My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on August 29, 2005

With all of the devistation and sad news coming from the Gulf Coast after Katrina made landfall this morning, I needed something to make me smile. I’m going to include a humorous post from the TDIClub that only fellow members will appreciate. Thanks Ron Tamondong for the cute 2003 thread “How many tdiclub members does it take change a lightbulb.” 🙂

1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed

14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently

7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs

8 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs

5 to flame the spell checkers

3 to correct spelling/grammar in the flames

6 to argue over whether it’s “lightbulb” or “light bulb” … and another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid

2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is “lamp”

15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that “light bulb” is perfectly correct

1 to post the question, “was the bulb actually burned out?”

3 to post TSBs of other light bulb issues

19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a lightbulb forum

11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum

36 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty

1 to link it to the DRL’s Discussion and start that thread all over again..

5 to subject light bulbs to political classification and link this to DRL’s and the sheer injustice and inhumanity this causes in our already stressful lives

36 to argue over politics, take the subject off topic and send to bottom of list…but someone has to have the final word.

1 to bring it back on topic

7 to post URL’s where one can see examples of different light bulbs

5 to post pics to different light bulbs

12 to post about the alignment

4 to post about the lumens

4 to post that the URL’s were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL’s

3 to post about links they found from the URL’s that are relevant to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group

13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add “Me too”

5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy

4 to say “didn’t we go through this already a short time ago?”

13 to say “do a Site Search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs”

4 to post all prior threads on light bulbs that were previously discussed in the forums

1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.

Category: Misc | 4 Comments »
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Posted By RichC on August 28, 2005

I wanted to make a quick post to my blog this Sunday evening as the people of the Gulf Coast prepare for the wind and storm surge of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans in the focal point but this giant storm is a definitely a ‘wide’ killer. I’m not sure how many of you have run the correlation between pressure readings and windspeed, but with Katrina’s reading at of 904mb, similar storms have shown winds over 185mph. Deadly. If you had to pick the worst of the worst situation, this is it. The 3rd stongest storm we’ve measured in the US and is directly targetting the worst possible city, New Orleans. (a populated historic city below sea level) I’m not sure what can stand to that kind of wind or flooding anticipated when Katrina rips into the coast. Our prayers are with the people holded up in New Orleans and the surrounding areas.

On a nation impact level, this could be the trigger that pushes our country into a recession. I’ll include a quote from a petroleum connected friend below. (thanks Blair)

The following Refiners have shut down in preparation for Katrina. After the name I have the BBLS they produce in one day. Some of these refiners will start back up and will only go down as a precaution. The loss of one will be bad for our situation. My guess is that we lose the Chevron Plant for 6 months and one or two others for 4 weeks. This will be the biggest shut down/ loss of production in history. You might as well fill up the tank on the way home tonight. This shut down will be felt for a while and it should be wide spread.

Motiva 235mb ( thousands of bbls per day)
Norco 225mb
Marathon 245mb
Valero 260mb
Murphy 120mb
Exxon 183mb
Connoco 255mb
Chevron 325
Exxon (Baton R.) ( can’t remember the amount they do per day but it’s
big)

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

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.

Category: Blogs, Tidbits | No Comments »
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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