tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12581035737694543632024-03-04T22:03:49.940-06:00Dyslexic ResearchReverse thinking for backward times.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-68498993246013510702011-01-12T16:12:00.001-06:002011-01-12T16:13:47.353-06:00To Guzzo the Contrarian...If you wish to return from your slumber, you are always welcome to write here. Hope you are ok out there.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-40245684679141615712011-01-12T15:30:00.002-06:002011-01-12T15:34:40.435-06:00Social Security...Here’s the thing about Social Security. As long as you are working, granted there are certain requirements to be eligible etc, you have been paying in. I started “working” when I was 14 and believe I started paying into the system when I was 16, I am now 31 years old and have put in $18k into Social Security or so my little yearly handout I get from the government says. So to put it nicely, if we get rid of the system, I want my mother f^#&ing money. $18k is $18k and I want it back, if it were $10 I would want it back. I’m pretty sure everyone else wants it back as well.<br /><br />Social Security is like a gift card from the government. The system hopes you don’t use the entire balance on the card, aka you expire before your contribution/deposit runs out. That allows a surplus that goes back to the government and/or Social Security, just like Walmart hopes that you don’t use the entire balance on the gift card leaving them a leftover surplus. Better yet, sorry to use mortal terms, it would be even better if you expired before you get to withdraw, or in gift card terms, you lose your card.Yes, there are specifics that I am leaving out here, but I am not the best source for facts anyway.<br /><br />Honestly the system while just okay at creating a minimum balance to retire and distribute as a payout, is in fact brilliant in that it forces people to plan while giving them money to balance budgets (I never agreed to that part). Granted some people don’t agree with government just taking your money, but some people don’t agree with Fluoride in the water. Fact is it’s there, a lot of us contribute, and it should remain for those whom have paid in. <br /><br />The argument is that too many people will retire (boomers), pulling out too much money, without a greater input of cash going in. I understand, more people retiring than ever before, and if they live as long as they might live, OMG for GOV’T. The thing is there is quite the growing population in the US; however the employment opportunities seem to keep dwindling down. Manufacturing, customer support, engineering, and supplies keep getting sourced to other countries, thus less people inputting into the social security system and with the jobs left, inputting money at a much lesser rate. I don’t know when it became popular to look down on these trade jobs, vo-tech education, and service industry, but it is hurting the society as a whole because now everyone wants to be a rock star or computer programmer over being a carpenter, plumber, and electrician. I digress, but I am really just saying government, society, and American companies need to create more employment opportunities for Americans and then your cash recovery for Social Security I would think occur.<br /><br />So please, when you can, buy American. Write your congressman to create more jobs here and do what you can to help out, because someday I want my mother f^#&ing money.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-73927282634860631972010-12-21T18:42:00.004-06:002011-01-12T15:38:11.949-06:00What is a return.....or what is there to return to?<br /><br />The bug is back in me slightly, so I will write some. <br /><br />This past year, was more difficult than the one previous. Which is hard to believe, considering I was broke, unemployed, and selling/repairing bikes to make it. This year I luckily regained employment in February, then my future brother in law and now my real brother in law was diagnosed with Hodkins Lymphoma. He's doing great, full recovery pretty much an afterthought now. A sister in law just had her first child too. So started nice, rough middle, and is ending beautifully.<br /><br />Most importantly, the girl I love (and have been with for nine and a half years) and I got married. Just great, great, great.<br /><br />So I have been away, but busy. I think I will start to write again. Don't really know if I care or if anyone cares.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-22461933756364760462010-02-17T19:10:00.001-06:002010-02-17T19:12:33.592-06:00This just in....<strong>...MJ gets a job!</strong><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/98P-gu_vMRc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/98P-gu_vMRc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-41627265960976256442009-12-18T16:39:00.002-06:002009-12-18T16:44:41.042-06:00Haven't posted in awhile......thought I would chime in with a couple of thoughts. Despite thoughts to the contrary I think the market is acting scared right now, it may be appropriately fragile but I am unsure. I think solid value investing of solid straight forward companies with large cash savings are the way to go. ABB and PM come to mind. VTI has almost recovered my Roth completely and I think proven that is the "safest" place for money, so props to Bogleheads.<br /><br />As for me, I am still unemployed. Manufacturing in KC is down, and engineering jobs are then. I don't plan on moving and I don't see a turnaround here coming soon. Thus, I am working towards opening my own bike store, hopefully can put something together by February. In other words, when times are tough, I am going to invest in myself.<br /><br />Good luck out there, more to come when I feel like it. Happy holidays...MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-91025000335795934442009-11-03T11:57:00.002-06:002009-11-03T11:59:57.283-06:00From Sinfest...Great little comic called <a href="http://www.sinfest.net/">Sinfest</a> can open your eyes at time...<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 740px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 1433px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://sinfest.net/comikaze/comics/2009-08-23.gif" />MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-86152683584939678832009-09-01T20:39:00.002-05:002009-09-01T20:58:08.931-05:00Beware the 4th quarter...I have been around some cable TV as of late (not mine), and have been noticing everyone saying that they should be prepared for the sky to fall. While I do think that some pullback is inevitable soon, I don't know if it will be drastic.<br /><br />What I do suggest you look out for is fourth quarter earnings which in the coming months will be reported for a great deal of business. Despite what you believe about how truthful the first three quarterly reports are, I will tell you that typically the fourth quarter is as legit as it will get. This is due to companies having to report the official earnings to the government. They scrutize themselves thoroughly at this time and you will often find that major adjustments to the other quarters. I've seen GM and Goldman Sach's do this just this past year. <br /><br />If you are a long term investor, often times you will follow stocks over a longer period. Notice the companies that do and do not have major adjustments after each report. Those that do not swing numbers around wildly likely chance of having both a straight forward business structure and more importantly honest business practices. I can think of a few examples, Trane before it was acquired by Ingersoll-Rand and while it was under American Standard's portfolio was extremely well honest with its practices, and has Baldor over the past 4 years or so (that I have seen).<br /><br />So be careful and keep a watchful eye on your stocks, the fourth quarter is coming...MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-23453460642968931392009-08-13T15:29:00.001-05:002009-08-13T15:30:45.698-05:00Awesome<p><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/U5oVzbwYWpg&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/U5oVzbwYWpg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>Maybe you shouldn't speak up about the government or speak at all or move to California.</p>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-25471378233805043452009-08-13T14:17:00.003-05:002009-08-13T14:28:45.127-05:00Healthcare Question:<a href="http://www.jong.org/images/bart-healthcare.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 349px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 524px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.jong.org/images/bart-healthcare.jpg" /></a>Do you feel like the govenment is tackling the second greatest issue with healthcare instead of the first? Am I the only one that thinks that tort reform would be the single greatest affect on the healthcare system? Don't you think if we could streamline and better manage health related court costs, then insurance, doctor's well being, patient care, and overall outrageous costs associated with the system could be eliminated. Seems to me we are saying that is too hard, and instead let's give healthcare for all, creating a massive government insurance company that will then find the need to push tort reform.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Whereas, tort reform could be pushed first and thus private insurance could be reachable for all. If not private insurance then at least paying for the procedures would be in a more realistic price range and then government insurance plans would become more economical for the nation.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Why am I seeing it this way?</div>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-34008578962210071412009-08-09T17:18:00.006-05:002009-08-09T17:29:09.771-05:00What's Happening With MJMJ's been kind of "hush hush" about his job situation. But, that's only online. He has no problem sharing his stories with his friends and colleagues in person, especially when he's out partying. So to keep everyone updated to his situation, I videotaped his last night out with his friends before he went on vacation.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9HnjeJwm9A&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&showinfo=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y9HnjeJwm9A&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&showinfo=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-14858776035942447582009-08-08T01:00:00.003-05:002009-08-08T01:18:38.847-05:00New Healthcare Bill...I am still out traveling the Rockies, but I think healthcare reform is important and will end up affecting us all.<br /><br />So before everyone makes an opinion about some heresay on this or that try checking out PolitiFact.com website. It is a sight that is supposed to be non-partisan and show the real truth to rumors making the rounds.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/subjects/health/">Click here to check out the healthcare section of Politifact.</a>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-892247339365255882009-07-30T11:50:00.005-05:002009-07-30T12:01:47.278-05:00Hitting the road for awhile......I am going on the road for a couple of weeks. If anyone is interested in following my travels <a href="http://dunkinontheroad.blogspot.com/">click here</a>.<br /><br />Have a good couple of weeks. Below is a picture of where I am headed. (Hint: It rhymes with lacier ational ark)<br /><br /><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/308173392_548771e7e8.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 500px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/308173392_548771e7e8.jpg" /></a>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-19554803947108942512009-07-20T21:45:00.001-05:002009-07-20T21:46:59.061-05:00Ahwww<a href="http://www.howtoavoidthebummerlife.com/weblog/archives/sfmondaysaregone.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 441px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 603px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.howtoavoidthebummerlife.com/weblog/archives/sfmondaysaregone.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Now Monday is really going to suck.</div>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-65247337258283745832009-07-15T00:09:00.001-05:002009-07-15T00:10:23.239-05:00Where I want the whole bike shop thing to go...Sometimes people who get their bike repaired by me or stop by to look at parts wonder where I would like to go with this, really I am not sure but every once in a while I get a little bit of a dream going. One of my favorite cycling blogs <a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/">Copenhagenize</a> visited a place in London that is similar to what I would like to do here in Mission.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3682580068_cca7a06224.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 500px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3682580068_cca7a06224.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/07/lock-7-cycle-cafe-in-hackney.html">Take a look here.</a> Mission is one of the areas in the city that could easily become a more mobile bike community. Everything from restaurants to grocery stores to hardware stores are less than a mile a way from a large residential and rental areas. It just seems like it would be a prime place for something such as this. Maybe I will step forward, don't know yet, it is nice to dream about it.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-30190570829957764932009-07-13T14:28:00.002-05:002009-07-13T14:32:26.217-05:00A particularly bad habit of mine: Article of the weekSwearing, unfortunately I do it often. I have sweared in the most inappropriate of times, in front of my parents, in front of children, churches, etc. I am not proud of it, but man is it easier to get your frustration out. Now science (or is it just psychology) has proven me right. Read on:<br /><br /><a href="http://news.aol.com/health/article/swearing-helps-tolerate-pain/568386">Swearing Makes Pain More Tolerable</a>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-87055547305337644552009-07-07T08:00:00.000-05:002009-07-08T12:04:56.097-05:00Stop...<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vfxCnZ4Dp3c&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vfxCnZ4Dp3c&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Hammer TimeMechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-84320767198968756822009-07-06T20:19:00.003-05:002009-07-06T21:09:36.442-05:00Busy at HomeSo a few ads on craigslist and a <a href="http://mechanicmatt.blogspot.com/">website later</a> and I am making some pocket money. I am busy, so busy in fact that I haven't posted anything here. It is hard for me to give financial advice when I myself don't really have the money to invest. Not that I don't have money (Thank you Missouri and craigslist), I just don't have anything extra. Nothing is tapped out or in despair, but nothing is gaining so to speak.<br /><br />If I had money, I would be watching <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=abb">ABB</a>. If the the green boom is really going to occur this company is going to make lots of money. They make electic motors, PLC controls, robots, and most importantly transmission lines. If the US is going to go green, the power grid (ie transmission lines) is going to be overhauled. <a href="http://www.forbes.com/global/2009/0511/022-infrastructure-energy-abb-power-guys.html?partner=yahoomag">ABB has some promising technology that will likely make it happen.</a> Last time I looked the stock was around $15 but I think it will go a little lower again. Long term, it looks fabulous.<br /><br />If this whole bike thing continues at a steady pace and the current economic situation remains dire, I may make a bike store here in KC. I just don't know, maybe I am just cheap labor and have basically no overhead. But I have been pulling a small but decent amount of cash from the work, so if that was added with sales it may be okay, I just don't know.<br /><br />Anyway, all is well. Sorry to all that have followed wondering what is going on, inspiration and time just isn't here right now. I will continue to post but it just may be in spurts for forseen future.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-69793820691609319262009-07-06T20:16:00.001-05:002009-07-06T20:18:19.892-05:00Appropriate for BBQ town USA<a href="http://www.howtoavoidthebummerlife.com/weblog/archives/vegancarn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 599px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 448px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.howtoavoidthebummerlife.com/weblog/archives/vegancarn.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-46482233220306430472009-06-16T12:40:00.006-05:002009-06-16T13:18:08.732-05:009 Days of Green: Borrow, Share, and Be NeighborlyThe hardest concept for new America to grasp I think is the idea that we don't need everything. I have to fight it myself a lot. It comes from my mother, she is somewhat of an artist, but she is even better at preparing to be an artist. Whenever she starts a new project she becomes a collector of all the stuff needed to make that project happen. She was into making her own soap for a while, but I think she collected enough forms, molds, and equipment to give Dial a run for there money. When she was younger, she had all of the supplies to be a great painter, tool leather, and die shirts. For me, I gathered every tool I ever need to fix bikes, string lacrosse sticks, and work wood. Reality is that not everyone of us is <a href="http://www.newyankee.com/index.php">Norm Abrams</a> and we don't need everything for everything. Know what you like and then be able to share and borrow with others.<br /><br />For instance, snow blowers are not a necessity here in KC but can be real nice to have every 3 years or so. So if you have one great, but don't be afraid to let someone borrow it or if you are that afraid of someone hurting themselves then do it yourself. I borrowed my neighbor's non-working mini-tiller for a week while I redid my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">side yard</span>, I fixed it and returned it in better order than it came to me in.<br /><br />Both of these examples are good to point out how it is good to be neighborly as well. Sure you may not get along with everyone and that is fine, but you would be amazed at how cool it is to find out about the people around you, share desserts and vegetables from gardens. Call it living the Golden Rule or just call it being nice, it can save you a lot of money and increase your self worth significantly. So share what you have, borrow what you can, and always be nice to your neighbors.<br /><br />Here's a clip of my neighbor recorded yesterday:<br /><br /><object width="512" height="296"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/bN2T7bZzh1yPyUrfCu1RFQ"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/edp/http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ehulu%2Ecom%2F/embed/bN2T7bZzh1yPyUrfCu1RFQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" height="296" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/16QSYESBuRU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/16QSYESBuRU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Yes, this is actually what my neighbor sounds like. The "two chicks at the same time" guy is his name in our household.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-61565225897323774132009-06-14T04:48:00.006-05:002009-06-15T08:27:20.773-05:00Looking to Save MoneyMJ has been working hard with his new business, so he hasn't really had the time to focus on ways to save more money and share with us. But luckily, his girlfriend has been working on finding ways to reduce household costs with her friends, and has unveiled her own stimulus plan.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="430"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/onn_embed/embedded_player.swf?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theonion.com%2Fcontent%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2FNATIONS_GIRLFRIENDS_article.jpg&videoid=95266&title=Nation's%20Girlfriends%20Unveil%20New%20Economic%20Plan%3A%20'Let's%20Move%20In%20Together'" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed src="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/onn_embed/embedded_player.swf"type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="430"flashvars="image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theonion.com%2Fcontent%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2FNATIONS_GIRLFRIENDS_article.jpg&videoid=95266&title=Nation's%20Girlfriends%20Unveil%20New%20Economic%20Plan%3A%20'Let's%20Move%20In%20Together'"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/video/nations_girlfriends_unveil_new?utm_source=videoembed">Nation's Girlfriends Unveil New Economic Plan: 'Let's Move In Together'</a><br /><br />However, I'm not too sure that MJ is fully behind her plan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-64550371585997720182009-06-12T20:44:00.001-05:002009-06-12T20:45:07.572-05:00Slacking pretty bad...Will have some updates this weekend. Sorry, sorry, sorry, it's been a busy week.MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-28951230606318966392009-06-01T12:53:00.005-05:002009-06-01T13:55:58.138-05:009 Days of Green: Repair & Maintain<a href="http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/appliances/2850d1173230711-kenmore-washer-wobbles-during-spin-cycle-leadimage-2-.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 574px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 744px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/appliances/2850d1173230711-kenmore-washer-wobbles-during-spin-cycle-leadimage-2-.jpg" /></a>"They don't make them like they used to."<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>How many times have you heard this phrase, let along said it. I tend to think a lot of my green ideas are abstract and this one is no different. If something is broke fix it.</div><div></div><br /><div>This opinion was developed over my time as a manufacturing engineer and as a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">amateur</span> bicycle mechanic. Repair stuff that is broken and maintain what is not. You want some of your home bills to stay down, maintain you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">HVAC</span> system. Old or new these systems run more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">efficiently</span> with clean filters, fans, and sensors. Have an old car that runs well, try adding synthetic motor oil with the next oil change, you may be surprised what your gas mileage is afterward. Bicycles can run and run as long as they are cleaned every year. Heck your home has probably needed an update here or there, did you throw your home away or did you get that new roof, added insulation, or paved driveway. </div><div></div><br /><div>It is really simple and probably an afterthought that we need to repair things when they break down. <a href="http://dyslexicresearch.blogspot.com/2008/09/somebody-please-fix-sears.html">I know that after moving into this house my washing machine and garage door opener failed on me.</a> Myself or my girlfriend was ready to purchase something new, thankfully we didn't because a couple of trips to the parts center and some elbow grease later, we had everything up and working. By keeping what we have running, working, and used, it is one less thing to throw away fill up a landfill, or use energy to melt down, not to mention all of the resources and energy to produce a new product.</div><div></div><br /><div>Electronics are probably my most hated product in terms of maintenance and repair. Most electronics are not very repairable, can require a significant understanding of circuits, can become obsolete rather quickly, and may have the worst warranties in the business. I wouldn't know what to tell you to do with them other than use them as long as you can before your needs change or the machine dies. I know a lot of people know how to repair old radio tuners and kitchen electronics, but the ratio of those compared to the number of tossed equipment <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> isn't favorable.</div><div></div><br /><div>When faced with the dreaded repair versus buy new arguments, think of it this way. First, what will the life of my product be if I do this repair? Second, what will be the total cost of purchasing and using the new equipment? Then, compare the results. My dad kept cars way past their prime, his reasoning was sure this repair costs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> but it is cheaper than car payment. I always thought that was a good argument. Realize too that simply maintaining equipment constantly will keep things running longer than you would ever think is really possible. Whether it is a repair or simple maintenance, continued usage of your old stuff can keep numerous other materials and resources safe from harming the environment.</div></div>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-81491749843503332972009-05-28T12:28:00.002-05:002009-05-28T12:34:04.214-05:009 Days of Green Extended to June 7thWell I have missed a few days here in the 9 Days of Green so I am going to extend it through June 7th, because I have had a busy week of bike selling, bike repairing, GF B-Day, and today I had a long interview (yay). So I will still have the 9 Days of Green (meaning 9 blog posts - 2 down, 7 to go), but just spread it out over the next two weeks to get things done. <br /><br />So post in the comments over at Grant's Corner Office Blog and/or here until June 7th and win some some swag.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />The ManagementMechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-47623661385389628842009-05-24T08:32:00.007-05:002009-05-24T09:27:45.635-05:009 Days of Green: Simplify<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK0Ha5djm8upBcCr08N8UmQTr4IJYFs2eeK5XESsanWi0u23r2_GuGMMtp1v46OyvF-52ebCrv_2fKGX1mzA9onr3c0ZtXT5-XMn6QU35DH9eZDBjvnaM2DleF2vI53kilsyMA5EvUvIp/s1600-h/IMG_1962.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339394703387849874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtK0Ha5djm8upBcCr08N8UmQTr4IJYFs2eeK5XESsanWi0u23r2_GuGMMtp1v46OyvF-52ebCrv_2fKGX1mzA9onr3c0ZtXT5-XMn6QU35DH9eZDBjvnaM2DleF2vI53kilsyMA5EvUvIp/s320/IMG_1962.JPG" /></a>(Day 2 of the <a href="http://dyslexicresearch.blogspot.com/2009/05/with-my-massive-internet-influence-that.html">ReJAVAnate Bag contest</a>, comment to enter. Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.thecornerofficeblog.com/">Grant at the Corner Office Blog </a>as well and enjoy your weekend!)<br /><div><br /><div>"Simplify, Simplify, Simplify"</div><div></div><br /><div>It was my mantra a year ago after we had moved into our new home. All of our belongings fit in a 10' deep x 10' tall x 20' wide storage room and yet when we brought everything to the new house we filled the entire house up. It was baffling but we had too much for there to be a spot for everything. So my GF and I did what we have always said that we would eventually do, "Simplify, Simplify, Simplify." Out went what we didn't need, out went what we had too many of, out went the clothes that didn't fit, out went the TV's we didn't need, out went a lot of things. Mind you that these were not trashed but garage sale'd and eventually donated to the thrift stores.</div><div></div><br /><div>The point though was that we wanted to not have what we really didn't need. You know simplify. For years we collected items for 'that house we would get' and just stored those items away, only to realize that we had way more than what we ever needed.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, what do we really need in life? When you think about it all we really need is food (and the stuff to prepare and eat it) and a roof over our head (and the stuff to support that). Maybe that is way oversimplifying the idea, but it is a good place to start.</div><div></div><br /><div>I think it is common in Americana to dream about the stuff you always want when you are young: favorite car or truck, the perfect home theatre, the ultimate bed, the pottery barn living room, the perfect house, etc. Then when we finally find a job and begin earning real money, we try to buy all of those things, which is great for a while. Then you have a child or you just grow up a little and realize, "Hey, it's great that I finally made my 4X4 truck that I dreamed about, but I never drive it, and we really could use a family vehicle." There just isn't anything that is really that important.</div><div></div><br /><div>My brother who spent years not making much finally completed is training and began making real money, bought a lot of stuff he thought he really wanted. Today, most of it sits unwatched, unused, and gathering dust. He constantly talks about that what he thought mattered just doesn't. He now lives a fairly bohemian life with his family and he truly believes that the only things that are actually important are his family and getting to travel.</div><div></div><br /><div>After we made the choice to simplify, I can tell you that it is both uplifting and annoying at times. Uplifting because everything has a place, clutter is more easily eliminated, and costs go down because less is bought, maintained, and used. Annoying because you will constantly ask yourself if you really need something and while that is extremely helpful, it can get old. It is almost like religion, when you violate the lifestyle, that guilty pleasure can turn into just plain guilt.</div><div></div><br /><div>All that being said, no one simplifies completely but utilizing it as a mantra will no doubt save you money and skip that regret that we all get from poor purchasing decisions. It helps too when it is time to make big home decisions like thinking that you need a bigger home when maybe you have too much stuff or when it is time to clear out the garage. It's a big step but I am telling you it can be a freeing feeling when you finally decide to simplify, simplify, simplify.</div></div>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1258103573769454363.post-47833550869373879532009-05-24T08:06:00.005-05:002009-05-24T09:40:02.128-05:00Pictures of the PrizeI wanted to add some pictures of what you are working for:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuiJ9LQ2TH6JkRx0VhYftvCzbrzamlWzDxMxQ1D_e-zW37heYJ8YxrdAsMn5yZqzsAyNvFjdVRJ-vWpBu9sMa-LWBKutw2WETv6sYGmp0iUGJqJL778kXl8QQWR6zzsVV3R9P6xdxQ6RA/s1600-h/IMG_1987.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339379656222042722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuiJ9LQ2TH6JkRx0VhYftvCzbrzamlWzDxMxQ1D_e-zW37heYJ8YxrdAsMn5yZqzsAyNvFjdVRJ-vWpBu9sMa-LWBKutw2WETv6sYGmp0iUGJqJL778kXl8QQWR6zzsVV3R9P6xdxQ6RA/s200/IMG_1987.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR7jP9YBF52N4Vmd72IWLXI7us-9OnMR0YhVU4EZpga3hq5PZhJLzWX1alMcg26Om-yysKuS-ip9H6lwXgZ5S3kLhHVsHKWn8j7luSEgy4XPvawYw0t_oSfePcdITQNbJGDANNeVwkZtg/s1600-h/IMG_1988.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339379662102741986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR7jP9YBF52N4Vmd72IWLXI7us-9OnMR0YhVU4EZpga3hq5PZhJLzWX1alMcg26Om-yysKuS-ip9H6lwXgZ5S3kLhHVsHKWn8j7luSEgy4XPvawYw0t_oSfePcdITQNbJGDANNeVwkZtg/s200/IMG_1988.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICh5SoEwZrEyL8FYCcbW6s-4LbLt5jQJ8RAkYi5lojQryGnnM__Sbi_tu9kLEJEM6P2XPu9jKE2QhXNWU9Sws-9g9LuJjd0b9oY1yhzxyazvXYYnpWhyphenhyphenvY49iCaqLhmwIJSXCU9hGHeK_/s1600-h/IMG_1986.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339379653561181554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICh5SoEwZrEyL8FYCcbW6s-4LbLt5jQJ8RAkYi5lojQryGnnM__Sbi_tu9kLEJEM6P2XPu9jKE2QhXNWU9Sws-9g9LuJjd0b9oY1yhzxyazvXYYnpWhyphenhyphenvY49iCaqLhmwIJSXCU9hGHeK_/s200/IMG_1986.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuiJ9LQ2TH6JkRx0VhYftvCzbrzamlWzDxMxQ1D_e-zW37heYJ8YxrdAsMn5yZqzsAyNvFjdVRJ-vWpBu9sMa-LWBKutw2WETv6sYGmp0iUGJqJL778kXl8QQWR6zzsVV3R9P6xdxQ6RA/s1600-h/IMG_1987.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(Click on the pictures for high resolution)<br /><br />I also wanted to add some more information about the Arc Organization whom sponsors the makers of this bag, <a href="http://www.thearc.org/">from their website</a>:<br /><br /><br /><p>"The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 780 state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. </p><p>Local chapters of The Arc come in every shape, form and size – from small voluntary groups to large and sophisticated multi-million dollar organizations. To maintain a strong and cohesive movement, The Arc’s network of chapters share a common thread – <a href="http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thearc.org%2fNetCommunity%2fPage.aspx%3f%26pid%3d268%26srcid%3d1386&srcid=1386&erid=0" tab="0" pid="0">our core values</a>. We invite you to get to know The Arc by meeting a chapter near you (<a href="http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thearc.org%2fNetCommunity%2fPage.aspx%3f%26pid%3d207%26srcid%3d1386&srcid=1386&erid=0" tab="0" pid="0">click here for our chapter locater</a>)</p><p>The Arc’s vision is that every individual and family affected by intellectual disability in the United States has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active citizens of our democracy and active members of their community. We work to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the supports they need to live an ordinary, decent American life: </p><p>* People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are valued, respected and included in all communities.<br />* People with intellectual and developmental disabilities direct their own lives. People choose their services and supports from many available sources.<br />* People are empowered through nonprofit advocacy. State and federal governments administer programs and set budgets that meet everyone’s needs. </p><p>The Arc is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer <a href="http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thearc.org%2fNetCommunity%2fDocument.Doc%3fid%3d1373&srcid=1386&erid=0" target="Information" did="0" tab="0" pid="0">board of directors</a>."</p>MechanicMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15152303348930160051noreply@blogger.com1