My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on February 3, 2006

As we move forward with alternative energy and ways to displace petroleum as a primary fuel, I believe it is important to encourage industry and the country to explore a variety of option. The old adage of “placing all your eggs in one basket” apply to the predicament of what energy source we should consider. Personally, I believe we’ll eventually move towards hydrogen as a portable energy source, but see the road long and complicated. Even if we eventually adopt hydrogen fuel cells, I believe there will be combinations of petroleum and biofuels for many years to come. On my blog, I try not to overly focus on politics, but since the last two posts detail politicians (President Bush, Majority Leader Rep. John Boehner) who both are supportive of farm based renewable fuels … and are regularly promoting biofuels as a way to overcome our “petroleum addiction,” I wanted to stress a few key points because unlike hydrogen … it is something we can do today.

Key facts about biodiesel and ethanol

*There are more than 4 million FFVs (Flexable Fuel Vehicles) that can run E85 (85% ethanol) currently on America’s roadways.

* Biodiesel works in any diesel engine and is much cleaner burning than petroleum diesel. It can be blended with petroleum at any percentage and can be made from any fat or vegetable oil. About 90 percent of U.S. biodiesel is made from soybean oil. It takes roughly 7 pounds (about 3.2 kg) of soybean oil to make one gallon (about 3.8 liters) of diesel.

* Ethanol, an alcohol most often made from grains and sugar cane, is blended with gasoline to reduce tailpipe emissions in cars and trucks. One acre of corn can produce 300 gallons of ethanol — enough to fuel four cars for one year with a 10% ethanol-blend.

* Biodiesel production capacity in Europe, mainly in Germany and France, has risen sharply as countries try to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and cut the bloc’s dependence on fuel imports. The EU in 2004 set a target that fuels should contain 5.75 percent of biofuels in 2010.

* Brazil is the world’s leading producer and exporter of ethanol, derived from the country’s huge sugarcane crop. It already blends its domestic gasoline with 25 percent ethanol and is looking to U.S., Japanese and Indian markets to boost exports.

* In the United States, the second largest biofuel producer after Brazil, hundreds of major truck fleets use biodiesel including all branches of the U.S. military, NASA, several state departments of transportation and public utility fleets.

* China, the world’s second largest energy consumer, is also the third largest ethanol producer. The Philippines encourages use of coconut oil for biodiesel.

* The International Energy Agency estimates that under the most optimistic scenario ethanol could make up 10 percent of world gasoline by 2025.

Source: Reuters and International Energy Agency.

Testing the Google Video link:

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Posted By RichC on February 2, 2006

U.S. Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, the underdog to acting leader Rep. Roy Blunt becomes the new majority leader today in a 122 to 109 vote. He will replace the Texan Tom DeLay in hopes to clean up the scandal-rocked house.

Blunt will remain in the House Republican leadership, holding onto his job as majority whip, the person responsible for making sure Republican-backed bills pass the House. Blunt became acting majority leader in September after DeLay was forced under House Republican rules to step down when he was indicted in Texas on campaign-related felony charges.

In January, DeLay, under pressure from members, announced he would not seek to reclaim the job after lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a close associate, pleaded guilty in a mushrooming influence-peddling investigation that threatens the Republicans hold on Congress.

Additional info added — Feb. 3, 2005

Boehner was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended Moeller High School and received a bachelor’s degree in business from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 1977 and worked as a businessman.

In 1981 Boehner served on the board of trustees of Union Township, Butler County, Ohio. In 1984, he served as president of the township board of trustees.

He is a Roman Catholic and lives in the Wetherington section of West Chester Township, Butler County, Ohio. He has a wife Debbie and two daughters, Lindsay and Tricia.

Boehner served as an Ohio state representative from 1985 to 1990. In 1990, when U.S. Rep. Donald “Buz” Lukens (R-Ohio) was caught in a sex scandal involving a minor, Boehner challenged Lukens in the Republican primary and defeated the incumbent, while also upsetting the district’s former representative, Tom Kindness. Boehner went on to victory in the 1990 general election and began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives the 102nd Congress. He was a member of the Gang of Seven, comprised of young, idealistic conservatives with a mission to clean up congressional corruption, many of whom, including, Boehner, have been criticized for their ties to Jack Abramoff.

From 1995 to 1999, Boehner served as the Republican Conference Chairman in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is now entering his final term as the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Boehner is widely credited with championing the Contract With America, the 1996 Freedom to Farm Act, and the passage of “No Child Left Behind Act.” He was also one of the key figures in the failed 1998 coup to replace House Speaker Newt Gingrich with Buffalo, New York congressman Bill Paxon. In 1995, Boehner raised eyebrows by distributing campaign checks from tobacco industry lobbyists on the House floor. His PAC has raised $31,500 from four Indian tribes associated with lobbyist Jack Abramoff[1], who is currently the central figure in an unfolding lobbying scandal.

Boehner was elected House Majority Leader on February 2, 2006, after previous leader Tom DeLay stepped down after being indicted of criminal charges of conspiracy to violate election laws. Boehner campaigned as a reform candidate who could help the House Republicans cleanse and recover from the political damage caused by charges of ethics violations, corruption and money laundering leveled against prominent conservatives such as DeLay and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, in spite of his own ties to Abramoff. He bested fellow candidates Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Rep. John Shadegg of Arizona, even though he was considered the underdog candidate. It was the most contested election among House Republicans since 1998. Boehner received 122 votes compared to 109 by Blunt in a run-off vote. Rep. Shadegg dropped out of the race after a loss in the first round of voting. Blunt was re-elected to his previous position as Majority Whip, the No. 3 leadership position in the House.

Click Wikipedia Link for Source info.

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Posted By RichC on January 30, 2006

President Bush will use his State of the Union address this week to stress a package of energy proposals. He will continue to talk about our nation’s development and implementation of fuel-saving technologies. Front most in the President’s vision is hydrogen. He believes that eventually Americans will be filling their fuel-cell cars at hydrogen stations and eventually it will replace petroleum providing us near limitless supplies of clean burning fuel. (hmm … probably not in my lifetime?)

In the short term, President Bush will promote biofuels as a way to use our existing vehicles. Many vehicles already run on fuels processed from farm produce or even trash called biodiesel and ethanol. The president remarked regularly about these alternatives in his first term and notably referenced them in his stump speeches, like the one in West Chester, OH in 2004. (click for short mp3 audio)

The President’s proposals will be aimed at spreading the use of biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and renewable fuels — some were part of the energy bill that he signed into law in August of 2005. The addition of subsidised alternatives like biodiesel and ethanol have largely gone unnoticed by most Americans and so far are only seen as a drop in the bucket. According to a Pew Research poll, 9 out of 10 Americans worry about high fuel prices and US citizens are feeling pinched as high energy costs are reflected in nearly everything they purchase. We’re all are seeing higher heating and utility bills and who hasn’t noticed the cost of filling up their car? Even though the economy has shown some encouraging signs, energy and fuel prices continue to dampen that mood.

No doubt the biggest concern Americans face as we ponder energy, is the unrest in the middle east. President Bush expressed this in a comment to CBS, “I agree with Americans who understand being hooked on foreign oil as an economic problem and a national security problem.” He told CBS that he is looking for tax breaks that encourage new technologies, which is popular with farmers, with industry and with consumers of those products. “We have got to wean ourselves off hydrocarbons, oil. And the best way, in my judgment, to do it is to promote and actively advance new technologies so that we can drive – have different driving habits.”

Bush stresses that the federal government needs to push harder toward a more widespread use of corn-based ethanol, although non-corn ethanol from sources like grasses, wood chips and even garbage could prove practical and cost-effective. (although most in this industry suggest we are still years away from using raw products other than corn for ethanol)

Most likely the President will point out that we already have vehicle capable of using these alternative fuels. For example, 4.6 million cars on the road in the United States can run on ethanol. The fuel works in more than 30 models, however, almost all drivers of those vehicles outside the corn belt fill up with gasoline — as do many ‘even’ in the corn belt. (See E85 ready vehicles)

Although the automakers and most environmentalists are excited about the prospect of fuel cells and hydrogen, developing and adopting this technology is going to be extremely expensive. The production of hydrogen is energy intensive and we as a country lack the infrastructure and specialized fueling stations to make it viable in the short term. (unlike biodiesel and ethanol) The date most government officials place on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is 2020.

As for electricity, fuel oil and natural gas that Americans used to power their homes, we are well behind the curve in supplantting these with renewables. Very little U.S. electricity now comes from renewables such as wind, solar, geothermal, wood and waste; it will be interesting to see what options are presented.

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Posted By RichC on January 29, 2006

Saturday morning, January 27, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger and seven astronauts prepared for a cold morning ride into space at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; they didn’t launch. Those of us patiently waiting on Cocoa Beach, including yours truly, were disappointed when we heard the word of the postponed flight. Chilled to the bone I climbed back in my rented convertible and headed back to Orlando where my wife was taking the Florida State Pharmacy boards. I was irritated not only because I didn’t have winter clothes, but because I took the early drive just to corner a spot on the dune to set up my tripod and SLR with a long lens. (I recall, I also had our ‘giant’ video camera — by today’s’ standards — hung on my shoulder.)

That week, most of Florida had been dogged by extraordinarily cold weather and on that particular morning everything above ground was caked in ice. The foliage that surrounded our hotel looked like ice sculptures after the sprinkler systems morning routine. If it would not have been so cold, I probably would have taken a few photos as the “ice sculpture” was quite beautiful. I debated if I would go again the next day on Saturday – I didn’t. Instead, I tried to view it outside while in Orlando.

Sadly, at 11:38 AM on January 28th only 73 seconds after launch, the shuttle was blown apart; smoke and eery contrails that zigzagged across the cold blue sky. All seven astronauts died in the explosion and the images shocked our nation, as well as rattled NASA to its core. In a way, I was glad not to have been at the Cape to witness such a tragedy. Like the images of 9/11, the visual included above is forever be etched in my memory.

On Saturday, the US Air Force honor guards placed a wreath at the Challenger Memorial Plaque, remembering the crew of the Challenger at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. At Cape Kennedy, about 250 people gathered to remember the lost 20 years ago. Richard Scobee, the son of Dick Scobee, Challenger’s commander stated, “It’s been more than 20 years and I think about it every day.” He watched solemnly as his mother laid a wreath of roses and carnations at a memorial honoring all the fallen astronauts Saturday at Kennedy Space Center. “Our lives were shattered, but over the years that followed the families persevered with tremendous success,” June (Scobee) Rodgers said. “I believe those parents launched aboard Challenger would be proud of their children.”

In the months and years that followed, the Challenger accident was reviewed and the shuttle program underwent a complete safety and public relation rework. Confidence was shattered as the defect in an ‘O’ ring seal of the solid rocket booster was determined to be the cause. Experts concluded that the design itself was poor and that the cold weather experienced on the Cape contributed to hardening of the gasket material (BTW … the temperature was 36 degrees at launch). Interestingly the contracted engineers working for NASA protested the launch when the temperatures were so cold, but their concerns were overruled.

In the end, it comes down to minimizing risk when pushing the envelope and as Dick Scobee’s widow explains, “Without risk, there’s no discovery, there’s no new knowledge, there’s no bold adventure. The greatest risk is to take no risk.”

The Challenger Crew:
– Dick Scobee, commander
– Mike Smith, pilot
– Ellison Onizuka, astronaut
– Judy Resnik, astronaut
– Ron McNair, astronaut
– Greg Jarvis, astronaut
– Christa McAuliffe, to be the first teacher in space

NASA and the space program have been knitted into my life while growing up and continues to be to this day; my daughter still plans on becoming an astronaut. In the 60’s I experienced the triumphs and tragedies of the space race and was witness to one of mankind’s’ greatest accomplishments — that of landing a man on the moon. As we continue to explore space and the intricate engineering require for our space vehicles, I hope the hard lessons learned from disasters such as the Challenger will remind us to make safety a top priority.

NASA remembers link.

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Tags: challenger, memories, nasa, richc, shuttle, space, story

Posted By RichC on January 27, 2006

Lumbriculus what????
There is a rapidly spreading computer virus call “blackworm” which is beginning to spread quickly through internet email infecting PCs around the world. So far security experts estimate some 300+ thousand computers are already infected and that many more have receive emails containing the virus. What makes this virus a bit more concerning is that instead of just tying up email servers like many recent virus concerns, this one is potentially destructive.

The “blackworm” virus is scheduled to trigger on February 3rd and if the experts are correct, will begin to destroy data on the infected computers. The virus attack and will obliterate files created by Word, Excel, Power Point, Acrobat PDF as well as several other formats including ZIP compressed files.

What can you do?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: First, be savy about opening email attachments as this is how most viruses spread. It has already appeared in various forms and some of its common subject headers are: hot movie, miss lebanon 2006, My photos, Fwd: image.jpg, Fw: Sexy, Fw: Real show, Fwd: Crazy illegal sex and dsc 00465.jpeg. Attachments are known to read: WinZip.BHX, DSC-00465.plf, New_Document_file.plf, eBook.pdf, eBook. PIF, Video_part.mim, Atta[001].zip.SCR, Attachments001.BHX and WinZip.zip.sCR. One should assume that many other ‘containers’ and subject are being proliferated and that the above are not the only threats.

One way many users have been able to detect if their computers are infected is when a ZIP file suddenly appears on their desktop, or if they are unable to update their antivirus software. One thing you can do is to be doubly sure to run current updates to your current virus detection software when they become available or as Apple users might suggest … switch to a Mac.
😉
For more pertinent, check with your antivirus providers website.

UPDATE: MP3 Audio detailing virus from WSJ. (right click/save as)

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Posted By RichC on January 26, 2006

Here’s a little video clip for BMW lovers and dreamers called “The Ultimate Test Drive.“ (encoded H.264 mp4 and is a 7.6 mb download – right click/save as) It’s a promo clip demostrating the BMW M5 performance sedan by a professional driver on a test track. The footage and comments from the driver regarding this finely tuned combination of power and handling are entertaining to watch … so much so that it makes me want to go down to The BMW Store again. (ask for Dave Lewis if you ‘really’ want to know more about this car. He also maintains a great ‘just’ BMW news site — BMWLivery.com) For those of us struggling to get out from behind our ‘goobermobile’ (code name for our minivan) and into a finely engineered ‘4000 lb -four door family car,’ a BMW might be just the ticket even if the M5 is more car than we really need.

About BMW and in particular the M5:
The BMW M5 is the super-sport sedan and is more sophisticated and more powerful than ever. It is powered by an incredibly advanced V-10 engine, with a five-liter capacity, 10 cylinders, 500-hp (SAE net) output, 383 lb-ft maximum torque, and engine speeds in excess of 8,000 rpm. The BMW M5 boasts the most innovative drive concept in its class, the best power-to-weight ratio, super-car handling, as well as luxurious appointments and outstanding everyday driving characteristics. For those who demand uncompromised performance and want to share the thrills, there’s only one vehicle: the inimitable BMW M5.

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Posted By RichC on January 25, 2006

The biodiesel industry and supporters are making ground in getting manufactures to support biodiesel in their engines. Although most already approve the use of B5 (5% biodiesel), DaimlerChrysler has issued a press release that will expand this to B20 (20% biodiesel) in their Cummins diesel powered Dodge Ram pickup truck. It is good to see a ‘domestic’ truck embracing clean, renewable and domestically produced fuels.

According to the press release, the initial approval was to the military, government and fleet users of the Dodge Ram diesel powered trucks. According to the CEO of the Chrysler Group, Tom LaSorda, “diesel technology alone can make big strides toward helping us meet our national energy, environment and security objectives” … but “when you add biodiesel and other biofuels, it gets really interesting. Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil.”

Also in the press release there seemed to be a strong support for more US diesels. They will be pushing a “campaign to re-introduce diesel-powered passenger vehicles to the U.S. consumers” through the use of biofuels and BlueTec –DaimlerChrysler’s trademark name for a urea catalyst for Diesel automobile engine emissions reductions.

As for the passenger side of DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes-Benz was at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit showing off its E320 and GL320 which should makes these vehicles 50-state legal in the United States. Sales for these vehicles will begin in autumn 2006 as a 2007 model. Interestingly through the grapevine I have heard that Jeep Grand Cherokee and possibly the new Commander willl have the same Bluetec engine. Rumors also allegethat a hybrid vehicle using the technology will follow … now that should be a pretty efficient vehicle.

In the U.S. biodiesel is made primarily from soybeans although it can be produced from many oil producing plants as well as recycling fryer grease as fuels. Plants to produce biodiesel are expanding throughout the country and projected growth in this industry is 5 fold. DaimlerChrysler is also participating in research programs in Germany and India that will produce high-quality biodiesel from non-food agricultural products. One of the most promising IMHO is using fast growing, oil producing algae. For a good read, download this well done PDF presentation.

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Posted By RichC on January 23, 2006

1/26/2006 UPDATE EDIT: Blackberry decision could come on February 24th.

Are you a ‘CrackBerry‘ addict? Thankfully I’m not but do used a computer and cell phone pretty regularly? I suspect we all know someone with a Blackberry device, I for one have a close friend who looks down at his every 5 minutes. 🙂
Its a good new bad news kind of thing as the Supreme Court chose not to intervene in the case between Research In Motion Ltd and the patent-holder NTP Inc., regarding “push” email technology being used by RIM. The case will fall back to the Richmond Virginia federal court and will be in the hands of U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer who once before imposed a settlement of approximately 200 million dollars.

For now, Blackberry service is still up and running and the judge could impose and injunction that would block service to customer devices. More than likely he will encourage RIM to strike a mutually acceptable deal with the patent holder. Some suspect that Research In Motion Ltd. is seeking time to develop another method that will allow its 3 million or so users to continue to stay connected … although many believe that is what they have been trying to do. Nevertheless, a solution is not yet at hand.

According recent comments, “Attorney Kevin Anderson, who represents NTP, said the firm is pleased with the court’s action.” He went on to say that NTP thinks “the Supreme Court’s rejection of RIM’s position makes it clear that RIM should stop defying the U.S. legal system.”

To add to the confusion, Research In Motion’s Vice President Mark Guibert said, “RIM has consistently acknowledged that Supreme Court review is granted in only a small percentage of cases and we were not banking on Supreme Court review. RIM’s legal arguments for the District Court remain strong and our software workaround designs remain a solid contingency.”

BlackBerry devices have been the handheld leader in ‘constant email contact’ devices since 1999. Until recently they had few comparibles … perhaps most notable the Palm Treo Communicators.

The legal actions began in 2001, when NTP sued RIM for infringing their patents. A jury in 2002 in Richmond then decided that RIM had indeed infringed on patents held by NTP and awarded them 5.7 percent of U.S. BlackBerry sales. Judge Spencer later decided to increase that rate to 8.55 percent. Estimates are that this would amount to nearly 200 million. In a sign that NTP might be concerned that RIM will find a work around or continue to slow the legal proceedings, they have indicated just this past week that they are willing to resolve the matter if RIM were to pay the original 5.7 percent royalty fee granted by the 2002 jury.

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Posted By RichC on January 22, 2006

Engineers and builders at Accelerated Composites LCC in San Diego, CA are well into their strange looking Aptera prototype designed to get up to 330 miles on a gallon according to their studies. The two seat hybrid car is a prototype built of lightweight composites that they intend to market for under $20,000.

The engineers designing this hypermiler believe that the car will drive similar to the Honda Insight and through the use of “cutting-edge materials, manufacturing methods, and the maverick design.” This aerodynamic design will give the Aptera the lowest drag form factor than any car in the world according to Accelerated Composites founder and CEO Steve Fambro. It has receive interesting comments ranging from it looks like a dolphin or “does it fly too?” One thing for sure Mr. Fambro says, “looks like nothing you’ve ever seen.” (click for a larger photo)

Although aerodynamics are important, reducing weight is important too. The composite using in this car will make it the lightest two seater on the road and still offer a “crash box” similar to Formula One race cars.

The composite company is using their company’s patent-pending “Panelized Automated Composite Construction.” Accelerated Composites, LLC refers to this as PAC2© and it lends itself to parallel assembly. They will use off the shelve engines and electric motors with patented hybrid circuitry. Composites make perfect sense in the automotive industry but very few are redesigning their factories and their huge investment.

It will be interesting to see if it actually can achieve 330MPG?

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Posted By RichC on January 20, 2006

I’ve noticed that the BMW Mini brand has some interesting advertising on its Canadian website. IMHO this is an ‘effective use of Flash‘ in web design, but perhaps its a bit ‘racy’ for the US markets? Actually, even though I’m considered a bit of a prude, I found this ad very effective. I’m not suggesting that I would rush out and buy a Mini Cooper (or dress my wife in leather), but I’m now a bit more interested in what Dave Lewis has upstairs? Click here for the Mini Cooper ad and here for “what Dave has upstairs.”
🙂
*** Note: Previous comments on the Mini Cooper.

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Tags: BMW, dave lewis, mini cooper, taylor