Video: 5 bad habits when driving manual gearbox cars
Posted By RichC on February 17, 2016
Great video explainer for those driving manual shift cars … dos and don’ts — Engineering Explained
Replacement options for a tabletop Delta drill press chuck
Posted By RichC on February 16, 2016
One of the tools inherited from my dad’s workshop was his small tabletop drill press. Unbeknownst to me, there is a wobble after mounting a bit. I removed the chuck and it looks as if that is the problem … tried to test the arbor and don’t think it is off???
This is a backup drill press that I’m planning to use in the basement “woodworking” shop; it is small and handy for precision projects. It would be nice to fix it without spending too many dollars, so off to eBay.
Speaking of drill presses, I never really liked my cheap somewhat rusting Chinese drill press in my garage shop or breaking down my original Shopsmith just to drill a few holes, so this will be nice to have working. I’m hoping to find an inexpensive ball bearing chuck that fits the taper, especially if it solves the problem – stay tuned.
Donna Lange struggling with heavy weather nearing Cape Horn
Posted By RichC on February 15, 2016
One of my long time sailing acquaintances is Donna Lange who has been sailing her small boat Inspired Insanity around the world for a second time. Earlier I posted her progress, but this past weekend while closing in on the treacherous Cape Horn, she was knocked down twice and is struggling to move north to avoid the large seas and heavy winds. It does not look comfortable from reading Bob Philburn’s Facebook post (image below).
Justice Scalia and another fiesty GOP presidential debate
Posted By RichC on February 14, 2016
Politics and the upcoming presidential election seem to be dominating the discussion in my online social networking circles … at least on my Twitter feed.
The news of Justice Antonin Scalia’s death on the afternoon of the South Carolina GOP Debate Saturday left most who appreciated his 30 years of conservative jurisprudence in a very somber mood (and concerned for the political make-up of the court). Not only did the Scalia family lose a husband, father and grandfather, but the Supreme Court and the nation lost the strongest voice for holding to the constitution as written … rather than interpretated based on current views. I for one prefer congress append through the process provided for in our democratic republic rather than legislating from the supreme court. Justice Scalia was an outstanding thinker and thoughtful conservative who was appreciated by all who served with him … something evident by the friendships he made regardless of personal political convictions – a lesson for all of us.
BUT that lesson of being “treasured by his colleagues,” as Chief Justice John Roberts stated, must have been missed by those debating before the South Carolina Republican primary; not many of the bloodied GOP hopefuls seemed to “treasure” each other at the moment. The personal insults were flying from several candidates (thanks to Donald Trump this year – cough, cough) and the rather small differences between Republicans were accentuated as if they all disagreed with each others core values and positions (there are no ‘liberals’ in this combative bunch). Of all the differences, perhaps the most notable is Donald Trump’s attack of President George W. Bush and his administration regarding 9/11 and the War in Iraq. Personally I sense the vitriol for a previous Republican president did not sit well with most Republicans … although just as with many previous statements by Trump … I could be wrong again – but, if Reagan was coined the “Teflon president” … then perhaps Donald Trump is the New York City version – “Gotham Steel president” (as in Gotham Steel Pans TV promoted cookware – very fitting for such a self-promoter!). Who knows if anything he says will stick or stand out as too offensive in the minds of voters?
Besides the insults, there was some new content and interesting back and forth. Most analysts that I read and heard agreed that Marco Rubio had a good debate. His knowledge and preparation was evident and he does 
exhibit the desire to expand the Republican party. Perhap only John Kasich currently demonstrated that ability … although probably at the sacrifice of a few more issues (personally speaking, that is going to be necessary to win, expand the party and get anything accomplished). Ted Cruz, for all his principled conservative values, is probably the least electable in a general election IMHO, although I admire his unwavering position.
Then their is Ben Carson … what an accomplished and nice guy. I suspect there are some who know him with a little more bite, but it is hard to see it. His softspoken nature just makes it difficult for him to go on offense in today’s “Rock’em Sock’em Robots” contest (not a reference to Rubio’s prior debate).
Where are we now??? Who knows … the Donald Trump lead and “Trump Train” of support looks hard to stop. Trump has demonstrated that no matter what politically incorrect comments he makes, his supporters don’t waver. In fact, they seem only emboldened by the fact he is willing to lead with such a populace message of “Making America Great Again” and this demostrates his supporter’s anger. As my son Taylor (a student of history) and I question: What is Trump is doing different from previous popluace leaders from history? (yes, the 1930 Adolf Hitler does come to mind – although that’s a bit extreme. I suspect Trump may have tapped into the “unity and Nationalism” component, but am hoping not the “conspiring, deceiving and persecution” … although we would all be wise to keep nationalism in check).
Catching up on the politics of running for president
Posted By RichC on February 13, 2016
It has been a rough week for “establishment” candidates …both for Democrats and the Republicans. Donald Trump continues 
to dominate the headlines and is capitalizing on the anger from those caught between the “new upper class and the new lower class” as the WSJ’s Saturday Essay commented, “in the plight of the working class” as they say. With news of another announcement of over 2000 middle America jobs from Carrier Corp and UTC in Indiana moving to Mexico, the Trump Train may comfortably tap into this anger and roll its way to the GOP nomination.
On the Dem’s side, democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has struck a cord and has many interested in something other than a Wall Street supported Democrat (ie. Hillary Clinton) running on their priniciple which traditionally have been favored by the working class. Who knows if a “socialist” can bring down the Clintion machine … I still have my doubts.
Financial markets — Yesterday down, Friday up?
Posted By RichC on February 12, 2016
Markets gave back yesterday’s losses today as some thought the selling was a little too panicked. A bit of news from the oil cartels about curtailing output had oil move up and that kicked off a wave of buying the beat up stocks.The close is near in the posted charts and the close for the Dow was over 300 points. So much for a rush to sell … who knows what a long weekend and close markets on Monday (Presidents’s Day) will bring for Tuesday?
Cheap oil, negative returns and a confused Fed
Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016
Markets took a wild ride today on very weak economies around the globe and oil dropping to nearly $26/barrel. UAE minister hinted at OPEC talking about production cuts, the markets 
Aftercame back from its lows. The pain was particularly hard on banks as monetary policies in more nations move into negative returns (negative interest rates) … and Fed chair Janet Yellen said she would not take it off the table. It is obvious that few know what is happening .
MedAire Travel Risk Map for 2016
Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016
(lower resolution JPG image above – download full resolution PDF from MedAire)
MedAire launched its Travel Risk Map 2016 PDF, an interactive map that highlights medical and security risks across the globe. The online map rates regional security as ‘extreme’, ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘low’ or ‘insignificant’, and medical risks as ‘low’, ‘medium’, ‘high’, ‘very high’ or ‘rapidly developing variable risk’.
One of the strangest presidential primary contests ever
Posted By RichC on February 11, 2016
As a frustrated political watcher, I'm starting to think I may have hitched my wagon behind the wrong GOP horse, although it is still a bit early. I haven't jumped in with both feet or anything, but I thought I was supporting a Republican with “acceptable” values and ability to grow the party … and someone who also has the best chance of beating Hillary Clinton. Up to this point, I felt Marco Rubio held that position, but after a self-inflicted debate flop in New Hampshire … and a kamikaze like suicide attack by fellow Republican Gov. Chris Christie (he dropped out Wednesday, as did Carly Fiorina) … he unfortunately has a big hill to climb again (WSJ photo above doesn't help Rubio … time will tell if he can “joke” his way around of the robotic image?)
Currently, businessman Donald Trump has solidified a strong number one spot, but like many “watchers,” his avid support seems to be tapped out at about 1/3rd of the electorate. He generates passionate support … as well as downright hatred from others. Of course the ever-likable (joking) Ted Cruz splits the GOP about the same way. Even more concerning is that he would be very unlikely to bring across Democrats, even if they are discontented with choosing between the “forked tongue” Hillary Clinton and unabashed socialist Bernie Sanders.
One of the big concerns … or as Bill O'Reilly said “consternation” for GOP primary voters … is that loud conservatives and motivated Republican voters have either aligned themselves with Trump or Cruz … and are leaving pragmatic (but still conservative) Republicans splitting up their votes between several other candidates (link): Bush, Rubio, Kasich and Carson (see checklist in Conservative Review).
We'll see how it goes in South Carolina.
Repairing the AC on the BMW X5 35d in the middle of winter
Posted By RichC on February 10, 2016
My timing is probably not the best considering the temperature is in the teens this week, but since the BMW X5 35d is in the shop, I’m addressing as many “squawks” as possible. One of the known issues was that the air conditioning wasn’t working (paid less for the vehicle) … so after checking the basics at home, it was time for professional diagnosis while plugged into the BMW computer and paying the diagnostic charge ($112-ouch!) I noticed it was overcharged when I bought the car and figured someone tried adding refrigerant as a quick fix. It measured way over when I check it at home, but going further requires the refrigerant recycling equipment. I thought perhaps the compressor high pressure switch was tripped (overly optimistic). Of course hat was not the case … but at least the AC system holds pressure! After a look at the drive belt, it was apparent to the service tech that the AC compressor bearing had seized or were at least dragging.
The fix: BMW “dealer parts,” even if I could get the 20% discount on parts are not cheap, so I passed on the dealer replacing the compressor and went about looking for aftermarket parts since this is a higher mileage vehicle. What I did find was a second-hand (but working) 2011 BMW original AC compressor from import car friend that I could bartered with … and to top it off … I think I have coerced the dealer to put it on since it is a BMW part (they won’t do aftermarket parts). This is a plus since I failed miserably when putting a new AC system in the old Mercedes – and am still chasing leaks.
Speaking of repairs, the number one reason I took the vehicle to the dealer is that the emission particulate filter is kicking a code on regeneration. 
They say they have “fixed” that problem by doing a “manual burn,” but it still worries me (these are expensive gizmos yet suppose to go 300K).
The broken sunroof part arrived on Monday, but upon installation they broke the new part – I guess it is not an easy or simple install? The most expensive surprise was that the rear differential was leaking at all three seals … something about miles and age which could be true since Taylor’s BMW had those seals replaced when we bought his car. It doesn’t speak highly for BMW engineering — no problems with Japanese cars, I’m just sayin’. In any case, the differential seals should last longer. Normally I’d probably top off the fluid and keep driving until I notice drips, but since it is a new car for us, I’ll pay the big bucks to have it repaired.
I’m also trying to finagle an update to the navigation maps while the car is in the shop, but if not, I have a lead on the codes and USB stick for $45, not that anybody really needs built in maps anymore (iPhone is probably easier).
Finally there’s the resetting of all the maintenance codes that haven’t been cleared for a while … hopefully all we be reset and cleared. I’ll have the dealer do the $89 brake bleed service to get the required codes reset and plan on picking up my own pads in another 5000 miles or so. Let’s hope I’m done with dealer service for a while.
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.