RichC | February 28, 2008
Wired highlighted the new Audi TT 2.0 TDI, but can’t confirm if it will be available North America. Notice the comment “Roadster” below … might we see a TDI convertible? (LINK to full article) Behold the TT 2.0 TDI. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (pictured above), matched to a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, […]
RichC | February 27, 2008
As previously posted, the the hydrogen powered Honda FCX Clarity is a ‘realistic looking’ automobile, aside from it need for hydrogen. (infrastructure problem) It will be on the roads as a ‘lease only’ vehicle in southern California for about $600/month. (limited availability) This includes regular maintenance and insurance so the number might not be as […]
RichC | February 26, 2008
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain and Mike Huckabee were or are speaking Monday and Tuesday in and around Cincinnati Ohio. I could barely contain myself watching the local news interviewing those showing up to listen fawn all over Barack Obama in Cincinnati on Monday. One lady said the “tears just flowed” as Obama walked […]
RichC | February 25, 2008
Having dealt with an identity theft issue about 5 years ago, I’ve been a bit more attentive to what is being reported on my credit report. Once a year around tax time I pull my own credit report and review the items being reported. (haven’t opted for a ‘pay for’ monitoring service just yet) This […]
RichC | February 23, 2008
Demand for fuel is down, but prices are up to a near all-time high in the U.S., says a USAToday article. Diesel hit a record high of $3.54 per gallon, and unleaded gasoline is up to a $3.11 national average price, which is an increase of more than 6.2 cents in two days. The previous […]
RichC | February 22, 2008
LOw REsistance MObile The Germans have created a 2-cylinder turbo diesel vehicle that is capable of fuel efficiency of 130 to 150 miles per gallon, according to an article in MSN. The car is designed with minimal drag and low weight, but doesn’t have the battery packs or regenerative brakes of other mega-MPG hybrids. The […]
RichC | February 21, 2008
While on a college visit with my son and short vacation this past weekend, I picked up a good book that offered a first hand look at today’s politically correct ‘college experience.’ I’m not sure that the author’s recount will comes as a shock, but I assure you that quite a bit has changed from […]
RichC | February 20, 2008
Here are a few more photos as the earth eclipses the moon on February 20, 2008. (Photo above is about 10:20 PM in Cincinnati, Ohio) A bit further away (above) and here’s a close up photo.
RichC | February 20, 2008
The don’t miss it … click for larger
RichC | February 19, 2008
Total Lunar Eclipse on Wednesday Night: The eclipse begins at 8:43 p.m. Wednesday. The moon moves to total eclipse, when it changes color, from 10:01 to 10:51, according to NASA. The eclipse ends at 12:09 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2008. The weather in SW Ohio is foretasted to be mostly clear Wednesday night. The […]
RichC | February 18, 2008
I promise this will be the last, but I’m using my cell-phone to post these last two day from Delray Beach, Florida. Its been a nice time away from Cincinnati and both my son and I have enjoyed the visit with family and college visit to Lynn Universtiy. I’m including a beautiful beach art of […]
RichC | February 17, 2008
Spending the weekend away … its nice here! 🙂
RichC | February 15, 2008
According to the Audi Dealer Council, someone mentioned that the Audi Q7 would have the TDI diesel engine by the end of 2008. This would make the SUV from Audi available close to the time its sister vehicle, the VW Touareg (small 3.0L TDI), is slated to arrive in the U.S. (November 2008) Follow the […]
RichC | February 14, 2008
Here’s a Canadian Newsroom spoof on “snow” that is too funny not to share. Must have been a slow news day? (BTW … Happy Valentine’s Day)
RichC | February 14, 2008
Here’s a quick test post using an impressive piece of ‘blogging’ software call BlogJet 2. So far it is one of the easiest ways to publish content to a variety of blogging and content management platforms. I’m certainly not the expert at giving this the once over, but will include a few comments below from […]
RichC | February 13, 2008
Edmonds Inside Line reported a little more on the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI schedule to show up for test drives at North American VW dealerships late spring and early summer. (should be available for delivery to buyers August 2008) Along with information on the 50-state compliant 2.0-liter common-rail diesel engine, the article also reported on […]
RichC | February 12, 2008
Senator John McCain narrowly defeated former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee in the Virginia, Maryland and District of Columbia Republican primaries today while Senator Barack Obama won handily over leading Democrat Senator Hillary Clinton. McCain the Republican front runner is almost surely the GOP candidate for President while the Democrats have yet to have any certainty. […]
RichC | February 12, 2008
Volkswagen TDI “diesel” owners and those anxiously awaiting the new Jetta TDI are not the only ones frustrated with not having new TDIs this past year … OR hearing that the spring release of the new 50 state VW ‘clean diesel’ TDI as been delayed until late summer 2008. (when most manufacturers will be bringing […]
RichC | February 11, 2008
Our Experimental Aviation Association EAA Chapter 284 had a superb meeting Sunday afternoon at the Tri-State Warbirds Museum in Batavia Ohio. (Clermont County Airport I69) About ten members from our chapter met at 2 PM to hold a brief chapter meeting and tour the museum. We enjoyed a guided tour of the aircraft on display […]
RichC | February 10, 2008
Space Shuttle Atlantis along with seven crew lifted off on Thursday February 7th with the mission to deliver and attach the European Science Laboratory to the International Space Station. The news hasn’t really made the front page with the deadly tornadoes and political news this past week. The seven astronauts of STS-122 docked successfully on […]
RichC | February 9, 2008
I’m probably not the one to listen to when it comes to dealing with “spam,” that’s obvious if you glance at my ‘junk’ email address box (left) … yet here are a couple that might be helpful in keeping a primary email inbox clean. Caveat: My advice is not heavily researched, nor has it eliminated […]
RichC | February 8, 2008
The delayed new fifty-state legal VW Jetta CleanTDI should start to show up at U.S. and Canadian dealers in June. AutoblogGreen indicated that the first 1,000 diesel Jettas will start to show up, but that each dealer will only be allocated one car as a demonstrator. The test drives will be used to re-introduce VW […]
RichC | February 7, 2008
Google, the Internet search engine giant, has a free 411 business directory service that is available from any phone by calling 1-800-GOOG-411. As a test I recorded a quick ‘lookup’ while driving to Akron, Ohio and will include the audio clip I recorded on my Palm Treo. (or listen to the clip in the right […]
RichC | February 6, 2008
This is a test to see if the Reply Media Catcher software can be used to capture a YouTube Clip. (works on some Flash .FLV files, but not on streaming Microsoft .WMV files) Testing YouTube Capture VIDEO DELETED
RichC | February 6, 2008
I don’t watch that much network television and it is a rarity that my wife and I would both find ourselves anxiously waiting for one particular program to return … but such is the case with the CBS series Jericho. We were hooked back when the series first started and were very disappointed to hear […]
RichC | February 5, 2008
After a bit of recovery in the financial markets since January, the markets returned to fear as recession looms over Wall Street. All U.S. stock markets ended lower on Tuesday after data showed the services sector shrunk in January to the lowest levels since the last U.S. recession. Continued concerns over the credit worthiness of […]
RichC | February 5, 2008
Although many areas have important local issues on the ballot … and local officials to elect, the nation is focused on selecting candidates that will run for President in November 2008. To coin a college basketball term … its the “final four.” The Democrats will choose between Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton; the […]
RichC | February 4, 2008
A trend in recent years when eating out at a restaurant is to offer a wedge of lemon with your water. I’ve often thought its was a nice touch and have enjoyed both seeing and tasting the lemon on the edge of my ice water glass … but I might think again after seeing a […]
RichC | February 3, 2008
What would a post be on Superbowl Sunday without at least a mention in my blog. Although logic tells me that the undefeated and experienced New England Patriots will win, I’m like 70% of the football fans in this country wanting to see the New York Giants Superbowl champs. The Giants have been an underdog […]
RichC | February 2, 2008
The PBS television This Old House will be broadcasting a series on rebuilding in New Orleans. The long running home remodeling program offers up a glimpse at how a few areas are rebuilding and are returning; they’ll do it with a look at the unique architecture and at the resilient people who call New Orleans […]
RichC | February 1, 2008
Big news in the technology world as Microsoft (MSFT) made a bid to bring Yahoo (YHOO) into the Mr. Softy stable. The huge 44.6 Billion dollar bid would help these two companies attempt to reign in the dominate online giant Google (GOOG). The deal would pay Yahoo shareholders $31 a share, which represents a 62% […]
RichC | February 1, 2008
The new smaller Mercedes SUV was shown in concept form at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and is close to production – “possibly by the year’s end,” according to Joe Wiesenfelder at the Cars.com Kicking Tires Blog. This smaller Benz will join the full size GL and M series SUV already in production and more […]
RichC | January 31, 2008
Several Volkswagen fans have asked what I know about the VW Taro pickup truck that is suppose to be in Europe next year — I don’t know much, but did see a post in LeftLaneNews yesterday. From what they are saying, there are two possibilities: 1) the VW Taro will be a rebadged Toyota Hilux […]
RichC | January 30, 2008
Senator John McCain of Arizona edged out Gov. Mitt Romney to win Florida’s Republican primary Tuesday night, moving one step closer to the all important 24-state Super Tuesday contest on February 5th. The must win Florida campaign of Rudy Giuliani was well behind in third (followed by Huckabee), triggering the end of the Giuliani campaign. […]
RichC | January 29, 2008
While I’m trying to repair my blog site, I’ll take a moment to include the final State of the Union address from President George W. Bush … personally I think it was one of his best speeches. VIDEO DELETED
RichC | January 28, 2008
Once again I’m having technical problems with my blog and have lost the last couple posts to server/host issues. Stay tuned …
RichC | January 25, 2008
While I was out feeding the dog before sunrise and creaking over the light snow on the sidewalk, I thought “it feels really cold today?” Brrr … it is! Thankfully the sun is out and should warm things up a little bit. Maybe this is a good time to point out that during the 1970s […]
RichC | January 25, 2008
How about an Exhaust Burger? I’ve cooked a meal under the hood before, but never heard of cooking with a grilling device like this using exhaust gas! Well the exhaust gas never hits the meat, but its probably hot enough to barbecue a hamburger — I wonder if I could fix a meal for two […]
RichC | January 24, 2008
SpaceShipOne (see post for photos) provided the X-Prize momentum that will give the adventurous, and wealthy, traveler an opportunity to fly into space … at least that’s Sir Richard Branson’s plan. The final design launch vehicle, White Knight Two was announced yesterday in New York and will be built by Scaled Composites in California under […]
RichC | January 23, 2008
Apple Inc. reported that their holiday quarter was strong showing profits were up 57% during the three months that ended December 29th. Unfortunately investors who are concerned that the slowing economy will ding Apple in 2008. Forecasts from Apple, which are usually conservative, were for a 94 cents per share this second fiscal quarter, far […]
RichC | January 23, 2008
The diesel news from Subaru continues to trickle out of the auto shows this month after announcing they were developing a diesel boxer engine last year. (post) The first models to go on sale will be the Outback and the Legacy Sports Tourer in the UK in February 2008, with a much slower planned launch […]
RichC | January 22, 2008
Don’t look at your 401-K or IRAs if you are squeamish. Will this be an opportunity long term or a big time recession? U.S. Financial Markets Numbers 1/22/2008 9:35 AM After overseas markets headed down on worries about a U.S. recession, the FED makes an emergency cut this morning which hasn’t helped the panic (and […]
RichC | January 22, 2008
Many diesel advocates are anxiously waiting to see just what new clean diesels will be arriving in the U.S. over the next few years. Hardly a week goes by now without some new announcement. For many of us, the Honda Accord 2.2L i-DTEC stands out in the hopes it will be an affordable and dependable […]
RichC | January 21, 2008
As Alan Greenspan would say … “irrational exuberance!“ 🙂 Ebay link. EDIT 1/21 9:30 PM: The mug has been sold ($1025.00) thanks to some outrageously generous bidders (congratulations ‘dorky54‘). They must have realized that this is a highly prized collectible … or at least appreciate the work of RHM. Thanks to all who placed a […]
RichC | January 21, 2008
A bit of Google code from cute web application below the break. Pretend the box below is a fishbowl/box and use your mouse to ‘click/drop’ a bit of food. Watch the fish swim toward your mouse expecting a treat. Credit Adam Bowman | Abowman.com
RichC | January 20, 2008
Time is running out if you want to rescue “the Mug” since there are only a couple days left to place your bid on EBay. (donations to benefit RHM) Who will “win” the rights to my pouting sister-in-law’s favorite UDF coffee mug? This well seasoned UDF Mug has kept my coffee warm for couple months […]
RichC | January 19, 2008
Although I tried to summarize it here, the short video clip posted at Mahalo Daily with Veronica Belmont is pretty good.
RichC | January 19, 2008
I’m ready … well I’ve been ready … to see a few more diesels heading to our shores. Sadly, I’m not seeing many efficient high MPG clean diesel models coming from U.S. manufacturers. Come on Ford and GM! A recent Forbes article highlighted a few of the new models that will be showing up in […]
RichC | January 18, 2008
I’m posting from my cellphone since I rarely see a Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI diesel. This one was spotted in Cuyahoga Falls in northeastern Ohio. (just north of Akron) There aren’t many of these around and those that are do tend to blend into their surroundings.
RichC | January 17, 2008
An MSNBC technology article reported that the new Panasonic “Evolta” Double-A (AA) battery is the longest lasting household alkaline battery — according to Guinness World Records. The double-A sized battery is used in many household items from gadgets and toys to clocks and tools. The article states that the improvements are made by packing in […]
RichC | January 16, 2008
Although the 110mpg (est) Jeep® Renegade sounds appealing as fuel cost inches toward $4.00/gallon, this concept vehicle in its present form is highly unlikely — but its good to see the concept. The diesel/electric hybrid has been chatted about in my circles for quite some time now, and is at least taking some form at […]
RichC | January 15, 2008
It is the highly anticipated MacWorld 2008 keynote speech from Steve Jobs that draws thousands of loyal Apple fans to attend or tune in every year. This year was no exception and included me … by web video. I’ll briefly outline the theme and products: First, the high end ‘big’ Macintosh had the early announcement […]
RichC | January 14, 2008
“The Mug” — EBay find of the day! (consider bidding for charity) Since only a couple of my family members regularly make it to my blog, I’ll clue the rest of you in on a ‘feud’ that has been going on for long enough. My ‘dear’ sister-in-law (let’s call her “Chris”), left her favorite United […]
RichC | January 13, 2008
It has a been a challenging weekend as I’ve just heard that a good friend John McCarter, his wife, and two friends lost their lives in an airplane accident probably on their way to lunch near Lake Erie. (something he would regularly do) In talking with John over the past few weeks, he was excited […]
RichC | January 12, 2008
A friend of mine who knows I have a daughter in college and a son on the way, sent me an email with an interesting “Dead Grandmother/Exam Syndrome and the Potential Downfall Of American Society” study by Mike Adams. The original was from some years ago, but is probably still accurate and an enjoyable read. […]
RichC | January 11, 2008
While traveling from southwest to northeast Ohio and back this week, I was able to fill up in Sunbury, Ohio where gasoline was 20+cents lower than most other areas on both Wednesday and Thursday. (OhioGasPrices.com) Most stations along I-71, I-76 and the Ohio Turnpike were a few cents over $3.00/gallon, but the Pilot and Flying […]
RichC | January 10, 2008
The more I learn about the customizable power of Mozilla’s Firefox extensions, the more I wonder how I safely navigated the web in the past; perhaps there are just more annoying and dangerous scripts then there have ever been? Here’s a favorite extension known as NoScript by Giorgio Maone which has been around for a […]
RichC | January 9, 2008
The primary turnout in New Hampshire was extremely high and big numbers helped Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democrats and Senator John McCain for the Republicans. Mitt Romney who came in second in Iowa behind Mike Huckabee also came in second in New Hampshire. Largely unnoticed for a second state in a row was the […]
RichC | January 8, 2008
As halftime winds down, the Ohio State Buckeyes return to the field after an outstanding performance by the OSU Marching Band in the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans. I’m struggling to gain a bit of confidence back after LSU scored 24 unanswered points to lead 24 to 10. The LSU Tigers take the […]
RichC | January 7, 2008
Although southwestern Ohio isn’t the only area of the country feeling the heat … I can’t let today pass without mentioning that its tee-shirt weather! Wow … its hard to believe that it is January.