Even thought it is spring, I sit here and look outside and the sky have a fall feel to it.  I would also expect to see people walking around with cider, going to Halloween festivals, planning for Thanksgiving and the like… but it’s not.  

I’m sitting here having the stew that I made the other day, the smell of cinnamon faintly in the air, all of which helps bolster the feeling of autumn.  I’m shocked to say the stew tastes FANTASTIC today.  That is to say, this is a dish that actually tastes amazing after sitting for a day or so. 

Technical aspects of the site.

Yesterday evening, one of my reader asked that I add a subscription feature to the comments on the site.  This is something I’ve wanted to do for some time but for some reason the plugin I install malfunctions.  

What happens is this…

The plugin ends up placing the “subscription” option at random places on the post page and it changes each time I attempt to active the plugin.  I am not sure if this is a problem with the plugin OR with the template I am currently using. Oddly enough, this behavior takes place no matter what template I use which would make me think there is an issue with the framework I’m using.

I’m attempting to resolve this issue so please hold tight as I try to figure this out.

GM, Chrysler and the Government

With Wagoner out at GM, it looks like the Government is laying down the law…. and the funding that will be provided is VERY limited.

Obama, flanked by several administration officials at the White House, announced a short-term infusion of cash for the firms, and said it could be the last for one or both.

Chrysler, judged by the administration as too small to survive, got 30 days’ worth of funds to complete a partnership with Fiat SpA, the Italian manufacturer, or some other automaker.

GM got assurances of 60 days’ worth of federal financing to try and revise its turnaround plan under new management with heavy government participation. That would involve concessions from its union workers and bondholders. The administration engineered the ouster of longtime CEO Rick Wagoner over the weekend, an indication of its deep involvement in an industry that once stood as a symbol of American capitalism.

First, I am surprised by the announcement because it now appears the government is pushing automakers toward bankruptcy.  In my mind I had expected some negative news on Chrysler today, and while 30 days of funding is not at lot, it’s more than I had expected. The big surprise for me was that General Motors only obtained 60 days of funding.

Last evening, I made the statement the government actions were socialist. I stand by those claims.  Now the U.S. government is providing warranty coverage for GM and Chrysler products.  The American Automotive makers are, essentially, under government control.  

The “One A Day” pill to cut the risk of heart issues?

I am very skeptical of Big Pharma.  As more evidence come to the surface, it is becoming clear  drug companies are more concerned with creating drugs that help their own bottom line – not helping people address their medical issues.

So, please understand how view this story with skepticism:

The experimental combo pill was as effective as nearly all of its components taken alone, with no greater side effects, a major study found. Taking it could cut a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke roughly in half, the study concludes.

The approach needs far more testing — as well as approval from theFood and Drug Administration, something that could take years — but it could make heart disease prevention much more common and more effective, doctors say.

How much will this cost?

$17 a month.