RichC | August 8, 2008
Senator John McCain was speaking in the neighborhood next door at 7 PM Thursday night (Four Bridges in Liberty Township, OH), so when they headed out we all made fools of ourselves and waved as the Straight Talk Express bus as it drove by our back driveway … pretty cool to have someone running for […]
RichC | August 7, 2008
Here’s a great cellphone story that was published over at the more national Palm blog, but it actually comes from my neck of the woods. The customer email praises the durability of the Centro, which reflects politively on at least one of Palms’ designs; both my wife and daughter should feel good to have such […]
RichC | August 6, 2008
Although Volkswagen fans have been tempted with thoughts of a two place VW roadster before, we are once again seeing the plans and a prototype being resurrected. Autoweek put out a few details that have me wondering if I really want to put any more money into my MGB. According to the article, “VW chairman […]
RichC | August 6, 2008
Hmm … I stumble upon this irritation today while having lunch at Panera Bread. In the past it has been a enjoyable lunch stop when on the road in different cities as I can check and respond to emails, etc. Unfortunately it has been getting more and more difficult to access what you want, when […]
RichC | August 6, 2008
Volkswagen’s 2009 small SUV, the Tiguan, hasn’t exactly taken North America by storm, but at least VW finally has a vehicle to compete with Honda’s CRV and Toyota’s Rav4. I wouldn’t say that Volkswagen has struck out with the Tiguan, but in my opinion they have at least two strikes against them. After owning a […]
RichC | August 5, 2008
Just a quick mention that a book I recently finished reading and have highlighted in the sidebar, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Solder,” goes on sale in paperback today. Along with this release, the 26 year old Ishmael Beah has made a couple of appearances on ABC television. (ABC’s Good Morning America […]
RichC | August 5, 2008
Although I don’t watch reality TV programming including “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” or even read our local papers’ opinion letters, my daughter thought enough of the letter to the editor below to mention it to me. I’m unsure if it was the political content or the fact that her roommate is from Poland, but it […]
RichC | August 4, 2008
Yet another aviation post from Airventure 2008. This one unique in that the crowd was able to see but hardly here the electric-powered experimental ElectraFlyer C piloted by Joe Bennis. He made 3 passes over the main air show runway to the smile of Electric Aircraft Corporation president Randall Fishman. The specifications are pretty impressive […]
RichC | August 3, 2008
A the private company Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (Space X) funded by Internet entrepreneur Elon Musk, failed for a third time to launch into space. The Falcon 1 launch on Saturday evening was from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean was carrying three small satellites including one for the Department of Defense. While watching the […]
RichC | August 2, 2008
I wanted to archive a couple keyboard shortcuts pertaining to trademarks and copyright symbols when keyboarding at the computer. Not many people outside the printing and publishing world know about keystroke combinations that can be used for special symbols. (Note: If you are using a reduced keyboard –ie. a notebook computer without a separate numeric […]
RichC | August 1, 2008
So far so good. Switched to Time Warner Roadrunner broadband and everything is running a bit better than Cincinnati Bell Zoomtown DSL.
RichC | July 31, 2008
Crude oil has declined from the highs earlier this month, but jumped back up yesterday on tensions over comments from Israel and an unexpected decline in gasoline and crude oil inventories. Traders pushed oil prices up on Wednesday several dollars per barrel — in historic terms, the move was one of the top ten. CNBC […]
RichC | July 31, 2008
As a Tivo fan, I’ve been “oh so tempted” to upgrade to the HD model and the lifetime service plan. Initially, they discontinued offering the “lifetime subscription” when they launch the first Series3 HD recorder. As time went on they introduced the smaller HD unit and tempted existing customers with “for a limited time” the […]
RichC | July 30, 2008
Vine Street in Cincinnati will be closed on Wednesday night (8/30) around Fountain Square for an action sequence of television pilot. The “yet to be picked up pilot” called “J8ded” is being pitched to a major television network, according to films director and producer Michael Daemon. The $10 million dollar production by Foxalpha Films will […]
RichC | July 30, 2008
I mentioned the Rocket Racing League earlier this year; here’s a follow up from their appearance at Airventure in Oshkosh Wisconsin this week: The Rocket Racing League (RRL) unveiled its competition racing aircraft Tuesday in a single-ship demonstration to open Tuesday’s afternoon air show. This marked the first public flight of these aircraft, which were […]
RichC | July 29, 2008
From yesterday’s post, here’s a bit more news from EAA Airventure: White Knight Two Oshkosh bound By James Wynbrandt The day after unveiling White Knight Two in Mojave, California, Burt Rutan of Scaled Composites and Sir Richard Branson and Will Whitehorn of Virgin Galactic came to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 and pledged to bring the […]
RichC | July 28, 2008
Obviously timed to the first day of Oshkosh Wisconsin’s AirventureRichard Branson’s Virgin Galactic opened their Mojave Desert hanger for a media announcement today which gave a peak at what their aerospace engineers have been working on — previous posts here and here. The spaceship which is designed to launch their spaceship to the 62 mile […]
RichC | July 27, 2008
I just finished cleaning a bunch of bird excrement off my white garage door and I even brought out the power washer to blast off some ‘Gorilla Glued‘ on droppings … then about 48 hours later: SPLAT. Click for larger image How do they angle their dropping to hit our garage door and not even […]
RichC | July 26, 2008
After 23 years of mowing with our sturdy John Deere diesel tractor mower, we have finally succumb to the “keep up with the Jones” pressure of a new zero-turn style mower. The neighbor ladies referred to my wife as “the turtle” while mowing with the old slowpoke John Deere, even though it has continued to […]
RichC | July 25, 2008
Just when I thought I might not have time to post something on Friday, in comes an email from a friend with a video link too interesting to pass on (embedded below). The timely video clip ties to a new concern in the news this week over the dangers of cellphones. One such article was […]
RichC | July 24, 2008
The IRS has made the new 2009 40+ mpg ‘clean diesel’ Volkswagen Jetta TDI eligible for a federal tax credit, just as many hybrid vehicles have been in the past. The new VW TDI qualifies based on the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit *. What this means for buyers of a […]
RichC | July 24, 2008
Crude closed at $124.44 a barrel on Wednesday and off more than 15% from its intraday high of $147.27 on July 11. Wholesale gasoline was also down 3.6% to $3.0344 a gallon. A government report showing a larger domestic supply of gasoline, a lower demand for fuel and stronger U.S. dollar have all contributed to […]
RichC | July 23, 2008
Hurricane Dolly is coming ashore with category 2 strength as winds are peaking at 85 mph this Wednesday morning. Brownville Texas and points north will sustain the most wind and rain, but the wind field (below) will stretch into Mexico as well as north further up the Texas coast.
RichC | July 22, 2008
As has been the norm lately, I’ve have spent a few quiet evening at home just sitting quietly and looking out over the backyard. Tonight I watched as the storm clouds began to pile up to our south and west. (no rain for us though) Its also been enjoyable to watch a pair of hawks […]
RichC | July 21, 2008
It looks as if 2008 first big tropical storm (possibly a hurricane) is headed for the border area of Mexico and Texas. It is currently ripe to strengthen and is moving northwest in the western Caribbean. Current strength is for 45 mph peak winds while at sea, and projected winds of 80 mph at landfall.
RichC | July 21, 2008
I’ve enjoyed my weekend with family while my EAA chapter cohorts volunteered to work at the Dayton Air Show. The event had near perfect weather, although the heat had to be almost unbearable. Thanks to those who gave their time and flew their experimental planes to the EAA hanger at the show. On Sunday though, […]
RichC | July 20, 2008
If it seems as if I’ve been loafing this summer … I have … sort of. I’ve been busy enjoying the nice 90 degree days outside and have been reluctant to post daily with any significant effort. Perhaps its the longer daylight and nice evenings or maybe its just laziness? Nevertheless, I promise to get […]
RichC | July 19, 2008
WARNING — Last year’s photo While looking at a post from last year, I notice that I was complaining that the B-20 ($2.99) was selling at almost 25 cents more than regular diesel our local Meijer store sells ($2.76). My daughter filled up with ULSD and paid $4.89 this week. (for the math challenged, that’s […]
RichC | July 18, 2008
Now that wholesale prices for refined fuels are retreating a bit from their speculator driven lofty levels, I’ve been asked by a few people when this change is going to be felt at the retail level? My best guess would be soon … but then I’m wrong more than I’m right these days. Gasbuddy.com reports: […]
RichC | July 16, 2008
I heard about the compress air powered vehicles for a while now, but never really gave much thought to how long an air tank could last? I’ve always assumed that like my air compressor and tools I power with it, that the tank is heavy and needs to be constantly running to keep the air […]
RichC | July 15, 2008
Although this is by no means a challenging milestone for Volkswagen diesel cars, it is a personal milestone for my daughter. Her first car, a 2001 VW Jetta TDI, has been treating her well for 100,000 miles now and she sent me an early morning photo from her Palm Treo Centro as it hit 100K. […]
RichC | July 14, 2008
The dealer demo TDIs have been slow to arrive to Cincinnati area dealerships, but today did get a chance to head over to Fairfield VW and test drive the new 2009 Jetta ‘clean diesel.’ Its basically the same body (A5) that has been part of the VW Jetta line up for a couple of years […]
RichC | July 13, 2008
I enjoy reading books and certain authors for different reasons — for example, I not only enjoy William F. Buckley’s sailing memoirs because of the sailing content but because use of the English language is impressive. That said — oh, and I’m not an English major (obviously) — this particular sentence from a book I […]
RichC | July 11, 2008
Interesting to see just how low these large C-141 U.S. Air Force planes come in; this was through the windshield photo was zoomed at about 200mm as the large transport plane lazily flew over I-70/I-675 near Dayton Ohio. (Wright Patterson Air Force Base) I didn’t know it was right overhead until it appear in my […]
RichC | July 11, 2008
Nice evening. It was good to be home from traveling Thursday night in time to spend a little time with my kids and their friends. I took a swim, ate Chinese for dinner and had a fire in the fireplace — even roasted a few marshmallows (above). It was a great way to spend a […]
RichC | July 10, 2008
Light pollution is the name given for the “excess or obtrusive light created by humans.” It is noticeable particularly in urban areas and has expanded to suburban American over the past 50 years. My son and I were talking about this recently after he returned from Young Life camp in Rockbridge, Virginia. His comment was […]
RichC | July 9, 2008
For quite a few years National Public Radio has aired an entertainment ‘automotive related’ call-in program call CarTalk. It is being spun into an animated PBS TV show call “As The Wrench Turns.” The program will feature the zany brothers known as Click and Clack in a variety of “politically charged” situations. A quick viewing […]
RichC | July 8, 2008
Although I don’t travel as often by air as in the past, I have come across a few tips that make going through airport security less painful. First, if you can afford it and need to fly often, consider FlyClear. (check to see if the airports you use are covered) At last read, the “pass” […]
RichC | July 6, 2008
I’ve ‘wonderfully wasted’ the Fourth of July weekend relaxing around the house, although I did take the time to paint the kitchen and do a few repairs; nothing too strenuous I might add. Our dog Tootsie did the same, as the warm weather has turned her from a rambunctious ‘herding’ dog to a ‘backporch potato’ […]
RichC | July 5, 2008
www.goodcleandieselfun.com The new Volkswagen TDI diesels are beginning to show up around the U.S. and orders are being taken at dealerships now for the 2009 models. I’ll also mention that a good place to talk diesel would be the 2008 TDIFest in Mason, Ohio over Labor Day weekend (Registration info and Conference Hotel info). The […]
RichC | July 4, 2008
Sort of rainy here in Cincinnati today, but my wife is working and I’ve got chores around the house to do anyway. I’m going to prep for painting the kitchen ceiling this afternoon. (We had a water leak from upstairs last week. I patched and primed … it just needs the final painting) This has […]
RichC | July 3, 2008
Oil is up again nearing $146/ barrel due to declining U.S. inventories and escalating concerns over the possibilty over conflict with Iran. The Saudi’s oil minister made comments that they would not be boosting production also added to the rise in price. With continued weakness in the U.S. dollar and concern that the European Central […]
RichC | July 2, 2008
Click for larger or largest image I just noticed that my friend Donna Lange (see previous posts) was pictured on the cover of Ocean Navigator Magazine last month. The photo was taken as she was heading into Bristol, Rhode Island after completing a solo circumnavigation aboard her small 28 foot sailboat ‘Inspired Insanity’ in the […]
RichC | July 1, 2008
Click for large image of engine Every once in a while, an engineering idea comes along that offers an idea which improves on current ideas, one such idea is being worked on by an Australian company called Revetec. They have created an improved internal combustion engine that is smaller, lighter and cheaper to manufacture than […]
RichC | June 30, 2008
Too lazy to post from in the house tonight as the cool quiet evening out on the backporch is far more desirable. I did get a second primer coat of paint o new repair, but that was about the extent of the evening. It has been an exceeding nice couple of days temperature wise for […]
RichC | June 28, 2008
PRESS RELEASE – Sagunto, Spain, 27 June 2008, 13.24 GMT: Earthrace, the world’s fastest eco-boat, has smashed the world speed record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe, knocking almost 14 days off the previous record. The boat crossed the finish line in Sagunto at 13.42 GMT on Friday 27 June having traveled around 24,000 […]
RichC | June 27, 2008
As oil rises the stock markets fall creating double the pain for those who are invested in the stock market as investors, college planning or retiring. Those hoping real estate is safer, think again as housing continues to get pinched in most U.S. cities. All in all the economy is suffering and with it, almost […]
RichC | June 26, 2008
Do Astronauts play with dolls? If Buzz Lightyear is a “doll” … then the answer would be “yes.” 🙂
RichC | June 25, 2008
Let’s say you live along the Mexican border and know that fuel is subsidized to your south (diesel is half the price), so you’re tempted to fill up a spare tank in Mexico and drive back to the U.S. Illegal? Yes and no, depending if the tank is “connected” to your fuel line … according […]
RichC | June 24, 2008
A friend passed along a USAToday article with Google’s Matt Cutts. He didn’t unveil any shocking secrets from the search giant, but offered up some pretty common sense advice: If you haven’t “optimized” your site, here’s how: 1. Spotlight your search term on the page. “Think about what people are going to type in to […]
RichC | June 23, 2008
Its not like the subject headline is a big surprise to anybody that drives? Duh … but $4 and near $5 fuel prices do get one thinking about where our citizens are getting the extra money to buy fuel? According to AAA, the national average price for gasoline is $4.07 and diesel at $4.77. (a […]
RichC | June 22, 2008
I’ve been pretty lax at making entries in my “diurnal journal” this past week while on vacation. Nevertheless, my family and I enjoyed the ‘rest and relaxation’ and during our last day on the beach were treated to an enjoyable swim in the ocean with a couple curious Manta Rays. The pair of them would […]
RichC | June 21, 2008
Yes … but only by a small percentage says French automotive magazine Autoplus. (slightly more from diesel vehicles) Their winner was Michelin, which are made in France, and remained highway safe (handling and stopping distances) while offering fuel savings of 1 percent with gasoline and 3.8 for diesel vehicles. This translates from a few miles […]
RichC | June 21, 2008
Athough the Earthrace boat is having technical difficulties with their progress mapping equipment, Captain Pete Bethune’s log places them in the risky pirate prone waters off the coast of Somalia. (my plot below) I’m not sure if the log entry that comments, “It’s been playing on my mind for a few days now. We seem […]
RichC | June 20, 2008
Ok, so I used ChaCha.com to figure out the spider in this post, but its a bit more challenging for a ‘non-snake’ loving guy to figure out what this snake is? We’re in south Florida if that is any help, but I wasn’t going to inch close enough to this fellow/lady to try and figure […]
RichC | June 19, 2008
Although I’ve reported on the EPA fuel economy numbers for the soon to be available 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI in a previous post, I’ve not seen a window sticker in person or in photo yet. Another report from the third party certifier AMCI has tested and has come up with new numbers more inline with […]
RichC | June 18, 2008
My own family has ganged up on me in a ‘vacation’ game of Risk. Its been an enjoyable few days on vacation and we’re all getting plenty of sun — although it has been raining on and off here in Delray Beach, Florida. Today was particularly nice as we topped off the day with a […]
RichC | June 17, 2008
If you drive a diesel car (or perhaps E85?), check out the Meijer stores price on biodiesel fuel — and verify here if you get the chance. A couple Ohio Meijer store stations carry biodiesel and Chris, a VW TDI driver in the Columbus Ohio area, indicated that they were selling biodiesel at $4.129 and […]
RichC | June 16, 2008
Enjoying some R & R and a semi 19th birthday trip with Taylor … although any downtime is spent by my son Taylor in getting comfortable with his new notebook Macintosh computer. One would think it would be easy to pull him from the computer to go to the beach, but pretty focused on updating […]
RichC | June 14, 2008
Today was a fine day to travel, unfortunately I forgot my cellphone. (I’m hearing “age” jokes!) I’ll call and check with Sprint to see if I can come up with a way to transfer to another phone?