CNBC anchor Mark Haines dies at age 65

Posted By on May 25, 2011

markhaines_cnbc_slingboxAlthough I’ve never been a big Mark Haines fan, he was part of my routine for the 22 years he was on as on CNBC as one of the founding faces. I saw him the way many watchers and coworkers did, as a “crusty curmudgeon” on Squawkbox. I  would often catch myself “squawking” back at the TV, Slingbox feed or satellite radio audio (or streamed it from home via cellphone in the early years) at his comments. His passing at 65 make one recognize the limited number of year we have to make a difference in this world … and for financial cable TV, Mark Haines did — April 19, 1946 – May 24, 2011. (CNBC’s page)

  CNBC: Mark Haines – a little audio sarcasm

The tributes from his colleagues, those he interviewed and viewers has been touching this morning … and their special tonight at 7PM will no doubt be much appreciated.

The memory which is burned in my mind is his coverage and professionalism in the way he was broadcasting the events happening the morning of 9/11/2001. As I was getting my son up and ready for school,

markhainesspecialMark covered a plane hitting one of the World Trade Center towers. I called Taylor in and we sat in shock as a second tower was hit. Mark’s coverage will forever be in my memories.

I also appreciated his common man approach to talking with high powered guest and treatment of his more professional coworkers … minus Joe Kernen, “The Kahuna” (his personality is a bit lighter). Mark always seemed to come up with a nickname for all of his friends … David Faber (The Brain), Steve Liesman (The Professor), Bob Pissani (The Italian Stallion) and even without a nickname seemed to shorten names that make coworkers feel like family – Becky Quick as “Beck” or Jane Wells as “Janie.” I will miss his face on my morning TV. My condolences to his coworkers and family that he loved so much.

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Greenberg vs. Cramer: Sodastream challenge on CNBC

Posted By on May 25, 2011

sodastreamchallengeHerb Greenberg and Jim Cramer took the Sodastream challenge on CNBC Tuesday … I’m not so sure it’s the best option for those who enjoy Coke or Pepsi … or other brand named soft drinks? The beef for me is still the relatively high cost, limited availability and smallish CO2 canisters. Give me a small restaurant quality Diet Pepsi and Diet Mountain Dew dispenser … with a cost savings over “a 24 pack cans on sale” (ie. $4.00/24 cans) and I’m sold. (video below)

CNBC’s Phil LeBeau interviews VW’s Jonathan Browning

Posted By on May 24, 2011

browning-90Volkswagen Group’s Jonathan Browning, President and CEO (Volkswagen of America, Inc) gave a quick interview on an important day for VW’s new Chattanooga Tennessee facility. It is exciting to American workers building what hopefully will be a great mid sized car: 2012 VW Passat.

CNBC: Phil LeBeau‘s interview with VW’s Jonathan Browning

EV tax credit could become a cash rebate in 2012

Posted By on May 24, 2011

leaf-plugHow about a quicker way for car buyers willing to invest in the latest green automotive technology to get their tax credit? If Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood gets his way those purchasing an EV could apply it to the price of the vehicle. ray-lahoodHe’s suggesting that instead of a tax credit when filing income taxes that buyers of plug-in vehicles could get the money in the form of a rebate immediately when they purchase a car like the Chevrolet Volt, Amp Equinox or Nissan Leaf. We’re talking some serious change … like $7500 when purchasing one of these plug-in green machines. Unfortunately the price tag for the latest technology is pretty high too … a tiny Nissan Leaf is well over $30,000 and a Chevrolet Volt adds at least another $10,000.

On the political side, our divided government might not be in all that much of a hurry to incentify one particular technology over another … picking winners and losers as they often do. I would not be all that confident that Mr. LaHood can twist enough arms and convince members of congress that our government administers programs all that efficiently … remember the Wall Street bank trillions, GM bailout, Stimulus One, Two and Cash for Clunkers? My personal take on trying the Cash for Appliances failed miserably … and suspect only the bureaucrats running the the program really ended up happy. Personally I’d rather Uncle Sam stay out of “business” decisions all together and would have no problem restricting big lobby money, be they corporate interests or labor unions … but that’s just me and a point for a different post.

Storms, rain and more unusually severe weather continues

Posted By on May 23, 2011

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I worked my way home west to east in southwestern Ohio either pursuing or being pursued by the severe thunderstorms passing through Monday night. I had to clear a tree and branches in our lane before I could safely get my car into the garage (photo below). The wind was blowing ‘straight-lined’ so hard that at one point it wrapped a traffic light completely around the cable it was hanging from on Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Liberty Township. While looking at the telephone and electric lines oscillating up and down one would think it was emulating a frequency wave. Even though it was nasty here, I can’t imagine what those living in Joplin Missouri are going through … death toll currently at 116 people. (EDIT: Death toll rises to 122 as of 5/24. Added video clip below)

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The world may not have ended this weekend, but …

Posted By on May 23, 2011

wsj_morningmarkets1105231111European financial markets were down and Wall Street is sliding as well (11AM). The talk around the water cooler regarding the false prediction of May 21st being the beginning of the “end times” may be good for a smile, but one look at the S&P 500 Heat Map quickly removes the smile (at least for those with a few dollars invested in equities).

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Congratulations Dr. Katelyn Corbett, MD – You are a physician!

Posted By on May 22, 2011

drkatelyn_dad_4999The day arrived and disappeared in an instant … with a wonderful ceremony, I might add!

On Saturday, May 21st my daughter Katelyn officially became Dr. Katelyn Corbett, M.D. She was presented the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the commencement ceremony from NEOUCOM (now NEOMED – Northeast Ohio Medical University). We had a perfect day with family and friends … and celebrated the well deserved hooding ceremony, diploma and commencement addresses; all the pomp and circumstance expected at a traditional graduation ceremony.

The graduating class of 124 received their Doctor of Medicine degrees and they were all impressive — none more than my little girl. Yes … I’m a proud dad (as was her mom, brother and first year resident Dr. Drew Oostra).

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Actually the entire family was proud to celebrate the occasion! It was especially nice to have both sets of grandparents able to come to graduation … a challenge as they get up in age. We were also joined by my brother Ron and his wife Claire (below left) and one of Brenda’s sisters, Ann, from Atlanta. We were also honored to have Barb and Randy Oostra (below right), and since EJ Thomas Hall at the University of Akron is a large enough venue, we could accommodate all who wanted to attend.

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Since this is a personal blog, I’ll mention that few — very few — milestones in life are as bittersweet as a graduation. Life moves along, close friends move apart and responsibilities grow. I can tell already that the same will soon be noticed and the reality of growing up will be setting in for Katelyn and her close friends. One of her friends, now Dr. Chad Henson (below left), gave the student address; it was well delivered. Most, if not all, have achieved a degree of maturity that is beyond most of my acquaintances … as you can tell from the photo of the three close friends we just took sailing last week –  Dr. Ashley, Dr. Laura and Dr. Katelyn (below right).

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Thankfully the girls … women … DOCTORS … can take a normal picture too! Smile

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Ashley, Laura and Katelyn

All would not be complete without a couple presents and a bunch of cards (below left) … oh and a great photo of my Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa Corbett) with Katelyn (below right).

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As much as I “think” I’m the number one guy in my daughter’s life, I’m running into some stiff competition … Dr. Drew Oostra (great support for Katelyn … and all around great guy).

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EDIT: Adding link to audio modified YouTube video.

Adding a little slideshow …

Paul Newman owned 1963 300HP V8 Volkswagen Beetle

Posted By on May 20, 2011

If you a a Volkswagen Beetle lover, this bug’s for you … for a mere $250,000 from what I hear.

As the legend is told… back in 1963 Paul Newman bought a VW…the little red Convertible seen in this late 60’s VW ad. Not so long after this advertisement came out…the car was taken to legendary Race Car Builder Jerry Eisert for a little “mechanical upgrade” of sorts. The result was one of the most insane and legendary VW’s of all time.
The Newman “Indy VW”.

Posted via email from RichC’s posterous

Checking your engine oil with Lubricheck … hopefully

Posted By on May 20, 2011

lubrichecklogoI’m posting Kickstarter link for a device designed to check the quality of engine oil. It is called Lubricheck and I’m hoping that someone reading this with engineering thoughts on how realistically accurate the device might be?

lubricheckfundingending110607I’m a mileage oriented oil changer, but with the price of synthetic oil, diesel oils and just plain quality motor oil … it might be nice to know “when” to really change the oil. (I’m really looking forward to the “diesel” version for cars, trucks and marine diesels …  1st run will be  for gasoline engines only)

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Check out the promotional video below and leave a comment on their Kickstarter page if you want them to pursue the diesel version.

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Uniquely traveling over Indian Ocean reefs

Posted By on May 19, 2011

Who needs a dinghy … fly instead! Nice views … (Check out PercyMichael’YouTube clips of the Krucker amphib)

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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