Articles written by Roger Kraemer

Where Knowledge Rules

What is Helium

About me - Roger Kraemer

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Autos > Cars Why the US auto industry is dying: 4 of 27
The U.S. Auto Industry may not, in fact, be dying, but this is what made it ill: it simply builds inferior cars. Considering the poor build quality, sketchy reliability, embarrassing fit and finish, mundane styling, higher prices and lower resale, there has been no compelling reason to buy an American car. Honda, Toyota, Nis... More..
Autos > Car Reviews My worst car: 2 of 12
Here are a few hints: it was French, it was small, it was ugly and if you are lucky, you have put the entire brand's existence out of your mind. I was apparently out of my mind for buying it, since it was my second, and my first wasn't much to talk about either. If you guessed a Renault Le Car, you are either a very strange ... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Family memories: 15 of 85
My father didn't consider taking a saw to the dining room chair all that funny, but as with most of my misadventures, I provided the unintentional Easter morning humor in my family. In fact, I frequently provided the unintentional humor in my family. Unfortunately the humorous aspect often became apparent only upon reflectio... More..
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Are aging rock superstars like Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones timeless or too old to perform on stage anymore?: 9 of 38
"Too old to rock and roll, too young to die." Jethro Tull said it best in a song title, and now it describes them as well as most of our former rock heroes. I am not wishing extinction on any of these rock gods (although many certainly are dinosaurs) but I have no interest in seeing them try to channel their younger selves i... More..
Entertainment > Musicians & Bands Favorite Beatles song: 11 of 36
First and foremost, I am a dyed-in-the-wool, die-hard Beatles fan. I had Beatles wallpaper when I was a child (and I am a guy), Beatles trading cards, every album, and more, so who better to comment on favorite Beatles songs than I? But first, a little about my favorite song by a Beatle, and that would be Imagine. Elegant in... More..
Personal Finance > Spending & Saving (Other) Is a credit union or a regular bank the best choice?: 2 of 6
Just The Facts Banks vs. Credit Unions I admit, many of my clients are Credit Unions. As a result, I've become a believer in the Credit Union mission. But in light of that you may be skeptical about getting unbiased information. So let's deal only in facts: Fact 1: Credit Unions are owned by their members The benefit to you:... More..
Autos > Cars First car memories: 22 of 58
My first car was almost a 6 cylinder, stick-shift, Jaguar E-type coupe - maroon with wire wheels and knock-off hubs. It was only $2,200. But my dad, being more practical than I was at 17 (I was 17, not my dad!) steered me away from that sexy, beautiful machine, with horror stories about Lucas electrics and expensive repairs.... More..
Autos > Cars Top ten cars you would like to own: 13 of 33
Drumroll (or eggroll) please! 1995 Porsche 928 GTS five-speed - Beautiful after its final facelift, wickedly swift, elegantly luxurious and one of the finest handling road cars ever created. The least tiring, most involving, sub-$100,000 way to get from point A to point B. 1971 Pagoda Roof Mercedes 280 SL - A Grand Tourer in... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Mother's Day & Father's Day Bad Father's Day gift ideas: 19 of 46
With Father's Day rapidly approaching, dads are looking forward to their special day with an odd mixture of excitement and trepidation. While every gift is certainly appreciated, some are appreciated more than others. Here are a few of the less appreciated: Soap on a rope - Yes, it's become a cliche, but for good reason. Why... More..
Sports & Recreation > Baseball (Other) The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Cooperstown, NY): 4 of 9
The Baseball Hall of Fame is a strange place, and what's more, it may do strange things to you. In fact, it may even speak to you in strange ways, as it did me. Consider that on my first and only visit in 1999, what hit me when I first walked in the door was an advertising sign featuring the name of my small hometown in Cali... More..