Author: Jack
I retired in 2008 and so I have more time now to devote to several of my interests The blog here is mainly for my interests in some current events but may have the occasional rant on other subjects. I have also decided to keep my genealogy posts and book reviews here instead of 2 additional blogs (and so simplify my life a little).

Inheritance by Sharon Moalem

Inheritance by Sharon Moalem

I enjoyed reading Inheritance: How Our Genes Change Our Lives—and Our Lives Change Our Genes by Sharon Moalem.


I think this is a wonderful book written for the general reader. At least I think it would be easily understandable by most people. A word of warning – I am a geneticist so I may not be the best judge of that but most of the reviews I’ve read seem to agree on this point.

Dr. Moalem is accomplished in his field. He knows the details and nuances but is able to explain a complicated subject in an easily understandable way.

I thought the opening chapter and the ending where he summarized were particularly well-done.

Time Warner-Comcast merger and  customer satisfaction

Time Warner-Comcast merger and customer satisfaction

I saw an article in this morning’s paper, Survey puts Time Warner-Comcast merger in a harsh light.

It was very disturbing news when you consider how large this new company will be. I had previously written about the Time Warner-Comcast merger and was a bit concerned about the dominant size of the company in both cable TV and internet.

The survey shows that Time Warner is the worst in customer satisfaction and Comcast is second worst. It remains to be seen how customer satisfaction will be in the combined company but I would not be too optimistic based on past results.

Amazon-Hachette Feud

Amazon-Hachette Feud

Given the unpleasant aspects of the Amazon-Hachette Feud and the resulting consumer problems with delays buying books by many best selling authors published by Hachette you’d think consumers would be finding alternatives to Amazon and competitors would use this as an opportunity to increase sales.

You would think internet competitors such as Barnes and Noble or local independent book stores would advertise that they stock and can deliver Hachette titles.

For example, Michael Connelly has a thriller featuring Detective Harry Bosch which is available for pre-order. I am on their mailing list and did get an email about the pre-order but there was no mention of the Amazon-Hachette dispute and how Barnes and Noble had no problem with delivery of Hachette titles.

James Patterson and David Baldacci currently have best sellers and are published by Hachette. Thousands of titles are published by Hachette. Is this not a tremendous business opportunity for Barnes and Noble, other internet competitors, and your local independent book store?

Quick update on Amazon Prime

Quick update on Amazon Prime

I previously mentioned my experience with Amazon Prime in a post which seemed only appropriate since I have it mentioned in my sidebar.

I did renew for 1 year. I buy enough things off Amazon than I figure the 2 day free shipping alone will be worth it. I have borrowed a Kindle book for free and that works fine but they could have more choices and make it a bit easier.

I have tried the video streaming several times and that is easy and works well. I have watched several videos including season 1 of The Americans and am in the process of watching season 1 of Orphan Black.

I think it is a fantastic deal.

CPI-E and retirement

CPI-E and retirement

I have previously discussed the use of the CPI-E (Consumer Price Index for the Elderly): Seniors, cost of living and benefit cuts and Strengthening Social Security.

There is a bill in the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (H. R. 4202) to use the CPI-E in many Federal retirement programs, although I do not see a mention of Social Security. I’m wondering if it does make more sense to start with programs more closely tied to Federal employment (both civilian and military) and perhaps expand the idea to Social Security as the government fiscal situation improves.

Thank you Rep Rangel for sponsoring this bill; and thanks also to the 51 cosponsors. Also thanks to those sponsoring similar bills in both the House and Senate.

Pennsylvania allows same-sex marriages and joins the northeast

Pennsylvania allows same-sex marriages and joins the northeast

I’m back from vacation and ready to blog but the news today changed what I was about to say. Pennsylvania does not seem to be the most progressive state. But today we joined with the other northeastern states in allowing same-sex marriages.

Of course our Governor may decide to appeal the court ruling but for the meanwhile we seem ready to join the rest of the northeast in recognizing a human right. Courts have also forced us to recognize the right of all citizens to vote, even if they cannot produce a birth certificate.

We still have a few relatively backward things such as state liquor stores but we are getting better.

Ice Cold:  Tales of Intrigue from the Cold War

Ice Cold: Tales of Intrigue from the Cold War

Mystery Writers of America Presents Ice Cold: Tales of Intrigue from the Cold War edited by Jeffery Deaver and Raymond Benson is a good collection of short stories. They are particularly enjoyable for those of us old enough to remember practicing ducking under our desks at school to protect us from a nuclear bomb. Continue reading “Ice Cold: Tales of Intrigue from the Cold War”

Not so Urgent, Caller-ID to the rescue

Not so Urgent, Caller-ID to the rescue

Today another call that I chose not to answer. Caller-ID said “Urgent” and gave the number as 760 204-3179. It was so urgent they didn’t bother to leave a message.

With caller-ID I usually don’t answer calls from unfamiliar numbers. If it is important, they would leave a message. If they do leave a message it is usually to speak with a customer service rep, or lower my electric bill, vote for someone in an election I can’t vote in, or something else stupid.

Free ebook on saving and investing to get rich slowly

Free ebook on saving and investing to get rich slowly

William J. Bernstein is an impressive man. He has an M.D. and Ph.D, practices medicine with a specialty in neurology, and has become a respected investment expert. He is best known for his quarterly journal on asset allocation and portfolio management.

He has written several books for those of us would like to intelligently manage our investments. And he offers personalized services for those with rather large investment portfolios (25 million dollars and up).

Now Dr. William J. Bernstein has offered a free ebook aimed at the young who are interested in saving for retirement. The subtitle really tells you what this book is about – How Millennials Can Get Rich Slowly

His plan is a simple one. He has said it is one that can be understood by a child and requires about 15 minutes each year.

Yet he believes it will yield better results than possible with most financial advisors. And quite likely he is right.

The book is also a guide to furthering reading to increase your financial literacy.

Since the key to the plan is deferred gratification, following this plan is not easy. But even if the implementation is only partial you will be better off in the long-term. So if you try and find it too difficult to continue, you are better off.

The book is not very long (estimated at 27 pages). It is very definitely worth anyone’s time. It is written for the younger generation but anyone with an interest in long-term saving and investing will benefit.

And the price is simply amazing. Dr. Bernstein is giving it for free on his website. It is in several formats and easy to download (nothing beyond a click is required). Amazon gives it away for free from time to time but most times it is 99 cents.

You have little-to-nothing to lose and quite a bit to gain so – read this book.

The G.O.P. Can’t Ignore Climate Change

The G.O.P. Can’t Ignore Climate Change

I’ve been a fan of Governor Huntsman for years. I liked him in the 2012 Republican Presidential primaries. I couldn’t vote for him in the primary since I live in Pennsylvania and am not registered as a Republican (or as a member any party). He is definitely more conservative than me but sounds like a very smart and reasonable man.

But my reason for writing today is to point to his opinion piece on climate change and the GOP in the NY Times today. See the link below.

The G.O.P. Can’t Ignore Climate Change – NYTimes.com.

First Amendment, Alabama, Christians, and a judge behaving badly

First Amendment, Alabama, Christians, and a judge behaving badly

I haven’t blogged in a few days but here is something to tide you over:

Apparently the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court believes that First Amendment only applies to Christians. Read the whole sad tale about this judge behaving badly.

Truphenia Gertrude Shockley Frazer

Truphenia Gertrude Shockley Frazer

Truphenia Gertrude Shockley, I had the name at last. Truphenia is an unusual name and one that was a bit confusing at first.

But let me back-up and tell you the story. I got an email about Harry Frazer with no evidence he was one of mine. And this is a genealogy story.

So on my wife’s side I have a bunch of Frazers living in the Maryland and Delaware and I’ve filled in a few collateral members of this extended clan Continue reading “Truphenia Gertrude Shockley Frazer”

IRS bonuses and tax  compliance

IRS bonuses and tax compliance

I read in the news that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) paid out millions in bonuses to the its employees. Nothing wrong with rewarding good behavior and good job performance. But in some cases the behavior was not as good as I think it should be. I don’t know about job performance so I won’t comment on that.

But according to Continue reading “IRS bonuses and tax compliance”

Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT

Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT

This morning I received an email asking me to confirm my Amazon account because of suspicious activity. The email said it was from Amazon.com but the address said e-server.com rather than Amazon.com.

The confirmation link did not point to Amazon. I thought this was a phishing email and Amazon confirmed it when I contacted them (not using the link in the email, of course).

So if you get something similar, do not click on the link in the email.. Continue reading “Phishing email says Amazon.com but it is NOT”

Q-23: A Novel of Espionage and Racqueteering, a quick read

Q-23: A Novel of Espionage and Racqueteering, a quick read

I downloaded Q-23: A Novel of Espionage and Racqueteering by Paul R. Theroux from NetGalley and I found it a quick read and enjoyable. Continue reading “Q-23: A Novel of Espionage and Racqueteering, a quick read”