Posted By RichC on June 16, 2013
Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver talks about his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D and closes with, “it’s solid, reliable, robust, well made, it’s got a lot of integrity … and I hope that I represent those values.”
Posted By RichC on June 15, 2013
Every year we see and hear of charities wasting money and the generous gifts given by their donors and unfortunately some charities and their hired solicitors are just out and out crooks (and unfortunately able to get away with it year after year). If you intend to give to organizations that you are not intimately aware, then be sure to at LEAST do your own GuideStar review. Take a look at their expenses and decide if they are using your donations appropriately or at least have a reason you can accept for their high expenses.
If people supporting the 50 listed as Worst Charities by the Tampa Bay Times knew how their money was being spent, they would demand their donations back (just look at how much of the money raised goes to solicitors – its criminal in my opinion!).
Posted By RichC on June 14, 2013
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Posted By RichC on June 14, 2013
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the correct amount of PAG oil is in the system. It does seem that after it has been running for a while the noise goes away? What is it and is there a fix?
Posted By RichC on June 13, 2013
I’ve delayed opining on the latest NSA and whistleblower story over the last couple of days because I can see both sides and like most Americans , value the liberty our constitution protects, yet expect our government to protect us. It is a frustratingly difficult conundrum we face … or I should say, those we elect and “delegate that responsibility” in a digital information age. The balance is not easy since we want our government to thwart terrorism and espionage in order to protect our nation, 
but don’t want to leave the door open for those who abuse power – which unfortunately is the history of our species time and time again.
One of my primary concerns is that we’ve allowed private contractors and their employees (ie. Booz Allen and Edward Snowden) the access to increasing amounts of personal data under direction of the NAS and the guise of being necessary for national security. Some information we give willingly, some we are required give up (employment, banking and financial, health records, etc) and other information is being archived allegedly behind the scenes in large data centers. In the current case, the whistleblower (Snowden) left his position and headed overseas to tell his story to a foreign press which supposedly put U.S. assets at risk and which can be viewed as a treasonous act. At the same time, it is understandable that he might have a distrust of his superiors or even the U.S. press … and fears being silenced (a very real possibility). He alleged that personal data is of U.S. citizens is being collected and that private data could be being monitored if American citizens are suspected for whatever reason. The big concern is that government and politically connected public or private employees now have access to unbelievable amounts of information which can be legally (court order) or illegally used for whatever motive. Very concerning should the wrong person or coordinated group or party be in power.
Intelligence Community Comprehensive Nation Cybersecutity Initiative Data Center
From where I stand, there is plenty of evidence that our bureaucracy is not capable of acting responsibly when it comes to wielding power over private information … the recent IRS scandal among others come to mind. On top of the "recent" problems, we live in a world where the history of government officials abuse power. Thankfully our forefathers recognized this and created the U.S. Constitution limiting the powers of the federal government over the citizenry. For over 200 years this for the most part prevent our government from abusing power over citizens. Still even with “a constitution” some countries still failed to protect their people and in Europe brought the rise of the Nazi Party. It is as hopeful to believe the power-checked NSA data will be handled responsibly and only accessed for the purposes of combatting internal terrorism, but abused by politicians is unfortunately the more likely scenario (again, look at the IRS scandal or just think about the history lesson in the video below).
Posted By RichC on June 12, 2013
Oh new tools toys came in today. My lowball ebay bid on a set of Hazet wrenches paid off … and now I can set the valves on the old diesel.
Posted By RichC on June 12, 2013
My sister-in-law shared some of her cellphone video with me last week at the funeral and I enjoy remembering Brenda’s dad working in the garden at the farmhouse. This one is a few year old, but he was doing what he enjoyed. Great clip Chris!
Posted By RichC on June 11, 2013
So you really would like a Audi TDI diesel? (I nod my head yes) Well it’s not going to be cheap. Here are the 2014 prices for their A6 TDI, A7 TDI, and Q5 TDI as shared by Motor Authority.
All three Audi diesels come standard with quattro all-wheel drive, and will begin arriving in the U.S. in late summer 2013.
If you’re looking for a smaller, more efficient Audi diesel, the A4 TDI is on the way, but it won’t come until the next generation of the A4 launches sometime in the 2014 calendar year. The 2014 Audi A8 TDI has already been priced [$83,395], with estimated fuel economy of 24/36 mpg city/highway for 28 mpg combined.
Posted By RichC on June 10, 2013
My son Taylor and I celebrated his 24th birthday today since we were both at home. We went to Chili’s, a favorite spot of his (well mine too) and they treated him to a birthday desert … on top of ribs and of course chips and salsa.
Mail call was also interesting today as my new SSI AOWD diver certification card arrived. I don’t even want to tell you how old my previous card was … well you be the judge by the mop of hair I still had on my head!
Posted By RichC on June 10, 2013
Encore’s sailing projects have taken a back seat to illness, funerals and wedding this past year, but I’m doing my best to do some project planning and research for next year. I received a reply from the Rich Boren, the CEO of CruiseROWater after I made a comment about his infatuation with fish tacos. In his follow up watermaker reply he return my wisecrack with a photo of “the best fish taco in Laz Paz, Mexico.” What a great guy, the kind that makes me want to do business with the company.
As for the water maker research, I’d love to have the ability to make our own fresh water from salt water when we go cruising. Not having to monitor or ration water so carefully is a luxury worthy of the expensive option and high maintenance in my opinion … and the modular design is the way to go on a boat with limited free space. Stay tuned … but for now here are the “modules” of the Seamaker20.
