Enjoying the day on the beach
Posted By RichC on April 8, 2007
Happy Easter to those checking in. We are enjoying the weekend at the beach. (post from phone)
Donna Lange: Keepin’ On
Posted By RichC on April 7, 2007
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Tech Tip: Skip commercials with a ‘dogbone’
Posted By RichC on April 6, 2007
Friday’s Tech Tip is an old one and is for TiVo newbies from TiVo gurus. Its a favorite Tivo branded DVR feature that drives advertiser supported television networks crazy. It is the hackable features available on the TiVo that allows for programming of a couple buttons on the ‘dogbone’ remote to do simple things well. A single button will skip a 30 second commercial and another do a 10 second rewind. The simple procedure below will program your TiVo with this ‘skip’ ahead and replay feature. (rapid double or triple clicks quickly moves 30, 60 or 90 seconds … or using the ‘replay’ offers back 10, 20 or 30 seconds)
The Tivo DVR in its default state will forward to the end of a program by pushing the “dogbone” remote’s button to the lower right of the “slow” button … or if it is already at the end, it will jump back to the beginning of the recording. After applying this hack, the button will instead jump ahead 30 seconds … here’s how:
1) Select a recorded program and start it playing.
2) Push the key combination – Select, Play, Select, 3, 0, Select
3) You should get 3 chirps to confirm … or just test it by pushing the button. (this hack will need to be redone if the TiVo needs to be rebooted or experiences a loss of power, but its easy enough as long as you remember the programming combination.)
Other hints at PC World.
Mercedes E320 BlueTec: World Green Car of 2007
Posted By RichC on April 5, 2007
European diesels made a good impression at the New York auto show in 2007. The Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec took top honors with more votes than the BMW Hydrogen 7 and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. The initial entry list had 14 contenders, including the Saab 9-5 BioPower flex-fuel, Fiat Panda, Citroen C2 Stop & Start and Subaru R1e. The Green Car honor was part of the World Car of the Year award ceremonies held at the New York Auto Show in which the the Lexus LS 460 was given the top honor.
I wonder how much of the voting was influenced by the Polo BlueMotion not being available in the United States?
Encouraging Biodiesel State by State
Posted By RichC on April 5, 2007
John Gartner posted on the Wired Magazine blog network and cited the National Biodiesel Board statistics in pointing out that 11 states encourage biodiesel use in by either legislating percentage used or reducing taxes on biodiesel. States promoting biodiesel include Florida, Connecticut, Missouri, California, Oregon, Mississippi, Arkansas, Nebraska, Montana, Tennessee and New Mexico. Some are considering raising the amount of biodiesel blended from two to five percent, while others may eliminate or reduce the fuel tax on biodiesel. How long before Ohio joins the list?
Are GM vehicles known for fuel economy?
Posted By RichC on April 4, 2007
A segment on the FoxNews program The O’Reilly Factor caught my eye last night in discussing American automobiles. Mark Laneve, Vice President of Sales for General Motors, was interviewed and promoted the fuel efficiency of GM’s vehicles. He presented the case that GM has been gaining ground and has passed their rivals in building cars offering good fuel economy. The criteria was relatively simple: The host, Bill O’Reilly, said he was looking to purchase a new car and wanted one that was green and used less fuel. (I think he’s talking good economy as high 20 MPGs … unlike those of us driving TDIs or Hybrids wanting 50!)
🙂
Mark Laneve pointed to the U.S. government numbers that show many GM vehicles return bery good efficiency considering a vehicles size … and in many cases are better than their rivals. Personally I’ve been impressed with miles per gallon highway numbers from family and friends who drive GM vehicles. I’ll cite a couple examples: My father-in-law has a vintage small block V-8 in a Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon with 200,000 miles, yet he still returns above 25 mpg on trips. If this car wasn’t a repeat performer, I would be a doubter. (I do think that is the exception considering the weight of a full frame wagon?) I also have a friend who has owned (and still does) multiple Chevy Impalas (6 cylinder engines); he regularly tops 30 mpg which is not bad for a six passenger sedan that offers comfort. That said, most GM models that I’ve glanced at on dealer lots have not been so thrifty when looking at the stickers … although I admit I’ve looks at either SUV or a vehicle with a bit more performance and luxury.
I agree that GM does offer models with mileage in the high 20’s or maybe 30ish, they do not offer comparable vehicles in the U.S. that challenge the likes of Toyota or Honda Hybrid vehicles or even their small family vehicles. And … when Mr. Laneve mentions that GM vehicles in the US were on par with the Europeans, I sensed he was definitely misleading people. Yes, General Motors builds some fuel efficient models, but the bulk of the vehicles they are selling are NOT nearly as efficient as what most Europeans are buying or driving.
Consider this: Over 50% of the vehicles being sold in Europe are now clean turbocharged diesel engines. Diesel engines are more powerful and fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines — about 30-35% more fuel efficient. (see FuelEconomy.gov) Mr. Laneve’s comparison was not accurate. My personal lifetime combined fuel economy on my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel is 46 MPG … a vehicle very similar to what you might find many in Europe driving.
National Champs: Florida dominates Ohio State
Posted By RichC on April 3, 2007
Disappointment and frustration is how I felt while watching the final March madness Ohio State – Florida college basketball game. Florida played well as a team; Ohio State struggled and played ‘ugly’ … as a team … while the big man, freshman Greg Oden struggled to keep his team in the game. Unfortunately it was not to be. I’m not trying to discredit the outstanding Florida team, but very few outside shots dropped for OSU and nearly every 3 pointer for Florida was on the money. It was a good …. no GREAT season for Ohio State, but sadly they were not up to the task on Monday night losing 75-84 to an excellent Florida team.
Barrett Jackson Ford Shelby GT-H Convertible
Posted By RichC on April 2, 2007
Here’s an automotive video clip of a different sort … a charity auction for the right to buy VIN #1 of a limited edition Carroll Shelby Ford Mustang. (1 of 500 to be produced) It is interesting in that the unveiling of the GT-H Convertible car also took place at a Barrrett Jackson Auction … if you like cars and the excitement of bidding … you’ll enjoy watching the quarter million dollar being raised by all involved.
Google uses plumbing for broadband
Posted By RichC on April 1, 2007
April fools prank by the Google gang!
😀
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Earthrace ripping and roarin’ … finally
Posted By RichC on March 31, 2007
So far so good for the captain and crew of Earthrace. They have escape not only the tragic events that transpired in Guatemala, but have done so with dignity. (Pete’s comments below) For now, Earthrace is making fast runs north, they have refueled and under a renewed spirit are anxious about continuing their voyage. I’ll include a bit about the energy Pete Bethune is resonating as described by crewmate and chief engineer Scott Fratcher. I’m rejuvenated just seeing what and impressive leader and captain this team has. I’m pulling for a restart, but if you’re headstrong in trying to make up lost time … days … go for it!
Scott Fratcher’s March 29th partial entry:
Pete burst from the aft hatch in an explosion of calling directions, giving orders, taking command, grabbing volunteers from the bystanders and making things happen. It was as if the flash of anger was the mental computer program shifting from “Stuck in Guatemala†to “Were on a round the world race and lets get going!â€
He was on the dock directing the fuel filling. He was in the water scrubbing the bottom and calling for others to join him. He was on the phone giving interviews while checking the fuel tank levels. He was sending crew off for food while telling others where passports are located. He was everywhere all at once and it was great to see the old Pete back at the helm of his team.
Earthrace was prepped, fueled, bottom scrubbed, food stuffed aboard, and ready to depart long before the Mexican Port Captain had completed our paperwork.
“This is a cockup! Where is that exit Zarpe?†Pete called between breaths while scraping the bottom. When the paperwork was passed onboard Pete already had the engines running.
The lines were instantly dropped and he was out the harbor mouth in just seconds. The wake produced by our thousand-horse power Cummins diesels sloshed over the “No Wake Zone†marker. By the time I was able to track Earthrace on the net she was already heading north at full speed.
Yes, Pete is back and now it’s up to the Ground Crew to keep up with him, if we can.
Its a good feeling to see everyone rejuvenated and ready to take on new crew in San Diego. I know the new guys will be raring to go and I’m look forward to hearing details from Harold Kraus who’s son Paul has posted comments here. (keep us up to date Paul and I’ll be checking your blog too) Paul’s dad is the oldest crew (I believe?) an is a 76 year-old retired farmer and biodiesel guy from Kansas. In swapping email’s with Paul (on his way out to San Diego) when talking about the pride he has in his dad said, “He has set the bar pretty high.” Mr. Kraus’s ‘sea’ experience comes from a time before many of us were born; he serviced in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. I wish him well on his leg from San Diego to Maui. In U.S. Navy tradition I’ll include “Non sibi sed patriae.”
The honorable Pete Bethune when finally released from criminal proceedings was free to go, but chose to visit with the families of those affected by the accident. It was an emotional visit which enable all involve to add a little closure to the tragedy. Here’ what Pete had to write on the emotional meet up:
We finally managed to meet with the families. All were there except for Gonzalez, the man still in hospital. I start to speak to the group and there’s already a sore ache in my throat. Thirty seconds later and I start to cry, and that just sets of a chain reaction amongst almost everyone there. Ryan across from me is struggling, and he’s got tears rolling down his left cheek. Most of the family members are struggling to contain themselves, as I explain how dreadfully sorry my crew and I are with what has happened, and that we know what a tragic loss it has been for them. In my mind I had ideas of remaining composed, but in the end I just lose it. We’re meeting in a busy fast food restaurant, and many of the patrons are staring at this blubbering group. Eventually we settle down, and the group start asking questions through our Translator. “When my husband cried out, why did you not rescue himâ€? This is the poor lady widowed by the accident. I explain that Gonzales was struggling under the skiff, and that because he was closer, I helped him first. By the time I’d swum over to where her husband was, he was gone. It’s a thought I’ve had many times since the accident. If I’d swum over to the third fisherman first, I’m sure I’d have rescued him. And my crew would have rescued Gonzalez because he was visible right behind us. But I didn’t. I just made my decision at the time and it’s something I’ll have to live with. “Would you mind if we put your husbands name on Earthrace as a small tribute to himâ€, I ask the widow. There’s a hush amongst the group, and they all look at her. She’s been crying like many of us and her eyes are red, but now fresh tears start rolling down her cheeks. “I would be honoured if you would do that for usâ€, she says. Her daughter shows us a photo of him on her cellphone. And they tell us of his nickname. “Pajaritoâ€. Or little bird. Maybe we’ll put that on the boat as well I think to myself. Later in the day we pay a visit to Gonzalez, who is still recovering in hospital. His family from the meeting earlier in the day are there already, and they greet us as we walk in. He’s a tiny little man, but there’s a certain wiry strength about him. I remember lifting him on the stretcher and being amazed at how heavy he was. We go through a question and answer session with him. It turns out he actually went under the main hull of Earthrace as we rode over the skiff. He takes his shirt off to reveal a massive scar from his sternum, all the way down his belly. He’s seems quite proud of it really. His belly was cut open by Surgeons to repair his stomach, intestine, and fractured sternum. Then Ryan sees the scars on his back. “Hey check these wicked scars out Pete.†We never saw these cuts on the night. But there they are. Two big curved scars, one across each shoulder blade, and by the look of them, probably matching our propeller blades. We take a few photos, hug and wish each other well, and we’re off. “You knowâ€, say Ryan, “I’m stoked to have finally met these people today.†I am too. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a day, but one that we’ll never forget. For some of us, this probably helps with a little bit of closure. The families were left in no doubt that we were sorrowful for what had happened, and that we did our best on the night to rescue the fishermen. These people are poor, but there’s also a great sense of community and family spirit amongst them. And I know they’ll be OK.
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.