My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on January 16, 2008

Although the 110mpg (est) Jeep® Renegade sounds appealing as fuel cost inches toward $4.00/gallon, this concept vehicle in its present form is highly unlikely — but its good to see the concept. The diesel/electric hybrid has been chatted about in my circles for quite some time now, and is at least taking some form at the Detroit Auto Show .

According to press reports (see Autoblog Green) the “small B-class sized open-air two-seater is something unlike any other Jeep.” The open air concept has a pair of 268 electric motors power each axle of the vehicle and a step down low-range gear available along with locking differentials making it off-road capable. Its electric power comes from a 16kWh lithium ion battery pack and along with it hybrid paired 1.5L three cylinder BlueTec clean diesel give is a combined fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon. On battery power alone Chrysler indicates that it will go 40 miles per charge. The small diesel is capable of 115 HP of additional long range power from it 10 gallons of diesel (or biodiesel) which gives it a range of about 400 miles. The Chrysler/Jeep press release is below.

Jeep® Renegade Concept

BLUETEC diesel Range Extended Electric Vehicle in fun, open-air, sustainable design package

A B-segment Jeep® concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, “minimized” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

“With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a ‘hang on and have fun experience,'” said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their “green” attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology

The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept’s lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4×4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials — worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior

The Jeep Renegade concept’s “one-with-nature” personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield — all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade’s promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are “deconstructed” rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of “lids.” Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come “as built” — with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior

Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept’s interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment “tub.” This environmental care in designing the Renegade’s interior is aligned with Jeep’s “harmony with nature” philosophy.

“The Jeep Renegade concept’s interior – actually the entire vehicle – is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function,” said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. “We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes.”

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade’s lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy “plug and play” left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers “float” beneath the cross-car beam.

The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base — providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel’s T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept’s sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote “handles,” while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door’s elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade’s contoured, figure-form seats — covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible — feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down “U-shaped” headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A “thermal unit” in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

“Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable,” Anderson said.

The Renegade’s wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners’ desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.

Jeep Renegade Concept Vehicle Specifications

Vehicle Type Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with diesel range extender)

Two-passenger, open-air

Weight and Dimensions
Weight/GVWR 3150 lbs./3600 lbs.
Length 153.0 inches/3885mm
Width at H-point 62.9 inches/1598mm
Height 56.3 inches/1431mm
Wheelbase 101.6 inches/2580mm
Front overhang 25.0 inches/634mm
Rear overhang 26.4 inhces/671mm
Track front/rear 62.2 inches/1580mm
Approach angle 44.0 degrees
Departure angle 52.0 degrees
Breakover angle 32.0 degrees
Turn circle 35 feet/10.7m
Maximum width 71.4 inches/1814mm

Powertrain and Suspension
Layout Four wheel drive with low range and locking differentials

Motor Dual electric
Power: 200 kW (268 hp) x 2
Regenerative braking

Battery 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack

Range extender 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder diesel

Fuel volume 10 gallons

Suspension Front – SLA
Rear – Multi-link

Wheels and Tires
Tire size front/rear 235/65R20x7.5 inches 32.1 inches/814mm
Tire manufacturer BF Goodrich

Color Scheme
Exterior Palm Metallic
Interior Black

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph 8.5 seconds
Standing ¼ mile 13.6 seconds
Top speed 90 mph
All-electric range 40 miles
Total range 400 miles
Fuel economy 110 mpg (combined, est.)

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Posted By RichC on January 15, 2008

It is the highly anticipated MacWorld 2008 keynote speech from Steve Jobs that draws thousands of loyal Apple fans to attend or tune in every year. This year was no exception and included me … by web video. I’ll briefly outline the theme and products:

First, the high end ‘big’ Macintosh had the early announcement a few weeks ago — and that was an 8 processor machine that is faster than any Apple as ever processed. Its the workhorse of the graphics and film industry. Only a few homes will opt for such a behemoth computer. (I’m surprised it doesn’t have a 220 volt connection)

Second, was actually the day’s first announcement; that of Time Capsule — and add-on Airport/Hard drive box that interfaces with the Mac new Leopard OS program called Time Machine. This wireless drive allows Macs to backup and save data automatically … and very simply. (this can currently be done with a USB Harddrive)

Third, Steve Jobs announce a software upgrade for the iPhone. Sounds fine, but considering I’m not own of the 4 million iPhone owners, its not a big deal to me, although it was probably the biggest tech product of 2007.

Fourth an addition to the iTunes Store that might even attract me? Movie rentals in addition to the current Podcasts, TV show and music for the iPod, iPhone/iTouch, Mac and PC computers and for Apple TV. Speaking of Apple TV … Jobs called it “Apple TV Take 2” … the content playing device will get an interface that can be connected to a wide screen television set and also manage content from an easy to navigate (TiVo-like) menu system. Apple has negotiated agreements with most major studios to offer their movies for rent online. One selects the older “Library” movie ($2.99) or a current DVD release (30 days after the DVD is released — $3.99) and downloads to their device. The movie can also be moved around from device to device or even be started immediately and played while it is being downloaded. After downloading you’ll have 30 days in which to view and once started it will be available for 24 hours. Now for the really attractive part … they will be offering HD version for only $1.00 more all on a box that will now sell for $229! (it can also be used with iPhoto, dot Mac, Flickr, YouTube, iTunes Podcasts and Music Videos)

And finally fifth … the big announcement that I predict with outsell all notebook computers if Apple can build them fast enough … the MacBook Air. Its the thinnest notebook I’ve ever seen with full featured specs and then some. It is so thin as to fit in a manila office envelope, yet packs a full size back lit keyboard with a 13.3 inch screen. It is powered by a tiny Intel Core Duo chip (introduced by Intel CEO, Paul Otellini) running at 1.6 MHz or 1.8 MHz. The harddrive is a 1.8 inch model out of an iPod and has 80GB of storage or one can opt for a 60GB solid state flash memory drive. $$$ The thin notebook doesn’t have an optical drive but an external is available for $99 OR one can use special Remote Disk software and borrow a drive from a networked computer. The MacBookAir comes in at 3 pounds and this Aluminum case powerhouse will run for 5 hours on its internal battery according to Apple. The 110 volt power using a small 45 watt brick similar to the iPod and has one USB2 port, a Micro DV plug and headphone jack. (don’t know about internal speakers) It also has an 802.11n for wireless networking and Bluetooth radio. One of the really unique feature is the trackpad … its like and iTouch or iPhone and using MultiTouch Gestures — very cool. Order are being taken as of now and expect them to be available in two weeks for $1799.

Oh … did I mention “I want one?” 🙂

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Posted By RichC on January 14, 2008

“The Mug” — EBay find of the day! (consider bidding for charity)
Since only a couple of my family members regularly make it to my blog, I’ll clue the rest of you in on a ‘feud’ that has been going on for long enough. My ‘dear’ sister-in-law (let’s call her “Chris”), left her favorite United Dairy Farmers coffee mug (nicknamed: “The Mug”) in New York this past November. I happened to be visiting shortly after she left and was asked to bring her UDF coffee mug home to Cincinnati. If I’m guilty of anything … smile … it might have been taunting her with photos of me using her coffee mug to drink my morning coffee? Shortly after sending the photo, I received a nasty letter from her lawyer (aka: “Scumbag” Husband — let’s just refer to him affectionately as “Scumbag” since he’s a lawyer).
😀

In December, the extended family gathering in western New York for the holidays soon learned of the feud, and Chris pretended she was an innocent angel by making a paltry attempt to negotiate the release of “The Mug” — she gave me a brand new replacement UDF Mug as a gift. (nice touch) Unfortunately, it was accompanied by a scathing two page threat with some legal weasel acronyms which quickly shut down any further social communication pertaining to “The Mug” for 2007.

The new year brought hope until email conversations escalated once again with these two vermin. I tried to force their hand by using “Mr. Bill claymation” style photos so they might understand “The Mug’s” plight if they didn’t cease and desist and drop their legal shenanigans. Shockingly I received even more threatening emails … this time from a middle eastern acquaintance of my brother-in-law who goes by the name of Faoud Z___ … who asked if I enjoyed “sleeping with the camels?”
In a last ditch attempt last week, I sent a very attractive and classy ‘plastic’ clock which included a fine portrait of “The Mug” with cut out letters: “Time is running out.” — grin. This peace offering fell on deaf ears and their response back was ruthless and Evil (with a capital ‘E’). In the middle of the night, Chris sent her covert operatives on a risky two hour round trip to our neighborhood in order to place slanderous signs that implied both my wife and I participated in “mug thievery.” The frightening photos of such criminals in our neighborhood left the children waiting for the school bus emotionally scarred — heartless! What kind of person would do that? An NO, she didn’t even have a permit for the signs! Hmm … prepare to be put on the Sheriff’s most wanted list.

Suffice to say, this has to end … so as a final olive branch I am offering up “The Mug” on EBay in hopes to generate a few dollars for my brother-in-law’s Romanian Handicapped Ministry (I think I’ll match donations … within reason!) If you would like to be of help, consider bidding up the price on “The Mug” … or adding this link to your blog?

Category: Misc | 4 Comments »
Tags: rhm

Posted By RichC on January 13, 2008

It has a been a challenging weekend as I’ve just heard that a good friend John McCarter, his wife, and two friends lost their lives in an airplane accident probably on their way to lunch near Lake Erie. (something he would regularly do) In talking with John over the past few weeks, he was excited for his friend Dave Eckstein (fellow pilot) who had recently purchase a new ‘to him’ twin engine Cessna 340 airplane. According to press reports, they had just flown over Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport near Port Clinton, Ohio and announced their intentions to land. Preliminary reports from the crash scene indicated that the flaps were in landing configuration and wheels were down and that they were on the flight path for a landing. No indication of problems were received by radio or noted from the ground, but the impact looks to have killed all four instantly. In talking with John’s adult son this afternoon, preparations are being made for services later this week — I have heartache for the families.
LINK

Category: Aviation, Obituary | 6 Comments »
Tags: airplane, aviation, mansfield, ohio, port clinton

Posted By RichC on January 12, 2008

A friend of mine who knows I have a daughter in college and a son on the way, sent me an email with an interesting “Dead Grandmother/Exam Syndrome and the Potential Downfall Of American Society” study by Mike Adams. The original was from some years ago, but is probably still accurate and an enjoyable read. I couldn’t find the originating author’s site, so I’ll include the study below.

It has long been theorized that the week prior to an exam is an extremely dangerous time for the relatives of college students. Ever since I began my teaching career, I heard vague comments, incomplete references and unfinished remarks, all alluding to the “Dead Grandmother Problem.” Few colleagues would ever be explicit in their description of what they knew, but I quickly discovered that anyone who was involved in teaching at the college level would react to any mention of the concept. In my travels I found that a similar phenomenon is known in other countries. In England it is called the “Graveyard Grannies” problem, in France the “Chere Grand’mere,” while in Bulgaria it is inexplicably known as “The Toadstool Waxing Plan” (I may have had some problems here with the translation. Since the revolution this may have changed anyway.) Although the problem may be international in scope it is here in the USA that it reaches its culmination, so it is only fitting that the first warnings emanate here also.

It will take time to discover whether any of these solutions are feasible. In the interim, the problem is clearly far too important to be ignored. Following the government’s lead on so many similar, potentially catastrophic problems (global warming, the ozone layer, and ocean pollution), I propose that a commission be established to study the problem in more depth. While the state is deciding on the make-up of such a committee and what its charge should be, I would urge all members of the academic community to start keeping their own records. If faculty throughout the country were to send me summaries of their own knowledge about this matter, I could compile a follow-up report for publication in a year or two.

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Posted By RichC on January 11, 2008

While traveling from southwest to northeast Ohio and back this week, I was able to fill up in Sunbury, Ohio where gasoline was 20+cents lower than most other areas on both Wednesday and Thursday. (OhioGasPrices.com) Most stations along I-71, I-76 and the Ohio Turnpike were a few cents over $3.00/gallon, but the Pilot and Flying J north of Columbus was selling gasoline for $2.85/gallon; diesel was still $3.31/gallon. Even with gasoline lower than diesel prices this winter, I still miss my 45mpg Volkswagen Jetta TDI as my Honda Pilot is only returning 21.6mpg.
🙁

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Posted By RichC on January 10, 2008

The more I learn about the customizable power of Mozilla’s Firefox extensions, the more I wonder how I safely navigated the web in the past; perhaps there are just more annoying and dangerous scripts then there have ever been?

Here’s a favorite extension known as NoScript by Giorgio Maone which has been around for a few years, but is becoming more essential than ever. Implementing it, and customizing the ‘trusted and untrusted sites features’ allows only JavaScript, Java and executable content from hand picked domains. Cross-site Scripting (XSS), “one of the most widespread security problems today,” could allow unscrupulous attackers access to your computer through the use of embedded web page scripts without your knowledge. (Virtual Forge has an excellent PDF ‘white paper’ on XSS to learn more.) While your improving Firefox, how about getting rid of some of those annoying ads by trying the Ad Block Plus extension?

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Posted By RichC on January 9, 2008

The primary turnout in New Hampshire was extremely high and big numbers helped Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democrats and Senator John McCain for the Republicans. Mitt Romney who came in second in Iowa behind Mike Huckabee also came in second in New Hampshire. Largely unnoticed for a second state in a row was the perceived GOP front-runner Rudy Giuliani, who is campaigning hard in the larger states.

On the Democratic side, Barrack Obama looked to be the media favorite after winning in Iowa, but his mostly young voters were not enough to defeat the former first lady. Senator John Edwards was yet again another non-issue, but passionately said that there were “48 more states and 99% of the voters yet to be counted.” The primaries have just started, yet watching the candidates I’m already getting tired; the 2008 campaign is going to be extraordinarily grueling!

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Posted By RichC on January 8, 2008

As halftime winds down, the Ohio State Buckeyes return to the field after an outstanding performance by the OSU Marching Band in the BCS National Championship game in New Orleans. I’m struggling to gain a bit of confidence back after LSU scored 24 unanswered points to lead 24 to 10. The LSU Tigers take the first possession in the 3rd quarter and they are looking almost as strong as when they ended the first half. Its actually shocking considering LSU is playing against the 2007 number one defense in college football?

As LSU continues to ‘romp’ on the Buckeyes (31-10 3rd quarter), the OSU defense racks up yet a couple more big penalties. A roughing the kicker and personal foul kept a LSU drive alive and they cashed in big again with another touchdown. As I sit quietly and sulk, my wife reminded me that this is Ohio … and we live under the Ohio curse when it comes to sports.

The 4th quarter starts with a twinkle of hope for Ohio State as they were able to stop the Tigers after the Buckeye defense picked off a pass and nearly ran it back for a score. A couple nail biting plays later and OSU was able to add point with a 4th down gamble. Score stands LSU 31 and OSU 17. Not much time but they are at least moving … but only 12 minutes?

The twinkle has nearly been extinguished as Ohio State quarterback Todd Bechman had the ball batted loose on a 4th down play handing the ball back to LSU. Still 14 points down and only 9 minutes left. Which will end first … the battery my computer or the game? (yes I’m rambling)

Speaking of rambling, the clock is ticking and the play calling questionable as running plays and huddles continue to waste time. At 6:20 seconds another sack is delivered by the LSU defense … where is the hurry up mode? One of the things I’ve noticed is that the coverage against the Buckeyes’ receivers is to be commended while pressure on Bechman serious. AND it has just paid off with 5:45 left to play … an interception that should seal the championship win for LSU.

In the final two minutes, LSU continued to grind it out with Hester on the ground until a quick toss into the endzone added more points. OSU comes back with a futile touchdown which makes the final score: LSU 38 – OSU 24.

While blogging on college football, it might be worth posting a YouTube clip of a great play (perhaps the greatest play as my friend Nate mentioned) called the Mississippi Miracle.

End Zone angle of the final play of Trinity vs. Millsaps Football. Down 24-16 with just over two minutes to go, Trinity’s Riley Curry scored to cut the lead to 24-22. After a missed two point conversion attempt, Trinity’s defense held Millsaps to a three-and-out without using any timeouts. The Tigers were left with two seconds and 60 yards to go for a score. 15 laterals and 62 seconds later, Trinity crossed the goal line to win the game and take the upper hand in the conference standings. Seven of the 11 players for Trinity touched the ball including, Blake Barmore, Shawn Thompson, Riley Curry, Josh Hooten, Michael Tomlin, Stephen Arnold, and Brandon Maddux.

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Posted By RichC on January 7, 2008

Although southwestern Ohio isn’t the only area of the country feeling the heat … I can’t let today pass without mentioning that its tee-shirt weather! Wow … its hard to believe that it is January.

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