Posted By RichC on January 21, 2008
A bit of Google code from cute web application below the break. Pretend the box below is a fishbowl/box and use your mouse to ‘click/drop’ a bit of food. Watch the fish swim toward your mouse expecting a treat.
Posted By RichC on January 20, 2008
Time is running out if you want to rescue “the Mug” since there are only a couple days left to place your bid on EBay. (donations to benefit RHM) Who will “win” the rights to my pouting sister-in-law’s favorite UDF coffee mug?
This well seasoned UDF Mug has kept my coffee warm for couple months now (among other duties — see daughter below) and is looking for a new home. There have been good days and bad days while “the Mug” has been in my possession … perhaps you’ll experience the same? Bid now before its too late.
Posted By RichC on January 19, 2008
Although I tried to summarize it here, the short video clip posted at Mahalo Daily with Veronica Belmont is pretty good.
Posted By RichC on January 19, 2008
I’m ready … well I’ve been ready … to see a few more diesels heading to our shores. Sadly, I’m not seeing many efficient high MPG clean diesel models coming from U.S. manufacturers.
A recent Forbes article highlighted a few of the new models that will be showing up in the next couple of years and with the high price of fuel, a little more efficiency might be just what many in the U.S. are looking for? One of the models highlighted is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI due to be available in August. (delayed from its spring release)
The article mentions one of the big selling points: “it will get over 50 miles per gallon on the highway (40 mpg around town), and can go over 600 miles between fill-ups. Prices will start in the low $20,000s, about $2,000 more than a traditional Jetta.”
click for larger image
Posted By RichC on January 18, 2008
I’m posting from my cellphone since I rarely see a Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI diesel. This one was spotted in Cuyahoga Falls in northeastern Ohio. (just north of Akron) There aren’t many of these around and those that are do tend to blend into their surroundings.
Posted By RichC on January 17, 2008
An MSNBC technology article reported that the new Panasonic “Evolta” Double-A (AA) battery is the longest lasting household alkaline battery — according to Guinness World Records. The double-A sized battery is used in many household items from gadgets and toys to clocks and tools. The article states that the improvements are made by packing in more material with a better seal.
They were tested against the famed bunny’s ‘Energizer’ and the well known ‘copper topped’ Duracell. The new ‘Evolta’ batteries were also pitted against Panasonic’s own ‘Oxyride’ branded battery, both which are made by Matsushita Electric Industrial Company (makers of Panasonic branded products). The tests were performed using the guidelines of the International Electrotechnical Commission and the conclusion was that the ‘Evolta’ will last 20 percent longer than other household alkalines. These new batteries will have a shelf life of 10 years and cost about 3% more than the Panasonic ‘Oxyride’ batteries. Keep your eye out for them and perhaps run a private ‘real life’ test when they become available later this year?
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/1814mmPowertrain and Suspension
Layout Four wheel drive with low range and locking differentialsMotor Dual electric
Power: 200 kW (268 hp) x 2
Regenerative brakingBattery 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
Range extender 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder diesel
Fuel volume 10 gallons
Suspension Front – SLA
Rear – Multi-linkWheels and Tires
Tire size front/rear 235/65R20x7.5 inches 32.1 inches/814mm
Tire manufacturer BF GoodrichColor Scheme
Exterior Palm Metallic
Interior BlackKey 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.)
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?” 🙂
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?
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
