My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on December 9, 2009

My goal is to have the home theater upgraded by the time my kids are home from college for their Christmas break. The new Optoma HD20 arrived and I anxiously replaced my older Sony 900U ceiling concealed projector. Besides ‘still’ having a ridiculous combination of remotes, the HD picture enhanced from a standard DVD from the LG Blu-ray player was excellent (photo 150 inch diagonal image above – click for larger – from Master and Commander). It will interesting to see what improvements will be noticed from a real high definition Blu Ray disc?

I needed to run a new HDMI cable from my equipment location since my previous cable was S-Video. It was disappointing to still see that the longer (25’) cables are still high priced; I paid $40 online for my cable, which seems expensive for a wire until comparing them with those found locally. As for audio, I’m still tweaking my older surround sound system and am anxious to get the subwoofer back in operation.

My initial impressions from the projector are good, although changing the image mode from ‘cinema’ to ‘user’ seemed to improve the brightness and contract for our room. This could have to do with my wife’s decorating with Christmas lights (always on), or just the fact that cinema lighting is just dimmer due to the darkness in a giant screened movie theater? About the only time I noted the H20’s fan was during shut down when it runs pretty loud for a few minutes of cool down, otherwise is not detectable during playback.

I also enjoyed and can recommend the LG BD370 Network Blu-ray Disc Player for those with Netflix accounts. It was quick and easy to navigate and streamed Netflix instant queued movies flawlessly and with very good quality. I’m sure the kids will enjoy watching movies this way. I’ll attempt to follow up with a ‘user’ review after the holiday workout!

I do have a perfectly good ‘non’ HD projector available for sale, but no guarantee on how much longer the bulb will last. If you are interested make me an offer – new it was over $2000 about 10 years ago.

 

Category: Entertainment, Movies, Personal, Technology | 6 Comments »
Tags: electronics, home theater, Movies, tv

Posted By RichC on December 8, 2009

As the politicians in Washington continue their borrowing and spending, President Obama pitches using $200B from borrowed TARP funds for yet another stimulus … money that wouldn’t even be asked to be paid back. At the same time, the Moody credit worthiness rating company warns of potential downgrades for U.S (and other nations) if fiscal deficits and heavy debts are not effectively managed.

How far are our politicians willing to mortgage US taxpayers ... and their children? We are talking ridiculously unsustainable rates of spending and deficits that grow our debt well in to the future. (video new clip below)

Category: Financial, News, Politics, Video-TV | 4 Comments »
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Posted By RichC on December 8, 2009

The Ohio News Channel produced a short news story on trapping coyotes in the suburban areas of  West Chester in Butler County, Ohio (see previous post).  Neighbor in the area have grown concerned enough as to hire a professional trapper (video below). Perhaps they’ll at least remove the boldest coyotes … although I wonder  just how many coyotes will be trapped?

I’ve heard story from neighborhoods around our house that at least a couple family pets have been attacked, although since a neighbor shot at the large coyote in my previous cellphone photo, I’ve haven’t seen or heard him again.

Columbus Dispatch video removed

Category: Local, News, Video-TV | No Comments »
Tags: coyote

Posted By RichC on December 7, 2009

Who would have thunk it … the first dusting of snow across the Cincinnati area that looks so harmless and traffic nightmare ensues. Good news for automotive body shops and tow truck operators … and probably far better than the “cash for clunkers” boondoggle forced on taxpayers by Washington this year?

I went out to feed the dog and pick up the trash cans this morning admiring the beauty of a first snow, but unfortunately didn’t realized that many  were already playing bumper cars on the roads. A couple of friends (and my wife) messaged or tweeted their frustration of slow travel as each pondered a better route to work … such is life at the beginning of winter.

8:55 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 WESTBOUND RAMP TO I-74 NO RAMP. MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

8:54 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (WHITEWATER) I 74 EASTBOUND AT ST RTE 128 ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:52 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (SPRINGDALE) I-275 WESTBOUND AT PRINCETON PIKE ACCIDENT REPORTED . LEFT AND RIGHT LANES BLOCKED.

8:52 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) NORWOOD LATERAL (562) WESTBOUND BEFORE PADDOCK RD ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:51 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) I-71 NORTHBOUND AT DANA AV ACCIDENT. RIGHT LANE BLOCKED

8:44 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 WESTBOUND AFTER MONTGOMERY RD ACCIDENT ON THE LEFT SHOULDER

8:43 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-71 NORTHBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

8:43 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) I-71 NORTHBOUND AT DANA AV ACCIDENT. RIGHT LANE BLOCKED

8:41 a.m.: ODOT ROAD CONDITION UPDATE – WET AND ICY ROADS ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. ODOT HAS CALLED FOR SALT TRUCKS

8:40 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (ERLANGER) I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT. TWO LANES BLOCKED. UNDER THE OVER PASS

8:40 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CRESTVIEW HILLS) I-275 WESTBOUND AFTER TURKEY FOOT RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

8:38 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-74 EASTBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:38 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 WESTBOUND RAMP TO I-74 NO RAMP. MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

8:38 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 WESTBOUND AFTER MONTGOMERY RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

8:35 a.m.: ACCIDENT – NORWOOD LATERAL (562) WESTBOUND BEFORE PADDOCK RD ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:33 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (SPRINGDALE) I-275 WESTBOUND AT PRINCETON PIKE ACCIDENT REPORTED . LEFT AND RIGHT LANES BLOCKED

8:23 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 EASTBOUND BETWEEN PETERSBURG RD AND AIRPORT RD NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS REPORTED MULTIPLE LANES BLOCKED

8:20 a.m.: ACCIDENT -(CINCINNATI) I-74 WESTBOUND AT I-75 REOPENED . TRAFFIC GETTING BY IN RIGHT LANE ONLY

8:18 a.m.: ACCIDENT –  (MILFORD) I 275 SOUTHBOUND AT MILFORD PARKWAY ACCIDENT INVOLVING A TRACTOR-TRAILER . SEMI ON ITS SIDE IN THE MEDIAN

8:12 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 EASTBOUND BETWEEN PETERSBURG RD NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS REPORTED . MULTIPLE LANES BLOCKED

8:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CRESTVIEW HILLS) I-275 WESTBOUND AFTER TURKEY FOOT RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

8:10 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (ERLANGER) I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT. TWO LANES BLOCKED. UNDER THE OVER PASS

8:09 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 NORTHBOUND AFTER KILBY RD CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT . DUE TO JACKKNIFED TRACTOR TRAILER

8:09 a.m.: (DENT) I-74 WESTBOUND AFTER HARRISON AV REOPENED

8:08 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 SOUTHBOUND RAMP TO I-74 EB EASTBOUND RAMP. ACCIDENT ON THE LEFT SHOULDER

8:07 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 NORTHBOUND RAMP TO I-74 EB EASTBOUND RAMP. ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:07 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-74 EASTBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT REPORTED

8:07 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 WESTBOUND RAMP TO I-74 NO RAMP. MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

8:06 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CRESTVIEW HILLS) I-275 WESTBOUND AFTER TURKEY FOOT RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

8:03 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (KENWOOD) I-71 SOUTHBOUND AT MONTGOMERY RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

7:49 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND BEFORE RT 338 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:48 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (MONFORT HEIGHTS SOUTH) I-74 EASTBOUND AT NORTH BEND RD CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT

7:47 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (ERLANGER) I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND RAMP TO I-275 NO RAMP. INJURY ACCIDENT

7:46 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (ERLANGER) I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT. TWO LANES BLOCKED. UNDER THE OVER PASS

7:43 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 EASTBOUND AT I-74 NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS REPORTED

7:42 a.m.: ACCIDENT- I-275 EASTBOUND BETWEEN PETERSBURG RD NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS REPORTED

7:39 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-74 WESTBOUND AFTER HARRISON AV CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT. NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS

7:37 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 NORTHBOUND AFTER KILBY RD CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT . DUE TO JACKKNIFED TRACTOR TRAILER

7:30 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-71 SOUTHBOUND BEFORE FIELDS ERTEL RD ACCIDENT. CENTER LANE BLOCKED

7:26 a.m. – WEATHER: WET AND ICY ROADS ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. ODOT HAS CALLED FOR SALT TRUCKS

7:24 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) I-74 WESTBOUND AT I-75 CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT

7:23 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) NORWOOD LATERAL (562) WESTBOUND AFTER READING RD MULTI-VEHICLEACCIDENT . 3 CARS INVOLVED.

7:20 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) NORTH BEND RD AT COLERAIN AV ACCIDENT REPORTED.

I-74 WESTBOUND AFTER HARRISON AV CLOSED DUE TO ACCIDENT . DUE TO
NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS

7:15 a.m.: ACCIDENT (CRESCENT SPRINGS) BUTTERMILK PIKE RAMP TO 75/71 NB NORTHBOUND RAMP. DISABLED VEHICLE . CAR INTO A DITCH.

7:14 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (WHITEWATER) I 74 AT ST RTE 128 MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT . THREE CARS INVOLVED

7:14 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 SOUTHBOUND RAMP TO I-74 EB EASTBOUND RAMP. ACCIDENT ON THE LEFT SHOULDER

7:13 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-74 EASTBOUND AT I-275 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:13 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 NORTHBOUND RAMP TO I-74 EB EASTBOUND RAMP. ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:12 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (DENT) I-275 WESTBOUND RAMP TO I-74 NO RAMP. MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (WHITEWATER) RT 128 AT US 50 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (CINCINNATI) I-75 SOUTHBOUND AT I-74 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 WESTBOUND BEFORE CAROL CROPPER BRIDGE ACCIDENT REPORTED. BRIDGE IS SLIPPERY

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (HEBRON) I-275 WESTBOUND AT HWY 237 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-275 EASTBOUND AFTER RT 8 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (ERLANGER) I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND RAMP TO I-275 NO RAMP.

7:11 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (MOUNT HEALTHY) RONALD REAGAN HWY EASTBOUND AT HAMILTON AV ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:10 a.m.: ACCIDENT – CINCINNATI) I-75 SOUTHBOUND AT MITCHELL AVE ACCIDENT. RIGHT LANE BLOCKED

7:09 a.m.: ACCIDENT – I-75 (I-75/I-71) NORTHBOUND AFTER RT 338 ACCIDENT REPORTED

7:09 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (FRANKLIN) I 75 SOUTHBOUND AT ST RTE 73 INJURY ACCIDENT

7:06 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (KENWOOD) I-71 NORTHBOUND AFTER KENWOOD RD ACCIDENT. LEFT LANE BLOCKED

7:05 a.m.: ACCIDENT – (FORT WRIGHT) I 275 EASTBOUND AFTER HWY 17 OVERTURNED VEHICLE . VAN FLIPPED INTO THE MEDIAN

Category: Local | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on December 6, 2009

We’re not all going to agree on how much involvement we want from our federal government, but I’m sensing that most Americans are concerned that their voices over an invasive government are being ignored. This concern isn’t just about the current administration, but includes the excessive spending and Wall Street rescue started by the previous administration as well. Politicians in Washington seem to no longer be working for the people, but are focused on a socialist political philosophy significantly different from that of our nation’s founding.

Freedom as we know it in America is dissolving. Washington DC is taking more and more control of our lives and it is time for patriotic citizens to be heard. The successful 200+ year history of our country has shown that we succeed when individuals take responsibility and are empowered through reward to improve upon the past — be it through entrepreneurial hard work, innovation or capitalistic business savvy. No other system of governing has demonstrated the ability to improve the lives of all of its citizens. The United States in seeking its independence is founded upon the ideals of a “Declaration” – we should strive to adhere to it.

"… all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. …"

–Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776. ME 1:29, Papers 1:315

I’m not suggesting another revolution in a sense of 1776, but we are nearing a time that voices need to be heard, letters sent, phone calls made, votes cast and a serious direction change made. Government can’t be permitted to trample on the rights of its citizen be it through monetary mismanagement, excessive taxation or control over individual freedom and responsibility … or bowing to World pressures. A ‘nanny welfare state’ is not sustainable … commonsense, if not the history of such folly, tells us that. We need to recognize this now and move responsibility handing individual freedom for both success and failure back to the people of this country. Our nation needs a federal government which protects our security, encourages individual responsibility and rewards their success not punishes it. Decisions which impede this run counter to being a free people and the foundation which our country was built. Too many have fought and paid the ultimate price to win this freedom for us to squander it away.

 

I know I’m not alone … Americans across this country are speaking out. There is a groundswell and awakening of patriots who believe in the founding principles of our country. Their voices are growing and they are taking note of the rapid pace bills are being voted on in congress (particularly Health Care and Cap-and-Trade). Liberals politicians knowing their days are numbered, are pushing a European-like change for America. It is time for those who see ‘entitlements’ controlled by a central government such as these destructive to speak out an be heard – we need to refocus America on the principles that has built our country and not those which will bring it down.

I read a public letter forwarded to me the other day that I thought detailed the concerns many of us are privately sharing. I encourage reading it as it does sum up where many ‘seasoned’ but ordinary citizens find themselves.

I am a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. Instead, we are burdened with Congressional Dukes and Duchesses who think they know better than the citizens they are supposed to represent.

There must be someone. Please tell me who you are. Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you’re willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now.

You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut-job am I? Well, these briefly are the views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I’m not a racist. This is not to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the STIMULUS bill. I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you No, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three: Czars. I want the circumvention of our constitutional checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution, and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There are many conflicting opinions and it is too soon for this radical legislation. Quit throwing our nation into politically-correct quicksand.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision that will burden me, my children, and grandchildren. Don’t you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night without even reading it. Slow down! Fix only what is broken — we have the best health care system in the world — and test any new program in one or two states first.

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. More is not better! Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real [Constitutional] obligations. Why don’t you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes — how did they pull that one off? Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census with our taxpayer money. I don’t trust them with any of our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs — and that is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person! Why do you want me to hate my employers? And what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Every company must sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we’ll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. (Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid?) We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let’s have it. Let’s say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please stop trying to manipulate and appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Slow down and get some input from nonpoliticians and experts on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed-reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I’m busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.

I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not.

It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is needless urgency and recklessness in all of your recent spending of our tax dollars.

From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on bringing our concerns to Washington . Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like unsustainable. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don’t want your overpriced words. Stop treating us like we’re morons. We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented.. You think we’re so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work, pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone… and we are now looking at you.

You have awakened us, the patriotic freedom spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office.

We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn’t ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don’t care. Political parties are meaningless to us Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution, and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them.. Because we will get you fired and they will not save you.

If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.

Category: Financial, Health, Politics | 4 Comments »
Tags: cap-and-trade, government, health care, jefferson, Politics

Posted By RichC on December 5, 2009

It was the first day of ice for our small lake and time to take my annual trip to pick out a large-ish Christmas tree. Usually this is done with my son who argues that the tree isn’t big enough, but this year the ‘duty’ fell on to my shoulders alone. Pressure … already knowing what the comments will be — “It’s too small.” So knowing this, my goal was to find an ‘acceptable’ tree AND have the chore done before the Pitt Panthers hosted the Cincinnati Bearcats on a televised football game.

Mission accomplished with a full half of football left to watch … and what a half it was!

Thankful that I missed the first half, since the Bearcats were down by several scores and saw UC quarterback Tony Pike intercepted 3 times. Pitt dominated in yardage as well with the solid rushing of freshman Dion Lewis; even as I glance at the score, I wondered if the game would be TV worthy?

But … the second half was a totally different story. The Bearcat defense all but shut down the Panthers and I saw the University of Cincinnati team mount a miraculous comeback. Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard stepped up with big runbacks and exceptional receptions. Coach Brian Kelly seemed to have inspired his team to greatness (actually no surprise). It was the kind of coaching one would expect from perhaps a Notre Dame coach, not a University of Cincinnati coach.
😉
In the final seconds the Bearcats superstar quarterback Tony Pike marched the ball down the field with a mere 1 minute 39 second in the 4th quarter. He connected with Armon Binns for a tying touchdown with 33 seconds remaining, leaving Pitt’s missed extra point and the previous Pike to Gilyard 2-point conversion critical plays in the game. The extra point was good and Cincinnati’s defense held for the final seconds.  Every Bearcat stepped up and demonstrated why they are ranked number 5 … and why they are the BCS champs heading to a bowl game.

What a game: Cincinnati Bearcats 45 – Pittsburgh Panthers 44.

Photo Credit: Brian Sell via Twitter

Category: Misc | 2 Comments »
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Posted By RichC on December 4, 2009

In a follow up to my post concerning defective Christmas lights, I’ve been working to salvage strings of mini lights before tossing them into the landfill. So far I’ve been pleased the Lightkeeper Pro and have been successful in being able to repair at least a dozens strands of lights. The fixes have not been without a few lost bulbs, although the half off half on problem was eliminated quickly on all but one string of lights – that’s an over 90% success rate. The real problem is once a string has been ‘zap’ repaired, there are always several individual bulbs in each string that will not light. Some I have been able to replace with spare bulbs, but in most cases it was far easier to just put the strings of mini lights back up missing a few lights.

So, if you have become overwhelmed by half lit strings of defective lights, give the Lightkeeper Pro a try … especially if you can pick one up for a few dollars after Christmas (currently about $20, if you can find one locally).

Category: How-To, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: christmas, lights, tools

Posted By RichC on December 3, 2009

While doing a little research on the Advent Wreath for family devotions this past weekend, I came across an interesting article that I wanted to share and archive. Although I’m not Catholic, one would have thought I would have known a bit more about the pre-Christian and pre-Protestant history.  I’ll include a couple paragraphs from the article about ‘symbolism’ below, but the entire article is posted here. (I’ll be anxious to see if this link makes it to a friends’ “Bookmarks I made today” list?)
😉

The actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring. In Scandinavia during Winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth.

The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. A tradition is that each week represents one thousand years, to sum to the 4,000 years from Adam and Eve until the Birth of the Savior. Three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming to judge the living and the dead.

The light again signifies Christ, the Light of the world. Some modern day adaptions include a white candle placed in the middle of the wreath, which represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve. Another tradition is to replace the three purple and one rose candles with four white candles, which will be lit throughout Christmas season.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Saunders, Rev. William. “The History of the Advent Wreath.” Arlington Catholic Herald.

Reprinted with permission of the Arlington Catholic Herald.

THE AUTHOR

Father William Saunders is dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Sterling, Virginia. The above article is a "Straight Answers" column he wrote for the Arlington Catholic Herald. Father Saunders is also the author of Straight Answers, a book based on 100 of his columns and published by Cathedral Press in Baltimore.

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0132.html

Category: Faith, History, Holiday | No Comments »
Tags: advent, christian, christmas, Faith, tradition, wreath

Posted By RichC on December 2, 2009

Volkswagen continues to entice those appreciating ‘green’ diesel vehicles with their UpLite concept at the LA Auto Show. The new design is said to use diesel electric combination to achieve 70mpg, while still offering a degree of comfort and styling. From the photos posted on Autoblog.com, the new VW also looks to be offering function for those wanting to bring along some luggage or the family pet. (Press release below)

Wolfsburg, Germany / Los Angeles, CA — December 2, 2009 — Volkswagen – Europe’s strongest automotive brand – is setting standards worldwide when it comes to efficiency with its clean high-tech TDI and TSI engines. Now this is being followed up by latest coup at the Los Angeles Auto Show (December 4 to 13): the world premiere of the Up! Lite A progressive, fuel efficient and in all details cleverly designed four-seater with a hybrid drive. Combined fuel consumption: 2.44 l/100 km or 70 mpg/highway! No other car is more sustainable. With a drive concept consisting of a TDI (turbo-diesel), electric motor and 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) as well as top aerodynamics (Cd value: 0.237), Volkswagen is driving CO2 emissions down to a sensational 65 g/km. This makes the three-door concept the world’s most fuel efficient car – and from the perspective of its overall CO2 footprint the world’s most environmentally friendly four-seat car as well. Both technically and visually, the Up! Lite is a preview of the future. The image of the car body with its clean lines, as though sculpted from a block of aluminium, underscores just how fascinating a car tuned to aerodynamic perfection can look.

The ideal car for the daily commute to work

The technically challenging 2-Liter fuel consumption car might be launched globally. Many of the components of the 695 kilogram light Volkswagen are based on those of the future New Small Family, an entirely new model series that is already scheduled for market launch in initial countries at the end of 2011. The Up! Lite concept continues the Volkswagen strategy of offering high-tech and high-end quality in all of its vehicle classes, making progress affordable for every car driver. The Up! Lite was designed to be a versatile vehicle that makes trips into the city, commutes to work and naturally long trips as well significantly less expensive and more eco-friendly.

Hybrid drive enables electric driving

The centerpiece of the Up! Lite powertrain is the newly designed 0.8 TDI two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a power of 38 kW / 51 PS. Furthermore, the electric motor (10 kW) – designed as a pulse start module (starter, alternator and E-drive) – also reduces the load of the TDI, provides added propulsion (boosting) and works to recover kinetic energy (regenerative braking). During boost phases – e.g. in a quick passing maneuver – the TDI and E-motor combine for a total power of 48 kW / 65 PS. Incidentally, a version of the TDI used in the Up! Lite was also used aboard the L1 concept car that Volkswagen presented in September at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt.

In two of its operating phases, the hybrid drive of the Up! Lite was designed to operate without any TDI propulsion at all. First phase: In so-called coast-down, activated by the driver taking his or her foot off the gas pedal (car coasts, TDI engine is shut off). Second phase: Over shorter distances, e.g. in residential areas, the E-motor can power the Up! Lite all by itself. In this case, a lithium-ion battery supplies the energy. Since it is capable of pure electric driving, the configuration is classified as a full hybrid. Shifting work is handled by a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) like the one used in the new Polo. Moreover, the Volkswagen is equipped with a Stop-Start system.

Comfort and safety without compromises

Naturally, on the Up! Lite there is nothing lacking in comfort or safety. ESP is on board, airbags are on board, ample space is on board, highly advanced information and control features are on board, and it is good to know that occupants are enclosed and protected by a highly innovative safety frame of aluminium, steel and carbon fiber. The Volkswagen concept has a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in a respectable 12.5 seconds (0-60 mph in 12 seconds).

"Made in Germany"

Overall, the Up! Lite is a prime example of the art of innovative engineering with the "Made in Germany" seal. And indeed not only because of its efficient powertrain and lightweight body construction. Other examples include: The radiator grille that closes and opens automatically depending on the cooling needs of the engine ("active thermal management"); and instead of a classic rearview mirror, three cameras perform this job better and more aerodynamically; when the car is parked in the summer, hot air is vented to outside the vehicle ("passive park ventilation"); an "optimized Easy-Entry feature" enables extremely comfortable entry and exit from the rear seating area; longitudinal adjustments to the driver and front passenger seats automatically adjusts seat height as well; when folding the rear bench seat, the seatback is easily unlatched by folding the rear head restraints forward ("Easy Switch"); many vehicle features (including ventilation, Internet, telephone, MP3, video, telephone, trip computer, radio) are controlled centrally via an intuitive touchscreen with hand movement sensors.

Design of the world of tomorrow

Even the most innovative car must look good to really be fun. And the Up! Lite with its "Liquid Blue Metallic" exterior is fun. That is because the 3.84 meter long, 1.40 meter tall and 1.60 meter wide Up! Lite makes a futuristic, bold and – in its form – very independent appearance. It is a car that looks as though it were cast from a single mould. Compared to the E-Up! concept car presented at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, it is lower in profile and – to satisfy even more demanding aerodynamic requirements – it is longer, nearly reaching the length of the Polo (3.98 meters).

The styling itself portrays a compact vehicle that genuinely reflects its sustainable drive system and overall progressive concept. At the rear, the Up! Lite has the appearance of a distinctive hatchback sports car. As a result, the broad shoulder section is definitely reminiscent of the Scirocco. Furthermore, the look of the lower area is dominated by the large glass surface of the hatch, the LED rear lights and the rear fog lights (c-shaped) integrated in the bumper in typical Up! style. The counterparts of these lights are found in the front bumper as front fog lights. The car’s side profile has clean styling with markedly smooth surfaces. There are no edges except for the upper tornado line, the wheel wells and a connection line integrated there. The side cameras that replace the outside mirrors look like winglets on the wings of a cargo plane. A novel stylistic and technical feature: the 18-inch wheels are produced from a combination of aluminium and carbon fiber. That is because sports appeal and fuel economy do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Already thinking about tomorrow today

By the way: In Europe, Volkswagen is currently demonstrating that minimal fuel consumption can be realized in all segments today, in the latest versions of the Polo (3.3 l/100 km; 58 mpg/highway), Golf (3.8 l/100 km; 51 mpg/highway) and Passat (4.4 l/100 km; 48 mpg/highway).

Category: Automotive, Biodiesel, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: diesel, hybrid, volkswagen, vw

Posted By RichC on December 1, 2009

I know that I’m not the only one ‘collecting’ tangles of miniature Christmas lights which grows each season as the decorations are packed and unpacked. I’ve vowed a number of times to either fix or dispose of the faulty and half lit strings. This year, knowing my repairman patience is nearing it limit, I’m giving one more heroic attempt at repairing them … this time armed with a new tool … the Lightkeeper Pro. Stay tuned to see if I’ve wasted $20.

Category: How-To, Technology | 1 Comment »
Tags: christmas, lights, tools