My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on August 27, 2005

A discussion about petroleum and how to encourage the US toward alternative energy revisited a group I belong to today, so I’ll include part of my post below.

First … B2, B5, B10, B15 and the quazi-standard B20 are all within the realm of possibilities when incentives are in place, prices are high and the national mindset is one of not being controlled yet again by OPEC. Those believing we’ll retire the use of petroleum in our lifetime and use other energy sources are probably not living in the real world, IMHO. The problem is that for national acceptance we’ll need to defend the alternatives in their infancy if we want to avoid the controls that foreign oil suppliers. I believe that as Blair suggested that OPEC would eventually lower prices in shutting down not only biofuels, but other young alternatives … and including our own countries ‘more costly’ US based petroleum related industries. (been there, done that if you are old enough to remember the 70s and then the 80s)

I’ll defend the soybean farmers only in that they are currently the power behind US biodiesel. Their support develops another market and higher demand for beans … even though most in this business realize other crops are better suited for biodiesel. They would prefer high demand for soybeans and therefore higher prices for soybeans which can be use for many, many products besides fuels. Such is the farming business.

There are several other options to traditional soil based farm crops. These could start an entirely new industry. One of the most promising is the desert farming of algae for biodiesel. We’re talking shallow salt ponds and harvesting hybrid algae strains grown specifically for fuels … yields are good and crop after crop can be mechanically harvested. The piping of Pacific Ocean water to the Sonoma desert makes this possible … yes it sounds like pie in the sky, but it is not as ridiculous as it seems considering what we do with pipelines today. Investment in this brand new industry would be significant, but would also create US jobs around a new highly profitable renewable fuel industry. Some calculations have determines that using only 9% of desert area in California could supply our entire nation with biodiesel??? (I’m sure there are skeptics. : ) Nevertheless … it does hold promise for those wondering how we could possibly grow enough oilcrops as the biofuel markets grow.

I also think that the biggest hurdle is that if we do begin to supplement our energy needs with something other than petroleum, we risk OPEC dropping the prices (again) just to get a lock on energy. Pumping oil out of the ground is still cheaper than producing that oil, but eventually the well runs dry? See Peak Oil for the variety of opinion on this. Not only would purposely driving the price of petroleum down deter alternatives, but it would hinder the development of hydrogen, fuel cells, hybrids, biofuels, oil sands, coal gasification and even the American oil industry which would undergo stress to remain profitable under lower per barrel prices. We would once again become reliant on cheaper foreign oil. (Have we learned a lesson this time? Doubtful.)

This brings us to what can and should be done to prevent this? Free market capitalist would let the markets run … and for the most part I do agree it is the proper way. BUT … do we quietly support cheap foreign oil with our federal taxes??? I think the answer would be ‘yes’ … some of our taxes are used to maintain shipping of oil, ports, security of wells and the countries which own them. It has been in our national interest to keep oil secure and flowing … and probably will continue to be. I have no problem with our federal government as needed to secure this and protect the environment as well. I do have a problem with that ‘cost’ not being included in the product when we purchase it. Therefore I like the PAA (Petroleum Acquisition Adjustment) …. which will equally reduce our income tax by the added adjustment to imported oil. This adjustment would be challenging legislation for our congress in accurately assessing the PAA and equally reducing income taxes …. in the end if done right it would be a zero net change in taxes for most all Americans. The only difference is that imported oil would have the PAA attached and the income taxes nationwide would be lower is some fair way. (easy to suggest < :)> but that’s what we elect our representative to do, right???)

For the record, I don’t see this getting much of a foothold at the moment … in fact it is only being discussed in a couple of closed circles to my knowledge. I see it important to prevent our country from falling back toward dependency on foreign oil. I’ll keep you posted if the handful of us promoting the PAA and let you know if it gets any traction. Feel free to offer constructive criticism or thoughts if you have them … as I’m hoping all political parties can see why this would be a good proposal.

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Posted By RichC on August 26, 2005

Hurricane Katrina came ashore just south of the all important Delray Beach (my family). The catagory 1 hurricane had sustained winds of 80 miles per hour with gusts up to 92 m.p.h. In talking to friends, there was no report of heavy damage as Katrina made landfall at 7 p.m just south of Delray Beach. The eye hit between North Miami Beach and Hallandale Beach with rains coming in horizonal sheets and drenching the hardest hit areas as much as 12 inches.

I’m glad to report that all are well in Delray and even schools will be open for a half day. On a grime note, 4 deaths were associated with the storm AND she is expected to reform over the Gulf and possibly hit Florida again after turning north and gaining strength. Katrina may not be done.

As for local Delray damage, it looks like some branches and rain, other than that all is well and except for some spotty power outages. Whew … another close call as Katrina could have been far worse.

Category: Misc, Weather | No Comments »
Tags: hurricane

Posted By RichC on August 24, 2005

Audi/Palm Pressrelease:
We are pleased to announce the Audi / Palm partnership in providing integrated capabilities with the palm Treo 650 and our 2006 models equipped with Bluetooth phone technology.

This announcement is the culmination of over a year’s worth of work of teams on both sides of the partnership. The Audi team was comprised of people from Marketing, PR, Product Planning, Aftersales, and the ERL, with support from Audi AG, in order for the technology to be fully integrated and provide a premium customer experience.

With the Treo 650 smartphone, Audi drivers can take advantage of the Treo 650’s advanced calling features without ever touching the smartphone. After initiating Bluetooth communications between the Treo 650 and the car, drivers can use the steering-wheel controls, MMI controls on the dashboard, or the optional voice recognition to do the following:

* Pick up or ignore incoming calls;
* Dial outgoing calls;
* View active call status, including caller ID;
* View the Treo 650’s call history;
* Dial from Treo 650 favorites, speed dials, or call logs;
* Access Treo 650 voicemail;
* Manage multiple incoming calls; and
* View carrier information, including signal strength and roaming status.

Bluetooth technology comes built-in to the Treo 650 smartphone and is standard in every 2006 Audi A8 and A6, so no extra purchase is required for Treo 650 owners who also own one of these new Audi models. Bluetooth technology also is available on the 2006 Audi A3 and 2006 Audi A4 and S4 sedans and Avants when the vehicles are equipped with the optional phone preparation.

In addition, Audi of America will introduce a special phone cradle that allows the customer to securely dock the Treo 650 smartphone in the center arm rest. The cradle provides a connection to the vehicle’s external antenna for optimal reception as well as a power supply that charges the Treo 650 while in the cradle. Customers will be able to purchase the cradle from their local Audi dealer this fall.

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Posted By RichC on August 22, 2005

“The morning after” the great CinciTDI “Intake Cleaning” GTG, or party depending on your perspective, sort of left me melancholy. The August GTG day is now gone after a long time in coming, and was even more successful than I envisioned. The real THANK YOU goes to Bruce for the mechanical aptitude and ‘nuts and bolts’ preparation to cover all the possible glitches; I don’t know what you could have done better except perhaps bringing your twin brother? Your generous giving nature make me proud to be associated with this group. I WILL speak for all of us and offer a big group “thank you” to Bruce for everything he has … AND CONTINUES to do for CinciTDI.

The day started about 0830 and things were already quite muggy, but once the parts started coming off and the sweat flowing, I didn’t hear anyone complaining? Tim Hunter’s tarp and the extra shade canopies made working in the hot sun bearable as we were able to park cars nose to nose in able to share tools and shade. The afternoon wind and rain was a nice break as we’ll all stood for a few moments holding everything in place. I don’t recall any major problems, although there were a few leaks when a few intakes went back together. Everyone brought drinks and plenty of extra water and heard several reminders to stay hydrated … I think Eric left the biggest sweat puddle and pile of intake ‘gunk.’ : ) It is amazing these cars can continue to run blocked that much.

A couple of things that might have missed the eyes of folks with their heads buried under their own hoods were the multiple maintain items that Jerry was able to accomplish on his 2005 Passat TDI Wagon …. a PD. He was going to tackle the Intake cleaning as he is aready over 90,000 miles. (That might have been a sleeping bag and toothbrush in the back seat???) Anyway Jerry was happy to get the regular maintenence items … and felt doing his intake cleaning while a dozen others were going on might be overkill, considering nobody here has taken the PD intake off yet. (It did look accessable though, once the airbox was out) Ernest was able to check some codes and reset his CEL as were a couple of other cars. Dan was the most comical considering the 3 leaking new injectors … it would have been interesting to have been hiding in the back seat listening to his wife on the way home. 🙂 We found out that Tom can’t be trusted to take cookies home to his wife and I highly doubt she even got ONE! : ) I hope ‘young’ Charles feels better as I know he wanted to do his intake. He arrived a little late and under the weather, but help by running the intakes to the car wash with others demonstrating the blasting of the final ‘gunk’ out. Maybe we can get your car done another weekend, nevertheless we appreciated all the extra ice and help while under the weather?

Even ‘famous’ Dave was their working on his Jetta TDI Greasecar!

I know I’ve probably neglected the many others that gave of themselves and in particular went overboard to help clean up. Eric and Tim after completing their own intakes cleaned up the final extra intakes that were soaking; that was over an beyond, but I know Bruce appreciated not having to take filthy intakes home. (also Eric, thanks for taking the many gallons of dirty solvent with you) BTW, Dan … thank Kristin for keeping Brenda company and helping set up and clean up all the food.

This group is amazing … the way everyone selflessly worked together in making sure each car was put back together and every tool back to its rightful owner. I can’t imagine hanging out with a nicer group of people. Brenda and I want to thank each one of you for bringing the extra food and drinks (Potato salad and chips for the week!) There were a few items left behind; if they go unclaimed, I will toss them in the ‘community toolbox.’

The CinciTDI group deserves a pat on the back as this was perhaps the most productive GTG I’ve every part of. Great job.

Category: Automotive, Diesel, Volkswagen | 2 Comments »
Tags: cincitdi, cleaning, gtg, manifold, richc, tdiclub

Posted By RichC on August 16, 2005

In keeping with ‘desultory‘ in my blog, I ran across some useful advice from a specialty produce distributor in regard to storing and ripening fruit. Karen Caplan of Frieda’s Inc. suggests that you rinse peaches, nectarines and plums and place in a shallow wire basket for ventilation after purchasing, rather than putting them in the “killing zone.” (ada: refrigerator).

By placing a ripe banana ‘nearby’ the emitting ethylene gas helps ripen other fruit which is particularly helpful for the many unripen fruits purchased in today’s grocery stores. According to Karen, the only fruit that should be stored in the refrigerator are apples and that the 34 to 55 degree temperatures ruin the flavor of fruit and do little to lengthen the time you can store them. Most all other fruits, including berries, should be kept out of the refrigerator. (she suggest spreading berries out on plates in a single layer)

Also a trick that most of us probably already know is to more quickly ripen fruit you can place it in a paper bag or wrap them with newspaper. What you might not have known (I didn’t) is that placing a banana in that same bag will ripen the fruit more quickly. Do not place this bag in an area where temperatures are lower than 55 degrees or near a window where it will be exposed to excess heat or the sun. Unfortunately for my household, breaking the ‘fruit in the refrigerator’ habit is going to be a challenge.

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Tags: desultory, fruit, kitchen, storage

Posted By RichC on August 15, 2005

Another excellent ‘educational’ EAA284 meeting yesterday at our chapter hanger. We enjoy a brief time of socialization and chatting about the brochures and photos collected at Airventure 2005 over burger and brats fixed by Bob Luken. I know everyone enjoyed the food … as usual.

After the meeting was casually called to order we had a chance to meet Skip Raymond (and his wife) the president of Greene County’s EAA Chapter 382. His purpose in attending was to discern the need for the eight Dayton area EAA chapters in working together. There were comments of networking, pulling together for more ambious events, tech councilors and socialization. He reflect a bit on history of the EAA in our area and the pro’s and con’s of pooling talents in promoting the EAA and aviation. After a lukewater question, answer and opinion session, we focused back on our more pressing needs of volunteer workers and preparation for the Pancake Breakfast and Tail Dragger FlyIn on September 4th. (don’t forget the Airshow the evening of September 3rd)

One of our more talented members, Dick Elliot offered some instruction on tube cutting techniques and angle calculation. (and answered a few question in regards to welding options; he referenced a previous ‘hand’s on’ meeting that many in attendance also appreciated.) He recommended a reasonably priced simple software package from Steel Fabrications in Australia; the simplicity of making intricate angles is amazing using this software and Dick’s technique. What an asset to being an EAA member having people like Dick available to share what he has learned. I hope to have more meetings that include this kind of instruction.

I know that we all appreciated Dick’s time and effort (and his son’s help) in setting up and showing us some of the things that took him hours to master. Thanks again Dick.

BTW … anyone who enjoys aviation and airplanes is invited to the Pancake breakfast … if you have a youngster, we’ll be having Young Eagles introductory flights from 11AM until 2PM.

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Posted By RichC on August 13, 2005

A friend of mine pointed me to a great site from a journalist pertaining to all things automotive. Frank Giovinazzi is the publisher of Car Buyer’s Notebook and a companion Podcast site. He is easy to listen to in his short daily podcasts and works hard to write intriguing articles. His podcasts on biodiesel caught my immediate interest, but I found many of his topics of interest … you might too.

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Posted By RichC on August 10, 2005

With oil prices on the rise again what can we surmise? A couple of days ago, U.S. light, sweet crude for September delivery rose to a record of $64 a barrel. What is interesting is to dig into the ‘crack spread’ between the different grades of refined light oils.

Those in the energy business observe ‘crack spreads’ and how dramatically they affect industries that are fuel intensive, such as shipping and aviation.

Jet fuel for example has had a much wider gap than in 2002. The spread was less than $3.00 per barrel then and is $11 per barrel today. This is extremely painful to airlines who are already cash strapped and suffering from high fuel prices. Fuel cost is only second to labor in the airline industry; they are all struggling to find ways to compete with such large price changes.

Gasoline has also seen changes in the ‘crack spread.’ The difference is $7.75 from a 2002 spread of $4.14 per barrel. That’s a double in spread compared to a quadruple that jet fuel has had. Motorist are feeling that at the pump this summer.

According to the Wall Street Journal, crude oil adjusted for inflation is the highest since November 1982. It still remains below its inflation-adjusted peak price of $94.77 set in April 1980, though. Many traders believe conditions are right for that number to eventually fall, but just as many believe that supply is really not that short and that significant gains are being made to put more crude oil into the system. I don’t believe anyone really knows?

What’s causing the Jet Fuel ‘crack spread’ change, Diesel Cars?
Well if you can believe staff reporter Melanie Trottman, who writes in the WSJ “Heard on the Street Column,” she is places the blame on diesel cars in part. She states, “Jet fuel and diesel fuel have similar components, and soaring demand for diesel-powered vehicles, particularly in Europe, is pushing up prices for both fuels. Greater industrial demand for diesel in China also has played a role. Airline executives complain that refiners, which in the past decade came off a long period of weak profit margins, have been slow to add new refining capacity, which is contributing to the high prices.”

Hmm … what’s going to happen when the ULSD hits the US next year and diesel cars sales, which are already seeing growth, are way up? VW and Mercedes are the lone diesel ‘car’ sellers today, but many European diesel manufactures are ramping up to export more diesel to the US.

Afterthought: According to their forecast, hybrids that currently account for 0.5 percent of the U.S. market are expected to conquer 3.5 percent of the American market by 2012. Diesels – a category of vehicles the USA has still not taken to – will grow from 3 per cent to 7.5 per cent. (JD Power)

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Posted By RichC on August 6, 2005

Wow … what an Airventure. According to EAA records, about 700,000 people made their way to the Greatest Aviation Celebration in Oshkosh, Wisconsin this year. That number is well above 2004 and is also reflected in the participants as well. More than 10,000 aircraft visited the Oshkosh area including showplanes over the seven-day convention of 2,927. Of those aircraft, a record 1,267 homebuilts; 924 vintage aircraft; 386 warbirds; 196 ultralights; 130 seaplanes; and 24 rotorcraft were at Wittman Regional Airport.

My son Taylor and I were fortunate to be able to be there for a breakfast and visit on Saturday, July 30th, as were several from our EAA chapter. Although I didn’t see everyone, Eric Pfaltzer, Bob Luken, Brett and Debbie Hunter (and kids), Gordon and Laurie Penner. Also neighboring EAA 610’s president Don Gum and Frank Affinger of IAC 34 were spotted.

Saturday was a fantastic weather day for attending the show, although it also guarenteed a large crowd. While I was at the breakfast, Taylor took the opportunity to sneak into the exhibits early and had an opportunity to talk with Mike Melville of the Scaled Composites X-Prize fame.

Later in the day we were treated with an unplanned final public flight from White Knight and Spaceship One before permanent retirement at the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. Burt Rutan commented on the flight characteristics and the loose knit group of ‘geeks’ that built and flew this design into space; he is such a character. He commented that the reason White Knight has afterburners is that “rocket guys like noise” and that he “found them cheap on Ebay.” I will say that watching the flyby was the icing on the cake for this years visit to Oshkosh.

Besides the duty of carrying Spaceship One, White Knight after its delivery of Spaceship One to Washingon DC, will be on loan to Boeing. I’m not sure exactly what they are testing? (stay tuned or let me know if you have information) Scaled Composites was also behind the round the world Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer flight. We had an second ‘first’ when it took to the air and left for its homebase in Kansas City. We were so close, and it was so wide, that we literally had to duck to let the ultra wide wingspanned plane made its way to the runway. It was great to see these two projects considering the success they had this past year.

There were plenty of aviation celebrities at Airventure this year. Patty Wagstaff was signing poster and doing her aerobatics.

Warplanes were probably the next big attraction, as usual. This year there were some 386 warbirds on display and flying. Taylor and I counted over 50 in the sky at one point during the show. It was impressive. From the awesome P38 Lightening (below) to the six B17s that were at the show.

A polished B25 was in the air as well, along with too many others for me to mention or include.

Besides the bombers, there were many more WWII fighters flying. P51 Mustangs and Navy Corsairs made their roar through the sky overhead. Fighter formations and high speed passes with the help of pyrotechnic special effect from crews on the ground, in combination with the medium and heavy bombers, were able to stun the crowd with noise, fire and smoke. It was an outstanding sychronized performance.

Besides the WWI (no photos) and WWII warplanes there were several vintage fighter jets flying and the ususual static displays of present day military planes. I found it head jerking when the jets were introduced behind the prop planes and can only imagine what it was like pitted against one during wartime. My father-in-law remembers clearly while navigating a B26 Martin Marauder in 1944 seeing German jets scream by. It was enough to put some real fear into these heroic airmen. Thankfully fuel, planes and pilots were a scarce commodity by the arrival of the first generation German jets.

Of course their were historic aircraft from the peacetime era as well. I remember planes like the Ford Tri-motors being used to service the Lake Erie Islands for many years when I was younger. There were several of these as well as a couple amphibious airplanes. I particularly enjoyed SC Johnson Carnauba as I have enjoyed reading about the expeditions.

I briefly enjoyed (ran out of time) looking at the many new Sport Pilot Aircraft as well as the many new planes and kit aircraft. I’ll include just one photo of the many beautifully built and maintained airplanes; heres a great looking Pitts Model 11 Superstinker.

I did get chance to walk over to the Sonex display (my project) and talk with several of the guys in the builders tent. Unfortunately the display was closed up but I did take a couple photos of parts I’m contemplating. (lights on the wingtips, landing lights and fiberglass stab tips)

Now that the show is over and we are back home preparing for our own local FlyIn, I realize how much I enjoy being a member of this great organization. I hope my small participation and enthusiasm will keep the EAA alive for many years to come. From a small grass strip like ours focused on flying and maintaining antique aircraft to the edge of space and back, I’m proud to be part of the EAA

.

Category: Aviation | 9 Comments »
Tags: airventure, aviation, eaa, oshkosh

Posted By RichC on August 2, 2005

I had planned on updating our trip to the Canadian Rockies daily, but as with most vacations, the time went by way too fast, besides that, the days were long and tiring. My son and I flew into Calgary, Alberta the last week in July and were picked up by Jeff, a long time friend in Canmore. Thankfully he monitored our flight delay that connected in Chicago and didn’t have too long to wait. The Calgary International Airport is extraordinarily nice and wouldn’t  be a bad place to sit and wait … although we didn’t.

The terminal is an internet ‘wifi hotspot‘ and has multiple leather lounging chairs scattered throughout. The customs area is well organized and expedited our entry into Canada and obviously it has undergone an efficient 9/11 security update.

Our drive toward Canmore and the Canadian Rockies was warm and sunny. We had just missed a few days of cooler weather and rain, up to 4 inches. Canmore is an old mining town that is surrounded by provincial parks which has created a building boom and land shortage as development has increased. The property value has increased quickly as interest in a vacation homes or the early retirement mentality has taken hold. Interestingly, Robin Williams was in town the week we were there and a property up the street was sold to another Hollywood celebrity. Our focus was on the hiking and mountain biking and enjoying the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, although my friend Jeff did take us to Murrieta’s Westcoast Grill for a classy meal. We unpacked and settled into a fantastic home, owned by Jeff’s brother Conrad, with wonderful views of the mountains. (the Three Sisters are prominate peaks from a deck on the main floor)

Our first day was a tourist day and we loaded up the Toyota Landcruiser and heading for Lake Louise. The place was inundated by people from all around the world, especially Japan. There were a group of German students staying at the Chateau Lake Louise that we noticed in the airport upon arrival, but thankfully they looked to have been recovering from a long flight.

Thankfully our start was relatively and we headed toward Mirror Lake, the Teahouse, Lake Agnes and the beehive. (this was a trail I hiked in 1976 and 1989 so I enjoyed the memories) It continues to be a popular day hike and offer outstanding views of the lake below and a ‘spot of tea’ for those interested. About half the way up to the teahouse, there is a resting point at Mirror Lake where several trails including horse trails, meet. From this point there is an outstanding view of the beehive of which the backside has switchback trails that can be hiked by those with strong legs and good balance.

Once to Lake Agnes, the teahouse offers an outstanding view of Lake Louise, the glacier and Chateau below. College age students spend their summers working and sleeping in the teahouse and return to the Chateau once or twice a week to shower. (they bunk in the loft) What a great hike. If you only have a short time to spent in the area, this one is a great hike.

Another area that we wanted to see was Kananaskis Country One of the great hikes in this area is from the lakes to the top of Mt. Indefatigable. The first part is entirely woodlands and is ideal bear country ( make some noise) and the second segment is rocky and very steep leading to a summit at over 7000 feet. We had great views of the lakes below and even though there is sun, the winds can get be a bit chilly.

I photographed flora and fauna most of the trip. I stopped at about every different flower along the trail, and there were many. I still have to catalog them, but that’s for another time. We didn’t see any bears although there have been several attacks this summer. There were also several recent articles and postings around the area cautioning hikers and backpackers to be on their guard. Elk, deer and goats were everywhere but we only saw one moose.

The final day in Canada was a mountian bike ride from the higher country in Kananaskis to the town of Baniff, famous for the Banff Springs Hotel (photo below). The trail was called Goat Creek and followed the mountain lake to its meeting with the Bow River. What a terrific ride as at least the elevation change was ‘down.’ (thankfully) There were some challenging grades, but we did finally make it for a late lunch at a great spot in Banff called Brunos. Barbequed buffalo burgers were the fair of choice … I’m not sure if it was the riding or the tasty burger? Nevertheless we had a great ride.

All in all, it was a memerable trip. Tons of photos, funny generational buzzwords and laughter. I had fun improperly using words like “shredding and cheddaring” as we worked our way down the mountains. Of course I also did the annoying “TDI, TDI, TDI” as we crossed a VW diesel; I think I was skating on thin ice with both my son and Jeff. 🙂 It sure was nice to be able to enjoy the company of your son and best friend … I only hope it continues for many years. (ahh … but the trip is not over. I hope to detail Airventure 2005 as we detoured to Oshkosh on our trip back to Cincinnati … AND it was the best yet!)

Category: Friends, Misc, Personal, Photos, Recreation, Travel | 8 Comments »
Tags: alberta, canada, canadian rockies, canmore, jeffp, rockies, taylor, vacation