Posted By RichC on September 7, 2008
Friends and family regularly forward me ‘cute’ things on the Internet, although I rarely post them on my blog. Here’s a YouTube clip that impressed me enough to share. Perhaps it is because as a boy I played with a yo-yo and tried to learn a few simple tricks — but never like this!
Posted By RichC on September 6, 2008
On Thursday night at the RNC, prior to Senator John McCain‘s speech accepting his party’s nomination, he was introduced by a short movie about his love for country and his life of service to our nation. His mother posed the question: “Where else in the history of the United States of America, have you had a person, over time, with the experience that he has?” The obvious answer is that there are very few individuals who have come to demonstrate this much devotion to country.
Besides delivering a ‘decent’ speech to 28.9 million viewers (more that Palin, Biden or Obama), McCain was able to present himself to the American people in a way that was realistic yet hopeful. His promises were still those of a politician, but promises which his life’s record have shown tireless effort. It will require bringing parties and ideas together, and perhaps even compromise, but more realistic under McCain than any other GOP candidate to date. Its hard to tell if this Senator who has stretched across party lines in the past, will be able to do the same if elected President? I’d like to think so … and for the best interest of our country, I’ll be supporting the dedicated and highly experienced John McCain for President. If little else, he has certainly demonstrated that he ‘does’ put “Country First” and loves our nation and its people. (to download a Quicktime movie of the entire speech, ‘right-click/save as’ this link)
Posted By RichC on September 5, 2008
I stumbled across the first 2009 Volkswagen Sportwagen TDI that I’ve noticed in my area. Here are a few photos of the ‘sold’ vehicle in the FairfieldVW showroom. Sticker was just a bit over $25,000, but the car had that impressively huge moonroof. I could go for this 6-speed manual in black!
Posted By RichC on September 5, 2008
Senator Barack Obama and Bill O’Reilly (Fox News – O’Reilly Factor) sat down and had a 2 hour talk on Thursday in Pennsylvania before the RNC speeches; part one of the interview ran at 8PM EST Thursday night and the balance will follow next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I though both did a pretty good job of having a “lively conversation.” (YouTube Part 1 below — or higher quality here — for as long as it remains posted)
Posted By RichC on September 4, 2008
Although hurricane Ike is a few days away from the United States, it currently looks to be the most threatening storm heading towards the U.S. mainland this year. Predictions have it at a CAT4 ( 131-154mph wind) with the current path of south Florida. As someone with family in Delray Beach, this storm has me sitting up and taking notice. We are obviously in the middle of a strong hurricane season with Gustov recently coming ashore in Louisiana, Hanna projected for the Carolinas and Josephine moving westward across the Atlantic Ocean. Better get those hurricane shutters and plywood ready!
Posted By RichC on September 4, 2008
Alaska’s Governor Sarah Palin delivered one of the finest speeches at a political convention that I can recall which without question re-ignites the slumbering McCain for President campaign. Palin’s energy and speech delivery were exactly what the Republican convention needed. I think America is going to like and listen to her. From her smart ‘small town’ wit, to her conservative appeal, the “hockey mom” of five is going to give middle American Independents and undecided Democrats something to think about. By the end of Wednesday night, Arizona delegates officially confirmed the Republican ticket: McCain/Palin. (photo above: Sarah Palin fishing in Alaska)
Posted By RichC on September 3, 2008
In keeping with short posts and photos, my EAA Chapter 284 had its annual Fly-In and Pancake breakfast this past Sunday morning. Thanks to the great weather and hungry pilots, our event was well attended and the most profitable in the last several years. Who said high priced AVGas would keep taildraggers away?
Posted By RichC on September 2, 2008
Although I spent most of my time behind the scenes working with my fellow planners to keep the TDIFest organized, I did take a few moments to walk through the parking lot and Rally destination (Red Stewart Airfield) taking a couple photos.
Posted By RichC on September 1, 2008
I’m back dating a couple of blog entries so I can include a few photos and video from this past weekend — TDIFest OH8. Here’s a great video by TDIClub member “TeDeEye1” of the “timed drive” Road Rally:
TDIFest OH8 Road Rally from Fred on Vimeo.
Posted By RichC on August 28, 2008
Currently a tropical storm packing peak winds of 60 knots, Gustav the killer storm in the Caribbean looks to be taking aim at the Gulf Coast of the United States. Cities like New Orleans are not taking chances and are getting early information and preparations in place. The predictions are for Gustav to strengthen and land sometime near Labor Day. Oil prices are already heading up and I just received a text message from local filling station chain that their gasoline prices are going up at noon today (Thursday). No doubt oil traders will not going into the holiday weekend ‘long’ on oil.