My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on September 28, 2011

Stopped to check on the big NYC coverage from Amazon for their new eInk Kindle Touch reader device and highly anticipated Kindle Fire 7″ tablet device. A couple surprises are the “Silk” browser and pricing at $199. For those looking for a competitor to Apple’s iPad … look elsewhere. The new Kindles are more of a B&N Nook killer than a full featured tablet device.

Here are a few specs from Amazon:

Display 7″ multi-touch display with IPS (in-plane switching) technology and anti-reflective treatment, 1024 x 600 pixel resolution at 169 ppi, 16 million colors.

Size (in inches) 7.5″ x 4.7″ x 0.45″ (190 mm x 120 mm x 11.4 mm).

Weight 14.6 ounces (413 grams).

System Requirements None, because it’s wireless and doesn’t require a computer.

On-device Storage 8GB internal. That’s enough for 80 apps, plus either 10 movies or 800 songs or 6,000 books.

Cloud Storage Free cloud storage for all Amazon content

Battery Life Up to 8 hours of continuous reading or 7.5 hours of video playback, with wireless off. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as web browsing and downloading content.

Charge Time Fully charges in approximately 4 hours via included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via USB.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.1X standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks.

USB Port USB 2.0 (micro-B connector)

Audio 3.5 mm stereo audio jack, top-mounted stereo speakers.

Content Formats Supported Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, non-DRM AAC, MP3, MIDI, OGG, WAV, MP4, VP8.

Documentation Quick Start Guide(included in box); Kindle User’s Guide (pre-installed on device)

Warranty and Service 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 2-year Extended Warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the Kindle License Agreement and Terms of Use.

Included in the Box Kindle Fire tablet, U.S. power adapter (supports 100-240V), and Quick Start Guide.

via Kindle Fire – Full Color Kindle with 7″ Multi-Touch Display, Wi-Fi.

Category: Computer, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: amazon, eInk, fire, ipad, reader, tablet

Posted By RichC on September 28, 2011

So much for the carburetor tuning and electrical issues that have frustrated me lately (posted yesterday) … it wasn’t the problem. Can you tell what the problem is from this photo?

I’ve been struggling to figure out why the 1975 MGB would not run smoothly at idle … now I know …  the problem is the #2 cylinder’s intake valve. The sticky valve didn’t show up immediately after I took the engine apart and installed a new cam … or when I adjusted the rockers and tweaked them for a second time. I just so happened that the valve spring returned the valve back to a resting closed position each time I worked or looked at it. The initial compression test showed all cylinders with compression and #3 and #4 slightly higher at about 110 psi.  BUT after rechecking tonight, I noticed something odd … zero compression in the number 2 cylinder? Hmm … a stuck valve?

After popping the valve cover off I didn’t immediately see the problem; the spring returned the valve  to it’s closed  position again. It wasn’t until I cranked the engine a couple revolutions that the intake valve on #2 opened and eased S-L-O-W-L-Y closed again. After a quick crank again, it stuck open for a few more seconds, enough for me to snap the above photo. AHHH … the culprit!

Unfortunately the MG will be sitting for a week or so before I pull the head. The  next few days are travel oriented and then we have my nephews wedding this weekend. (Congratulations Ben and Emily … a happy time)

To be continued.

Category: Automotive, MGB | No Comments »
Tags: mgb, valves

Posted By RichC on September 27, 2011

Nationwide Children’s Hospital applauds the House of Representatives for voting in favor of H.R. 1852 which reauthorizes the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program. The bill, which was introduced in May of this year by Representatives Joe Pitts (R-PA), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee, and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), ranking member of the Health Subcommittee, reauthorizes up to $330 million per year during a five year period to support pediatric residency training at 56 freestanding children’s teaching hospitals in communities across the country in order to address the national shortages of pediatricians. Children’s freestanding teaching hospitals train 40 percent of all pediatricians in the country and 43 percent of all pediatric specialists.

via Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hospital.

Category: Personal | No Comments »
Tags: columbus, katelyn, nationwide children's hospital, ohio, residency

Posted By RichC on September 27, 2011

I’m posting my MGB idling problem to the MG Experience forums in hopes to gain a little help … if you’re “just a car guru” and have some advice I don’t mind the extra thinking – either leave me an email or Disqus comment below. Thanks and additional details below.

From forum:

First, a year ago I replaced the points with an electronic module and replace the Zenith carb with a Weber downdraft. I put in a new gas tank, fuel pump and fuel filter as well as spark plugs and wires. Upon starting (with starting fluid), the engine ran rough and would not idle … eventually stalling; after stalling, the engine would not start while hot. After cooling I was able to start again but no matter how long I worked at tweaking the new carburetor settings, I could not get the little beast to idle below 1200 … an even then it would run lumpy. Definitely not road worthy.

Fast forward to this month. I took the engine apart and installed a new cam, timing chain, oil pump, water pump, alternator and checked the compression again (all 4 cylinders equal – about 90) and made sure there were no air or vacuum leaks from carb/intake manifold. Upon starting, the engine ran exactly the same … lumpy and it will not idle below 1200RPMs. I cleaned all the electrical connections and checked voltages. Coil had resistance of about 4.5 (needed to be over 3) and each plug demonstrated spark. I’ve moved the distributor (advanced/retarded) until the engine stalled but could not get the engine to run smoothly at low rpms. I put in fresh gasoline and carb cleaner (in case it had gummed). I’ve been tweaking the Weber idle screw, but suspect the idle never gets low enough to run without the primary feeding the engine. I’ve used the propane trick (feed unlit propane near intake manifold gaskets, etc) while the engine was fast idling to see if there was a change of idle … the only time it rev-ed a little was when the raw propane neared the choke flap.

I have not taken the head off to check for piston damage or deeply seated or damaged valves, but am reluctant to go that deep again (should have when the engine was apart) unless I hear from the gurus here. Before I go much further, what else should I be looking for OR is there a better way to set the Weber 32/34 downdraft carb?

EDIT: For the “firing order” suggesting … all is correct.

Category: Automotive, Personal, Video | 2 Comments »
Tags: engine, idle, mgb, problem

Posted By RichC on September 26, 2011

It has been a while since I mentioned anything on biodiesel … primarily because the feedstock used to produce it have risen along with oil. The fact that new cars and their emission controls have also thwarted biodiesel fuel in higher than 5% doesn’t help. Still, it is interesting to see companies catering to the need of biodiesel “homebrewers.” Northern Tool and Equipment is doing just that … interesting even if their prices seem a bit steep.

What Equipment Do I Need to Make Biodiesel Fuel?

Safety Gear: Because youll be using chemicals to refine your oil, you should always be sure youre wearing protective safety gear before starting the process. Safety goggles, gloves, protective apron and boots are essential.

Chemicals: The Biodiesel fuel-making process requires methanol, sulfuric acid and catalyst along with air-tight storage containers for each.

Biodiesel Processor: The processor converts the oil into Biodiesel fuel. Consider purchasing a well-known, trusted brand such as BioPro or Fuelmeister.

Fuel Filter: The fuel filter works to filter and remove water from the fuel. Because initial use of Biodiesel can release deposits previously accumulated on tank walls and pipes, its recommended that the fuel filter be changed after the first tank of Biodiesel.

Fuel Pump: The fuel pump provides safe, efficient transfer of the fuel to your engine. Consider models that are heavy duty with thermal overload protection, strainer and automatic nozzle for easy fuel transfer.

Fuel Pre-heaters: A Biodiesel fuel can sometimes gel, either due to cold temperatures or because its been produced from heavily saturated fats such as waste oil from restaurants. Fuel pre-heaters work to effectively keep Biodiesel from solidifying.

Biocides: Biocides are an additive designed to stop the growth of microorganisms in your fuel, thus helping preserve the life of stored Biodiesel.

Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines: The solvent properties of Biodiesel can result in a slow degradation of rubber fuel lines over the course of months and sometimes years. Therefore, it is beneficial to use Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines when it comes time for replacement.

Still need help?
Email our product experts, or Call 1-800-221-0516 our 24-hour sales line.

LINK

Category: Biodiesel | No Comments »
Tags: biodiesel, equipment, tools

Posted By RichC on September 26, 2011

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud gave the kingdom’s women the right to participate in local elections and to become members of the country’s top advisory body, a sign that the elderly monarch hasn’t abandoned his program of cautious social reform despite political upheavals elsewhere in the Middle East.

via Saudi Women Win Right to Vote – WSJ.com.

Category: News | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on September 24, 2011

Enjoyed the new World Fastest Car Show (WFCS) online video program on YouTube from Ebay Motors (video below) and learned something interesting right from the start. The Ford Mustang BOSS 302 got its name “BOSS” when the lead designer creating the original 1970 V-8 302 Mustang for Parnelli Jones was asked, “who ya doing that for.” He answered … the boss … “there in the name stuck.” Hmm, interesting automotive trivia.

Category: Automotive, Video | 1 Comment »
Tags: cars, ford, mustang, trivia

Posted By RichC on September 24, 2011

Although my question wasn’t answered as to how many are due to plummet to earth in the next few years, it is good to know that “more recent satellites are designed so that operators can bring them out of orbit and control their trajectory as they take the final plunge through the atmosphere.”

With an estimated 750 or more satellites currently in orbit—and many more nations now seeking to launch satellites than ever before—overall collision hazards are expected to increase.

via NASA Reports Re-Entry of Defunct Satellite – WSJ.com

(testing a new plug-in for posting to WordPress)

Category: News, Technology | No Comments »
Tags: nasa, satellites, wsj

Posted By RichC on September 23, 2011

Much of the political debate coming from Washington DC is focused on cutting the deficit, reforming the tax code and generating more revenue for the federal government. Hopefully those who currently pay federal income taxes (only 52%) are going to be given the loudest voice, but that may not be the case now that we’re 14 months away from an election. (click the chart to the right for a larger image)

President Obama has recently been taking stronger stances in his attempt to raise taxes as a way to fund the spending, reduce the borrowing and generate additional revenues. The GOP controlled house has pretty clearly rejected the idea of tax increases particularly in light of the countries unemployment. Most assume that both are posturing to their political base while those who are less political just want something done to create jobs and turn a floundering economy around.  For those in business, clarity is even more important in planning and making decisions. Understanding expenses (including the tax burden) is crucial for those thinking/wanting to expand their businesses and hire employees. We can’t afford to wait until 2013?

For now, I thought the chart above simplifies in explaining the “basics” of  the federal income tax as it exists if left unchanged. One thing that is perfectly clear … those with the income to invest and hire will pay more in taxes in 2013 if Democrats and Republicans don’t come to some agreement. It is doubtful many investors or small business owners will be expanding or creating jobs before some certainly is decided pertaining to taxes.

If creating jobs is the desired outcome … allowing tax rates to rise in 2013 (or not not clarifying tax rates for the near future) will NOT improve the unemployment picture.

Category: Financial, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: Business, chart, finance, graph, jobs, Politics, taxes, unemployment

Posted By RichC on September 22, 2011

It is a painful day today on the financial markets as all “indicators” show heavy selling on Wall Street and even in the precious metals markets – not much optimism. It is difficult to watch as people who try to save for a home, for college or retirement, see their assets shed large chunks of value … in just two days we’ve seen losses mount to near double digit percentages (two day Dow chart below).

As I stop working to watch the closing of the markets today (3:30 PM EST), the Dow is down over 500 points; we’re near “panic” selling. Some … very few … are suggesting this is time to pick up some bargain basement priced companies. Let’s hope there is some closing comeback.

EDIT: After receiving a couple emails about my repeating the media’s use of the word “depression,” I’ve opted to switch to the less “fear” triggering word “recession” in the subject line.

Category: Financial | 1 Comment »
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