My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on April 15, 2006

Because April 15th falls on a Saturday this year, your taxes aren’t officially due until April 17th — Monday. You still have a day.

“The tax Federal tax return filing deadline for Tax Year 2005 is Monday, April 17, 2006. (Residents of the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont may be able to file Federal tax returns as late as Tuesday, April 18, 2006, due to Patriot’s Day. The IRS will announce final confirmation regarding Patriot’s Day in January 2006.”

If you didn’t file by April 17, you’ll need to file for an extension.

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Posted By RichC on April 14, 2006

Our area will celebrate Earth Day (April 22, 2006) downtown at Sawyers Point from 1 PM until dark. It will be an enjoyable time and a ‘less’ crowded family oriented atomsphere … with music at 6:45PM from The Knack. Check you calendars and consider spending the afternoon in downtown Cincinnati.

People who care about our land, air and water come in all shapes and sizes, all political preferences and in all degrees of passion. You don’t have to be the stereotypical ‘hippy’ to care about our environment … I’ve yet to meet the person who doesn’t care at least a little bit about taking care of our world.

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Posted By RichC on April 14, 2006

The long awaited Google Calendar was announced today and so I thought would give it a whirl. (sort of ho-hum) I’m not sure what I was expecting, but its just another place to place and share appointments and schedules. Obviously I’m going to need to tinker with it a bit longer, but so far I don’t think its a must have. (Gmail is another thing … its a must have in my opinion.)

The Google calendar software is different from other online calendars because it allows users to maintain several calendars and integrated them with other web services and software. It enables a user selectable “who can view” option so you can share information. This might be great for clubs and organizations that use the google groups, but I’ve not notice Yahoo’s calendaring option really being used that much in their Groups email list service.

‘Calendaring’ could be an interesting way to integrate content and date oriented information into computer tools people use. Google Calendar comes with the capabilities of invitation software like Evite, and could quickly and friends and contacts to how people connect with busy schedules. I personally have contemplated a family schedule where each activity is plugged into the calendar and conflicts avoided. We’ll see, but unless someone uses Google calendar and allows importing that data into our family calendar, I doubt my family will plug each and every event in?

Here’s what Carl Sjogreen the project manager for Google Calendar thinks: “Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information, and what people have going on in their lives is very important for them.” Google Calendar may be a slow start for me, but it hasn’t been quite as disappointing as Google Video — yuck.

Category: Cloud, Computer, Productivity | 10 Comments »
Tags: calendar, gmail, google

Posted By RichC on April 13, 2006

For those of us using the Firefox browser, there is an update available that should fix a couple issues, especially a security flaw. For those of you still using Internet Explorer, you might want to consider giving Firefox a test drive; I really like it on the PC. (Safari seems to still run faster on Mac and that is especially noticeable on the new Intel -based Macs)

I have noticed a few crashes lately and am hoping this will solve the problem. Fixes in Firefox 1.5.0.2:

Spoofing with translucent windows

Security check of js_ValueToFunctionObject() can be circumvented

Privilege escalation through Print Preview

Privilege escalation using crypto.generateCRMFRequest

File stealing by changing input type

CSS Letter-Spacing Heap Overflow Vulnerability

Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.8.0.2)

Fixed in Firefox 1.5.0.1

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Posted By RichC on April 13, 2006

Here’s a winner for all those teens wanting cell phones. (better link)Sprint Nextel introduced a wireless service to help parents find their children. The locator device uses a mapping system that is accurate to a radius of 2 to 100 yards. This could provide and interesting conversation when parents and teens discuss the evening events?

It is branded the “Family Locator Service” but more than likely will gain a more appropriate ‘clock and dagger’ nickname. One benefit for teens is that they’ll have time to contemplate their fate, as the service also notifies children via text message that their parents have checked up on their location.

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Posted By RichC on April 13, 2006

Violence with an uncomfortable reminder once again erupts in recovering Cincinnati. Just when residents seemed to be working together to mend the real and perceived problems in this racially sensitive city gunfire is heard on the steps of city hall (actually record ‘in’ city hall). Citizens, neighborhoods, city hall and the police department have all worked hard to discuss differences and listen to one another. One voice, although not always passive, was that of Michael Bailey (or General Kabaka Oba) who was critically shot today outside of city hall. His recent tone has been ‘friendlier’ toward the Cincinnati police which often has been a target of his criticism.

The incident happened just after he attended a meeting at city hall today, where he was shot multiple time in the legs, arm and chest. According to his brother, he is still critical condition, but resting comfortably. After police receive a solid ID on the shooter from the victim himself, Howard Beatty of the West End turned himself in to police. Bailey and Beatty have had several verbal confrontations to the point it is being described as a ‘feud.’

Thankfully today’s violence was contained to this event between two men and that the community seems to understand that it is not ‘riot’ worthy. (but I’m not holding my breath; we have our share of idiots)

Another note semi-worthy of being mentioned is that Ohio is one step closer to passing Jessica’s Law. A popular Cincinnati area radio celebrity, Bill Cunningham – AM 700 WLW, was interviewed on the O’Reilly Factor tonight. He was asked to voice his thoughts on the subject of why most of the newspapers of Ohio seem out of step with the voters in supporting Jessica’s Law and taking such a soft stand on Judges unwilling to come down hard on sexual predators. (see previous post and post) I’ll include a clip with his thoughts. (BTW: I’m testing a capture from my Slingbox while away from home — how’s the quality?)

Category: News, Video-TV | No Comments »
Tags: cincinnati, foxnews, ohio, police

Posted By RichC on April 11, 2006

The EIA (Energy Information Administration) released estimates for summer fuel pricing this morning and its not good if you are a summer driver of either gasoline or diesel vehicles. (see chart below)

According the the EIA release, “continued steady world oil demand growth, combined with only modest increases in world spare oil production capacity and the continuing risks of geopolitical instability, are expected to keep crude oil prices high through 2006.”

Summer (April 1 to September 30) regular gasoline pump prices are expected to average $2.62 per gallon, 25 cents higher than last year’s average of $2.37 per gallon.

Retail diesel prices are also expected to average $2.62 per gallon, 3 cents higher than last years average of $2.59 per gallon.

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Posted By RichC on April 11, 2006

While on the theme of hybrid vehicles, one would be remiss if not to comment on the segment leading, and third-generation improving Toyota Prius. According to British reporters at Auto Express, Toyota is to build the first production car capable of returning more than 110mpg (imperial gallons = 94mpg US gallons). In Europe the competition for fuel sipping is even more intense then in the US as the miser vehicles have traditionally been diesel.

A Toyota engineer commented to the Auto Express reporter Peter Lyon: “The whole electrical system has been redesigned to improve economy. We are working on a prototype that runs solely on the electric motor in slow traffic, but switches to engine and motor drive when higher speeds are needed.”

The article goes on to state, “The secret lies with the batteries. The current Prius uses nickel-hydride items, which currently offer the best balance between cost and performance. But engineers are working on new lithium cells, which are lighter, smaller, generate more power and last longer. Subaru and Mitsubishi both plan to sell electric cars by 2010, but Toyota hopes to get its new model on the road as early as 2008.”

Something that most of us will say under our breath … “yes but the performance will suffer.” Not too loud … they also claim that the 0-60mph times will improve by one second putting it at just under 10 seconds. Toyota continues to lead the hybrid segment and from the sounds of things, a 3rd generation Prius should be as strong a seller as gen one and two.

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Posted By RichC on April 10, 2006

All hybrid vehicles are green … right? — Obviously not … but that doesn’t stop marketeers from trying to make ‘hay’ by building and selling a hybrid vehicles that aren’t exactly green. The truth is that some hybrid vehicles are going to leave a ‘less than desirable’ footprint on our society and give a black-eye to those vehicles that are wisely using hybrid technology. I’ve attached a CNBC clip (below) that debates the merits of ‘hybrid’ technology. While I don’t agree with the ‘anti-hybrid’ opinion, we need to be aware that all hybrid vehicles are not ‘created’ equal. In fact, some hybrids, even if they improve fuel efficiency, might impact our environment more negatively than its simpler counterpart?

The debate as to what direction Americans, and the world, should be adopting in clean vehicles of the future continues to rage. There are those heavily invested in hybrid vehicles that are coupled to the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and continue to want to defend this leading ‘clean’ technology. There are others who believe improving the existing an far simpler single technology (one energy producer) vehicles like most of us now have is the best option in bridging the gap until a universally clean system is developed. Still other are advocates for rushing completely new technology into place; ones that are strictly plug in electric, use hydrogen or hydrogen based fuels cells who’s fuel is generated in a super clean way at a central power station. Still there are others who believe in modifying the fuels we use in existing technology, such as ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied petroleum gas or compressed natural gas. More than likely we’ll see a variety of these options in the next few years and they will continue to compete for consumers and the governments blessing as being the ‘best’ clean vehicle technology — but we all need to keep our eye on the big picture — ‘cradle to grave’ as it is often referred to.

I personally see our future moving toward the fuel cell option, but don’t see it anytime soon or as an all inclusive option. Just as a two seat sports car isn’t appropriate for moving freight across the country, a 2 seat fuel-celled carbon fiber passenger vehicle isn’t appropriate for every use. Therefore, I see this time of discovering better technology and fueling options as a good thing. As we continue to diversify our fuel choices, improve the efficiency of the ICEs, and adopt ways to ‘regenerate’ lost energy through hybrid technology and opt for renewable fuel options capable of fueling even the largest of commercial vehicles … man wins because the best choices should rise to the top.

The conversation this morning on the CNBC network brought a good debate to light. Most likely neither side had complete accuracy as to the ‘hybrid debate,’ but all that watch can certainly see that there is more to a ‘green car’ than adding an electric motor and calling it a hybrid. ‘Cradle to grave’ or ‘dust to dust’ impact has as much to do with making the hybrid ‘green’ as does how a company uses hybrid technology. It does seem that today we are seeing company jump into the hybrid arena with little effort to make the vehicle an efficient one. Buyer beware: “Just because it is a hybrid doesn’t always make it the best option.”

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Posted By RichC on April 8, 2006

John Neff and Chris Paukert talked at length today on their podcast about a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (diesel) vegetable oil conversion. (See Autoblog Podcast) John met with the owners in Lorain Ohio and spent some time checking out their vehicle. The two brothers, Chuck and Tom Norton, had their car converted to run on Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) or Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) at a nearby company in Oberlin, Ohio (near Cleveland) called Full Circle Fuels . According to a previous article, Full Circle Fuels use hardware from Golden Fuel Systems . (formerly Greasel) The photos and description were excellent and well worth a read even though its not exactly biodiesel. (see link)

If you aren’t anxious to listen to the entire 35 minute podcast, but want the parts discussing the veggie car conversion, some slightly editted audio (and smaller file) can be downloaded here. (right-click/save-as if it doesn’t quickly play) The last few minutes of conversation between John Neff and Chris Paukert also discuss biodiesel and hydrogen … as well as comment positively concerning diesel cars in the US. The indepth interview photos were well done.

Category: Automotive, Biodiesel, Volkswagen | No Comments »
Tags: conversion, jetta, svo, volkswagen, vw