It’s HOT! Where’s the Summer Breeze?
Posted By RichC on July 8, 2010
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Is the economy turning or are investors just optimistic today?
Posted By RichC on July 7, 2010
Up a week, down the next week. The markets closed with a strong surge of buying today as the approaching corporate earning season is expected to be optimistic . An analyst that I talked with today sees continued volatility for the balance of summer, 
but he hinted that projections are for a 17% increase by the end of the year … and nearly 3% of that came today.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average went back through the magical 10000 mark for the 8th time this year. The DJIA climbed 274.66 points or 2.82% closing at 10018.28 The Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index was up 3.13% to 1060.27 and Nasdaq closed at 2159.47.
Hot Weather to continue Wednesday and Thursday
Posted By RichC on July 7, 2010
While stopping for lunch to check my emails this afternoon, I opened my Slingbox and noticed that triple digits will be hit up and down the east coast. For once I’m thankful to only be in the 90’s while driving in Ohio. The heatwave has been cooking has been cooking us for the past couple of weeks and has made having a swimming pool a worthwhile investment.
From National Weather Service:
PERSONS WORKING OR PLANNING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE HEAT ACCORDINGLY. AVOID PROLONGED WORK IN THE SUN…OR IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS. ALSO…KEEP PLENTY OF LIQUIDS ON HAND AND TRY TO STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENT IF POSSIBLE. WEAR LIGHT-COLORED LOOSE-FITTED CLOTHING. REMEMBER TO CHECK ON THE ELDERLY.
Chris Henry and CTE : Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Posted By RichC on July 7, 2010
July 7, 2010An autopsy has shown that Chris Henry, the young Cincinnati Bengal who died a few months ago, suffered what is called CTE –– chronic traumatic encephalopathy –– which means, more simply, that his brain had been traumatized.
CTE can be diagnosed only in the brain tissue of cadavers, and 22 deceased former NFL players have been identified as having had it. Studies also show that elderly men who played football have four times the rate of dementia as do other U.S. males.
What makes the Henry case so frightening, however, is that he is the first current player to be diagnosed with CTE — and his case is even more of a tocsin because it doesn’t seem that he suffered any serious concussions. How easy might it be for certain athletes to have their brains damaged?
Not just football players either. Studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that girls get concussions on the soccer field at much the same rate as boys do playing football. One cannot watch the World Cup, where players slug balls 60 sixty miles an hour with their heads — not to mention banging into opponents’ heads — without thinking that the world’s finest soccer athletes must surely be at the same risk of CTE as NFL players.
Jim Joyce was himself a football player. He got concussions of his own and also remembers laughing at befuddled teammates when they got, in the vernacular, “dinged.” It was all a joke then, all part of being a tough guy on the gridiron.
Joyce’s University of Maryland teammate, a stalwart, sensible guy named Tom McHale, made the NFL, but by the age of 45, diminished by depression and drugs, he had died of an overdose.
McHale’s widow, Lisa, spoke hauntingly to a group of retired players recently about his tragic last years — he not knowing that his failures as a man were not really his, but were caused by the neurological distress that was surely the product of so many head hits on the football field.
Now Joyce, McHale’s old friend, who is the chairman of Aethlon Medical, a research firm in San Diego, is conducting an investigation to discover whether there might be common biomarkers that could lead to identifying those with a predisposition to CTE.
Joyce suggests that if a test could be developed, it might help some parents steer their children away from sports like American football and soccer, where concussions are, sadly, just a part of the game.
“How does a father let his sons play football if he has been diagnosed with CTE?” Joyce asks.
Football and soccer are well established as, in the worst sense of the word, “head games.” They’re too popular to be substantively changed. But if we can find a way to discover which players are more susceptible to permanent damage from concussions, it will make both sports more tolerable entertainment.
via npr.org
Super slow-motion: What is this object?
Posted By RichC on July 7, 2010
Ended up doing a little recreational surfing last night … web-surfing that is … and I ended up watching “super slow motion” video clips. I found that a golf ball really deforms when blasted into a steel wall at 150 mph — I wonder how far it bounced?
Jury rigged trunk mechanism for 2001 VW Jetta TDI
Posted By RichC on July 6, 2010
The electrical and mechanical release locking mechanism on my daughter’s 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s trunk malfunctioned last week and after further digging I noticed a broken plastic part. The complex linkage has both an electrical plunger and key lock that controls the latch. Unfortunately the poorly engineered (IMHO) plastic part broke off (click image below for larger view) and completely locked her out of the trunk. Thankfully the rear seatback folds forward and give access to the “boot.”
I crawled in and removed the trunk lid cover (lots of screws) enough to gain access to the linkage and triggered the latch, but quickly noticed that the plastic part being pushed by the electric plunger was broken. After removing the linkages, I realized that the stamped sheet metal and spring loaded rotating mechanism would need to be replaced as one part. (if you have a source or suggestion for the above part, please let me know)
In the meantime, I jury rigged the linkage for the manual lock and latch using a piece of welding rod – it works great for a manual trunk release, and almost isn’t worth replacing this entire component.
EDIT: Once again the TDI community at the TDIClub and CinciTDI came through with some great info (thank for the links Tim). I’ll include the videos from Alamo Defense at jettatrunk.com. (part costs $39.99) Also on a lead from another member, U-Pull & Pay has a 2000 VW Jetta with factory parts on an undamaged trunk lid.
July 4th marks our annual flag retiring ritual
Posted By RichC on July 5, 2010
America’s Independence Day marks the day our family (well … me really) puts up a new flag. Usually the old flag makes it about a year, although a few of the cheaper ones have deteriorated much quicker. I’ve pretty much decided that the stitched and embroidered nylon flags hold up the best. 
The pile of retired flags is starting to grow in our “flag cabinet,” although I’m missing a few from our early years.
I saved a forwarded email earlier this year for the flag changing occasion, but have since realized it wasn’t entirely accurate when stating that “traditionally each of the 13 folds had a specific meaning.”
Nevertheless, the meanings seem appropriate and worth incorporating in a flag folding routine.
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
The thirteenth fold: When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our national motto, "In God We Trust". "After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the Soldiers who served under General George Washington and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today."
The next time you see a flag ceremony honoring someone that has served our country, either in the Armed Forces or in our civilian services such as the Police force or Fire Department, keep in mind all the important reasons behind each and every movement. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us by honoring our flag and our Country.
Enjoyed Fireworks without leaving the porch
Can we feel good about America again?
Posted By RichC on July 4, 2010
I’m a bit frustrated with myself for acting like a “doom and gloomer” lately. I think I’ve been spending too much time filling my head with the partisan personalities on the radio and TV who are focused on everything that is wrong in America. I didn’t like it for 8 years when it came from the political left and it is now bothering me coming from the traditionally forward thinking and optimistic right.
Unfortunately, the discourse and disappointments we’ve seen during the past decade — and the lack of fiscal discipline by our government — haven’t exactly helped reinforce pride in our country (and leaders), and a change in administration did little to encourage a positive attitude. Independent of political parties, those who voted for “hope and change” have shared their disappointment in our nation’s direction, and a year and a half into President Obama’s term are decidingly disappointed and angry.
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Where are the leaders who inspire us to come together as patriots? I would love to again see our country as Ronald Reagan said, “America is a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere." Frankly I’m disappointed in myself for looking at the “glass half full” and worried that our nation’s better days were behind us … that’s no way to live.
On this July 4th, it might be time to rekindle what it means to be an American. Refocus our energy on electing honorable leaders and hold them to task. Let’s go back to what made this country great and focus on less government and more individual responsibility. Unburden the power of capitalism to create jobs and we’ll be able to compete with any nation in the world … it certainly won’t be difficult to compete with countries drift deeper toward socialism. Come on America, let come together and wake up!
Hare raising day just doing backyard chores
Posted By RichC on July 3, 2010
I’m finish up a few backyard chores and am thinking about my daughter coming home for the weekend; she reminded my that her pet “rabbit” would be in tow. In thinking about this, I realized just how many rodents we have breeding in our yard this year. I don’t think we’ve ever had so many rabbits hoping around (and eating my new raspberries, I might add) … and am wondering if it has anything to do with the areas worry and focus on eliminating coyotes? Besides the two coyotes that were shot at each neighbor’s house this year (link, link and link), I know there has been a focus on trapping them too. Hmm?
Besides fewer coyotes, our aging pooch isn’t getting any younger either, although she still lazily chases them. Come to think about it, Tootsie has not brought any to the doorstep as she has in years past. Either the rabbits are smarter and faster, or our Australian Blue Heeler (Cattle Dog) is getting older, slower and lazier – I’m guessing the latter … kind of like her master.
😉
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.