My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on May 3, 2008

Microsoft released a letter from Chief Executive Steve Ballmer on Saturday that he sent to Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang saying that Microsoft was willing to raise its offer to $33 a share for Yahoo, but Yahoo demanded at least $4 per share more; $37/share. (the Monday share price for Yahoo will be interesting) “Despite our best efforts, including raising our bid by roughly $5 billion, Yahoo has not moved toward accepting our offer,” Mr. Ballmer said in a Microsoft press release. The WSJ reported that Microsoft has withdrawn its bid for Yahoo and has speculated is that Microsoft may be considering going hostile in acquiring Yahoo.

EDIT 5/5/2008:

From the NYTimes technology blogs:

Shortly after Microsoft announced its hostile bid for Yahoo, Google objected and raised the prospect that it would fight to challenge any merger with the government.

As it turned out, Google was very much the spoiler in the deal. But its most effective weapon was not threats or coercion, but its very effective, and unconventional, use of its own checkbook.

Google has agreed to sell some search advertising for Yahoo. And since Google earns far more on every search than its rivals do, this will mean an immediate increase in Yahoo’s profits.

Microsoft’s chief executive, Steven A. Ballmer, said the prospect of such a deal that could deprive Microsoft of being able to sell all Yahoo’s search ads made proceeding with a hostile takeover less attractive. And Yahoo hopes the promise of a big check each quarter from Google will placate enough shareholders to head off a revolt over its decision to turn down Microsoft’s offer of $33 per share.

It is a rare company that will help its biggest rival this way. And Google’s offer is all the more unusual because it does not neutralize Yahoo as a potential future competitor, at least explicitly.

more

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Tags: investing, mergers, msft, stock, tech, trading, wall street, yhoo

Posted By RichC on May 2, 2008

I’ve been waiting to watch the movie Charlie Wilson’s War based on the true story of Congressman Charlie Wilson and his campaign to help defeat the USSR in Afghanistan, and although it was an excellent history lesson, the movie offered little to keep ones focus. (my wife fell asleep) That said, its offers a satirical look at Washington DC politics, the CIA and how some of the pieces came together to both defeat the Soviet Union ending the cold war and opened the door to a generation in Afghanistan that we would be fighting 15 years later.

The movie brought Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman together with writing by Aaron Sorkin, a man who has made a very successful career detailing Washington’s politics in shows like the West Wing. He took Texas Congressmen Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) and detailed his fondness for alcohol, drugs, and women by opening the story in 1980. Wilson at this time knows nothing about Afghanistan. For some reason he takes an interest in a Dan Rather news piece and uses his position on the House Appropriations Committee to add covert support for the Afghans. Believing he is doing a good thing by doubling a 5 million dollar covert budget with the encouragement of Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts). Wilson, a liberal-Democrat partners both romantically and politically with right-wing millionaire socialite Herring. She hated the Communists and wanted them to stop killing the brave Afghans building on what Wilson witnessed in his trip overseas to observe firsthand the hard fighting and suffering Afghan people.

Upon Wilson’s return, he partners with a moody, long time CIA man named Gust Avrakotos (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) to help supply high-tech weaponry through Pakistan. The heavy set, chain-smoking agent handles Afghanistan at the CIA with “three other guys,” and knows just the Israeli they need to talk to about weapons. Between Charlie’s ability to call in political favors, Joanne’s skills at schmoozing and cozying up to her fellow millionaires, and Gust’s knowledge of secret operations, the three are able to get the money and weapons needed to help the Afghans to victory. When this whole thing began, the U.S. was supplying the Afghans with a virtually pointless amount of money “just to keep the Russians fighting — as did the U.S. in Vietnam,” but the amount was quietly raised to $1 billion a year by the end of the fighting.

Eventually the 1980’s near a close, the USSR falls and the Afghan people celebrate victory in pushing the Soviets out of their country — suffering terrible losses. Congress shuts down funding for the undercover weapons and to Charlie’s dismay leave the country to suffer and rebuilt without help. All he asks was for a small amount budgeted to build schools in hopes to retrain the young people left behind. Nothing is appropriated and eventually the young and poor Afghans are brought under Taliban training and Sharia law. In the end, a quote is placed on the screen from Charlie Wilson warning that the U.S. hasn’t learn from mistake of the past. So true.

If you enjoy history and a celebration of what the passion of one man can do in a corrupt Washington, you’ll appreciate Charlie Wilson’s War.

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Posted By RichC on May 1, 2008

I’ll first say that I’m not voting for Senator Clinton IF she is the Democratic candidate, but I found her answers and straight talk with Bill O’Reilly very refreshing. Her ability to handle a tough interview and candid answers are something to respect. Surprisingly, I found myself thinking, “Hmm, I can see her as our nation’s chief executive” … even though I dislike her politics. If you enjoy some good debate, check out the YouTube clips below.

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Posted By RichC on April 30, 2008

The Federal reserve is expected to make a 1/4 point move lower today … many believe this will be the last and that this indication will be mentions. Anything but an expected move will certainly make markets swing wildly so it could be time to hold on. Inflation is a growing problem as we try to survive the sub-prime banking mess and huge moves in oil prices. Everybody feels energy costs and all the affected areas by those increase costs … particularly food items. Its eventually going to impact the bottom line for most families and two of the three leading candidates (McCain and Clinton) for President are supporting a summer fuel tax holiday in hopes to relieve some pain. Its a small help, but might help buy the poorest American drivers the most.

Fed announcement: 1/4 point in the fund rate and 1/4 in the discount rate. Core inflation has improved, but energy and food higher. Uncertainly remains high. Moderate growth expected and Fed will act as needed.

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Posted By RichC on April 30, 2008

What’s better than a home library of original EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) newsletters and magazines for checking out past articles and tidbits for homebuilders? All the past issues available online with a browse and search feature. Wow!

Now that’s a great way to put technology to use and a really nice bonus for EAA members (members only) who enjoy knowing a bit more history of their organization and find past articles and photos of interest. Believe it or not, the folks in Oshkosh have gone through the trouble to create a digital archive for all the issues of the original Experimenter Newsletter and Sport Aviation Magazine and made them available to members at members.eaa.org.
That’s 59,000 pages from 1953 to 2006 for those counting! Interestingly the original newsletter was typed at the home of Paul Poberezny and brings back memories (not mine mind you) of the homebuilt and experimental aircraft organizations humble beginnings in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Check out the For Sale ad … $75! Its heartwarming to know where we are now, and where it all began back in those early days. Currently the archives are in the “beta testing” phase, so if you are a member give it a try. Browse, search, print and offer comments to info@eaa.org with “SA Online” in the subject field if you spot any problems. Well done EAA!

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Posted By RichC on April 29, 2008

Earthrace, the biodiesel powered circumnavigating spacecraft speedboat is off and running ahead of world record time as they beginning their second attempt around the world. The unique boat left Spain and is crossing the Atlantic Ocean traveling on “beautiful and flat” seas at 24 knots. This is pretty good time for a fully fueled boat running at 75% power. According to Captain Bethune, the extra speed this time is due to polishing the props and a Teflon based antifouling bottom paint offering a super smooth surface. (est. and extra 2 knots) Here’s wishing them well for their second go of it. (mp3 radio broadcast from Pete Bethune — hard to hear)

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Posted By RichC on April 28, 2008

My back is sore and my muscles ach as this past weekend was spent working in the yard … well really in just part of the yard. I’ve been reworking the landscaping as the ‘new porch’ is slowly coming together — this past weekend was the small pond and opening up the pool. (too many rocks to move and place for my aging back)

Monday was the asphalt day as the rain held off and the guys were able to pave my rear driveway; not quite as straight as I wanted it, but it will work. It should be much nicer than constantly adding gravel and killing weeds, but suspect will crack as does most blacktop. Never the less … we’re on a deadline to get the project done: My son’s high school graduation.

Category: Archive, Misc, Personal, Photos | 4 Comments »
Tags: addition, back porch, blacktop, construction, driveway, family, home, house, improvements, landscape, pond, project

Posted By RichC on April 27, 2008

I’ve been focused on multiple home repair and improvement projects this spring and am always looking for a quick way to make a repair and keep the mess to a minimum. I generally use the “empty box” under the repair technique when cutting or drilling drywall, but Dean Johnson from PBS’s Hometime suggested a sheet of newspaper and tape.

Category: Tidbits, Video | No Comments »
Tags: drywall, handyman, hometime, mp4, tips

Posted By RichC on April 25, 2008

A shocking day for those who love the oceans and beaches along the U.S. coasts as the first fatal shark attack in 3 years happened in an area rarely seeing sharks. Dave Martin, a 66 year old tri-athlete training veterinarian from San Diego, was swimming with a group of 9 at 7:30 AM about 150 yards offshore (see Triathlon Club of San Diego) and was attacked by what experts conclude is probably a 12 – 17 foot Great White Shark. The attack was characteristic of this species coming up swiftly from below with violent impact, as is their pattern when hunting seals. In Mr. Martins case, the powerful bite injured both legs and forced him first up out of the water and then struggling before other swimmers could get to him. His fellow tri-athletes quickly brought him to shore where rescue workers administered first aid. Martin suffered severe damage to both legs and blood loss was significant. The shark did not return.

The attack occured in Solana Beach which is 14 miles northwest of San Diego California and rarely sees any sharks let alone a Great White of this size, although experts say that the female do swim to the southern California area to have babies. Great White Sharks are far more common in the area off San Francisco, but are known to travel significant distances. The beach along this area of California have been closed for 72 hours and an aerial search is underway. (although it is unlikely to come up with anything)
In the U.S. and the world, shark attacks are extremely rare. There were only 71 confirmed unprovoked cases worldwide and 63 in 2006, and only of these attacks was in 2007 was fatal — and that was in the South Pacific. The last fatality in California was in 2004 where a man skin diving was attacked by a Great White of the coast in Mendocino County. In the San Diego area the last fatal attack occur in 1994, and a 29 year veteran life guard along this stretch of beach says he has never even seen a Great White. Still, we humans have an instinctive fear of sharks, perhaps triggered by their image and their legend.

Fatal Shark Attacks In U.S.
Jamie Marie Daigle, 14, killed June 25, 2005,
by a bull shark while swimming off a beach in Destin, Fla.
Randy Fry, 50, killed Aug. 15, 2004,
by a great white shark while diving off the coast of Mendocino, Calif.
Willis McInnis, 57, killed April 7, 2004,
by a tiger shark while surfing off the coast in Maui, Hawaii.
Deborah Franzman, 50, killed Aug. 19, 2003,
by a great white shark while swimming off Avila Beach, Calif.
Eric Reichardt, 42, drowned Sept. 16, 2001,
in a suspected shark attack off Pompano Beach, Fla.
Sergei Zaloukaev, 28, killed Sept. 3, 2001,
off the coast of Avon, N.C.
David Peltier, 10, died after a Sept. 1, 2001,
attack while surfing at Sandbridge Beach, Va.
Thadeus Kubinski, 69, killed Aug. 30, 2000,
by a bull shark while swimming in Boca Ciega Bay in Florida.
James Tellasmon, 9, killed Nov. 21, 1998,
by a tiger shark while swimming off of Vero Beach, Fla.
William Covert, 25, killed Sept. 13, 1995,
while diving off Alligator Reef in the Florida Keys.
James Robinson, 42, killed Dec. 9, 1994,
in a great white shark attack while diving off San Miguel Island, Calif.
Michelle von Emster, 25, killed April 16, 1994,
by a great white shark while swimming off Point Loma near San Diego, Calif.

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Posted By RichC on April 25, 2008

Who is to blame … Costco, Sam’sClub/Walmart, the media or just crazy Americans thinking they’ll be left ‘rice-less.’ (as if rice is a daily necessity for most American?)

While their may be a worldwide concern that the primary source of nutrition for many is in short supply, that is not true in the United States. What is true is that the media hype following a couple wholesale store restrictions in California due to limited stock “at a couple location” panic restaurants and individuals to make a run on the stores. Once the run began, the shelves were emptied due to the increased demand, much from ‘rice buyers’ that rarely purchased rice in the past.

The stocking up … or hoarding … has put a temporary shortage in place causing store to limit the number of bags of rice per purchase (like a two case limit on soft drinks as a dollar cost leader). Reporters ran with the ‘rationing’ stories which is creating even more demand for rice which has now turned into a national story.

Americans can be nutty! (Rice News Stories)

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