My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on August 22, 2007

I’m not sure how many reading this use the communication tool called Skype, but after an outage last week there has been question as to “just how secure” Skype services are from hackers, traffic problems or malicious attacks. (see Dark Reading PDF) At any rate, Skype has issued a weeks extension to existing customers and sent a polite email. It has to be challenging keeping the gremlins at bay and preventing intrusions that can take down an entire communications network.

Email from Skype:

You may or may not know but last week Skype wasn’t available for a couple of days. There were a number of reasons for this and I am delighted to say that the problem is now well and truly sorted and everything is back to normal. For those of you who tried to use Skype during that time but couldn’t, we’re very sorry. For those of you who didn’t try to use Skype – well thankfully you were not affected but we want to reassure everyone that Skype is now working happily and the problem is fixed.

We know we have many faithful users out there who give us feedback (good and bad) on what we’re doing as a company. The Skype community makes us what we are. Without you, our users, we simply wouldn’t exist. We’ve helped people stay in touch with their friends and family over the past four years without any massive hitch and we want it to stay that way.

When the unexpected happens, it’s important to remember the people who stuck behind us and whose loyalty humbled us. I want to thank everyone for their support, patience and being part of the Skype community. And for those of you who missed out on using Skype last week – I want to especially thank you as well.

As a goodwill gesture to all you faithful Skype Pro, Skype Unlimited, SkypeIn or Skype Voicemail customers, we’re adding an additional seven days to your current subscription, free of charge. And even if you didn’t miss out on using Skype last week – you can still have a week free on Skype, on the house!

So please enjoy it, call your loved ones, friends, family and colleagues and thanks again.

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Posted By RichC on August 21, 2007

The crew of STS-118 and Space Shuttle Endeavour (see launch post) are back on the ground after a 13 day mission to the International Space Station this Tuesday afternoon. The skies were clear and the landing was picture perfect executed by Commander Scott Kelly at 12:32 p.m. EDT. The mission was filled with work and included ‘teaching from space’ by teacher/astronaut Barbara Morgan. Morgan and the rest of the seven-member crew spent nine days at the space station to deliver new components and prepare the $100 billion complex for additional laboratory modules.

One glitch early on was that Endeavour was slightly damaged by a piece of foam that broke off during launch but after evaluation by NASA was not mission threatening. The scheduled mission was for 14 days but because of Hurricane Dean (previous post) the mission was shortened to 13 days. Houston, Texas was thought early on to be threaten by Dean, but has now stayed well south, but doling out quite a wallop.

Be prepared for increasing prices at the pump, as ‘real or not,’ speculation will breed fear … and oil prices may rise. (at least at the pump) Mexico’s state oil company has closed and evacuated 407 oil and gas wells, meaning lost production of 2.65 million barrels of crude per day. It is hard to imagine that this will be an issue, considering projections are for winds to be below 100mph by the time Dean passes over the Yucatan peninsula. (see projected winds below … mouse over icons)

Update from MSN 8/21/2007:

Crude oil fell under $70 a barrel today for the first time since late June, offering consumers the happy prospect that the price they pay for gas at the pump may be headed lower.

But although rising crude prices often dampen enthusiasm for stocks, today the crude drop was one reason the stock market went essentially nowhere.

Crude closed at $69.47, down 2.3% from Monday, as speculators sold positions after it was clear Hurricane Dean wouldn’t be hitting oil and gas production facilities off the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

Crude is down 11% for August so far. And gasoline futures are down 18.6%, closing in New York at $1.868 a gallon in New York.

Motorists have getting some benefit already — and may get more. AAA said the national average of regular unleaded gasoline was $2.777 a gallon, up slightly from Monday but down 20 cents a gallon from a month ago. Gasoline peaked at $3.17 a gallon in mid-May.

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Tags: nasa, shuttle, space

Posted By RichC on August 20, 2007

Although clean diesel technology is my primarily preference for our spread out interstate nation, I’m interested in seeing advancements in most other alternatives too. Ford Motor Company has produced a performance oriented Ford Fusion fuel cell speedster which brags ‘zero emissions’ at the tailpipe. (what does it take to produce the fuel cell?) In a Geraldo at Large segment on Sunday night, Geraldo talked with a couple members of the Ford project group who built and tested a record setting 207.297 mph Ford Fusion model which ran a hydrogen fuel cell and technology from the Ohio State Buckeye Bullet team. (interview clip below)

Press Release:

WENDOVER, Utah, August 16 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today became the world’s first automaker to set a land speed record for a production-based fuel cell powered car. The Ford Fusion Hydrogren 999 fuel cell car raced to 207.297 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah to set the record.

The Ford “999” is the world’s first and only production vehicle-based fuel cell race car. It was built in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, Roush and Ohio State University and is one of two vehicles demonstrating the potential of fuel cell technology. Ford researchers also are supporting student engineers from Ohio State University on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a streamliner-type fuel cell-powered racer attempting 300+ mph.

“What we’ve accomplished is nothing short of an industry first,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company. “No other automaker in the world has come close. We are excited to have accomplished something never before done. We established this project to advance fuel-cell-powered vehicles and to do what has never been done before; and we did it.”

Schmidt said Ford’s historic run at Bonneville will further expand the company’s technological horizons with fuel cell-powered vehicles, because the use of hydrogen as a fuel could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is Ford’s latest environmental innovation and is another step on the road toward commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The speed was reached during a run at the Bonneville Nationals, which are being held from Aug. 10-17.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and built by Roush in Allen Park, Mich. Ford engineers leveraged the 2004 Buckeye Bullet’s electric motor, while Ballard Power Systems supplied the 400 kW hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, piloted the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 on its record breaking run.

Ohio State students have designed their streamliner, dubbed Buckeye Bullet 2, from the ground up. Ballard donated the hydrogen fuel cells for Ohio State’s car, Roush its engineering services and Ford has provided overall project coordination and expertise in fuel cell drivetrains.

In 2004, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running 314 mph in the first Buckeye Bullet, dubbed BB1.

Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Part of a Broader Effort

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 shows one of the ways Ford is advancing environmental innovation with the goal of offering vehicles with zero impact on the environment. Multiple technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies allow a flexible approach that balances customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests.

Ford Motor Company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated nearly 580,000 miles since its inception in 2005.

Ford also is conducting tests with the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.

Ford currently offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

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Posted By RichC on August 19, 2007

My wife is on a stair climbing mission in her desire to get in shape for a mini-triathlon so I tagged along and made a few trips gingerly up and down the ‘stairs of Hamilton’ in hopes my hip problem wouldn’t flair up. (it didn’t) The evening was balmy and we both worked up a good sweat. Week one of my wife’s training is now under her belt and I think she is doing great. It is too bad I can’t run to train with her, but then again I’m not the swimmer so couldn’t ever make it in such a race. As for the “unwilling part” … she was not fond of me pulling out my cellphone to snap a photo overlooking the Hamilton, Ohio and her as the subject. The evening landscape over looking the city is a nice view.

Intersection of High St and N. Fair Ave. in Hamilton, Ohio

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Posted By RichC on August 18, 2007

Last year I mentioned an enjoyable program ‘Living with Ed’ looking into the ‘green’ life of Ed Begley the environmentalist actor. The program featured his wife Rachelle Carlson struggling with Ed’s earth saving ways. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but recorded or watched every episode … and hoped the program would go a second season. (which it will) HGTV put out a press release which mentioned the 2007 season will start August 26 at 10 p.m. Interestingly this year will feature guest appearances by a few of Ed and Rachelle’s which will included Jay Leno, Bradley Whitford, Larry Hagman, Sharon Lawrence and Jackson Browne. I’ve already set up the TiVo!

For Immediate Release – August 15, 2007

The green room takes on a whole new meaning for the celebrity pals of Emmy-nominated actor and committed environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. in the second season of HGTV’s popular, critically-acclaimed, eco-friendly series Living With Ed. The series will kick off with two back-to-back airings on Sunday, August 26 at 10 p.m. EST and Monday, August 27 at 10:30 p.m. EST, followed by Sunday, September 2 at 10 p.m. ET and Monday, September 3 at 10:30 p.m. ET. Living With Ed will then air in its regular weekly prime time slot on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET beginning September 10.

One of the first programs to debut in the growing “green” TV genre, the vanguard series returns bigger, better and greener than ever with 13 new episodes that will find Begley and wife Rachelle Carson dispensing more tips and practical ideas on how anyone can lead a greener lifestyle. In a special new twist this season, Ed ventures out beyond his own green acres to give viewers a peek inside the homes and properties of other Hollywood personalities who are either looking for advice from Begley or eager to share the innovative ways they are working toward environmentally-conscious living.

Jay Leno, Bradley Whitford, Larry Hagman, Sharon Lawrence and Jackson Browne are among the celebrities who are expected to share their “green” journeys with Begley and HGTV viewers. In each half-hour episode, cameras will follow Ed as he gives and gets guidance and inspiration on how everyone can incorporate easy, attractive, practical and affordable “green” ideas into their daily lives.

“Rachelle and I are thrilled that Living With Ed has caught on with so many viewers across America,” said Begley. “We are looking forward to having a lot of fun this next season while spreading the environmental message. The fact that the two of us have not killed each other and that we are still happily married amazes us daily. Perhaps with this next season, all of this will change,” he added.

In one episode, Ed visits with musician Jackson Browne and tours his off-the-grid ranch, complete with an impressive solar and windmill system, as well as other installations and inventions that make the compound self-sufficient. Begley, inspired by his visit to Browne’s place, vows to install a form of wind-power in his own Studio City home.

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Tags: ed begley, hgtv, jackson browne, living with ed, tivo

Posted By RichC on August 17, 2007

Hurricane season in North American has had seen a slower start than expected for the 2007 season, but Hurricane Dean could become a real killer. Currently, as of 1:45 p.m. EDT, Dean is west of Martinique slightly south of Puerto Rico. It has been upgraded to a more powerful Category 3 storm and will cross the Caribbean and has Jamaica in its sites. With peak sustained winds now at 125 mile per hour, it could still strengthen further be for its hits land. Dean is moving at 22 mph and according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center and is projected to possibly reach Category 4 before making landfall around the Texas-Mexico border. If that is the case, most of the offshore Texas oil production platforms should be fine, but the NHC was quick to point out that “one of their computer models” has the hurricane turning north and making landfall near the refining hub and population center of Houston. The NHC will issue its next advisory at 5 p.m.

UPDATE: Dean ready to bash Yucatan Pennisula, south of the resort cities of Cancun and Cozumel, but is coming ashore with Category 5 force and winds of 160mph.

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Posted By RichC on August 16, 2007

A new all electric motorcycle/scooter vehicle is available from Vectrix U.S.A. if you have a spare $11,000. It is the Tesla of electric scooters, but unfortunately only has a 40 to 60 mile range. (battery improvements perhaps?) Actually I do like the sexy looking scooter; it looks well designed and thoughtfully integrates many of the features that put it at the top of its class. The Vectrix is built on an aluminum frame to keep the weight down, puts the battery as low as they can get it, streamlines the cowling as well as most other exterior components and even uses a special ‘reverse’ to regenerate (charge) the battery when slowing down. (the scooter can actually back up)

The Maxi-Scooter, as they call it, can travel speeds up to 62 mph and carry two people. Its so quiet that according to Jeff Morrill, Vectrix’s marketing director, they have purposely engineered in a ‘hum’ so people hear it coming.

Check out the video below by Podtech.net.

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Posted By RichC on August 15, 2007

As previously mentioned, 20 university teams using innovation, technology and creative design ideas will be competing to build energy efficient model homes in U.S. Department of Energy’s 2007 Solar Decathlon. Graduate and undergraduate students are working to build the most usable and energy-efficient solar-powered homes. They will be finishing up their models next month and shipping them to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for final touches; they will be on display this fall in a sort of solar village. The entries will be judged in 10 contests to determine an overall number one design and all will be powered by only the energy from the sun.

Although I’m from Cincinnati, and UC has an entry, I’m pulling for the team from Santa Clara University where my daughter’s close friend Nora is assisting on their entry. She sent me a few photos and mentioned one unique feature, a ‘secret’ (well that may be a stretch) Nana wall; it sounds like something all of us with south facing walls/windows could use in our homes. Below are two of the many photos she sent showing their project nearing completion. Thanks for the update Nora.

Also, here’s a link to a California ABC affiliates article and video on the SCU project.

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Posted By RichC on August 14, 2007

A couple weeks ago a train derailed in Hamilton Ohio and dumped some grain near downtown. While driving in that direction the other day I snapped a couple Palm Treo 700p photos (click photos for larger versions) and decided to archive them here. I was surprised to see that there hasn’t been any clean up to date and that the three railroad cars still sit overturned along side the railroad tracks. (I’m sure the rodents are happy?)

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Posted By RichC on August 13, 2007

While visiting the service department at the VWFairfield dealership, I had a chance to see my first 2008 VW R32 … a hot little limited production Volkswagen I mentioned a few months ago. As my son would say … Sweet!

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