Posted By RichC on September 20, 2012
I’m an advocate for using recycled cooking oil and non-feedstocks (and surplus soybean, etc.) to produce biodiesel fuels and am particularly fond of algae based biodiesel fuels as an entirely new renewable industry. It is one that can create tens of thousands of jobs as well 
as utilize our desert areas in this country for biodiesel production … but I am not happy when it becomes part of the campaign strategy in an election year. A perfect example is the Obama administration “courting” votes in Iowa by using the EPA to mandate favorable changes for select industries; it just plain sickens me to see the way the skids are greased when it comes to politics and buying votes – regardless of party.
Iowa’s renewable energy industry picked up a big win Friday when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a 28 percent increase in the amount of biodiesel mandated for use in the nation’s trucks in 2013.
The president of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Brad Albin, who also is a vice president of Ames-based biodiesel producer Renewable Energy Group, said “I want to thank President Obama and his staff for listening to our concerns and recognizing the value and potential of America’s Advanced Biofuel—biodiesel”
Albin had visited the White House in June to press the case for biodiesel producers, who have experienced uneven growth after their industry was launched a decade ago …
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Category: Biodiesel, Politics |
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Tags: biodiesel, iowa, obama, Politics
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 |
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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 |
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Tags: apple, iphone 5, sprint
Posted By RichC on September 18, 2012
Rumors arrive as soon as I
succumb to Apple iOS and the new iPhone 5. Hmm …
After HP ditched webOS, the Palm Pre and the HP TouchPad, it stopped producing smartphones at a great loss. Recent rumors suggest that HP will get back in the smartphone fold with an Android device. It has been reported that the “HP Bender” will feature Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a Qualcomm s4 dual-core processor, and 1366 x 720 p HD resolution. Many thought that HP would choose Windows Phone 8 over other OS to work with the Windows PCS and tablets. The Palm Pilot was in fact the first handheld computer. The Palm Treo was the first handheld computer and phone combo unit. The Palm Pre was the first smartphone with synergy to integrate feeds, contacts and many functions.
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Category: Misc |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Tags: constitution, democracy, federalist papers, filler, founders
Posted By RichC on September 15, 2012
A friend of mine commented on an interesting Facebook photo the other day and said it was most likely taken in Israel
(or perhaps Switzerland?). Seeing women with assault rifles slung over their shoulders did raise my eyebrows, but it also triggered
memories of an old expression loosely thrown around when I was a kid. You don’t hear it all that often today, but it was once seen as a pretty derogatory statement … I just didn’t know how derogatory
(explanation below).
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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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 |
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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 |
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Tags: finance, investor, markets, middle-east, mideast
as utilize our desert areas in this country for biodiesel production … but I am not happy when it becomes part of the campaign strategy in an election year. A perfect example is the Obama administration “courting” votes in Iowa by using the EPA to mandate favorable changes for select industries; it just plain sickens me to see the way the skids are greased when it comes to politics and buying votes – regardless of party.
