RichC | December 31, 2005
I know some might think that I must be struggling through a mid-life crisis for even looking at cars like these, but “a man’s gotta do, what a man’s gotta do.” (go ahead and have a pitty party for me) Dave Lewis, at the Cincinnati BMW Store, ask me to give him a hand putting […]
RichC | December 30, 2005
Take a look at this interesting new webpage building tool. It is ideal for people on the go wanting to put together a ‘dynamic’ homepage or ‘communications’ page … or pages … with only a browser. Protopage unleashes AJAX better than about any other web based tool. I sense we’ll be seeing many more ‘web-software’ […]
RichC | December 29, 2005
My wonderful daughter gave me a detailed biography for Christmas that I’ve just started. It is quite long so may take me some time to read and review, although I will eventually post my thoughts in the book catagory of my blog. The preface was a very interesting section from a son, and there is […]
RichC | December 28, 2005
First my apologies for my lack of Christmas blogging for those who might occasionally read my desultory posts … although I can’t imagine why one would miss them. Here is a VW oriented post to bring in the new year with $50 in VW parts: “Get a Volkswagen Platinum Visa® Card with low introductory rate […]
RichC | December 21, 2005
On one of the forums I visit, this painful lesson was captured on video. We all need to remember where to attach the tow hook and why not to ‘jerk’ the car out of a snow pile. This kind of mistake could be costly as well as dangerous. (always stand clear) Thanks to Randy, a […]
RichC | December 20, 2005
Originally MyArchive.us was a place to archive documents, photos, etc but eventually became a much more public (yet personal) blog (richc.myarchive.us and finally MyDesultoryBlog.com). As the daily public shares grew, it became difficult to decide what to share and what to exclude. As our family grew older, it became easier to include them in “family” oriented posts […]
RichC | December 19, 2005
RichC | December 13, 2005
I’ll make this post brief and point to the Audi R10 link, but this 650 HP 12 cylinder diesel is really impressive. Don’t miss a few of the video clips (live unedited capture) as besides a good look at the car, there are some nice panoramas of Paris, France. If you only have time for […]
RichC | December 7, 2005
It happened a lifetime ago, but “it is a day that will live in infamy.” December 7, 1941 was the day a surprise attack was made against our country by the empire of Japan. We remember this day but unfortunately did not learn the lesson. Most of us were not alive to remember the heart […]
RichC | December 6, 2005
There was an interesting segment on Motorweek for those considering ‘big’ diesel pickups. The International CXT may just be the”Ultimate” in working (or show off) pickups. This bad boy boasts a turbo charged 6 cylinder International diesel with 320 HP and a whopping 860 pound feet of torque. I’m not sure if anybody wants to […]
RichC | December 2, 2005
Josh Hiebert of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada posted a couple of gruesome photos of his VW Jetta TDI about the time my friend Charles B. mentioned he had picked up a ‘heater’ for his VW TDI. He mention he had found a great deal on them and was looking to install. Weigh your decision carefully. On […]
RichC | November 23, 2005
Christmas is coming and being the ‘go to guy’ when discussing photography in my family I was asked to give an opinion on the tiny Canon Powershot Digital ELPHs. A buddy of mine just purchased the SD450 model for a ski trip to the Canadian Rockies and didn’t want to be bothered with his larger […]
RichC | November 23, 2005
BitTorrent and the MPAA have come to an agreement that may prevent future legal action against the file sharing network. Unfortunately it will make searching even more of a challenge but will cut the illegal use of the popular and growing peer to peer file sharing service. MPAA’s problem with bittorrent is that many users […]
RichC | November 21, 2005
The cross country rally team at Volkswagen unveiled its improved Touareg 2 at the German Essen Motor Show this past weekend. The new Race Touareg 2 will be VW’s entry in the 2006 Dakar Rally. The new model is built on its race proven predecessor and has undergone improved suspension and and increase of engine […]
RichC | November 16, 2005
As noted in the journal Nature, Japanese scientists may have found a cheaper and more efficient way to produce “biodiesel.” This breakthrough could reduce the cost and improve the efficiency just as the demand for the cleaner, greener fuel is increasing. Any vegetable oil can become fuel, whether as ethanol or biodiesel, but for the […]
RichC | November 11, 2005
For many baby boomers, “The Eagle has landed” and “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (click for audio) were monumental audio moments that recall American success and rekindle proud memories of the Apollo space program. Practically every American alive and countless millions around the world held their breath and watched as […]
RichC | November 9, 2005
RichC | November 7, 2005
UPDATED 11/14/2005 Occasionally there is over the line commentary that aggitate me enough to respond. One such review in the Orlando Sentinel has me irritated enough to comment. (read full review by Roger Moore, Sentinel staff writer) To the editor: I realized that Roger Moore, writing for the Orlando Sentinel, is expressing his ‘opinion’ in […]
RichC | November 3, 2005
A123 is a “geek-name” that comes from a mathematical formula describing the interaction between nano-scale materials. It was then used to name a company based out of Watertown, MA founded by an MIT professor. A123 Systems has developed new lithium-ion battery that is more powerful and has a lighter weight than existing batteries; perhaps only […]
RichC | November 1, 2005
As winter and cold weather nears, those of us running ‘Biodiesel’ need to re-evaluate our alternative fueling strategies. Many return to petroleum diesel (D2) in order to avoid potential gelling and fuel starvation problems associated with untreated biodiesel. Even those running treated biodiesel are concerned as most treatments only lower the cloud and gell points […]
RichC | October 31, 2005
A friend of mine is always coming up with interesting ‘car related’ news and emails … he has forwarded me this one for Halloween; its a bit of a stretch to see the ‘ghost,’ but worth ‘scaring’ … I mean ‘sharing’ here. This is a car advertisement from Great Britain. When they finished filming the […]
RichC | October 29, 2005
Last night I watched the NBC program “Three Wishes” that I commented (see post) on a couple of weeks ago; they helped welcomed home the 3/25 Marine unit from Iraq to Ohio. It was a heartwarming 60 minute program that was very emotional. The program actually granted four wishes with several receiving homes, a couple […]
RichC | October 27, 2005
Yeah Baby … I had fun driving this little puppy! I had a chance to test drive a friend’s 2004 BMW MiniCooper ‘S’ in Northeastern Ohio. I’ve looked with envy at these little go carts since their re-introduction, and have been waiting for an opportunity to buzz around a bit. It was fun. John was […]
RichC | October 26, 2005
Jermaine Dye’s single was all that was needed for the White Sox to complete the sweep of the Houston Astros. Last night’s game was a defensive nailbiter with outstanding pitching and World Series defensive play by both teams. Dye’s 8th inning single put Chicago White Sox up 1 -0 and gave Sox fans their first […]
RichC | October 25, 2005
Interesting story: A body believed to be that of a World War II airman, found frozen in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California was found by recreational climbers. The spotted a body with an Army uniform still attached to a world war two parachute. On Monday the body was sent to Hickam Air Force Base […]
RichC | October 24, 2005
Hurricanes have not let up for 2005 as we prepare for another hit here in the US. This time it is Wilma who has already left dead in other areas. Wilma hovered over the Yucatan penninsula for the longest time until she accellerated as a Catagory 3 hurricane last night. Monday morning as I post […]
RichC | October 20, 2005
Some of your reading my blog are diesel drivers and find the VW TDI or diesel content interesting so I’m making a late afternoon entry to point you to one of my favorite journalists and podcasters, Frank Giovinazzi. He had an opportunity to interview Tony Fouladpour, public relations manager of Volkswagen and talk about VW […]
RichC | October 20, 2005
Another concept is unveiled by VW, this time at the Tokyo Motor Show. Volkswagen has an interesting mid-engine diesel sports car “concept” touting fuel economy translating to 69 mpg and capable of 143mph. Considering the ‘wise’ Volkswagen management of late, and a diesel, I’m sure VW is planning at this very moment to bring the […]
RichC | October 19, 2005
An Arlington Virginia company, SkyBuilt Power Inc, has found a new investor in its “drop and plop” electricity generating units: the 1999 CIA founded company called In-Q-Tel. The new investor will allow continued investment in a fuel-less power unit that can be used to provide continual power for small units in remote locations. In September, […]
RichC | October 18, 2005
Japanese auto maker Nissan Motor Company revived the tune for a TV ad promoting its Titan trucks — it is a song from a 1957 film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” known as “Colonel Bogey’s March.” In this film allied prisoners of war, forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors who continually […]
RichC | October 17, 2005
I found this “top ten most ridiculous products of the future” list too funny to pass up, so I’ve included it here. Starting with number TEN. Drum roll please … 10. This search engine is a huge power house, and we all know that. It’s still going to gain more power with the Google Tivo. […]
RichC | October 15, 2005
October 14, 2005 was the day the US Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program and the 80+ community-based coalitions celebrated the displacing of one billion gallons of petroleum across the nation. Kim Lahman (photo right), Tri-State Clean Fuel Network’s Coordinator, organized the local Cincinnati area event with many key participates at Cincinnati’s Ault Park. (what […]
RichC | October 12, 2005
A returning marine, Nathan Adey, from the 3/25 Marines Weapons Company had a big surprise last night while attending an Amy Grant concert at the Akron-Canton MAPS Air Museum. Adey thought he was attending a concert to acknowledge his unit’s return from Iraq. (the Marines Weapons Company was hard hit with losses while deployed in […]
RichC | October 10, 2005
The Stanford Racing Team with a vehicle nicknamed “Stanley” has ‘dieseled’ away with the two million dollar prize as it beat the competition in a computer driven car over a desert course in California. Stanley is based on a stock, 5 cylinder inline diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg and ran the course 11 plus minutes faster than […]
RichC | October 7, 2005
The excitement in SW Ohio is already starting for the Cincinnati Bengal faithful. After a stellar 4-0 start the fans are anticipating great things from this confident group of players. A huge credit has to go to the outstanding performance of the defense; they have never had an offensive killing defense capable of generating turnovers […]
RichC | October 4, 2005
For the 9th year, BMW and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have teamed up to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on a promise made between two sisters – Susan Goodman Komen and Nancy Goodman Brinker. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer […]
RichC | September 29, 2005
Frank Giovinazzi in his 9/29 podcast on Car Buyers Notebook discusses VW Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder strong statement in January of ’05 that “diesels were the best hope for conserving petroleum.” Recently, Frank reviewed a Ford 250 Powerstroke diesel and that got me fired up to write him about our VW TDIs. I know he is […]
RichC | September 28, 2005
There has been a fair amount of discussion racing around the media in regard to where the world sits in relation to the amount of fossil fuel is left … as well as what impact our burning it has on global warming. I doubt anyone has the ability to predict ‘Peak Oil‘, let alone the […]
RichC | September 26, 2005
Thank you Tony Hispie of Worthington, Ohio (photo) for putting together a first Ohio Biodiesel get together at his home. Everyone enjoy the informative time together; it was impressive to see so many people anxious to talk “Biodiesel.” I had an opportunity to demo the titration section of the gathering of over 50 people. The […]
RichC | September 22, 2005
Delta Airlines, the nation’s third largest, is planning to cut 7,000 to 9,000 jobs and reduce domestic capacity by 15% to 20% as part of a restructuring plan. Management is hoping that this will save the airline $3 billion a year and help reduce debt while under the protection of bankruptcy. Delta stated in June […]
RichC | September 20, 2005
The Agricultural and Biological Engineering department at Ohio State University has been experimenting with ‘waste’ energy research using bovine ‘juiced’ fuel cells. According to Ann Christy, an Associate Professor at OSU, the bacteria in manure can be harnessed to produce electrical energy. In the bovine gastric juice, the organisms in one half liter can generate […]
RichC | September 19, 2005
Bernd Pischetsrider in a quote from today’s WSJ stated that after so many years of enjoying 50% growth through the 90s, particularly in US demand for the VW Jetta and New Beetle, that VW management really wasn’t listening to what the customer wanted. VW’s new policy will be to ask the question: “how does it […]
RichC | September 18, 2005
Great reason to drive a great car: For the 9th year, BMW and the Susan G. Kormen Breast Cancer Foundation have teamed up to support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. All you have to do to help is test drive one of the special BMW’s on Oct 4th. Just choose your favorite BMW […]
RichC | September 15, 2005
Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) slipped more than 6% this Thursday morning after a disappointing financial update and seven … SEVEN … analyst downgrades. Not only did P&G warn that the consumer business was weak, Delta Airline file for bankrupcy protection, but the once well run bank is now exposing its weak management as banking […]
RichC | September 14, 2005
The number three airline, Delta Airlines (DAL) proceeds with bankrupcy protection as suspected and stock prices closes the day at 78 cents. Northwest Airlines (NWAC) closes at $1.87 as it to joins Delta in filing Chapter 11 bankrupcy today as well; indications are that its stock will open a dollar lower on Thursday. Considering Delta […]
RichC | September 14, 2005
The last major release in ‘razor hype’ from Gillette was the the “Mach 3” in 1998. They have had several other added components like batteries, and lubrication strips but today’s announcement is a big move, as they move past the Shick branded “Quattro” 4 bladed razor. The new “Fusion” razor will not only contain 5 […]
RichC | September 12, 2005
The Boys of Point du Hoc, by Douglas Brinkley has masterfully honored Lt. Col. James Earl Rudder and his 225 U.S. Army Rangers for their June 6, 1944 D-Day climb and the man who honored them 40 years later. Their undertaking is beyond thinking as they scaled the 100 foot cliffs while the enemy sprayed […]
RichC | September 11, 2005
Wolfsburg, 12 September 2005 posted in the AutoSpectator Volkswagen will present a series of new models including sixteen world and motor show premieres at the 61st International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA). The highlights include the debut of the new Eos cabriolet/coupé, the Golf R32, the Golf GT TDI and the Golf GT and Touran […]
RichC | September 8, 2005
Although I was not at the 2005 TDIFest in Wisconsin this year, I took advantage of the TDIClub website to catch up on things. One of the unique looking TDIs was Ernie Roger’s New Beetle. Ernie, a retired aerospace engineer, created a … for the lack of a better word … ‘spoiler’ for the back […]
RichC | September 8, 2005
Close to home and impacting friends here in Cincinnati, Delta Airlines has announce some major cost cutting efforts in hopes to save a floundering airline. The Cincinnati Enquirer details the plan that will eliminate 1000 employees and approximately 26% of Delta’s daily flights from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Today’s 599 departures will be reduced […]
RichC | September 5, 2005
Cincinnati Metro will operate its 390 buses on a blend of 30% biofuel and 70% regular diesel with this initial delivery. Biodiesel can be mixed with regular diesel fuel or can be used 100% in place of regular diesel. The percentage of biodiesel that Metro uses will change based on availability of regular diesel fuel. […]
RichC | September 4, 2005
A friend of mine in the oil and gas industry has forwarded me information that might impact the supply of fuel to those of us living in the northeast. The improving conditions should help with both supply and prices. Colonial Pipeline’s mainline systems are currently operating at approximately 70% of capacity. Additional restoration of electric […]
RichC | September 1, 2005
“It was a broiling August afternoon in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Big Easy, the City That Care Forgot. Those who ventured outside moved as if they were swimming in tupelo honey. Those inside paid silent homage to the man who invented air-conditioning as they watched TV “storm teams” warn of a hurricane in the Gulf […]
RichC | August 30, 2005
I hopes that those reading this will consider helping fellow Americans as we have always done for all in need. Katrina has truly left a wide swath of death and destruction. Most likely everyone with a TV or newpaper has seen the need, but may not know what they can do. I’ll link a video […]
RichC | August 30, 2005
This is a phone based blog post. Should appear under Technology. 8/30/05 7:03 pm
RichC | August 30, 2005
Apple Computer Inc. and Motorola Inc. will be announcing the long awaited iTunes cell phone called the “Rokr” next week. Analyst expect that the news will officially be released on September 7th in a joint news conference that will include representatives from Apple, Cingular and Motorola. The past year has seen many rumors and delays […]
RichC | August 29, 2005
With all of the devistation and sad news coming from the Gulf Coast after Katrina made landfall this morning, I needed something to make me smile. I’m going to include a humorous post from the TDIClub that only fellow members will appreciate. Thanks Ron Tamondong for the cute 2003 thread “How many tdiclub members does […]
RichC | August 28, 2005
I wanted to make a quick post to my blog this Sunday evening as the people of the Gulf Coast prepare for the wind and storm surge of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans in the focal point but this giant storm is a definitely a ‘wide’ killer. I’m not sure how many of you have run […]
RichC | August 27, 2005
A discussion about petroleum and how to encourage the US toward alternative energy revisited a group I belong to today, so I’ll include part of my post below. First … B2, B5, B10, B15 and the quazi-standard B20 are all within the realm of possibilities when incentives are in place, prices are high and the […]
RichC | August 26, 2005
Hurricane Katrina came ashore just south of the all important Delray Beach (my family). The catagory 1 hurricane had sustained winds of 80 miles per hour with gusts up to 92 m.p.h. In talking to friends, there was no report of heavy damage as Katrina made landfall at 7 p.m just south of Delray Beach. […]