Job frustrations? Maybe a career change?
Posted By RichC on July 16, 2007
A friend of mine sent me this video clip … I can’t imagine doing this for a living?
Ohio gives biofuel retailers a tax credit
Posted By RichC on July 15, 2007
There is positive news for advocates for Ohio biofuels; fuel retailers who sell E85 Ethanol and B20 Biodiesel will receive a 15 cents per gallon tax credit in 2008 and 13 cents in 2009. The credits go to the retailer of the biofuel. I’ll include a press release from the Ohio Soybean Growers Association signed by Governor Strickland in early this month. Thanks to David Brannon who posted it to our local CinciTDI website.
Governor Strickland Signs Budget with 4.5 Million Dollars for Alternative Fuel Programs
Columbus, OH– Governor Ted Strickland signed the biennium state budget on Saturday,with 4.5 milliondollars allotted to alternative fuel programs that will work to increase availability of soy biodiesel and E85 across the state. The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA), in cooperation with the Ohio Farm Bureau, have been working together to promote these programs, which resulted in the most attention biofuels have ever received in the state budget.
“The increased presence biofuels received in the state budget is a sure sign that alternative energy sources are a high priority for our state government, and it is exciting to know that soy biodiesel and E85 are leading the way,†said Mark Watkins, OSA president and Hardin County soybean farmer. “OSA’s work in solidifying these programs in the budget is just one example of the important role OSA plays in the legislative arena and how the organization is working on behalf of Ohio’s soybean industry.â€
Included in the budget for the first time ever is a program that will allow fuel retailers who sell E85 Ethanol (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) or B20 soy biodiesel (20 percent soy biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel) to take advantage of a tax credit of 15 cents per gallon in 2008 and 13 cents per gallon in 2009. These credits will be paid directly to the retailer.
A second program different from the tax credit will allow retailers who do not sell E85 or B20, but wish to start, obtain infrastructure grants to assist in the installation of the necessary equipment, such as pumps and tanks. Blenders that want to begin processing E85 or B20 will be able to take advantage of these grants to help with their specific infrastructure needs as well. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Grant Program was established in House Bill 245.
Also included in the budget is a grant program designed specifically for soy biodiesel and its use in school buses. School districts that choose to use soy biodiesel in their buses can receive grants that will offset the incremental cost of the fuel. Currently, one of the major reasons that more school districts are not using soy biodiesel in buses is because, on average, it costs more than petroleum diesel. This grant program will give school districts a chance to use a fuel that is better for the environment and the health of students without additional cost.
All of the grant programs will be administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Details regarding grant application and requirements are forthcoming.
The Ohio Soybean Association is governed by a 24-member volunteer farmer board dedicated to education and promotion, as well as to uniting producer interest through support of legislative activities beneficial to the Ohio soybean industry.
New Greek Restaurant opens today
Posted By RichC on July 14, 2007
A new friend, Konstantine Karvelas and his wife Maria opened their restaurant today. (article in the Pulse Journal) We were anxious to try the food and experience the service … my daughter is working there … and both were very good.
🙂
Although I’ve been hanging out with Konstantine over coffee several times a week admiring the new decor, equipment and sampling sandwiches, I was nervous for him as the opening day drew near. From the opening day line and the enjoyment most customers seemed to show, that was unnecessary. I think the Karvelas family have found a great niche for Liberty Township. If you are in the area and in the mood for an authentic Greek sandwich. Greek Isles, is located in the Yankee Shoppes retail center at 7037 Yankee Road, just west of Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Liberty Township.
‘Catch a wave’ … even if you’re a dolphin
Posted By RichC on July 13, 2007
Can’t help but include a great surfing photo … click to enjoy the larger photo or Daily Mail article:
Many visitors to Australia have two particular things on their ‘to do’ list – go surfing and swim with dolphins. It seems the dolphins like to do exactly the same. As this astonishing picture shows, this group of at least 20 of the creatures couldn’t resist catching a giant wave when it came along. The friendly animals often come close to the shore at this spot some 300 miles north of Perth in Western Australia and rub their noses against swimmers and surfers in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Continue reading here.
VIDEO: “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell
Posted By RichC on July 13, 2007
I’ve written previously about a book I’ve just finished reading and wanted to include a more recent interview available on the Internet. His thoughts on the fatal decision that cost the lives of his SEAL team are shared as well as a few of his personal ‘opinions’ regarding the War on Terror. The book Lone Survivor is well written and an excellent read for anyone wanting to know the kind of Americans who service in our elite special forces. I highly recommend the book.
EDIT: Original video tag in this post was removed … so am replacing with this:
Chinese WIGs could ‘take-off’
Posted By RichC on July 12, 2007
What’s a WIG one might ask? Well it a “Wing-In-Ground” flying boat sort of aircraft that is being developed to skim a few feet above the surface of water in China. The aircraft mention in a MSNBC Technology and Science article is said to be as safe as ships yet five or six times as fast. In its current design, the WIG aircraft can hit speeds of 180 mph, carry 4 tons and travel from a few inches to several feet using ground effect (or sea effect) that is present as an airfoil (wing) passes above a level surface.
Advocates point out that a plane of this design will cost half as much as one designed for standard flying and also use only half as much fuel. The “wing-in-ground effect” design plane could see use in military and board control according to the article and the Tongji University has plans to develop a 50-seat version of the WIG by 2013 as well as prototypes capable of hauling cargo up to 400 tons by 2016 or 2017.
Steve Marbury and Starbury athletic gear
Posted By RichC on July 11, 2007
I was really impressed with an interview I heard this week with Steve Marbury and hope that his mission to to “not be a role model, but to be a goal model” for kids is successful. His project to get quality ‘star’ supported gear to kids is about the best thing to come from an NBA star than I’ve seen in a long time. It sure would be nice to have shoes that equal the quality of the highly marketed brands being sought by kids who shouldn’t be spending $100+ a pair for athletic shoes.
Why not support Starbury athletic shoes and clothing … it sure makes sense to me? I’m planning to stop at a Steve and Barry store in hopes of catching NBA player Steve Marbury when he comes to town next week. (Marbury is planning to be at the Steve and Barry store at Cincinnati Mills Thursday, July 19th 5:00pm) I’m planning to pick up something for my son, but who knows … I might even get a pair of shoe for myself; they are all priced at $14.98!
When was the last time you saw something really new?
Steve & Barry’s® is about change. It’s about changing the way that consumers shop for their clothes and changing the way that retailers cater to them. Steve & Barry’s is about stripping away the gloss and giving consumers something real. The fact is that great clothing doesn’t really have to cost that much. It’s a simple idea, but also a big idea—big enough, that is, to turn the industry on its ear. By delivering on its promise to provide premium apparel at impossibly low prices, Steve & Barry’s is single-handedly changing the retail landscape. We’re busting the model. Steve & Barry’s significantly impacts the communities that it serves, rejiggers shopping patterns, alters local economies, and sometimes even changes people’s lives a little bit.We currently operate nearly 200 super-stores in 33 states and plan to open approximately 100 stores in 2007. Steve & Barry’s shoppers typically pay 50% to 90% less for the same quality clothing found at competing department and specialty stores. How do we do it? We’re a company of engineers. We strive to find solutions in every corner of our business, big and small, that allow us to charge incredibly low prices. Our innovations extend to every aspect of our company, from the way we buy paper clips and desk chairs to the way we ship and distribute our products. It’s in our culture and our DNA to scour for savings throughout every aspect of our business. We aspire to re-imagine the company daily.
Most of our stores are between 50,000 and 100,000 square feet, and offer shoppers a wide selection of jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, polos, cargos, footwear, accessories, and more. The company also carries the largest collection of collegiate-licensed apparel in the nation, with over 350 licenses to choose from. We also feature other licensed apparel from top American brands including Marvel® Comics, World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE®), General Motors®, Ford®, Kellogg’s®, Hershey’s®, and Coors®.
In 2006, Steve & Barry’s made retail history when the company teamed up with NBA® superstar Stephon Marbury to develop the Starbury™ Collection, which features nearly 50 casual apparel items priced at $10 and under. Perhaps no item reflects the extraordinary value of the Starbury Collection more than the Starbury One, a high-performance basketball sneaker that Marbury wears on the NBA® courts. The Starbury One offers a sleek design and is engineered with the same comfort, stability, and durability found in basketball sneakers that retail between $100 and $150, and it’s just $14.98.
Diverse product offerings coupled with an incomparable value proposition and inviting store environment make Steve & Barry’s a unique shopping destination, proving that high quality doesn’t have to mean high price.
This is new. This is what we do. This is Steve & Barry’s.
History
Childhood friends Steve and Barry have been retail partners since they were teenagers living in suburban New York. The idea that developed into Steve & Barry’s® began when they started screen-printing T-shirts and selling them for $1 at flea markets across Long Island and New Jersey. In 1985, they opened a modest collegiate apparel store at the University of Pennsylvania. Steve & Barry’s quickly became a landmark destination, as students found they could purchase the same quality collegiate-licensed clothing sold at the campus bookstore for dramatically lower prices. The success of the store at the University of Pennsylvania fueled an expansion to other universities across the country. Steve & Barry’s mall superstore format began to take shape in the late 1990’s, upon the opening of its first mall-based location near Detroit, Michigan. In addition to providing a wide variety of collegiate-licensed items, Steve & Barry’s began to offer casual apparel for men, women, and kids. Steve & Barry’s continues to expand into more malls in communities around the country, as shoppers everywhere enjoy its groundbreaking values.
Baseball, Hotdogs, Applepie and Biodiesel
Posted By RichC on July 10, 2007
Biodiesel continues to make inroads in the U.S. Here’s a link between America’s pastime and this clean domestic alternative fuel: Fox Sports will run its broadcasting equipment on B-20 in tonight’s Major League Baseball All-Star game. Well done Fox Sports!
FOX Sports Chooses All-Star Fuel for All-Star Game
Sports network commits to B20 for MLB All-Star Game and other sporting events
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Fans who tune into the Major League Baseball All-Star Game tonight will be watching a broadcast powered by biodiesel. FOX Sports will use B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel, in all of its generators, satellite trucks and other diesel equipment at its television compound in San Francisco. What’s more, the company has committed to using B20 to power its broadcasts of the World Series, Super Bowl, the Bowl Championship Series and other major events.The move is part of the “Cool Change Initiative†introduced by News Corporation, the parent company to FOX Sports.
“This initiative is an attempt to reduce our carbon footprint to neutral by 2010,†said Michael Davies, Director, Field Operations – FOX Sports. “The All-Star game presents the opportunity to start implementing some of these environmentally friendly practices, part of which is using B20 in our equipment.â€
Davies said that biodiesel came recommended from other contractors in the ever-greening entertainment industry. Many musicians, actors and festivals use biodiesel in their generators and vehicles, including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, Daryl Hannah, the Coachella Music Festival, and the Bonnaroo Music Festival.
“The entertainment industry has led by example when it comes to using and promoting biodiesel,†said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “It’s refreshing to see such high profile stars and companies embracing biodiesel and letting it help them take control of their impact on the environment and oil imports.â€
The All-Star Game marks the first occasion that the sports network has tried B20.
“Biodiesel was an easy decision for us because it works in our regular generators without having to retool our existing equipment,†Davies said.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from any vegetable oil or animal fat. It is most commonly made from soybean oil. American soybean farmers, through a program called the soybean checkoff, launched the U.S. biodiesel industry more than 15 years ago. Biodiesel significantly reduces emissions, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter and life cycle carbon dioxide.
Weedwacker to Outboard motor conversion
Posted By RichC on July 10, 2007
I don’t need another ‘gadget’ project since my plate is already full and progress on all my existing projects is moving slowly … but here’s something pretty cool. I subscribe to a dinghy email list that has been discussing an interesting weedwacker to outboard motor conversion that uses a standard run-of-the-mill 2 or 4-cycle string trimmer. The original idea so as far as I can tell comes from a creative Russian guy sharing auxiliary power for his catamaran. I’ll include the Flapdoodle Dinghy guy’s translation page link for a quick review as well as the author Bill Weller’s recent modified version here. Bill has been quite creative with his use of ‘wood’ although I’m sure someone good with fiberglass or composites could do something similar as well. I’m anxious to see how well this little auxiliary works on a dink. (I thought about Nor’Sea liveaboard Ben Eriksen and his ‘Amazing Technicolor Dinghy‘ when I first saw this idea)
Having owned several small lightweight outboards and recently buying a 4-cycle (quieter and cleaner) Troy-bilt Stringtrimmer, I thought that it would be perfect for a conversion. If someone wanted to actually convert a trimmer, they might want to look at the Troy-bilt 4-cycle model with the removable tools?
EAA Chapter 284 talks Corvair engines
Posted By RichC on July 8, 2007
Our EAA Chapter 284 was fortunate to have Gary Collins present his experiences in converting a Corvair engine for experimental aircraft use. Many aviation conversions have been done before, as they have with air cooled Volkswagen engines, but Gary’s personal notes and observation made for an exceptional source of information. He provide us with and enjoyable overview into both the mechanics of the conversion, the resources he used and a realistic cost breakdown (he est. $4000 with some scrounging). His personal notes (included below) were very helpfully and the hands on with a variety of parts he brought along a real treat. Thanks Gary, I look forward to visiting your shop.
THE CORVAIR AIRCRAFT ENGINE Gary B. Collins, EAA Chapter 174
Notes from William Wynne www.flycorvair.com Most recent stuff is at the “At The Hangar” heading
Need:
– Wynne conversion manual from WilliamWynne ($59)
– 1965 GM Corvair Chassis Manual ST-59 (about $25)
– How to keep your Corvair Alive by Richard Finch (about $20)
These and other parts and services you will need may be obtained from a Corvair parts warehouse:
Clark’s Corvairs
400 Mohawk Trail Rt. 2
Shelburn Falls, MS 01370
413-625-9776
The Corvair Underground
502-434-1648
Larry’s Corvair Parts
310-970-9851
Identifying engines – You want 164 cid (2700 cc), 110 hp 1965-69. With codes on case RD,RF,RH,RX,RK Engines from junkyards go from nothing to maybe $200.
You do not want the earlier smaller cid or dual carb or turbo engine. (A crank from a turbo engine would be OK as GM nitrided them) See Wynne for identifying all the engines.
CONVERSION MEANS Cleaning, Inspecting, and modifying-as little as possible.
Crankshaft modified to – mount the prop, strengthen Safety shaft ($76)
hybrid studs ($76)
Hub ($479) New and worth it.
Deep Nitriding (about $250)
Forged PistonsCamshaft replaced with OT-10 from Clark’s. More lift, shifts torque peak to lower rpm.
Distributor — Buy from Wynne. ($239) It is modified and has two sets of points set 180 degrees apart and advance set to go from 8- 32 degrees. Engine will run on either system. Uses two coils and can switch between systems. Vacuum advance removed.Use standard aircraft carb Marvell-Schebler MA3-SPA, Stromberg NAS-3, or Aerocarb. Intake to dual ports is ugly but the long pipes not a problem on the engine for aircraft use. If you were wanting fast acceleration as on a dragster they would not be good but at the RPM we are using and the relatively smooth, slow throttle movement in aircraft use, they work well.
Bell Housing becomes the front of the engine. Cut out with Saber saw or band saw. Will take 30 minutes to cut out and smooth the edges.
Blower housing removed and is replaced with at flat plate. ($49)
Use Ford Taurus ring gear ($99) and Subaru starter($209), John Deere garden tractor 20 amp dynamo.(about $200)
Have standard valve job from loc?1 shop or have heads modified by Wynne recommended shop.
New deep oil pan. ($269) New hydraulic lifters are about $2.50 apiece.
Standard Exhaust System works well and is cheap. Straight stacks will work. Custom made system will get you about 4% more power and weigh less-but cost more in time and money.
Wynne sells a complete engine ready to install for $7995.00 See his web site for details. I think you can build up your own for at least $3-4,000 less than that. It depends on how much you are willing to do or get done locally at little or no cost.
If you can build an airplane you can convert a Corvair engine. You will learn a lot about engines. If the object is to have the lowest possible risk then you should buy a Lycoming or a Continental. I decided that in a light sport plane with a low wing loading and thus a low landing speed, I could tolerate the risk. When I started working on mine Wynne was comfortable with a much less complex conversion. But to his credit, as he gains experience he is willing to change what he recommends. An example is the recommendation to have all crankshafts deep nitrided. That decision was made after he pulled several engines out of service for very careful magnaflux inspection after several crankshaft failures. Most showed cracks beginning in as little as 50 hours. Some of them were using prop extensions which he has always said should not be used. One did not show any sign of cracks and it was one of the cranks from a 180 hp turbo Corvair which GM had nitrided in the old fashioned way. The new deep nitriding process should toughen the cranks even more. Both Rotax and Jabraru engines have had crankshaft failures in the last 3 years so this problem is not only a problem for the Corvair.
With a Covair you will have a cool sounding 100+ horsepower, very smooth engine. It will not have fully redundant systems and will not be exactly equivalent to a certified engine. With all accessories it will weigh about 225 pounds which is the installed weight of an 0-200 Cont. Testing by Wynne has shown the 0-200 to put out about 85 hp while on the same test rig, the Corvair will put out an honest 100 hp. Any plane that has flown on the 0-200 will fly well with the Corvair. It will cruise at 28-2900 rpm at low altitude and 3200 rpm up high. Some of the 3 100 cc Corvairs are pulling KR-2s and the Sonex around at 170 mph and 3600 rpm but those planes would perform just fine with a 2700 cc Corvair at perhaps half the cost.
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.