I almost forget … but I promised Jacob I would post this video. Here’s the footage that survived a CinciTDI How-To video attempt a year or so ago. Unfortunately the second part of the video (the more difficult part) covered the seal which requires more delicate adjustment and didn’t survive. I’m hoping we get a chance to retake that sometime again … but for now, here’s the How-To clip for the ALH Volkswagen TDI diesel “Top Seal” that most owners can do.
I received an email a few weeks ago asking “what’s Airventure?” Rather than telling them it’s an airshow, tradeshow and a social gathering for lovers of aviation, I felt a better explanation was to show them this video 2010 Airventure – Beyond This Historic Brown Gate(well done Slick).
The latest expensive gift catalog arrived from Hammacher Schlemmer in our mailbox just in time for me to add the Terrafugia Transition to Santa’s list. Actually I was shocked to see the “flying car” appear on the cover … a perfect gift for someone with money to burn. It is priced at $350,000, although you could have order direct about a year and a half ago for $194,000. (click images for larger)
The boot modifying program called Soluto seems to help keep my Windows 7 notebook computer’s cold boot a bit snappier. Although my older Windows machine may not be up to netbook, tablet or Macbook speeds, the improved one minute and 44 second boot is better than without the Soluto tweaks. The company’s tagline as “anti-frustration” software is partially true and I enjoy the improved control and ability to delay some boot program starts when doing a full boot. I generally “hibernate” my notebook, but purposely reboot a couple times of week to refresh the memory and clear the sluggishness that often creeps in after day to day use.
So give Soluto a try and tell me what you think. It’s a free download and the folks at Soluto offer feedback from others in percentages for advice in which boot programs to ‘pause’ or ‘delay.’
Although I’m not rushing to melt down my wedding band just yet, the impressive decade long run-up in gold prices does have me thinking about cashing in. Maybe I can convince my wife to send in a few of those rarely worn gifts to goldstash.com. (If it’s good enough for the conservative financial radio guy Dave Ramsey, maybe it’s worth a try? Other suggestions?)
Actually I think we do have a couple of old 1980-90s gold chains (twisted or broken) that were popular jewelry items at the time.
In fact, I think I still have a box chain that my wife gave me when we were dating … hmm, what was gold trading at back then? Perhaps a couple bucks for some Christmas shopping – stay tuned.
I’m archiving an older forum post from a few years back when I still had my little diesel Jetta. Occasionally someone asks me why I’m “pro-skidplate” on a Volkswagen TDI and I point them to this post …
Don’t be on the fence. Here’s a older photo taken shortly after I installed a skidplate … and the ‘chunk’ that caused it.
Ouch. On a wet and rainy Tuesday evening the Dakota pickup truck behind my daughter didn’t stop quick enough. The minor fender-bender was at a stop sign and there were no injuries, just damaged plastic and bent metal … and the frustration of having to deal with insurance adjusters, collision repair centers, rent a cars and the ‘time’ hassle involved. But I am thankful that there weren’t any injuries. Part of life, ehh?
I’ve always enjoyed unique vehicles such as the AmphiCars of the past or the flying Super Sky Cycle motorcycle and Terrafugia Transition flying car, but didn’t realize how far the drive-able boat has come along.
Some years ago I recall the Floating Cubans attempted to escape the grip of Fidel in a 1951 Chevy pickup truck … and thought, “hmm, they might have appreciated the ones in the video.”(below)
A friend of mine posted about the Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. on Facebook and it was a reminder to me how devastating Ménière’s disease was. Back in the 1990’s I (and my family) struggled in dealing with the frustrating ringing, sudden attacks of vertigo and associated debilitating sickness (sea-sickness as I described it). Although bouts with this diagnosis can be widely different as to their severity, I would not wish this on my worst enemy.
One of the bright spots while suffering through the disease was knowing that the first man in space had to deal with it and eventually overcame it. He had experimental surgery (in 1964), but after recovery was able to go on to walk on the moon. Quite inspirational. The situation was well portrayed in the HBO miniseries “From Earth to the Moon.” See Episode 9, “For Miles and Miles” as it deals with Alan Shepard and his returning to flight status and on to the moon. (video clip below)
EDIT: The YouTubearchive of the HBO video was removed, but worth seeing if you have or know of someone with Ménière’s disease.p
