delivered version? That doesn’t make sense. Are you sure you are correct?”
Customer service: “That is correct. Can I help you with anything else?”

Here’s the image mentioned above clarifying my Amazon pricing of books.

Category: Financial, News, Personal | 4 Comments »
Tags: digital, newspaper, rant, subscription, wsj