Posted By RichC on September 26, 2011
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gave the kingdom’s women the right to participate in local elections and to become members of the country’s top advisory body, a sign that the elderly monarch hasn’t abandoned his program of cautious social reform despite political upheavals elsewhere in the Middle East.
Posted By RichC on September 24, 2011
Enjoyed the new World Fastest Car Show (WFCS) online video program on YouTube from Ebay Motors (video below) and learned something interesting right from the start. The Ford Mustang BOSS 302 got its name “BOSS” when the lead designer creating the original 1970 V-8 302 Mustang for Parnelli Jones was asked, “who ya doing that for.” He answered … the boss … “there in the name stuck.” Hmm, interesting automotive trivia.
Posted By RichC on September 24, 2011
Although my question wasn’t answered as to how many are due to plummet to earth in the next few years, it is good to know that “more recent satellites are designed so that operators can bring them out of orbit and control their trajectory as they take the final plunge through the atmosphere.”
With an estimated 750 or more satellites currently in orbit—and many more nations now seeking to launch satellites than ever before—overall collision hazards are expected to increase.
via NASA Reports Re-Entry of Defunct Satellite – WSJ.com
(testing a new plug-in for posting to WordPress)
Posted By RichC on September 23, 2011
Much of the political debate coming from Washington DC is focused on cutting the deficit, reforming the tax code and generating more revenue for the federal government. Hopefully those who currently pay federal income taxes (only 52%) 
are going to be given the loudest voice, but that may not be the case now that we’re 14 months away from an election. (click the chart to the right for a larger image)
President Obama has recently been taking stronger stances in his attempt to raise taxes as a way to fund the spending, reduce the borrowing and generate additional revenues. The GOP controlled house has pretty clearly rejected the idea of tax increases particularly in light of the countries unemployment. Most assume that both are posturing to their political base while those who are less political just want something done to create jobs and turn a floundering economy around. For those in business, clarity is even more important in planning and making decisions. Understanding expenses (including the tax burden) is crucial for those thinking/wanting to expand their businesses and hire employees. We can’t afford to wait until 2013?
For now, I thought the chart above simplifies in explaining the “basics” of the federal income tax as it exists if left unchanged. One thing that is perfectly clear … those with the income to invest and hire will pay more in taxes in 2013 if Democrats and Republicans don’t come to some agreement. It is doubtful many investors or small business owners will be expanding or creating jobs before some certainly is decided pertaining to taxes.
If creating jobs is the desired outcome … allowing tax rates to rise in 2013 (or not not clarifying tax rates for the near future) will NOT improve the unemployment picture.
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2011
It is a painful day today on the financial markets as all “indicators” show heavy selling on Wall Street and even in the precious metals markets – not much optimism. It is difficult to watch as people who try to save for a home, for college or retirement, see their assets shed large chunks of value … in just two days we’ve seen losses mount to near double digit percentages (two day Dow chart below).
As I stop working to watch the closing of the markets today (3:30 PM EST), the Dow is down over 500 points; we’re near “panic” selling. Some … very few … are suggesting this is time to pick up some bargain basement priced companies. Let’s hope there is some closing comeback.
EDIT: After receiving a couple emails about my repeating the media’s use of the word “depression,” I’ve opted to switch to the less “fear” triggering word “recession” in the subject line.
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2011
- World Phone with a SIM-less Design
- Curved Glass Display
- A5 Chip with a clocking speed in the range of 1.2 or 1.5 GHz with 1GB RAM
- Wireless Charging as well as Sync & Back Up of data
- 4G
- iOS 5
This of course is not the exhaustive list. There are other cool features talked about like a fire-resistant body, a look that mimics the iPad 2, and better battery life than the iPhone 4.
Posted By RichC on September 22, 2011
I have posted some of Yves Rolly’s video in the past on my blog and thought I would archive his flight over the Grand Canyon from May 2011. A friend mine (a psychiatrist, by the way), email me the link saying that this clip reminded her of me. Hmm, I told her “when I strap jet fuel to my back and decide to fly over the Grand Canyon THEN she can evaluate my sanity.” (video below)
Posted By RichC on September 21, 2011
I’m traveling in Ohio this week with a “pleasure stop” for pictures at the Cleveland Clinic [sarcasm] — MRI of my malfunctioning shunt (btw, all was normal in my noggin’). The imaging was precautionary after my July tympanic steroid injection – all was a follow up due to my decade old Endolymphatic decompression and shunt surgery. For those curious, the somewhat unique surgery and steroid injections are treatments for Ménière’s disease (both are treatments for those unable to solve the vertigo attacks through diet and medication).
Driving into Akron Ohio from the north (left) and North Akron (rt) – click for larger images
The trip was not a waste since I also slipped in a couple customer calls while in northeast Ohio … AND I’m also visiting a second doctor which only costs me dinner purely pleasure: Dr. Katelyn.
EDIT: Image from MRI CD added.
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2011
While still tweaking the new WordPress install, I wanted to test Windows LiveWriter and the online Skydrive set-up for ease of displaying a gallery of photos. It may be an easy way to upload and include photos, but I’m not all that pleased with how it works.
The below photos are a few after starting to put the MBG 1800cc engine back together … primarily due to needing to replace the worn soft cam (a known issue). The long garaged project has been low on my list of “needs to get done” (see previous 2005 post). I do enjoyed spending a free weekend day working on it but have far too many hours into this undeserving vehicle – it was in such bad shape that restoring is hard to justify.
Posted By RichC on September 20, 2011
Why we need to reform the tax code and create a structure that attracts business to the United States … a thought from Thomas Falk, CEO of Kimberly Clark this morning on CNBC.
A personal note: It was challenging enough to start a business and compete in 1987; doing the same thing today would be extremely risky “knowing” what an entrepreneur faces in 2011 … and doubly so “NOT knowing” what kind of tax structure and regulations (let alone economy) will be facing a small business in the next decade.
