My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 30, 2006

Its about as tense as it has been since the start of this conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Sunday was a most brutal day for people still in Qana, a city in southern Lebanon, as a building was struck by Israeli air forces which was suspected of being a launch or storage area for Hezbollah rockets. (Update: 57 28 killed, 9 of them children – confirmed by International Red Cross 8/2/2006) Israel provided evidence that rockets were being launched from this area and stated that they did target ‘a building’ suspected of being a Hezbollah site. More than likely, the rockets were launched from right behind or next to the 3 story house that was hit. (BTW … Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at Israeli cities on Sunday alone — purposely targeting civilians) Unfortunately after 19 days of fighting and continual launches of rockets from within border towns by Hezbollah, civilians have remained or are unable to evacuate these targeted areas. Regretably Hezbollah chooses to hide among these civilians, as well as launch their rockets ‘at Israeli civilians’ from areas where Lebanese women and children are living. There are also some analysts questioning whether or not Hezbollah and Hamas purposely are setting up ‘pawns’ in order to damage Israel politically — although no evidence of such a claim as been presented as of yet.

Another concerning issue for the US was the meeting of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez (see previous comments) and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad presented the highest state medal on Sunday to Hugo Chavez for supporting Tehran in its nuclear standoff. What does this mean to have the number 4 and number 5 oil producer ‘chumming’ up while the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council draft proposals that gives Iran until the end of August to suspend uranium enrichment or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions.

With Americans once again either being called upon to assist in the peace process or choosing to assist in being a peace broker, we once again look like the world police force. Its a no-win situation as opinion is split as to what the US should and shouldn’t do whenever violence erupts around the world. Personally I see validity to both positions … on one hand I don’t want our troops dying in every continent every time arms are drawn between countries or renegade forces … on the other, disengagement in foreign affairs permits rise of thug and rogue nations desiring to use force in implementing their evil desires or permitting terrorists free reign in
targeting nations’ citizens. With Secretary Rice returning prematurely before even attempting to work on a peace, it looks as if war will continue to rage unless the UN can come up with some palatable solution where a peacekeeping force can intercede. While watching some of the experts, I recorded a man I respect for his knowledge of history and pulse of current world affairs: Newt Gingrich.

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Posted By RichC on July 30, 2006

As mentioned in previous posts (a, b, c), the diesel powered Jeep Liberty CRD will not be offered in 2007 and according to the PBS program Motorweek, production at the Toledo, Ohio plant as already ceased. For those of us that are ‘pro-diesel’ (and biodiesel) this development has bee disappointing. On the plus side, Jeep should be producing the new diesel powered Grand Cherokee, but most likely its power, luxury and price (and unimpressive economy) will keep many traditional diesel advocates from running to their local Jeep dealer.

In addition to the Jeep Liberty CRD’s elimination for 2007, Volkswagen, the current dominate diesel ‘car’ importer to the US, has indicated that they to are unable to meet new emission standard with their current TDI technology. (see May 2006 post) Volkswagen representatives have indicated that US dealers will continue to sell 2006 TDI models well into the 2007 model year, or at least while they last. Hopefully their new common rail engine will get emissions approval for 2008.

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Posted By RichC on July 29, 2006

I read several articles today highlighting a Texas company called Valence Technology who has come up with a way to “throttle the explosive properties” of charging and discharging batteries. This technology makes the lithium ion batteries that are used in notebook computers and cellphone available in larger sizes.

My first thought is to use bigger batteries to power hybrid and electric powered vehicles and that exactly what Valence is doing. One of the problems last month that I mentioned when interviewing Dana Myers of Myers Motors was low tech batteries and motors. (they are working on this) For their NmG all electric car they selected traditional gel-cell Optima batteries to keep down cost, achieve many more charges and decrease the danger of charging and discharging batteries rapidly. (unfortunately that leaves their little one seater car with a 30 mile per charge range) But things are changing as according to CNET, there is a least one all electric car company, Tesla Motors, who recently unveiled an all-electric sports car that uses the new lithium ion battery pack.

Valence has a technique using its “U-Charge Power System lithium ion batteries” that uses a different cathode material inside a battery; it has patented this technology as Saphion®. Where most lithium ion batteries have a cobalt oxide cathode Valance Technology used one made of metal phosphate. The downside is that batteries with the metal phosphate can store only about 75 percent of the energy a traditional lithium ion battery can hold but, the phosphate won’t burn. In traditional lithium ion batteries, heat inside the battery can cause the cobalt oxide cathode to decompose.

As I mention earlier, devices with larger batteries are most interested in this technology. Valance sees the biggest potential market where current hybrid vehicles want to also offer plug in power. There are companies that convert hybrid cars into plug-in hybrids, which offer the advantage of running significally farther under battery power. Several other potential markets for these larger lithium batteries are wheelchairs, scooters and as replacement for marine deep cycle batteries.

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Posted By RichC on July 28, 2006

For those of you using Mozilla Firefox, you will want to check your browser version and be sure to update it to the latest 1.5.0.5 version. There have been a couple of security issues with previous versions and those running the Firefox browser would be advised to update as soon as possible.

According to HD Moore, the researcher who heads up MOBB (Month of Browser Bugs), there is a “vulnerability in the Firefox browser allows a so-called “race condition” in JavaScript’s garbage collector, which lets an attacker execute arbitrary code and ultimately load adware and malware, or destroy the hard disk.” Mr. Moore agreed to hold off on reporting the bug until after Mozilla had released the updates to its browser due to criticism that they have published bugs before vendors have patched the problems.

Mozilla released the new Firefox 1.5.0.5 version patches the JavaScript bug as well as 12 other vulnerabilities, 7 of those which Mozilla categorized as “critical,.”

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Posted By RichC on July 27, 2006

Cummins has indicated that they will begin producing a light-duty diesel engine in a press release today. They will be working with “a major automotive manufacturer serving the North American market.” They will not announce the partner, but indicated that the high performance light-duty diesel will be used in vehicles under 8,500 pounds. Most assume this new Cummins diesel will fit standard pickup trucks and SUVs from a domestic manufacturer. (my guess would be a Chrysler product due to their current relationship with heavy duty Dodge pickups)

Don’t look for these new diesel to arrive quickly as the press release also indicates that it is targeted for the ‘end of the decade.’ They stated that “this diesel engine will provide an average of 30 percent fuel savings,” something Americans could use right now! A significant factor in developing this diesel was due to the “result of a nine-year partnership between Cummins and the US Department of Energy.” No site as been selected by Cummins management but they did indicated expecting to hire an additional 600 employees. All in all, it is positive news for diesel engines in the US. (unfortunately we are still way behind Europe in diesel technology and production of efficient diesel vehicles)

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Posted By RichC on July 26, 2006

I’m posting this particular Volkswagen TDI “How To” video clip here before I send it to Jim at DieselGeek or post to the CinciTDI website in hopes to have a couple extra eyeballs checking it out. I’m not all that concerned about filmmaking criticism (my ego can’t take that), but I want to make sure that the H.264 Quicktime plugin runs on a variety of systems. The compression and streaming of the H.264 video gives slightly better quality than previous video clips, but also requires a little computer processor power to uncompress. (slower machines might look choppy???) Let me know if there is a problem … otherwise I’ll post it over at the CinciTDI video pages on Friday and send Jim a copy. Thanks.

Category: Automotive, Diesel, Volkswagen | 2 Comments »
Tags: diesel, skidplate, tdi, vw

Posted By RichC on July 25, 2006

ox·y·mo·ron
n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra or ox·y·mo·rons A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined.

Ok so its a stretch to call this and ‘oxymoron, nevertheless I saw this photo that AutoblogGreen posted from Flickr images and chucked as I thought of the internal conflict some environmental groups might have when supporting biodiesel, while advocating the efficient use of resources. It is reflective of most of America … while we support causes that favor a cleaner environment and conservative use of resources, our actions often speak louder than our affiliations and our words. I’m the perfect example: I live in a bigger house than I need, run the AC when I could open a window, drive way too much, purchase food and consumer items in excess and yet still talk “conservation” as something that ‘we’ Americans should volutarily do. Such hypocrisy — yes another word worth a definition.

hy·poc·ri·sy
n. The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.

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Posted By RichC on July 24, 2006

I’ve considered a protest pout today in refusing to write a post announcing the first day of AirVenture 2006 since I am not able to join the gang from my EAA Chapter 284 … but that would be childish. Monday July 24 kicks off the aviation week as the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) marks the 54th annual EAA event. Thankfully my son and I were able to go last year … we had a great time. (see last years post and photos)

This week will bring more than 10,000 aircraft from around the world together and will represent both military and general aviation. The gathering will represent 60 nations and over 800 exhibitors as visitors in-person and via the internet participate. As Tom Poberezny, EAA’s president, states, “EAA AirVenture is not only aviation’s family reunion, but also the place where nearly every facet of flight is on display, as Oshkosh is the international crossroads where people enjoy and celebrate the freedom of flight.”

Visitors this year will see everything from a rare British Lancaster bomber to a US B-24, B-17s and B-25s — which are just a sampling of the 300 warbirds expected to be in Oshkosh. Current military planes like the B1B bomber, C-17 transport, A-10, F-16 and F/A-18 fighters will make an appearance along with the Navy’s Blue Angels making a flyby on Friday.

Camping is probably one of the highlights for experienced visitors as the camaraderie only enhances the trip to AirVenture. Who doesn’t enjoy sharing their passion with others who love the same thing? The Ford Motor company and Eclipse Aviation will be showing classic aviation movies each night on a five story inflatable screen for those staying at the campground. There will also be appearances by celebrities in aviation and Hollywood … including Harrison Ford and Cliff Robertson. One particular movie sort of stands out since Oshkosh and AirVenture will be its worldwide premiere — Flyboys. Not only does AirVenture offer entertainment from the silver screen, but tonight’s (Monday) live entertainment will be from a timeless California band starting the ‘fun, fun, fun’ — The Beach Boys.

Its not all fun and entertainment since what would Oshkosh AirVenture be like without workshops and lectures. Marion Blakley, FAA Administrator, will have two days of meetings with different groups and if he listens will be sure to get plenty of feedback from aviation enthusiasts.

The biggest name in general aviation, Cessna, also celebrates an anniversary this year … the big five-O. Almost every pilot has flown a Cessna at one time in their lives … and most likely a 172, which is the “most produced airplane model in history.” Probably Cessna’s biggest news is that they will introduce an entry into the Sport Aircraft arena.

For me, Homebuilders make up the core of the EAA faithful, and there will be tons for them to do. From checking out new plans to the latest in electronics … every homebuilder will be like a kid in a candy shop. Innovation is something that comes with ‘experimental aircraft’ and there of that there will be no shortage. Those appreciating where we’ve been will enjoy looking back at aviation’s innovative 100 year history and those wanting to know where aviation is going will get just that glimpse as NASA displays a full scale silhouette of what the next generation astronauts may take to the moon, mars adn beyond.

If you love aviation, best place to be this week is Oshkosh Wisconsin … if not, just do the best you can to block off the week next year and ‘try’ to enjoAirVenturere via the internet. (hey guys … send me some photos!)

Category: Aviation | 2 Comments »
Tags: eaa, oshkosh, wisconsin

Posted By RichC on July 23, 2006

eFlybook is on sale for pilots at myairplane.com for $899.00 which includes a 6 month update subscription to charts and data. It is one of the first ‘electronic paper’ products out this year. The much ballyhooed Sony Reader has made its way around trade shows, but is not available to the public just yet.

ARINC Incorporated is marketing the eFlybook using iRex Technologies electronic paper based eReader system called the iRex Iliad ER 0100. The product is tailored for the aviation market and provided a non-glare white plastic screen that displays electronic documents just as if they were printed on traditional paper.

“A user can also “write” on the screen with a stylus just like regular paper. The handwriting can be captured electronically, stored and erased, and the screen can be used again and again. The iRex iLiad has a high-resolution black and white display that closely matches the appearance of printed paper. The glare-free white surface incorporates iRex’s high-brightness electrophoretic display technology which remains as clear and readable as paper under all conditions, including direct sunlight.”

ARINC eFlyBookâ„¢, a self-powered portable flight document library intended for use by U.S. based general aviation pilots. It stores hundreds of FAA charts and essential documents in memory and displays them with high legibility on the electronic paper screen.

ARINC introduced eFlyBook will be available for review at the world’s largest general aviation gather, AirVenture 2006, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

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Posted By RichC on July 23, 2006

Don’t get too worried that I’m switching automotive brand loyalty just yet, but with Honda eventually entering the US diesel game I’m going to be taking a close look. (within 3 years we’ve been told) A recent article in the Atlanta Constitution discussed three models most likely to receive the oil burner — starting with the one I personally expect, the Honda Accord. The other two models that were mentioned are the Civic and the CR-V. John Watts, manager of Honda’s US product planning, suggested that “That 2.2 could probably crank out about 200 horsepower and about 220 [pounds-feet of] torque at little rpm, vehicles like the Pilot [SUV] and Odyssey [minivan] are too big for a four-cylinder.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m happy Honda is considering importing the clean 2.2 liter diesel showing some pretty impressive performance over in Europe, but actually a vehicle like the Pilot and the Odyssey currently operate pretty well on a gasoline engine delivering 244 horsepower and 244 lb.-ft of torque. My thought is that a 2.2 liter diesel at 200 horsepower isn’t necessarily all that far off considering that Volkswagen’s Jetta, New Beetle, Golf and even the Passat operate with 4 cylinder diesels that develop only about 100 HP. (hey … its a diesel and low rpm torque is the key)

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