Posted By RichC on October 25, 2008
I’m not a big fan of Oprah Winfrey, especially after her endorsement of Barak Obama ;-), but I wouldn’t mind having a Kindle in order to pack a few books along with me when traveling. Amazon.com is offering $50 off of the Kindle’s $359 price tag by simply entering the code OPRAHWINFREY at checkout through November 1st. Nice.
Posted By RichC on October 24, 2008
Wall Street continues to frighten investors, although today could have been even worse considering the 10% drop in Japan’s markets on Friday and the continued fear that we are heading into a worldwide depression. No longer are we tossing the word “recession” around, but now I’m regularly hearing “depression.” Perhaps this is a sign that the bottom is being reached?
Interestingly I listened to someone talking about how the rapid change in energy was one of the catalysts in colapsing the mortgage based crisis, and that the bright spot is that energy, particularly oil, could be the catalyst that helps us recover. The point was that the number of dollars moved from consumer purchases to energy was huge as prices went up, and much in the same way these same dollars are finding their way back into the economy as energy prices (oil) declines. Hmm … today’s price of crude is considerably lower than at its peak — half as much per barrel. The analyst was correct … that’s a huge number of dollars that was being spent by consumers and business alike; will these dollars get circulated in the U.S. and will they be enough to move us into recovery?
Posted By RichC on October 24, 2008
Several of my “left leaning” friends continue to tell me that there is no such thing as “media bias” when it comes to politics. I seem to run into a brick wall when attempting to point it out that the vast majority of the mainstream media tends to report against conservative positions and toward those that are left of center. When it comes to politicians, the media does the same thing — they tend to report more positively about Democrats and against Republicans. Of course there are a few decent and fair journalist out there and they deserve a compliment — thank you Kristen Powers, a notable Democrat (see below). I respect her fairness and honesty.
Here’s the recent example that has drawn some attention. It seems to me as if it is being swept under the rug, or at least under-reported: Sen. Obama’s running mate Sen. Biden tells us to “mark his words” about the 47 year old Obama being tested — how would the “mainstream” media have treated Gov. Sarah Palin if she were to say something like this?
October 22, 2008
Barack Obama‘s choice of Joe Biden as his running mate prompted a small wave ofwarnings about Biden’s propensity for gaffes. But no one imagined even in a worse-case scenario such a spectacular bomb as telling donors Sunday to “gird your loins” because a young president Obama will be tested by an international crisis just like young President John
Kennedy was.
Scary? You betcha! But somehow, not front-page news.
Again the media showed their incredible bias by giving scattered coverage of Biden’s statements.
There were a few exceptions. On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” co-host Mika
Brzezinski flipped incredulously through the papers, expressing shock
at the lack of coverage of Biden’s remarks. Guest Dan Rather admitted
that if Palin had said it, the media would be going nuts.
So what gives?
The stock answer is: “It’s just Biden being Biden.” We all know how
smart he is about foreign policy, so it’s not the same as when Sarah
Palin says something that seems off.
Yet, when Biden asserted incorrectly in the vice-presidential
debate that the United States “drove Hezbollah out of Lebanon,” nobody
in the US media shrieked. (It was, however, covered with derision in
the Middle East.) Or when he confused his history by claiming FDR
calmed the nation during the Depression by going on TV, the press
didn’t take it as evidence that he’s clueless.
And Biden is the foreign-policy gravitas on the Democratic ticket, so his comments are actually even more disconcerting.
The outakes of his Sunday remarks don’t begin to capture the
magnitude of what he said. After warning the crowd that there would be
some sort of international incident – Biden could think of four or five
scenarios – he told the donors: “We’re gonna need you to use your
influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him.
Because it’s not gonna be apparent initially, it’s not gonna be
apparent that we’re right.”
What does that mean? Obama’s election would provoke an
international incident because of his inexperience and even Obama’s
biggest supporters won’t be reassured by his response?
Then there were Biden’s predictions on the economy: “I promise you,
you all are gonna be sitting here a year from now going, ‘Oh my God,
why are they there in the polls? . . . Why is this thing so tough? . .
. I’m asking you now, be prepared to stick with us. Remember the faith
you had at this point, because you’re going to have to reinforce us.
“There are gonna be a lot of you who want to go, ‘Whoa, wait a minute, yo, whoa, whoa, I don’t know about that decision.’ “
Biden is teling us that, at a time when Americans need to feel
confidence in their government, they will be going “Oh my God.” Not a
great message.
Needless to say, if Sarah Palin said this about a McCain administration, the media world would be exploding.
Whether you believe Biden is exaggerating, as he is known to do, or
is providing real insight, the double standard in the media does even
more damage to their lagging brand.
Part of the problem is their “Obama love,” but we’re also seeing
the media elite’s belief – prejudice – that anyone with an R behind
their name is dumb. So, if they say something dumb, they must
be dumb. A Democrat, like Biden, can make wildly inaccurate or
outrageous comments and they are ignored because the TV and press
insiders feel they “know who he really is.”
On the stump recently, Sen. Biden declared he had “three words” for what the nation needs: “J-O-B-S.”
Lucky for him, his name isn’t Dan Quayle, or that would have followed him for the rest of his career.
Posted By RichC on October 22, 2008
Although my wallet has appreciated the significantly lower gasoline prices, the price difference between diesel and gas is being noticed. After my last few fill-ups of my “gasoline” Honda Pilot, I have been breathing a sigh of relieve since they have been $2.35, $2.37 and $2.39, at least in the Cincinnati Ohio area. (although I did have to pay $2.55 in northeastern Ohio this week) Diesel drivers haven’t been as fortunate as their premium has been consistently over $1.00/gallon — Hmm … there goes the 20-30% diesel efficiency advantage.
Posted By RichC on October 21, 2008
Australians always seem to do things a bit different, especially when it comes to surf fishing — here’s a video showing them paddling the bait out to Great White Sharks on a surf board in Boat Harbour. Although I enjoy swimming and don’t usually hesitate to paddle around on a surf board, I’m not sure this the the best beach to be doing it on? Maybe using the word “different” isn’t the correct choice — I should have said “crazy.” (thanks for forwarding Joe)
Posted By RichC on October 20, 2008
Although I’m a big fan of the new ‘clean diesels’ being produced by several companies, I’ve never like the idea that in order to meet emission standards that ‘some’ diesels require an AdBlue urea system. Basically the $4/gallon liquid is stored in a small tank and is slowly injected into the exhaust stream where it forms ammonia. This ammonia reacts with the NOx in diesel exhaust and converts it to water and nitrogen.
Volkswagen, in keeping their vehicles small, have been able to keep exhaust emissions low enough to be the only diesel vehicle currently sold in the U.S. that does not require AdBlue and the additional injection system. Mercedes, the other major ‘clean diesel’ vehicle producer for the U.S. market, uses the urea based system and the extra tank, injection system and associated idiot light/no-start system. It’s not all that difficult to maintain since the 7 gallon tank can go about 15,000 miles without replenishment; most owners can easily top off their AdBlue tanks when making oil changes or taking their vehicles in for service. But, AutoblogGreen did point out thought that “if you don’t fill that tank” that you could be left stranded. Mercedes diesel vehicles have 20 re-start limit if you permit your tank to run “critically low.” After that, you’ll need to add a minimum of 2 gallons in order to restart your car. Hmm … why not just a ‘creep home mode’ rather than putting owners in a ‘no-start’ situation?
Posted By RichC on October 19, 2008
It’s been a very nice sunny weekend here in Southwestern Ohio and the cool temperatures is making it nice to work outside. I’ve been cutting up a few trees while my wife ‘shamefully’ burning is adding to the global warming trend. 🙄
The enjoyable muscle aches and pains remind me of the years starting out when wood cutting and burning kept our home warm all winter — great memories and a good way to keep our heating bills low. (now our fireplace is used just for enjoyment and ambience)
Posted By RichC on October 17, 2008
Although the polls and news are not positive for McCain/Palin in many parts of the country, in the area north of Cincinnati Ohio, they are a very popular pair. So when Gov. Sarah Palin stopped in West Chester Ohio across from the local Lakota West High School, she had a great crowd — about 15,000.
She arrive about noon and although I was only driving by on Union Centre Boulevard, I listened to her half-hour speech. The crowd was decent from what I could see and many came out and spent the cool morning waiting in the square. According to news reports, the state of Ohio is a must win for McCain/Palin if they are to stand a chance to win against Sen. Obama and his running mate Sen. Biden. They have 18 days — not much time to convince the few undecided or convert a few moderate Democrats.
Palin focused on several recent Ohio oriented stories: “Joe the Plumber” and ACORN, the community organizing group that is being investigated for potential voter registration fraud (local lawsuit in Warren county).
Gov. Palin was introduced by our local representative, House Minority Leader John Boehner and he was quick to point out that the race was not over. “The media’s been trying to say the race is over for weeks,” said Boehner, whose congressional district includes West Chester. “I’m just going to say, I’ve been all around the country, helping my candidates and my colleagues around the country. We’re in a tough fight, but I’m going to tell you what I told them: Never, ever give up.”
Here’s a partial clip of her speech today …
Posted By RichC on October 17, 2008
Shocking … but then I suspect Glenn is a better fit at Fox than at CNN? 😆 
Info from MediaBistro blog:
It’s official. Glenn Beck is bringing his TV program to Fox News Channel in the Spring of 2009. The program currently airs at 7pmET and 9pmET on Headline News and will occupy the 5pmET slot on FNC. Beck will continue his daily radio show The Glenn Beck Program as well. Said FNC founder and chairman Roger Ailes, “As we embark on a new political landscape, Glenn’s thought provoking commentary will complement an already stellar line-up of stars at FOX News.”
Beck added, “I am thrilled and profoundly humbled to have the chance to bring my program to FOX News. Expanding my audience is exciting, but I’m really looking forward to joining Mr. Ailes and his world-class team.”
The 5pmET time slot has seen a variety of programs this year — The Big Story with John Gibson and Heather Nauert; Just In with Laura Ingraham and America’s Election HQ with a rotating cast of anchors.
In addition to his TV and radio deals, Beck is also the author of two best-selling books.
A Headline News spokesperson released this statement tonight: “Glenn has been a terrific employee and colleague to many of us at CNN. We wish him well.”
NEW YORK, Oct 16, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Glenn Beck has signed a multi-year agreement to join FOX News, announced Roger Ailes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FOX News. Beginning next spring, Beck will host FOX News Channel’s (FNC) 5 PM/ET weekday program as well as a weekend show on the network.
Currently, Beck serves as the host of Glenn Beck, a talk show on CNN’s Headline News which has grown more than 200% in viewership in both the 7pm and 9pm timeslots since its 2006 debut. He also hosts a daily radio show The Glenn Beck Program which is syndicated via Premiere Radio Networks to more than 300 stations nationwide as well as XM Satellite Radio, and ranks as the third most listened to radio talk show in America among adults 25-54.
In making the announcement, Ailes said, “As we embark on a new political landscape, Glenn’s thought provoking commentary will complement an already stellar line-up of stars at FOX News.”
Prior to his television career, Beck served as a talk radio show host at WFLA-AM in Tampa, FL where he took his program to number one within his first year there. He began his radio career in Corpus Christi, Texas as the youngest Top 40 morning show disc jockey in America at 18 years of age. Beck later moved on to become a top 40 disc jockey in major markets around the country, including Houston, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Phoenix and New Haven, CT.Beck added, “I am thrilled and profoundly humbled to have the chance to bring my program to FOX News. Expanding my audience is exciting, but I’m really looking forward to joining Mr. Ailes and his world-class team.”
A recipient of the 2008 Marconi Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters, Beck is also the author of the New York Times bestseller An Inconvenient Book – Real Solutions to the World’s Biggest Problems (2007) as well as The Real America – Messages from the Heart and Heartland (2005).
Posted By RichC on October 16, 2008
For those of you familiar with the book “Born on a Blue Day” by Daniel Tammet, you’ll enjoy his blog post on John McCain’s age. As a ‘numbers guy,’ he takes a look at both actuarial tables of a 72 year old man in the U.S., the McCain family history and lifespan of past U.S. Presidents and runners- up.
His conclusion: “There may be all kinds of reasons to oppose a McCain victory in November, but age isn’t one of them.”
McCain’s longevity prospects look pretty good. His mother, Roberta, is still active at 96, as is his aunt of the same age (Roberta’s twin sister). His maternal grandfather, Archibald Wright, also lived well into his nineties.
A final note: Modern presidential candidates (from the 1930s on) appear on the whole to have above-average lifespans. Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan both lived to 93, while Herbert Hoover also reached his 90th birthday and Harry Truman lived to 88. Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush are both still active at 84.
Presidential runners-up fare well too: the 1972 Democrat nominee George McGovern is 86, while the party’s 1984 nominee Walter Mondale celebrated his 80th birthday this year. The 1996 Republican nominee Bob Dole is now 85, while the Republicans’ 1964 candidate Barry Goldwater lived to 89. The longevity prize, however, goes to the Republican’s 1936 candidate, Alf Landon, who died a month after his 100th birthday in 1987.