My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 14, 2009

We spent day two and now three of our vacation at sea and are enjoying the day’s relaxing … as well as eating (too much food). The weather was cooler on Monday, but much warmer today. The winds the first day out were near gale force as we traveled south from the English Channel through the Bay of Biscay and into the Atlantic Ocean. According to the bridge report the waves were 12 meters, but the Norwegian Jade seemed to plow comfortably southward creating a 30-40 knot headwind when on an upper deck. It was nice to sit sheltered on the balcony as we continued to overtake freighters plodding their way south in the shipping lanes as well.

Besides reviewing our itinerary for our first port of call, Malaga in Spain on Wednesday, we soaked in some sun. I spent most of the afternoon reading the Stephen Coonts’ book “Assassin” which is a perfect vacation read for a Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmalini fan. I think I’ve read all in the series over the years and I enjoy following each of the characters that Coonts brings back to save America.

Since we were soaking up the sun on Tuesday afternoon, it is probably obvious that we are moving south and into better weather. The seas have settled to  “moderate” conditions so says the captain, and temperatures were in the 80s today. As I sit typing this blog post on the balcony 6 hours ahead of EST, the sun is just setting in the west over the Atlantic. We are in a very busy shipping lane and are regularly overtaking freighters.

The food and service has been excellent on the Norwegian Jade. Entertainment so far hasn’t been to my liking as Monday night was a tenor singer and tonight a well known English comedian. Those who are Benny Hill fans seemed to appreciate him. Tomorrow we’ll be up early and going ashore early so it’s to bed early.

Category: Personal, Travel | 6 Comments »
Tags: cruise, jade, ncl, vacation

Posted By RichC on July 12, 2009

View of the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in the berth once home to the Titanic

The first day of vacation proved to be an excellent 8 hour through the night flight direct from CVG (Cincinnati) to London. Thankfully we processed through customs relatively painlessly after gathering our luggage and taking a motor coach (bus) to Southampton UK … about an 1-1/2 hour drive. I’m glad I wasn’t driving since the traffic was heavy and I kept thinking “they are on the wrong side of the road.” I know I would have irritated at least one English driver if I were to have be driving.

We arrived early at the port and waiting about 45 minutes to process through the NCL terminal and boarded our ship the Norwegian Jade (see panarama view above of Southampton from our cabin – click for larger).

We enjoyed a buffet lunch and had a nice talk with a couple from North Carolina on their third cruise in less than 12 months. Although the Jade is a sister ship to one we have previously cruised on, it seemed to be superbly cared for and was also a newer ship. After settling in our cabin after stumbling out to our muster station for the obligatory boat drill, I relaxed on the balcony while someone took a nap.

My dinner was excellent (Mahi-Mahi) and our table with a stern view as the sun set and we sailed past the Isle of Wright and southwest into the English channel. As I type this entry, the girl are sleeping to the gentle rolling of our ship. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our vacation.

Category: Personal, Travel | 6 Comments »
Tags: europe, jade, ncl, vacation

Posted By RichC on July 11, 2009

Exchanging a few US dollars for Eurodollars this week has me thinking about the struggling economy as I prepare for vacation. I noticed that stocks struggled again on Friday, and crude oil closed below $60 a barrel as everyone continued to worry about the economy.

Reflective of the economy,  the Dow Jones industrials closed down another 37 points to 8,147  while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 4 points to 879.  The only bright spot for the week was the  Nasdaq Composite Index, closing up 3 points to 1,756. Those trading in the summer markets arel likely to see stocks struggle and reports suggest that losses could extend into next week as a host of companies — especially big financial institutions — report second-quarter earnings.

The market has been easing back since June 12, when the Dow Jones industrials finished at 8,799 and ahead on the year for the first time since Jan. 6. The Dow has now fallen back 7.4% since that June 12 finish. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have fallen back by similar amounts. The Dow finished the week down 1.6%. The S&P 500 dropped 1.9%, with a 2.6% decline for the Nasdaq.

Adding to Friday’s gloomy mood was the Reuters/University of Michigan survey that showed consumers’ optimism about the economy waned this month. The survey’s confidence index fell to a reading of 64.6 in July from 70.8 in June, the weakest reading since   March. Economists had expected the confidence index to fall to 70.5.

Category: Financial | No Comments »
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Posted By RichC on July 10, 2009

Sometimes the best laid plans can go awry when you’ll not reading the details. My Achilles’s heel is ‘a good buy’ when it comes to tools and technology gear and the Hammer N1200 empty’ myshare’ NAS (Network Attached Storage) unit seemed to be fitting into my planned purchase since I had two spare 250GB 3.5 inch drives sitting around.  It looked like an attractive purchase since it was networkable and only $160 … plus came with a 320GB Western Digital portable Passport drive. Assuming the Passport goes for about $80 to$120 and I’m always glad to have an extra WD Passport drive, then the Hammer N1200 was going to cost me $50 – 80!

Whoa … no so fast (after the order was placed of course) … let’s pay attention since my spare hard drives are IDE drives and and the Hammer N1200 need SATA drives that means I now have to also purchase a couple of matching hard drives. Not a big deal, but certainly not the “deal” that I had in mind. Nevertheless, I’m upping the size in hopes that they will store data for a long time without having to be swapped.

One of the nice aspects of setting up a networked storage device is that I can use it with the several different operating systems I have running at the house … Windows, Mac and Linux. The interface to the Linux OS  ‘myshare’ device is easily accomplished by accessing the IP after plugging into your network. Much like setting up a router or access point one runs through a few set up options in order to secure access to the interface and issue network permissions by user and groups.

Another plus is that the the networked drive can be configured for remote access to the files through FTP (or SMB or NSF).  Since I purchase a couple of new 1.5TB drives ($115 ea), I opted to mirror the drive for data protection or duplication. This really was the primary reason for needing a new back-up drive anyway. I’m also planning to use it as a primary for video editing content (lost on the crash of my last external harddrive without backups) but this may be a problem. Unfortunately my network is only a 100baseT and Fast Ethernet and not the desired 1000baseT ‘Gigabit Ethernet’ network. We’ll see how long I can hold off upgrading?

In setting up the “mirror” drive, the Hammer N1200 goes through a very long ‘resyncing’ process (above). In fact it probably took a good 6 to 8 hours to prepare the drives — if the extended storage mode is used, the drives are ready immediately, but there’s no recovery option without plugging in a USB back-up drive (option on the N1200).

So far it is running … but a true workout will have to wait until after my vacation.

Here’s a decent review.

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Category: Computer, Technology | 2 Comments »
Tags: Hammer, n1200, NAS, network storage

Posted By RichC on July 9, 2009

Interesting CNET “Prizefight” pitting the Palm Pre against the Apple iPhone 3G and iPhone 3Gs … the Pre was slow to boot, but did a pretty good job of real world web browsing and emailing a photo.

I don’t mind the Sprint 3G speeds, but after a month of using the Palm Pre have been disappointed in the ‘s-l-o-w’ launching of applications. It was really disappointing when sitting with a friend and watching him productively use his Android phone. I have to say, I was impress enough to have been envious.

Category: Cellphone | 6 Comments »
Tags: iphone, palm

Posted By RichC on July 7, 2009

In continuing with comparison strengths and weaknesses of the Palm Pre smartphone, one of the concerns I have is over cellphone signal reception strength. The currently Sprint only Pre doesn’t have the same solid reception strength as my Palm Treo 700p (or Centro for that matter), according to the signal meter and personal observations. The photo above doesn’t demonstrate this as well as I would have hoped since putting the two phone in close proximity seemed to improve the signal bar reading on the Pre (odd?).

Nevertheless, I rarely noticed my Treo showing less than 3 bars of strength and now am getting use to having only 1 bar on my Palm Pre. I’ve not notice a significant drop in calls while on the roads, but can no long can use the phone in my basement which was generally not a problem with the Treo unless I was using the bluetooth headset. I was curious as to what other thought and started a poll last month … seems others are concluding the same.

Category: Cellphone | No Comments »
Tags: palm, treo

Posted By RichC on July 5, 2009

As we talked about the 4th of July and celebrated with family and time together this weekend, I mentioned to my World War II history buff son, that American ‘hero’ Darrell “Shifty” Powers (March 13, 1923 – June 17, 2009) recently passed away. For those that don’t know him, he was foremost a dedicated husband of almost 60 years and great father according to his family, but far better known by those who have read the Stephen Ambrose book “Band of Brothers” or watched the HBO miniseries by the same name. He was 86 and died of natural causes (after being diagnosed with cancer in 2008) and part of the famous 101st Airborne Division’s Easy Company as a paratrooper and sharpshooter during WWII. His portrayal as one of the heroic “Band of Brothers” made my son appreciate what previous generations of Americans did for our country and  in the ‘goodness’ of Americans. Hopefully for the men of this “greatest generation” their patriotism will inspire men like my son for generations to come.

It is difficult seeing men of Darrell Powers caliber pass away (perhaps I’m thinking of my aging father and father-in-law?), but good that his legacy has been preserved by historians, writers and film makers. One of the most positive aspects of Powers’ nature was the fact that he was able to reflect respectfully, as many veterans do, on the enemies he once fought against and commented about them: “We might have had a lot in common. He might’ve liked to fish, you know, he might’ve liked to hunt. Of course, they were doing what they were supposed to do, and I was doing what I was supposed to do, but under different circumstances, we might have been good friends.”

RIP Mr. Powers … you were one of America’s finest.

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Category: History | 1 Comment »
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Posted By RichC on July 3, 2009

I’ve been grumbling about battery life since moving from the Palm Treo to the Sprint Palm Pre for the past couple weeks, but it seems Apple iPhone users, besides having a high heat problem, are grumbling too. There are a few software items on my ‘disappointed’ list, but top on my software and hardware list is a short battery life at the default settings; this limited battery life is likely due to heavier than average use, a high performance processor chip (appreciated), bright crisp screen (see screen image), GPS (very nice), 3G Sprint service along with bluetooth (works great) and WiFi (surprisingly appreciated).  I’ve been reluctant to tweak the default settings and didn’t stop using battery draining features such as multitasking, phone use in weak signal areas and leaving the GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi connections up and functioning — but, after regularly finding myself low on battery by mid-afternoon on several days, I’ve decided that a few tweaks are necessary until better battery technology shows up (nothing earth-shattering on the immediate horizon as far as I know).

So … I’m making  just a few small tweaks to see how much of an improvement I will be able to notice without giving up functional use of my phone. I’m not turning off WiFi or Bluetooth and not changing how I use the phone, but I will make an adjustment to the GPS function, the checking of multiple email server intervals and will turn down the screen brightness to about 25% from 40% … which is still plenty bright. I’ll hold tight with these setting for a week or so since the holiday weekend isn’t really a fair test of my normal workday.

I have read and found that the biggest drain on battery life  is poor wireless coverage (one or two bars). Unfortunately my new Palm Pre doesn’t have nearly same “bars” indicaton as my Palm Treo did (see Poll) — note the 2 bars in the image to the right which was 4-5 bars on my Treo in the same location.  The weaker the wireless coverage, the greater the power requirements on the Palm Pre causing the battery to drain.

In this case there is a power advantage on top of speed for using WiFi when possible. When the Pre finds a strong WiFi signal that it has been authorized to connect to, it will automatically use it for data applications and only us the Sprint signal for cell voice connections.

Speaking of “automatic,”  the Palm Pre’s automatic and manual settings for power management leave plenty of room for improvement. It would be nice to have one easy access app to tweak power adjustments on the fly … and would be especially nice to have a “limp home” feature that could be set to shut down the phone before going dead. Having  just enough power to be able to make an emergency phone would really be helpful instead of looking in your pocket only to find a dead Palm Pre with all your essential data locked inside until it is recharged. Cough, cough … lesson learned … carry a spare battery (don’t have one yet) and a charger … preferably one that can be used in a 12 volt DC or in 120 volt AC.

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Category: Cellphone, Technology | 2 Comments »
Tags: battery, iphone, smartphone

Posted By RichC on July 2, 2009

Sales for the “clean diesel” Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI were impressive in the month of June for Volkswagen of America. SportWagen sales accounted for 81% of all SportWagens sold. The TDI version of the Jetta and Touareg  were impressive as well, accounting for 40% of Jetta sales and 29% of the Touareg SUV sales.

American and Asian companies who have chosen to stick with gasoline, hybrid and are overly focused on their EV models should take note and reconsider the traditionally longer lasting and fuel efficient modern diesel. With both Ultra Low Sulfur petroleum diesel fuel  (ULSD) and biodiesel conveniently available throughout North America and a growing acceptance that diesel vehicles can be ‘green’ — 2009 Green Car of the Year — there are fewer and fewer reasons to not be including engines choices that are 30% more efficient than current gasoline only models.

News Release Issued: July 1, 2009 1:39 PM EDT
Clean Diesel Fuels Volkswagen’s June Sales

Over 25 percent of sales were Clean Diesel TDI’s

HERNDON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced June 2009 sales of 19,027 units, representing an 18 percent decrease over June 2008. However, Volkswagen’s award winning clean diesels posted their best sales month since their re-launch with 5,072 units, representing an impressive 26 percent of total sales.

The Jetta SportWagen once again posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,982 units. Clean diesel TDI’s accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.

“Volkswagen of America is encouraged by the momentum of our clean diesel TDI sales,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It appears that U.S. consumers are starting to realize the many benefits of today’s clean diesels–vehicles that attain more than 30 percent better fuel economy while emitting 25 percent less greenhouse gas emission, all without sacrificing driving dynamics,” Barnes added.

Volkswagen also announced today that they have been named a corporate leader in Strategic Visions Total Quality Index® (TQI). For 2009, Volkswagen has the most models across the segments that were measured than any other brand–New Beetle, Rabbit, Jetta, CC, and Tiguan were all recognized as TQI leaders in their respective segments.

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Category: Automotive, Biodiesel, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: clean diesel, sportwagen, tdi

Posted By RichC on July 1, 2009

According to Palm Beach Post reporter Susan Salisbury, the biofuel company Ag-Oil is planning to build a biodiesel production facility in the Agricultrual Reserve west of Delray Beach Florida. (MP3 Audio — really just testing for my Palm Pre) The facility has the potential to produce 15 million gallons of biodiesel each year from jatropha, algae and other oils. According to the south Florida company CEO Teri Gevinson, they have already planted 20 acres in jatropha.

The company, the recipient of a $2.5 million state renewable energy grant, is working with United Environment and Energy, Horseheads, N.Y.; Argonne National Laboratory, a federal energy lab in Argonne, IL., the University of Florida and the University of Southern Illinois. It has also applied for federal American Recovery and Investment Act funds.

Once completed and operational sometime in 2011, the facility and plantation on 103 acres will maintain an estimated 128 direct jobs and 915 indirect jobs, the company said.

Gevinson, owner of Ascot Development, a Boca Raton-based real estate development firm, said Ag-oil is working with South County farmers to grow the crop and mechanically harvest it.

“We are excited to be able to make something work in the Ag Reserve and to be able to change the U.S. dependence on foreign oil,” she said.

Gevinson said she purchased the land years ago and leased it to farmers who grew tomatoes and peppers there.

LINK

Category: Biodiesel, Misc | 2 Comments »
Tags: biodiesel, delray beach, florida