Music Monday: Escapism – I think we all need it some days
Posted By RichC on June 4, 2011
This content is restricted.
Dow Jones Industrial lower for 5th straight week
Posted By RichC on June 3, 2011
The Dow Jones Industrial average continued its slide back towards 12,000 and most other indices followed suit. Unfortunately the stream of negative news relating to the economy has been pressuring buyers to either remain on the sidelines or sell shares in all but a few hot IPO offerings. From companies slow to hire new workers, continuing housing declines and unemployment still above 9% … all sign points to a lackluster recovery (and that’s being optimistic). At worst, we could be facing another recession (a ‘double-dip’) or even a possibility of the “D” word which mean we could be challenging decade of the 1930s when it comes to tough times. This is not the way to go into a weekend or into a summer. 
Here’s an interesting graphic (click for larger) which paints the unemployment picture and recessions … I certainly remember the early 1980s, but in some ways it didn’t seem as difficult since as new college graduates we knew how to live on a shoestring.
Alan Greenspan talks debt ceiling and concern over deficits
Posted By RichC on June 3, 2011
At age 85, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan talked candidly with the CNBC hosts this morning about the looming “debt ceiling” debate and more importantly our country’s lack of unity in addressing our deficit spending. Interestingly he is currently supporting some increases in taxes as a compromise realizing that in a divided government one often has to accept give and take to address our problems. (interview and CBNC article here or video below)
He also endorsed the deficit cuts from Rep. Paul Ryan (R.-Wisc.) that have run into strong opposition due to targeting Medicare and Medicaid.
"If I had my own way, I like the Ryan budget in all respects and I think that essentially that sort of thing is what I would vote for if in fact we’re voting," he said. "But the problem essentially is that is not going to get a majority vote in Congress or be signed by the president of the United States. The question is, what’s my fallback position?"
Former MA Governor Mitt Romney makes it official
Posted By RichC on June 2, 2011
The Republican heavyweight contender (at least in raising campaign funds) has announced his candidacy for presidency today at an event in New Hampshire. It was an expected move from a somewhat calculating and predictable politician/businessman – perhaps something the country needs?
Former Governor Mitt Romney, a hardened campaigner, made the announcement at the Bittersweet Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire as the economy sputters, stocks skid and job growth numbers come in well behind predictions. Too many Americans are still both applying for first time unemployment benefits and are finding themselves continually ‘un’ or ‘under’employed. Manufacturing output isn’t showing signs of improvement and housing prices continue to slump in many areas of the country. Even former Clinton Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, recognizes that the President Obama and the Democrats aren’t getting the job done: “The stock market is dropping because corporate earnings are slowing. Corporate earnings are slowing because consumers are pulling back. Consumers are pulling back because they don’t have enough jobs or adequate wages.” (link)
According to reporting in the WSJ, Mr. Romney promised a new approach. He said he would hold federal spending to 20% of the economy, keep tax rates from rising even on the affluent, delegate more government responsibilities to the states and balance the federal budget.
"While we’ve lost a couple of years, we have not lost our way," Mr. Romney said. "We know we can bring this country back."
Federal spending now equals 24% of the nation’s gross domestic product, due in part to the higher costs of Medicaid, unemployment insurance and a slowdown in income growth in the recession’s aftermath that has reduced tax collections. Many liberal economists say 20% of GDP is an unfair target, as an aging population and rising Social Security and Medicare expenses necessitate greater spending.
"You can’t look at the size of government in some past year and assume that’s adequate going forward. There are demographic realities you can’t wish away," said Jared Bernstein, who recently left the White House for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank.
Speaking of apartments (yesterday’s post), my son has one too
Posted By RichC on June 2, 2011
I felt a little guilty talking about my daughter’s new ‘digs’ yesterday since my son has settled into his new shared house (3 guys) while taking summer classes Miami University in Oxford Ohio as well. In fact, he had us over and grilled brats, dogs and burgers – quite the host! Thanks, Taylor! We had a good meal, great time playing foosball on the front porch and enjoyed the less crowded summer tour of the buildings (including my old office when I was teaching there). A few memories came back as well, particularly when Taylor pointed out a few of his hidden 
study nooks … I recall doing that same thing! (Random thought: Here’s an interesting article on Memories from the Weekend WSJ.)
The enjoyable Memorial Day recreation aside, when I returned home it was time to tackle the task of cleaning patios, washing off the furniture and pulling cushions out of storage. I’m not sure when I’ll get around to replacing the broken pool tiles, but the 86 degree water and 97-degree temperatures made the pool a real treat this past weekend. We all enjoyed spending time in the water and some a little too much sun (photo left)!
Also an early Happy Birthday to Taylor … whew, 22 yo this year? 🙂
Photos taken with original Palm Pre and the one with coffee cup with Katelyn’s Sprint EVO 4G
(click for larger photos)
Moved my daughter into her small but brand new apartment
Posted By RichC on June 1, 2011
It was a hot day to move, but a fun father/daughter time as Katelyn moved from her old ‘digs’ in Kent, Ohio to her new Columbus area apartment. It was in part sad (leaving friends and the comfort of known surroundings) after spending 7 years of college and medical school in NE Ohio, but exciting for her to be making a new home in Columbus. I know she is looking forward to her residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and has already networked with friends in the area just a few short days after her medical school graduation – thanks to Social Networks!
Beside knowing a few people already, her brand new apartment as all the features to make life comfortable … providing she has a few off hours to meet people (residents work a few more hours per week than most of us).
The central AC was great, the stacked new washer and drier a plus (anyone need a washer and dryer?), the kitchen very modern and small 3 floor balcony large enough to relax on. If the ‘fiber’ to the building is any indication, her Internet speeds should be excellent as well. She’s opted to pay for the garage for her VW Jetta TDI … although it has unfortunately see its share of north eastern Ohio road salt … still, it will be better than scraping ice and snow off the cars come wintertime.
She’s also hoping to add a little color to one wall … obviously ‘orange’ … or as the paint sample says: “Tangerine.” It’s starting to look like home to me.
(photos were taken with either my original Palm Pre or Katelyn’s new EVO 4G)
Cellphones possibly linked to cancer according to WHO
Posted By RichC on May 31, 2011
The World Health Organization is now classifying cellphones in category 2B – possibly carcinogenic to humans. An international panel of experts evaluated hundreds of scientific articles focusing on electromagnetic radiation, which emanates from radar, microwaves and cellphones (mobile phones).
Category 2B includes gasoline engine exhaust, glass wool, styrene, lead and DDT.
In a communiqué, WHO wrote:
"The WHO/IARC has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use."
The authors explained as background information that concern has been growing regarding the possible health hazards posed by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted by mobile phones. There are estimated to be 5 billion cellphone subscriptions worldwide.
Memorial Day 2011 – Remembering …
Posted By RichC on May 30, 2011
I’m remembering the honor trip I took with my father and brother to Washington DC with WWII and Korea veterans last year this Memorial Day weekend. I hope you all enjoy a safe holiday and remember those who died protecting and defending our freedoms and this great nation.
I’m including a little video below from last years trip and stop at Arlington National Cemetery.
“We choose to go to the moon” speech is 50 years old
Posted By RichC on May 29, 2011
Amazingly … President John F. Kennedy’s speech setting the goal for the United States to “go to the moon” was given 50 years ago. Most in this country has heard parts of this speech and JFK’s delivery is burned into memory of many of my generation. For those too young to have heard the entire speech, here’s your chance to listen — politics aside, it is debatably one of the top five inspirational speeches an American President has ever given.
I enjoyed re-listening and then catching NPR’s Ira Flatow interviews about the speech.
| NPR: Science Friday on “We choose to go to the moon” | (mp3) |
VW’s new Chattanooga, TN environmental friendly plant
Posted By RichC on May 28, 2011
The new Chattanooga, Tennessee Volkswagen plant opened this past week (May 24, 2011) and is an example of how VW incorporates its trademarked ThinkBlue initiative. Here’s hoping the trend continues to the cars they build in America … the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat and Passat TDI clean diesel.
Below is a chart from the ThinkBlue site.
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.