I like the online encyclopedia called Wikipedia even with the continuing flap over disputed posts and ‘insider corrections.’ (check out the wikiscanner which monitors which ip addresses edit which articles regularly) The volunteer writers and editors still do a pretty good job of indicating articles which are questionable and deserve scrutiny. I doubt referencing a Wikipedia entry is ever going to be consider completely authoritative, but for day to day information it has become as commonplace for me as using ‘Google.’ Thankfully most article with questioned ‘neutrality’ are marked for discussion and readers are aware that the entry could be bias. To the point of the post … yesterday Wikipedia had it’s 2 millionth ‘English’ article submitted — El Hormiguero. Considering that El Hormiguero is a Spanish television program, it is ironic that ‘it’ would be the 2 millionth ‘English’ article?
😉
Filled my VW Jetta TDI with B-20 this week at the Mt Gilead I-71 exit 151 Sunoco and have noted that prices have worked back over $3/gallon again. Fuel economy the past week in mixed driving was 41.8 MPG.
Taking a look at tropical weather it looks like a new storm is cranking up in the Gulf of Mexico and possibly headed toward the Louisiana/Texas coast. For the first time ever, Oil Futures trading today the price hit $80/barrel … prepare for pricey fuel oil and gasoline. (Palm Treo 700p photo and Flickr2Blog cellphone post)
In keeping with ‘preliminary’ planning for the Cincinnati/Columbus Ohio area TDIFest for 2008, another possible conference hotel is the ‘new’ Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. (see previous post) The larger and more extravagant 400+ room King’s Island area hotel/lodge is exceptionally nice, but will more than likely reflect higher pricing than what the group is use to.
If the TDIFest is truly going to be a family affair the included activities such as arcade, multiple shops, restaurants and even a Starbucks coffee, along with an integrated water slide activity center would be nice. Unfortunately I’m just not sure how many families will travel with Volkswagen TDI focused members to justify the expected higher room price? Anyway it was another facility to look at and thought I would include a few photos from our visit to the Great Wolf Lodge.
I would be remiss in not mentioning 9/11 as the United States remembers the 6th anniversary of the attack on America. In many areas of our country, there were 4 pauses for reflection in silence today. In my moment of silence, I recalled that terrible day as I was getting my son off to school. Thinking of him (and my daughter) I gave thanks for their safety before praying for the many families suffering loss. Moments and images came alive again as I watch a few clips on the television from that day. Hopefully remembering such a brutal attack will give our nation and its citizens resolve to diligently secure our country while pursuing al-Qaeda and those advocating terrorism around the world. My thanks to all those who serve and have served the call of our United States; you are the nation’s true patriots.
EDIT 9/11/2007 PM: Since I watched a few short segments today of those speaking to General Petraus who briefed congress on the situation in Iraq, I thought I would include remarks from Sen. John McCain — he could not have been more clear. Well stated.
Motorweek, the PBS long running automotive program, reviewed the 2008 Honda Accord this past week. The host John Davis didn’t offer any time tables, but indicated that “hybrids are no more but a clean turbo diesel engine is waiting in the wings.” It will be nice to have a little competition for the Volkswagen’s TDI models, especiall if they are priced where most families who want a diesel can afford one. From early press and blog reports, Honda diesels may set a new benchmark for efficiency?
Volkswagen unveiled its new small city car entry they call the “UP!” It will compete with the FIT from Honda and the Yaris from Toyota. It is interesting in that the new small entry reverts to the rear engine vehicle that built VW — the original beetle. According to what I’ve read today, the “Up!” could well be headed to North America. The head of Volkswagen of American, Adrian Hallmark, told Automotive News that VW rarely shows a concept that isn’t likely to be produced. “If the Up! is approved,” Hallmark said “the American subsidiary is ‘highly interested’ in the car.”
Four CinciTDI members headed to the Mason Ohio/King’s Island area on Sunday to scout out conference hotels in order to put in a proposal for 2008’s TDIFest. We’ve started the ball is rolling and hopefully area TDI members will consider stepping forward with ideas and their time. We visited several hotels and came away with some preliminary thoughts — see this link. The four of us agreed that the King’s Island Resort Conference Center looked as if it might meet our criteria. (photos below)
Last year I mentioned Dodgeit as a great way to reduce spam when websites require you to use an email for confirmation. I noticed that a few months ago that their servers could no longer handle the volume of traffic and re-release the same service under a new domain dodgit.com. For those that might have contributed to the service, you’ll be able to access your existing email through a the dodgit.com/private URL and a gmail account set up by the dodgit folks. Read more over at the blog.
Oh how I do like tech-toys … and I’m not alone. Yesterday a discontented Palm Treo user told me about a new gadget that he was thinking about; he is considering the $800 micro computer in hopes he can replace his aging full size notebook as well as his smartphone. A quick look at the full function but very small HTC – Advantage X7501 and I could see why he was excited. Not having much experience with these small mobile office devices, I was impressed with all the features that were included in this little package. Its not truly a phone, or even a pocketable PDA … but it is feature loaded and includes a phone. I would still question having to pouch or pocket this device all day, everyday, for use as a phone? (although it might be perfect for a ‘small fingered’ female ‘geek’ who always carries a purse?)
I’ll include a review below from Tiger Direct that explains the HTC X7501 pretty well. Prices online range from about $850 to $900 as of September 2007.
To the point of the post … yesterday Wikipedia had it’s 2 millionth ‘English’ article submitted — El Hormiguero. Considering that El Hormiguero is a Spanish television program, it is ironic that ‘it’ would be the 2 millionth ‘English’ article?
I would be remiss in not mentioning 9/11 as the United States remembers the 6th anniversary of the attack on America. In many areas of our country, there were 4 pauses for reflection in silence today. In my moment of silence, I recalled that terrible day as I was getting my son off to school. Thinking of him (and my daughter) I gave thanks for their safety before praying for the many families suffering loss. Moments and images came alive again as I watch a few clips on the television from that day. Hopefully remembering such a brutal attack will give our nation and its citizens resolve to diligently secure our country while pursuing al-Qaeda and those advocating terrorism around the world. My thanks to all those who serve and have served the call of our United States; you are the nation’s true patriots.
Oh how I do like tech-toys … and I’m not alone. Yesterday a discontented Palm Treo user told me about a new gadget that he was thinking about; he is considering the $800 micro computer in hopes he can replace his aging full size notebook as well as his smartphone. A quick look at the full function but very small