In January I mentioned reading Daniel Tammet’s book “Born on a Blue Day,” and a follow-up post about a 60-Minutes TV broadcast. I was intrigued to learn a little bit about how this relatively normal autistic savant thinks. In Daniel’s book, he tries to explain how he sees numbers and the challenges he faced growing up ‘different.’
I’ve loaned my copy of the book several times to people interested in reading it, and received several emails from people who have found my comments. One reader sent me a Google Video link from a program produced in the UK that I thought I would include here: The Boy With The Incredible Brain(47 min. 30 sec).
The Ford Escape SUV has been a popular vehicle from the Ford Motor Company for several years now and with fuel prices rising the hybrid version stands to gain considerably. The current Hybrid Escape model is considered ‘so-so’ … but the new 2008 model is moving closer to what most hybrid buyers want. Both the 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive versions of the new Escape use the improve Toyota based computer controls for its 70KW electric drive and are able to run the vehicle on either just electric or both gasoline and electric; current numbers are 34 city/30 highway for the 2 wheel drive and 29 city/27 highway for the 4 wheel drive 2008 Escape Hybrid. Besides being the most fuel efficient SUV being sold in America, it is also E85 Ethanol capable … but where’s the biodiesel/hybrid version?
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Along with the three Volkswagen V-10 Touareg diesels, Jon Hamilton and his RallyVW team climbed to the clouds again this year at Pike’s Peak. (course map) His unofficial 14:03 time is a record for him and a tribute to the kind of power that can come from our little 1.9L turbocharged diesels. (particularly in skilled hands) One of the results to notice is that Jon even beat one of the TDI Touaregs!
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the world”s highest auto race and one of the most grueling events in all of motor racing. The start line at 9,400 feet is high enough to leave anyone short of breath. And the climb to the towering 14,110 foot finish punishes drivers and their vehicles. As the drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps muscle strength – plus it robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. So competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish, let alone win.
The course is a twisty sprint of 12.4 miles. With turns and a course that turns to gravel halfway up, drivers get a tremendous workout. Although every corner in the race deserves full respect, the one named “Bottomless Pit” gets top billing as the one not to miss. No one has ever missed that corner, which would result in a 6,000 foot drop.
Mile for mile, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the toughest race in the world.
The official information will be posted on the PPIHC website, but a congratulation is in line to all at team RallyVW. Way to go guys!
About a decade and a half ago I remember “Big Bang” or OS 7 and it was a big change for Apple Macintosh users, but this particular “7” is from a different player — Microsoft. Although Microsoft has only recently released its Vista operating system, it looks as if the software giant is wasting little time in preparing the a new 32 and 64-bit OS. According to CNET, the next version of Microsoft Windows, internally codenamed “Vienna,” will now be known as “7.” It is scheduled to be developed over the next 3 years according to a blog post on Engadget.
I purchased four tickets last night to the Cincinnati Funnybone comedy club to see my favorite ventriloquist, Jeff Dunham. Dunham and his cast of puppets are in town attending a puppeteer convention this week and will be performing next week and weekend in Newport, Kentucky (just over the Ohio River). For those never seeing Mr. Dunham, he is as Jay Leno says “the best there is” at entertaining Edgar Bergen style, but be prepare for a few naughty words … especially from crusty ol’ Walter. (Walter on marrage: 6 MB WMV clip-thanks Hank)
Jeff Dunham will also have everybody’s favorite, Peanut, as well at his left hand veggie, Jose Jalapeňo (‘on a stick’); he also makes an appearance in the movie Delta Farce I’ve been told. If we are lucky, we might even meet Achmed, the Suicide Bomber … a skeleton looking puppet resembling Osama Bin Laden. If you are in the mood to laugh, I highly recommend attending one of his shows. (tickets purchased online are $22 plus a $2 service charge)
Too bad I’ll never personally own one … my wife eyed it as her next car back in 2006. I’m unsure whether she’ll opt for automatic or the manual transmission, but I’d personally save the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG transmission) for the TDI diesels. After test driving, I found the six speed manual and 2.0L turbo the best match for the EOS, although if price and economy are of little concern the 3.2 liter 250HP six cylinder might be nice. The turbo charged four cylinder is the same used in the hot little GTI and is very responsive, while still remaining reasonably economical … especially on the highway. (32 mpg with premium fuel) Sure I’d prefer the 140HP TDI version, but the wait in North America might be too long even if I had the patience of Job — I’m sensing we may see a 2008 VW EOS in our garage next year?
The July 13, 2007 Businessweek offered a special report that showcased 10 diesel vehicles along with an article on The Coming of Clean Diesels. Not all models shown are available in the U.S. just yet, but these clean diesels might be something to look forward to. The luxury models from Cadillac, light trucks from Chrysler, GM and Ford, premium vehicles from Mercedes and Audi and the comfortable thrifty ones from Volkswagen should all eventually make it to our shores. (50 state VW spring 2008) The UK Honda models continue to stand out in my opinion; perhaps its the hope of economy, power and reliability that traditionally has come from Japanese designed vehicles?
Here are the Businessweek points. As a loyal VW owner, would you look at the Honda Civic, Accord, Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, CR-V or Element if it were diesel powered? (need I ask?)
2007 Honda Civic Diesel CTDi Fuel economy: 55 mpg in combined city and highway driving
Honda is expected to introduce its diesel technology into its U.S. cars in 2010. Look for a diesel Civic to start, and possibly a CRV SUV. The British Honda Civic Diesel 2.2 CTDi is a “green car” with a super-clean engine and very low carbon dioxide emissions. Honda has talked about how its engineers hated diesel technology until they figured out a clean system. An Accord diesel test car, though, recently set a record of 92 mpg.
2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI(Spring of 2008) Fuel economy: 36 mpg city/45 mpg highway (estimated)
Volkswagen skipped the 2007 model year for diesels because its new cleaner technology wasn’t ready. The company regularly sells more than 30,000 diesels a year. The new TDI is due in dealerships next spring. Horsepower in this new 2.0-liter, common-rail diesel engine is up 40% over the previous 1.9-liter, four-cylinder, with torque up 33%. Those figures mean an increase in drivability.
Its one thing to find a frozen boa constrictor in Ohio, but another to catch a live 4 to 5 foot alligator! (cellphone photo | see WKYC) Sixth grader Robert Pendleton Jr. had a “cool fishing experience” as the 14 year old described it. The boy was fishing with his 10 year old brother at Summit Lake when he thought he saw the head of an alligator. He tossed his fishing line over and missed the first and second cast, then on the third cast he was able to set the lure in the gator’s mouth. Robert slowly reeled the alligator to shore although admits it was “hard to get him in.”
As young Pendleton worked the reptile to shore, his mom called the animal control department and Jim Farrance made his way quickly over to Summit Lake and helped pull the gator from the water. He caged him and took him to the Humane Society of Greater Akron in Cuyahoga Falls. According to the director, this alligator, or perhaps cayman, is the first to be brought to the local Humane Society; they suspect it may have been a pet and either escaped or was released into the lake or nearby Ohio Canal.
Stopped to fill up at the Sunoco Renewable station off exit 151 on I-71 this week on my way to Cleveland. Noticed that the prices were up a bit from recent trips (B-20 @ $2.99) where my local West Chester, Ohio Meijer ULSD D-2 was $2.76. I’d like to see prices a little more competitive; perhaps I’m just spoiled? (my wife did just remind me that its still cheaper than gasoline and that I’m getting 45 mpg!)
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Glancing through my August 2007 issue of Cruising World magazine, I recognized the “Shoreline” photo as solo-circumnavigating sailor Donna Lange. Long time readers will recall the many posts made in my blog and might enjoy seeing one last photo celebrating as she heads into her home port of call, Bristol Rhode Island. (larger image) The link includes an online article written by Kitty Martin commenting on the final leg of the sailing, but why stop there …
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Here’s one more ‘leg’ of the journey; a creatively decorated “Inspired Insanity” during the 4th of July Parade in Bristol! It is also a great kick off of Donna’s plan to educate and advocate “through children” the impact, both positively and negatively, that humans have on the worlds oceans. “For the Love of Oceans” gets its start at the Youth4Oceans website.
In January I mentioned reading Daniel Tammet’s book “Born on a Blue Day,” and a follow-up post about a 60-Minutes TV broadcast. I was intrigued to learn a little bit about how this relatively normal autistic savant thinks. In Daniel’s book, he tries to explain how he sees numbers and the challenges he faced growing up ‘different.’
The Ford Escape SUV has been a popular vehicle from the 
Along with the three Volkswagen V-10 Touareg diesels, Jon Hamilton and his 
About a decade and a half ago I remember 
Fuel economy: 55 mpg in combined city and highway driving
Fuel economy: 36 mpg city/45 mpg highway (estimated)
Its one thing to find a 
