Posted By RichC on January 26, 2010
Listening to Great Lakes folk singer Lee Murdock; a link sent from a sailing friend. For the most part I’m posting here to see how Posterous.com and the MP3 repost to MyDesultoryBlog is handled.
EDIT: Audio doesn’t post correctly … tweaked for a pop-up MP3 Link instead.
Posted By RichC on January 25, 2010
Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC diesel
MENTION the Subaru Impreza and most people think of the rapid WRX high performance turbo rally-bred cars, but this range is making a name for itself with an attractive diesel option which provides a fine mix of Subaru driving qualities and diesel economy.
Under the bonnet is the widely-acclaimed 2.0-litre Boxer diesel – a flat engine with cylinders either side. Subaru has been one of the best exponents of the horizontal engine in recent years and has now moved into the important world of the diesel power.
The Subaru diesel develops 150ps and provides a hefty 258ft/lb of torque or pulling power. It is a refined engine featuring those all-important qualities in a diesel, flexibility allied to rapid throttle response.
As with all Subarus performance is high on the agenda and this model provides a top speed of 127mph plus a 0-62mph sprint factor of nine seconds. Not in the league of the WRX STI certainly, but very generous when you consider that you get a combined economy result of 47.9mpg and an emissions figure of 155g/km CO2.
But this hatchback has an ace up its sleeve because of a low centre of gravity coupled with symmetrical all-wheel-drive providing superb handling and traction safely in the hands of the latest Subaru vehicle dynamics control system.
This is a highly individual car with a specification that is just as outstanding as its driving qualities. Standard fitments include 17 inch alloys, HID headlamps with pop-up washers, electrically-folding door mirrors, front projector foglamps, six CD player with MP3 facility, cruise control, windscreen wiper de-icer, climate control and heated sports seats. – not to mention front, side and curtain airbags.
There are two diesel models in the range, the 2.0D RC and 2.0D RX . They complement 1.5 and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol models, the limited edition 2.5 WRX turbo, plus range-topping WRX STI Type UK and 330S.
The engine has already been proven in the Legacy, Outback and Forester models and now forms part of this interesting take on the small family car.
With a potential range of 670 miles on a full tank this has to be an important option for those who drive long distances and enjoy their driving . As soon as you get on the road it communicates its handling qualities in no uncertain terms. The engine, being flat sits nearer the road providing a low centre of gravity for sporty handling, great grip, reduced body roll and agile steering.
Turbocharged and punchy, the engine provides a relatively silent, vibration-free power flow and because of the handling technology lavished on this car owners can drive safely in the knowledge that their Impreza will instantly divert power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip – it providing the security and reassurance of active safety at all times.
This car was the RC version which is priced at £20,000. If you want more equipment, then the RX at £22,255 and gains keyless smart entry, an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, full leather trim and electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.
Importantly, it also looks good, with the bonnet air-scoop and the car’s overall low stance speaking volumes for its capability.
Instrumentation is illuminated with ambient blue lighting for improved visibility. Switching on the ignition prompts the instrument needles to sweep around their dials before returning to their rest position.
This is probably one of the most important Subaru models ever. It provides a refreshing change to some of the better-known names and I have a feeling that once word gets around in the diesel market Subaru dealers will be very busy.
FAST FACTS
Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC diesel
Price: £20,000
Mechanical: 150ps, 1,998cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9 seconds
Combined mpg: 47.9
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 155g/km
BIK rating: 16%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Posted By RichC on January 24, 2010
After spending a few enjoyable hours watching football Sunday afternoon, it was exciting to find out who would go to Miami and conclude the 2009 NFL football season: the AFC champion Indianapolis Colt and NFC New Orleans Saints. After watching our Cincinnati Bengals lose two weeks in a row to an strong New York Jets team, I was wondering if the mechanical veteran offense of the Colts would be able to pick apart the Jets solid defense. After a close first half, Payton Manning seemed to study the photos and exploit even the smallest weakness as his rapid paced machine outscored the New York Jets in the second half. For the AFC, few will disagree that the best team will be going to Superbowl 44.
For the NFC, the sentimental part of me was rooting for the ‘old man,’ Brett Favre, to continue the magic, but the other part wanted to see the ‘bag over the head’ fans finally being heading to a Superbowl. After a hard fought championship game, the Vikings mistakes (5 turnovers) gave the game to the Saints and Minnesota’s season – and perhaps Brett Favre’s career – came to an end.
The February 7, 2010 Superbowl is set … the technically near perfect offense of the Colts against the high powered scoring offense of the Saints. It may come down to who’s defense can stop slow the other team?
Posted By RichC on January 23, 2010
NASA’s Puffin electric-powered, super-quiet personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft concept is ideal for those wanting a quick commute to work on a traffic congested morning … particularly if you’ve got a charging station on your buildings helipad … and who doesn’t? 
The USMC V-22 Osprey looking aircraft could offer a bit more promise than jetpacks or “Sky Cycles” for those of us dreaming of personal flight without the need for clear runways. Nevertheless, by the time this concept is ready for test flights, it is going to require a new kind of pilot … most like one with the skills and backbone of Orville and Wibur Wright — belly flying (video below).
Posted By RichC on January 22, 2010
After President Obama, and most of the U.S. Congress (the Democrats), wasted a year on massive health care legislation, many are suggesting our nations’ leaders may finally be getting the message: Focus on jobs and the economy before spending money we don’t have on taking over health care. The current bills, according to some, will unlikely go further and if … and when … they do, may included a few voices of reason when considering some reform of health care. If “deader than a doornail” is too extreme, perhaps a USAToday reference to a more ironic description is appropriate?
Critical condition. Life support. Code Blue.
Any kind of medical cliche can be used to describe the state of President Obama’s health care initiative.
The election of Republican Scott Brown to the Senate gives the GOP the power to block a final health care bill, so the Obama White House and the Democrats are scrambling to figure out what they can do — if anything.
Posted By RichC on January 22, 2010
Posted By RichC on January 21, 2010
The irritated O’Brien continued his feud with NBC and Jay Leno as he finishes his short career hosting The Tonight Show (article). For those not familiar with late night TV talk shows, Jay Leno left The Tonight Show for his own show at 10PM on NBC seven months ago. Conan O’Brien was given The Tonight Show from his later time slot. The Leno show hasn’t been very successful, likely do to being on at 10PM, so NBC decided to move Jay Leno back to the later time slot and told O’Brien he can push The Tonight Show back a half hour. O’Brien isn’t happy and is walking … and spending NBC dollars on the way out (video below).
Posted By RichC on January 20, 2010
After years of resisting the thought of using ‘my kids’ preferred social networking site Facebook, I’m starting get the urge to check my “wall” (or “walls” plural – explained below) once in a while. Usually this occurs after being send a link, or receiving an email invite from someone I might, or might not, know. When Katelyn and Taylor were home from college over Christmas, I mentioned my reservation of being connected with them and their friends through Facebook, seeing that connection as something only “helicopter parents” might do? They though I was a bit nutty and proceeded to give me a Facebook primer and even enjoyed looking up a few of my wife’s ex-boyfriends.
😉
Then a couple days ago Jerry Moody, my college roommate for all 4 of my undergrad years, sent me a Facebook invite to 
connect with him —we hadn’t talked since the 1980’s! I thought he must have dropped off the face of the earth after moving to Idaho, somewhat like my best friend from high school (aka: Kamakaz) … I should probably look him up someday? As I began to accept the invite, I realize he had found me on an alias Facebook account. To my “walls plural comment above, in my ‘Internet’ wisdom (or lack thereof) I had set up three different Facebook accounts over the years … who knows why … but for those who know me well, this multiple account thing is a known issue. It doesn’t seem to matter what ‘it’ is, but I’m addicted to having a back-up whether a phone number, 800 phone number, Google voice number or Google, Yahoo, Live or whatever account, overseas SIM card when traveling, email account (who knows how many), domain name, web servers, hard drives, flash cards, computers, every possible log-in … or in this case Facebook accounts – Main, Backup & Backup of back up. (Perhaps I should check with my daughter who has just finished her medical school Psychiatry rotation?)
Back to Facebook and connecting with my old college roommate; it was great to hear from him and know that he and his family are fine. Jerry has one getting married, another in college, a son in the Navy and one in junior high school. Interestingly his reasoning for Facebook was to connect with his son being deployed for 300 days – that a long first stretch to be away from home. Good luck staying connected and hope for good Skype connections – check out a “convoluted way to connect.”
😉
Posted By RichC on January 19, 2010
Posted By RichC on January 18, 2010
Not my idea, but I’d be interested to know how many regular travelers have secured their computer, camera or regular luggage by flying with a “weapon?” I might toss my Orion 12ga. flare gun in a bag and give it a try next flight. (A weapon in a bag keeps the bag secure since the TSA doesn’t want these items to get lost or misplaced … although I wonder if passengers get delayed on the receiving end?)
A “weapons” is defined as a rifle, shotgun, pistol, airgun, and STARTER PISTOL. Yes, starter pistols – those little guns that fire blanks at track and swim meets – are considered weapons…and do NOT have to be registered in any state in the United States.
I have a starter pistol for all my cases. All I have to do upon check-in is tell the airline ticket agent that I have a weapon to declare…I’m given a little card to sign, the card is put in the case, the case is given to a TSA official who takes my key and locks the case, and gives my key back to me.
That’s the procedure. The case is extra-tracked…TSA does not want to lose a weapons case. This reduces the chance of the case being lost to virtually zero.
It’s a great way to travel with camera gear…I’ve been doing this since Dec 2001 and have had no problems whatsoever.
