Tom and Ray Magliozzi from NPR ‘Car Talk’ are retiring
Posted By RichC on June 10, 2012
Although I’m not an “every week” listener, I’ve heard enough shows and shared several “puzzlers” to become a fan. I’m going to miss their sensible nonsense regarding life and sometimes helpful car advice. I’ve often thought these two guys were able to attract a steady audience of both liberals and conservatives in a way that bridged the usual NPR left-leaning stories. Who would have thought that discussing “cars and car repair” could have lasted 25 years on NPR?
June 8, 2012; Our Fair City – Tom and Ray Magliozzi, aka Click and Clack the Tappet Brothers, the comedian mechanics who host NPR’s Car Talk, will tell their listeners this afternoon that as of this fall, they’ll no longer record new programs. But their weekly call-in series will continue to be distributed by NPR drawing on material from their 25 years of show archives.
“My brother has always been ‘work-averse,’ ” says Ray, 63. “Now, apparently, even the one hour a week is killing him!”
“It’s brutal!” adds Tom, 74.
The brothers have been taping Car Talk at WBUR in Boston for 35 years, and the show has been a staple on NPR Member stations for the last 25 years. With older brother Tom turning 75 this year, the guys decided it was time to “stop and smell the cappuccino.”
NPR will continue to distribute the weekly show … to stations across the country. Beginning in October, the Car Talk production team will actively produce new shows built from the best of its 25 years of material – more than 1,200 shows – with some updates from the brothers. The guys will also still write their twice weekly Dear Tom and Ray column, and put their feet in their mouths in surprising new ways on the web and Facebook. …
The brothers will mark their 25th anniversary on NPR this fall, and then put the series in the hands of their producers, who will continue to produce the show.
…
So you have successfully graduated from high school …
Posted By RichC on June 9, 2012
With the inflated sense of self showered on many American kids throughout their schooling, with the intent of building up their self-esteem, it is interesting to read a
bit from Wellesley High School’s commencement address offering a more realistic message. It might bring a few graduates, and parents, back to the reality that exists in 2012.
With 37,000 high schools churning out hundreds of thousands of valedictorians, salutatorians and high school class presidents every year … and few career options available for general high school diploma graduates (never mind those that dropped out), just how “special” are the average graduates. What kind of job opportunities are really before them?
… you’ve been pampered, cosseted, doted upon, helmeted, bubble-wrapped. Yes, capable adults with other things to do have held you, kissed you, fed you, wiped your mouth, wiped your bottom, trained you, taught you, tutored you, coached you, listened to you, counseled you, encouraged you, consoled you and encouraged you again. You’ve been nudged, cajoled, wheedled and implored. You’ve been feted and fawned over and called sweetie pie. Yes, you have. And, certainly, we’ve been to your games, your plays, your recitals, your science fairs. Absolutely, smiles ignite when you walk into a room, and hundreds gasp with delight at your every tweet …
A high school diploma is not what it used to be … that’s for sure. If you’re one of the graduates who is fortunate to land a job, you might expect to earn $31,283 compared to those with a college degree averaging $58,613. Of course not getting a high school degree is $21,023, but getting a job will be tough (census 2008 numbers … it could be lower today).
Tech Friday: Free online email services compared
Posted By RichC on June 8, 2012
Like many long time Internet users, I have signed up and used my share of free client based and online email services over the years. One from back in the 90s that American Express offered was free to small business customers,
but ended up spun off and turned fee based a decade ago. Since I’m married to this usa.net-Netaddress for business, I continue to pay the annual amount. Others started as free services and turned paid (like mac.com) are no longer necessary and have been discarded. Others remain free and seem to get regular tweaks and improvements; they are a good fit for the cloud-based direction we seem to be headed.
The big three, Microsoft’s Hotmail, Google’s Gmail and Yahoo Mail, have been improved over the years and continue to offer a great free service. Personally I’m still like of Gmail (probably because I’m use to it), but noticed a chart (below) which might make Hotmail (or live.com email) an excellent option you aren’t already attached to a favorite. If you need a new or “another” email address, perhap Hotmail is worth a second look … especially if you send and receive larger attachments like photos and video (great from a mobile device or tablet).
click for larger image
How can business survive in France?
Posted By RichC on June 7, 2012
One wonders if the new French socialist President Francois Hollande knows what he is doing? Besides lowing the retirement age to 60, taxes will be increase on the rich. I does make the U.S. look like a far better place to do business .
PARIS: France’s new Socialist government moved to lower the retirement age from 62 to 60 for certain workers, bucking a global trend in a gesture to unions that critics say is a costly mistake.
Governments from North America to Europe have been pushing retirement ages higher in recent decades as people live longer and spend more years on pension cheques.
Ohio’s new law regarding text messaging and driving
Posted By RichC on June 7, 2012
I’m sure I’m not the only one noticing the growing number of drivers texting and driving distracted (and ‘yes’ I have unfortunately done my share). Of course it is not just messaging, but also looking at dashboard information displays and GPS devices … and even watching movies on video screens … but soon doing it in Ohio is going to be expensive come September 2012 (in some cities it already does, so beware) — but then again a ticket and fine is better than an accident.
It is also going to be challenging for law enforcement since the new law seems to be a little short on clarity? Under 18, over 18, GPS ok, but no manipulation. Ok to put phone numbers in a cellphone, but then only talking on handsfree devices … unless you’re under 18. Hmm, is my mounted iPad running GPS mapping ok … or is my windshield mounted cellphone going to get me a ticket just because a text message pops up while I’m driving?
Here are a few of the changes in Ohio to take note of … particularly come September 1st … if you use an electronic device in your car:
Q: When will the law take effect?
A: The law takes effect 90 days after Kasich signed it, which is Aug. 30. State troopers and officers can’t issue tickets or citations for the first six months after the effective date. However, they can give drivers a warning and provide information about the ban and using electronics.
Q: How will the ban work?
A: The law will make texting with handheld devices a secondary offense for adults. That means drivers can be ticketed for typing emails or instant messages only if they were first pulled over for another offense, such as running a red light or not stopping at a stop sign.
Q: How is it tougher on teen drivers?
A: The measure bans drivers under age 18 from using cellphones, iPads, laptops or other electronic devices. They can’t make calls or browse the Web while driving. Texting or using an electronic device is a primary offense for minors, so they can more easily get ticketed if an officer catches them violating the ban.
Q: Are there any exemptions?
A: Yes, several. The measure does allow all drivers to text and use their cellphones in cases of an emergency and when the vehicle is stopped and off the road. Adult drivers cannot be cited for typing in a number or a name to make a call, among other exemptions.
Q: Can drivers still use hands-free devices, such as those that allow voice-operated texts?
A: Yes, but only adults.
Q: What about hands-free GPS navigation devices?
A: Yes. And teens can use them, too, but they can’t manipulate them while driving.
Q: What are the penalties for breaking the law?
A: Ohio’s law makes texting a misdemeanor for drivers, with possible fines of $150. Minors can be fined $150 for the first offense and have their license suspended for 60 days. Repeat teen offenders can be fined $300 and have their license taken away for a year. The measure won’t trump city ordinances on texting or cellphone use that might be tougher.
Q: What does law enforcement think about the ban?
A: The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police supports the legislation. However, the group’s president has said the organization would have preferred that texting be a primary offense for all drivers — not just teens — because it would have been easier to enforce. Still, Ohio FOP president Jay McDonald says the law will give officers an avenue to investigate whether texting has played a role in a crash or traffic accident.
Possible Linkedin security issue
Posted By RichC on June 6, 2012
Don’t know how serious … but changing your password might not be a bad idea.
Nearly 6.5 million passwords belonging to users of the professional social networking site LinkedIn have been leaked online, according to reports.
Users are being urged to change their login details over fears that, if confirmed, the leak would compromise vast amounts of personal data, including contact information. The information was reportedly posted as encrypted on a Russian hackers’ website and 300,000 are said to have been decrypted, with work ongoing …
Thinking about my mom’s declining health
Posted By RichC on June 6, 2012
Many families face the inevitable fact that our parents will not be around forever. Unfortunately knowing the end is closer doesn’t make managing a parent’s declining health any easier. I now understand why my daughter’s medical training and rotations in “end of life care” were not attractive to her – pediatrics does sound as if there are a few more positives.
As for my mother, she is back out of the hospital and has returned to a nursing/rehab facility. We will have a meeting this week with key staff and her doctor to determine “a plan” in order to move forward or at 
least have a goal. Thankfully her pain is somewhat managed at the moment, but without repairs the fractures in her back, the prognosis for a strong recovery is grim. Optimistically we can hope that the pain meds will enable her to work to regain strength and some degree of health so that another surgery is possible. She will have to wait at least to when the infection is gone, but at this point we’re a long way from that or being in good enough health for another surgery. The positives are that she is being treated for the infected bone and tissue with the correct antibiotics and that other medical conditions are being addressed … and are being managed.
Mood wise, my mom isn’t, or can’t, give the kind of effort that is needed. Her appetite is non-existent and she won’t even eat much even knowing that she needs nutrition to get stronger. The physical therapy isn’t too ambitious yet … and as soon as she feels pain that’s pretty much it for the session. We’re trying motivation like getting home or being able to go to her granddaughter’s wedding next spring, but at this point that doesn’t seem to be working.
My mother’s sisters’ family, Diane (Bert) and Bob (daughter Laney), who have always been close to my mom, drove down to Sidney from Toledo this past Sunday to visit with her. For the most part my mom “listened” but didn’t have the energy to talk much … something she has always be able to do — mom’s a “talker.” Still it was nice to have family visiting her and I know my dad was very appreciative. I took my dad out to Bob Evans after the visit and we sat a long time and had coffee – he really didn’t want me to leave. At this point I’m feeling sorry for him having to handle everything by himself (sort of has for the last year really???) and visits three times a day. I think his energy is running low … and know he is frustrated that mom isn’t motivated to get stronger.
I guess we’ll see how the meeting goes this week … I may have to push a little harder to give SRIIs a try … if for nothing else then for appetite.
References
- Celexa Prescribing Information Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Lexapro Prescribing Information Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Paxil Prescribing Information GlaxoSmithKline
- Prozac Prescribing Information Eli Lilly and Company
- Zoloft Prescribing Information Pfizer Inc.
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.