tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953892470952332152024-03-24T00:20:54.061-07:00Rodger's WritingSome of my thoughts. A follow up to Rodger's Reading. From someone who knows a lot of things, about a lot of things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-70240701507066062232017-08-01T12:12:00.005-07:002017-08-04T13:44:21.340-07:00Truing Bicycle Wheels Effectively<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are your bicycle wheels constantly going out of true? Or breaking spokes? The secret to fix this problem is the <a href="http://www.parktool.com/product/spoke-tension-meter-TM-1" target="_blank">Park Tool spoke tensioner</a>. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlTJv9WE_Y6RtWX32tJLWkNqojqWQ7lvE6Eyj50tUkTLY_3j6ABzfObskfAEeJrAdcvyUa5hot2v4qZW0WHEOxLQUdt7W9BoAdWrtCXRVV0cf9vIEfqUHk5U0dp4ED4qIPwoqXqDv4aVa/s1600/DSC_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlTJv9WE_Y6RtWX32tJLWkNqojqWQ7lvE6Eyj50tUkTLY_3j6ABzfObskfAEeJrAdcvyUa5hot2v4qZW0WHEOxLQUdt7W9BoAdWrtCXRVV0cf9vIEfqUHk5U0dp4ED4qIPwoqXqDv4aVa/s320/DSC_4420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoke Tensioner by Park Tool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For decades, I've carried weight on a bike rack over my rear wheel. And for years, my spokes broke. Or, if the spoke didn't break, the wheel went out of true. This occurred on either the front or rear wheels, but more often on the rear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The more bumps I rode over, and the greater the weight I carried, the more the wheels went out of true. Sometimes, this was after every ride! The maintenance was really time consuming. Sometimes I had to remove the tire to replace the nipple. And, sometimes, the rear wheel's cassette. </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Spoke Tensioner</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why did my wheels keep going out of true? One day I visited a bike shop, and asked the mechanic about a certain tool hanging on his wall. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He told me that it was for spoke tension measurement. They used it to tighten spokes evenly all around the wheels. He showed me a wheel where they had used the spoke tensioner on all the spokes. Each spoke was really taught, and made a distinctive sound when you pinged it. If you took the spoke, and tried to wiggle it, there was very little play. Cool!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I bought a spoke tensioner, and used it on my wheels. Here's now you use it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Oil</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before using the spoke tensioner, I added a few drops of oil to every spoke nipple. When the tire and rim tape is off, you can add the oil both top and bottom. The oil allows the nipple to turn easier. As a result, you can tighten the spokes more. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In general, I use motor oil (or black automotive axle grease) on threads everywhere. The oil helps prevent corrosion, so the spoke won't suddenly break when you try to turn the nipple. It happens. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I went to remove a bike rack that had been mounted for decades. I worried that the threads would be corroded so bad, that the tool might break. But the nut turned easily. I thought, "Of course, I greased the threads!" </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Start With A True Wheel</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before tightening up the whole wheel, remove the tires, and replace any broken spokes. Then true the wheels. Remember that truing wheels, involves both tightening, and loosening. Tighten on one side, loosen on the other. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The spokes should not vary a lot in tension. Even without the tool, you will be able to tell if there are some spokes that are much tighter than others, by pinging the spokes. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Measuring Tension</u>: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take a spoke tension measurement of all the spokes around the wheel. Get an idea of how tight or loose the spokes are. Then use the <a href="http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/wheel-tension-measurement" target="_blank">chart</a> that comes with the tool to tell what the tension is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV88DLWklbQjF4DHyjajVfDAII7La-FTKwYjA97NcTuYETJuQXpXhe0GRoTR7zT0v9L3tyr1boUFjZIOIE5nHb9t9CRFPHi4ffKwLkRbf6oxuc2Z71xITpkjlhUD3BRlIvGYkJmSaKprqb/s1600/DSC_4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV88DLWklbQjF4DHyjajVfDAII7La-FTKwYjA97NcTuYETJuQXpXhe0GRoTR7zT0v9L3tyr1boUFjZIOIE5nHb9t9CRFPHi4ffKwLkRbf6oxuc2Z71xITpkjlhUD3BRlIvGYkJmSaKprqb/s320/DSC_4418.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring Spoke Tension, Read the indicator on the bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Slow and Steady</u>: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had already started with wheels that were pretty true, within a millimeter or so. Then I went to each spoke and tightened each nipple 1/4 turn. Take the tension measurements again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you do this, you will be able to feel the increasing tightness in the spokes. When you ping the spokes with your fingernail, they will make a higher strung sound than the looser spokes. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rinse and repeat until the spokes are nice and tight. Do not go to the extreme. You need to leave some room if you ever need to true the wheels in the future.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Why High Spoke Tension Works</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Often spokes will break either at the nipple, or at the hub. Spokes break because of movement. When the wheel is stressed, the rim compresses and decompresses slightly as you ride over bumps. The spokes also compress or decompress. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By tightening all the spokes evenly around the wheel, it requires a lot more force to flex the rim. As the rim flexes less, there is less spoke movement, and less spoke breakage.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The same principle keeps wheels true. If the spoke doesn't break, force can still move the spoke within the nipple. Either the nipple turns. Or, the spoke pulls through the nipple's threads (as I understand). Then the wheel becomes untrue. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>True The Wheels Again</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After you have tightened all the spokes, you'll need to true the wheels again. My experience was that after tightening the spokes, the wheel was already pretty true. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Tire Pressure</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mount the tires and pump them up hard. I usually pump my tires to within 10 PSI of the maximum recommended pressure. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The benefits of hard tires are: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the least rolling resistance</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fewer punctures, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">very difficult to get a pinch flat,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wheels will stay truer, longer</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>Conclusion</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm glad that I was curious, and asked what that tool was. Getting this spoke tensioner has really made my cycling life a lot better. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Try it. You'll like it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-43760451848714133562016-10-04T19:52:00.000-07:002017-02-09T16:13:16.049-08:00Honeycrisp Apples<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2011, I convinced my mom to finally plant an apple tree.</div>
<br />
<br />
The tree she selected was a <a href="http://www.bylands.com/plant/honeycrisp%E2%84%A2-apple-malus-honeycrisp%E2%84%A2-pp7197-pbr1007" target="_blank">Honeycrisp</a> tree from Bylands.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcyCL4_YLM0_GugBDAC8wVUAkf3mIs4g-53Vy1T6wFVBn787IOByf3oTsu4IMIzfkI0K0hxpxxUWVcg77Lu_vcoqwCiTYRuk8CISxDPAexI6oRtyJYPa-wSvtaQyZZPYTMu0ENU8D3AZA/s1600/DSC_3147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcyCL4_YLM0_GugBDAC8wVUAkf3mIs4g-53Vy1T6wFVBn787IOByf3oTsu4IMIzfkI0K0hxpxxUWVcg77Lu_vcoqwCiTYRuk8CISxDPAexI6oRtyJYPa-wSvtaQyZZPYTMu0ENU8D3AZA/s400/DSC_3147.JPG" title="HoneyCrisp Apples" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Combination Apple Tree</u>:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
To be accurate, it wasn't entirely a Honeycrisp tree. It was a <a href="http://www.bylands.com/blog-entry/plant-week-august-23-2012-hardy-apple-trees" target="_blank">Combination Apple (5 in 1)</a>, containing multiple grafts from other types of apple trees. Multiple grafts, because apple trees require cross
pollination. That is, they need pollen from a different type of apple
tree, to make the pollination process work. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE1IdGuIK-5MJbppgPOf95IE-_CxKH6B4lnjfIGYCHfplEERw_UwAik8R8h_9DJgbi_nRIZjcUSERcr2RTCMGj0Nd0UIVJnVtYV_uS_4WuByM7zK811RFyZIYLoujn1R6hr5yVxqn4X6J/s1600/DSC_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheE1IdGuIK-5MJbppgPOf95IE-_CxKH6B4lnjfIGYCHfplEERw_UwAik8R8h_9DJgbi_nRIZjcUSERcr2RTCMGj0Nd0UIVJnVtYV_uS_4WuByM7zK811RFyZIYLoujn1R6hr5yVxqn4X6J/s400/DSC_0691.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As explained <a href="https://www.orangepippintrees.com/articles/planting-growing/pollination-of-fruit-trees" target="_blank">here</a>, two trees of the same variety will not pollinate each other. From mom's house, there are no apple trees in the neighborhood, so the combination apple tree was a great solution and innovation. </div>
<br />
Interestingly, if you were to take the seed from your favorite apple,
and plant it, when it finally would produce fruit, the resulting apples
would actually be a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_tree_pollination" target="_blank">cross between your favorite apple, and the other apple variety that pollinated it</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>HoneyCrisp Advantages</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Non GMO</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
Honeycrisp apple trees were <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeycrisp" target="_blank">developed at the University Of Minnesota</a> as a hybrid of some other apple cultivars. They were developed using <a href="http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-honeycrisp-apple.htm" target="_blank">cross pollination</a>, so they are NOT genetically modified. Great!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>HoneyCrisp Grow In Really Cold Climates</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
One really "cool" thing about Honeycrisp, is that they will grow in
really cold climates. My mom lives in Winnipeg, Canada, nicknamed, "Winterpeg". Cold days in the winter can reach -30 degrees celcius, or about -22 degrees Fahrenheit, or even colder. (If you're
ever stuck doing mental conversions, just remember that -40 celcius
equals -40 Fahrenheit). Winnipeg is a <a href="http://www.lacostegardencentre.com/garden-resources/plant-zones" target="_blank">Zone 3</a> growing zone, where
the coldest temperature is listed as -34 to -40 celcius.<br />
<br />
If a winter is too harsh, some plants simply won't grow in that climate. Honeycrisp can handle it.<br />
<br />
However, even if the tree grows in the climate ok, if the weather
suddenly freezes after the spring flowers have bloomed, the freezing can
kill the flowers, and therefore the fruit for the season. Wrap the tree in a
blanket before it freezes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>
Big Apples</u>:<br />
<br />
Honeycrisp apples can grow really big.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwfj_c7g0XZEzP_00GscQM6dnYtYeZd2oj_O2-fBTw6V8CRtGZbDyGB5l94Tewg6ukK6Qvjfb6WKiIWm96-4alPyu9LUJ7ftpZWeqrYOXM-Qq6p51jsyZuMSMrQLYLT6iZZ1dOZhyHcg5/s1600/DSC_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwfj_c7g0XZEzP_00GscQM6dnYtYeZd2oj_O2-fBTw6V8CRtGZbDyGB5l94Tewg6ukK6Qvjfb6WKiIWm96-4alPyu9LUJ7ftpZWeqrYOXM-Qq6p51jsyZuMSMrQLYLT6iZZ1dOZhyHcg5/s400/DSC_3194.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
As you can see in this
picture, the diameter of some of the largest is 3 to 3 1/2 inches! Perhaps NYC should adopt the HoneyCrisp as its official apple.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>
Great Taste</u>: <br />
<br />
<br />
The Honeycrisp taste great. I'd compare them to the taste and texture of Red Delicious apples. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>
Great Harvest</u>:<br />
<br />
The tree was bought and transplanted in 2011, and now, 5 years later, the tallest
branches are about 9 feet from the ground. Although, the tallest
branches, reaching straight up, did not have any fruit on them. Most all
the fruit was within 7 feet from the ground. It was a great harvest,
producing 4 buckets the first time the apples were picked. However, there
were still some apples ripening in the shade of the leaves, and a week
later, another bucket was harvested. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zhnoTojPWlBWxH4bX-4lSZfHtffh8vU-3fRUuBDnZc5qwJJITCLk-Zh5df7LgOwe4Zgk1qq2-YJLlD2xXvoXAtzRqRqsbwPUADkJcQMvqiMGmJowSweGfvJClc36ppaPc4QJMcpmCYkw/s1600/DSC_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zhnoTojPWlBWxH4bX-4lSZfHtffh8vU-3fRUuBDnZc5qwJJITCLk-Zh5df7LgOwe4Zgk1qq2-YJLlD2xXvoXAtzRqRqsbwPUADkJcQMvqiMGmJowSweGfvJClc36ppaPc4QJMcpmCYkw/s400/DSC_3189.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To be fair, the first few years did not always give good harvests. I'm told that sometimes, the tree just concentrates on growing,
not making fruit. One year, there was no fruit at all, attributed to either a really cold winter and spring, and/or a really cold snap
after the tree flowered. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>
Fruit Keeps For a Long Time</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
The Honeycrisp apples last a long time after they are picked off the
tree. You can even wrap up each apple in newspaper, and store them in
the basement for over a month at basement temperature, and they will
still be good. Although, they will have started to soften a little bit
by then.<br />
<br />
This is good, because we really like to eat them! <br />
<br />
<br />
In retrospect, my mom is really happy to have the apple tree now, and wishes that she had planted it a long time ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-9062610054262300632014-11-29T13:33:00.000-08:002014-11-29T14:10:12.058-08:00Weddings And Pictures <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For 11 seasons, from 1988 until 1998, I owned and operated a wedding photography business in Winnipeg, my home town. It started as a part time business during university, and then continued after that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMs41lD_BkKfzfPFuMjzPkEGH7wk0GLXbtg8loDxAhXtbCxVED2b6Bwg1HOXk5sEaMiLwzWnWSV4-Jsc0PAdYgJjRpRL93sWmWQJpYc0-TUK1v0gho5QM_twAD6kIURX1q9mGESRtwNud/s1600/IMG0042_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMs41lD_BkKfzfPFuMjzPkEGH7wk0GLXbtg8loDxAhXtbCxVED2b6Bwg1HOXk5sEaMiLwzWnWSV4-Jsc0PAdYgJjRpRL93sWmWQJpYc0-TUK1v0gho5QM_twAD6kIURX1q9mGESRtwNud/s1600/IMG0042_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a great grounding in business! There is lots of customer facing, and people interaction when you are a wedding photographer. <br />
<a name='more'></a>As well, I became experienced in sales and marketing, productions and operations, quality control, cash flow, capital investing, profitability and so on. For instance, with operations, it actually took about 40 hours of work to complete a single wedding. That is, when you counted all the time for sales, prep, shooting, and then a huge amount of time for negative and paper handling to get the wedding albums made. Weddings were almost always in the summer, and only on the weekend. Since I only could shoot one wedding per day, the effective limit of the number of weddings that I could shoot in a year was around 26. It could never become a big business, and worked best as a part time business. Normally, I worked as a subcontract for other studios. <br />
<br />
Since that time, I've considered starting other businesses, and remember the lessons. I'm glad that the lessons were only in terms of thousands of dollars. Not in terms of dozens, or hundreds of thousands of dollars. These lessons, I consider to be cheap lessons. Subsequently, I've actually made a number of good decisions to not invest in certain businesses. They just would not have been viable. <br />
<br />
<br />
At the time, I shot with film, on medium format equipment. This produced negatives 6 * 6 centimeters in size, four times the size of 35mm negatives. The grain in the enlargements was very fine, and the effect was really beautiful. It was also more expensive. Medium format actually cost me over one dollar per frame, wholesale! So, if I shot a wedding, and took 200 frames, my direct expense was over $200! As you can imagine, this really cut into margins. <br />
<br />
In the age of digital cameras, when the direct expense of another frame is essentially nil, this is difficult to imagine. Another serious benefit of the newer digital cameras is the instant feedback. As soon as you shoot, you see the result. Did anyone blink? With film, you only really knew for sure after the film was developed a few days later. So the skill level and experience required for a film wedding photographer I consider to be much higher. <br />
<br />
One business convention in those days was for photographer to keep the negatives, and ideally, get some more sales of prints in the future. I said that I would never throw out any negatives. And after all this time, I still have them. :) <br />
<br />
I'd like to get these negatives to their respective couples. After all this time, the old addresses and phone numbers are no longer current. More than one couple has divorced. <br />
<br />
If you recognize your name here, please contact me via Linked In, Facebook, or in a comment below. Leave your contact info so we can talk on the phone. Be prepared for some quiz questions so I'll know you're not a crank. <br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to hearing from you, and I hope you'll find me<br />
<br />
Your friendly photographer,<br />
<br />
Rodger<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Irene and Ken Sleva<br />
<br />
Karen and Don Jensen<br />
<br />
Graham and Kasco Spafford<br />
<br />
Diane and Gordon McCaveney<br />
<br />
Sharon and Joe Halcro<br />
<br />
Dawn and Leland Morris<br />
<br />
Gail and Ken Jones <br />
<br />
Darla Ernest Georgeson<br />
<br />
Kathy and Ken Ferland <br />
<br />
Kim and Joey Vodopivic<br />
<br />
Larry and Karen ChiHonek <br />
<br />
Francis and Fraser Kulba<br />
<br />
Brenda and Tim Robinson<br />
<br />
Lisa and Brent Ballantyne<br />
<br />
Mary and Klauf Gietz<br />
<br />
Sharon and Shailesh Godse<br />
<br />
Jack and Miriella Wilbers<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-7834731448931470052014-03-02T23:25:00.000-08:002014-03-02T23:25:01.092-08:00Simple Method to Bleed Methane from Fracked Water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some time ago, I saw something on TV about how fracking was contaminating the local ground water with methane. As a result, when a nearby resident put a match to their kitchen faucet, the water would actually light on fire! </div>
<br />
The residents and farmers could not drink the water from their own taps. Nor shower with the water. Showering affected the skin in a horrible way. They did not dare drink the water, as it would do the same thing to the inside of the body, with no way to relieve it! All their water needed to be trucked in, at significant expense.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzise9fw45gpcsQFRPz1TvNWUqoyhsjUFfao2a5cQazH0_mx-k4CwRlodHVYZPwrIfM4PIUEzRlLmPIP2SMCSYvz2McipPEEb2ObTRgL0bTRyT9R_Px-lsEjvmSEbM9kOK9SQD_k6QX2oe/s1600/energy-fracking-drinking-water-flammable-2_35408_990x742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Due to methane contamination from fracking, Jessica Ernst can set her tap water on fire. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzise9fw45gpcsQFRPz1TvNWUqoyhsjUFfao2a5cQazH0_mx-k4CwRlodHVYZPwrIfM4PIUEzRlLmPIP2SMCSYvz2McipPEEb2ObTRgL0bTRyT9R_Px-lsEjvmSEbM9kOK9SQD_k6QX2oe/s1600/energy-fracking-drinking-water-flammable-2_35408_990x742.jpg" height="320" title="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/natural-gas-drilling-linked-to-methane-in-water/" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.greeningofoil.com/post/A-way-to-get-that-gas-out-of-the-water.aspx" target="_blank">HyCap Energy in Wyoming</a> has come up with an expensive ($55K) device to clean the water of methane. It extracts methane from the water, allowing it to be used as energy. Apparently, if there is enough methane, they will install the equipment at their own expense, and share in the revenues.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
But recently, I thought of a simpler way to clean the water of methane.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
Before entering the house, the water would be aerated and enter a wide, and very shallow pool. Perhaps measuring a number of feet in each direction, but only an inch or two deep. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It would work similar to the radiator of a car, with a very high surface area to volume ratio. So, most of the water would be exposed to air. My assumption is, by exposing the contaminated water to air, the methane would bleed off into the air naturally. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There could even be passages that would circulate the water up and down from one end of the pool to the other, and expose more of it to the air.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuAAAYbxhnnD0TDWoGG0-y8D3AHfAthA0wusKtkftMbGl1qh9I_i0u2sVvDui5V3G6cdWYfZju2Y2ymD_qINY7djPnBW30FaxRRM-vxCvIYEKsonXttHeaAlsH9wbEKhopJZhhHOSn95G/s1600/BleedMethanePool01_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuAAAYbxhnnD0TDWoGG0-y8D3AHfAthA0wusKtkftMbGl1qh9I_i0u2sVvDui5V3G6cdWYfZju2Y2ymD_qINY7djPnBW30FaxRRM-vxCvIYEKsonXttHeaAlsH9wbEKhopJZhhHOSn95G/s1600/BleedMethanePool01_02.png" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The water would then be pumped into a tank for storage. Filtration or other processes could then be applied to the water as well. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another thought soon came to me. When water runs over the ground, and rocks, I understand that the ground and rocks act as a filter on the water. It would be easy enough to make a stone water fountain, with the water running down a slope. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBmrtmiakU-gGb-KmFueSD1uF9naOR84v_Wr4ZMEcrX96IAKn1htSfuc4ISH-7vm9bDa1r8MCxo16KBQTGcy6Gjn-erMorHRJNeLsaqL5qd1juetDzN-E5VpIyhCQWlMdgOk9pA_C1Vpb/s1600/BleedMethanePool02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBmrtmiakU-gGb-KmFueSD1uF9naOR84v_Wr4ZMEcrX96IAKn1htSfuc4ISH-7vm9bDa1r8MCxo16KBQTGcy6Gjn-erMorHRJNeLsaqL5qd1juetDzN-E5VpIyhCQWlMdgOk9pA_C1Vpb/s1600/BleedMethanePool02.png" height="163" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The slope could be made of earth, and covered with stepped bathroom ceramic tile. The steps would then be covered with rocks. It could drain into the pool for more evaporation, or perhaps directly into the tank. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE21lK9ahWBCWbY-ojD4dIGWe5F05I1RXMdjVgrJAzC8290cMmiSRwQJf6AiXpfXm6Xdll-pzOHn9F1mf7KGZlnAngpFFBSSrdnXuh-KhEil9bsimsoRaHLz9tCN2lKVb8f84SKK1DFhf/s1600/1137StoneWaterFountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE21lK9ahWBCWbY-ojD4dIGWe5F05I1RXMdjVgrJAzC8290cMmiSRwQJf6AiXpfXm6Xdll-pzOHn9F1mf7KGZlnAngpFFBSSrdnXuh-KhEil9bsimsoRaHLz9tCN2lKVb8f84SKK1DFhf/s1600/1137StoneWaterFountain.jpg" height="265" title="http://blog.kineticfountains.com/learn-about-stone-water-fountains/" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some websites on stone water fountains are here:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="http://blog.kineticfountains.com/learn-about-stone-water-fountains/">http://blog.kineticfountains.com/learn-about-stone-water-fountains/</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://mathtourist.blogspot.com/2009/08/geometric-spectacle-of-water-fountains.html">http://mathtourist.blogspot.com/2009/08/geometric-spectacle-of-water-fountains.html</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Given that there is a risk of fire, the pool should be outside, and everything made of stone, ceramic or metal, so that it could not burn. So, no PVC pipe or plastic swimming pools. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The advantage of this system is that it would be relatively simple and cheap to build. The disadvantage is that it would not capture any of the methane to be used for heat or fuel. How to make it work in freezing weather would also pose problems. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, making pools, fountains and tanks to clean the water of methane, does not really address the problem of why the methane is in the water in the first place, namely, the fracking going on in the area. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have no experience with methane, or contaminated water. And after seeing the documentaries, I do think I am very fortunate in this regard. The point being, I don't speak from any experience. This idea is just a thought that I hope is useful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you know of any similar devices that have already been built, please leave a comment as to what the result was and your experience, if any. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I watch so many documentaries, I can't find the specific one that I saw. However, links to some other excellent documentaries and talks on fracking are below. They are highly recommended. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Gasland</div>
<div>
<a href="http://youtu.be/dZe1AeH0Qz8">http://youtu.be/dZe1AeH0Qz8</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Very Smart Andrew Nikiforuk Speaking On Fracking</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgNJnBlQXCw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgNJnBlQXCw</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Fracked! Jessica Ernst vs. Encana</div>
<div>
<a href="http://youtu.be/ezLu5WGeM-0">http://youtu.be/ezLu5WGeM-0</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-33145560114214565702013-06-13T23:59:00.001-07:002013-06-14T00:01:54.534-07:00Themes In The Fabulous Japanese TV Series, Ryomaden <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A few years ago I started watching the NHK Japanese series, <a href="http://asianwiki.com/Ryomaden" target="_blank">Ryomaden</a>. It is based on the true story of the historical Japanese figure, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakamoto_Ry%C5%8Dma" target="_blank">Ryoma Sakamoto</a> (or, in Japanese convention: Sakamoto Ryoma).<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/udvRY1m6Edg" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are not familiar with Sakamoto, first read this fabulous essay that already explains his life, times, and biography really well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=309" target="_blank">Sakamoto Ryoma: The Indispensable “Nobody”, By Romulus Hillsborough</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryomaden is an epic TV series. It ran for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dmaden" target="_blank">48 episodes over four seasons</a>! I don't know any TV story in the US or Canada that ran that many episodes! It goes to show, is how important Ryoma Sakamoto was to the history of Japan and to the Japanese. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gnhHU2396-I" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Part of the Ryomaden soundtrack is the incredible choral singing by the jazz vocalist, <a href="http://yuccarose.wordpress.com/musician/" target="_blank">Yucca</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The story is told through the eyes of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwasaki_Yatar%C5%8D" target="_blank">Iwasaki Yataro</a>, who, in real life, rises from abject poverty, to help found Mitsubishi Corporation and become its president. Interestingly, these two very famous and influential historical figures, grew up in the same village, and knew each other. They took very different roads, but crossed paths many times. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Fabulous Acting and Direction</u>: <br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryomaden has an <a href="http://asianwiki.com/Ryomaden" target="_blank">all star cast</a> with the most incredible acting, and direction. There are so many examples that could be used. But using Episode 15, Ryoma, played by <a href="http://asianwiki.com/Masaharu_Fukuyama" target="_blank">Masaharu Fukuyama</a> has gone "dappan", deserting his clan. This was a very serious crime. I think this would be as serious as deserting the military is today. He goes to find his childhood sweetheart, Kao Hirai, played by <a href="http://asianwiki.com/Ryoko_Hirosue" target="_blank">Ryoko Hirosue</a>. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
She is now a lady in waiting, in the house of a very senior official, and lives with the other attendants in a really big house. When she first sees Sakamoto, she turns away from him, and walks into the house. Then, she reconsiders, and runs to find him. When she finds him, she sees him on the other side of a river, and calls out to him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found this so symbolic. Their lives were very far apart now, represented by the two different sides of the river, and the barrier of society, duty and class between them. They reunite on the bridge. I thought this was excellent direction by <a href="http://asianwiki.com/Ryomaden" target="_blank">Keishi Ohtomo, and Takehiro Shoen</a>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later in the episode, they are saying good bye to each other. At one point, both their backs are turned away from the camera, and they are looking down, not at each other. Suddenly, in between the chin, and the shoulder of the actress, I see a teardrop fall! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWTlmQ5DagtLUCnYHU2RG_GoUZzGAV5rkCF181xcPTnQE7lGSmCewOy_Ue2lsYlhOhj0CihM3g7NKwq05Jsy92_1kQxYFtu_5gQftZZQBsa4FpIZctZSEIIRj3C9lPJpLvIMHVvSKMifb/s1600/KaoCries01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWTlmQ5DagtLUCnYHU2RG_GoUZzGAV5rkCF181xcPTnQE7lGSmCewOy_Ue2lsYlhOhj0CihM3g7NKwq05Jsy92_1kQxYFtu_5gQftZZQBsa4FpIZctZSEIIRj3C9lPJpLvIMHVvSKMifb/s320/KaoCries01.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the teardrop under the chin of Ryoko Hirosue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
I backed up the video and watched again. I thought, Wow! That's really good acting! And they weren't even looking at the camera, or each other. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To give credit, I think all the actors and actresses give outstanding performances. Watch the series to see for yourself! </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Themes in Ryomaden</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
I've wrote about <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-is-theme-of-your-life.html" target="_blank">themes in life</a> before. What really struck me was the many themes in Ryomaden. They just started pouring out. Any one of the themes could make a good essay. Here are some themes that I noticed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Ryoma: What should I do with my life? The home town is too small for someone with such big ideas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryoma Sakamoto and Iwasaki Yataro: Compare and contrast between their families, their dreams and their fulfillment. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Class struggle: Joshi (upper class) vs Kashi (lower class, considered as dogs) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How restricted are we by our station in life? What can we do, in spite of it? How can we change our station in life?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Iwasaki Yataro: rags to riches story</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is the biggest problem in society? That, if we could change it, would make a much better world?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is the best society to create? How can we create the best society?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is the best way to change the world? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peace versus War. Peaceful versus violent overthrow of the established order. (No one believes that the Tokugawa shogunate will peacefully step down, but Sakamoto makes it happen!) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How much can one person change the world? How much help does (s)he need?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Obeying the law, versus, defying it for what is right. (Ryoma went dappan, but never advocated violence, and forbid seppuku.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Western ideas: Embracing new ideas versus shunning them from fear. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Democracy vs rigid class structure</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The winds of change. Changes in Society. Politics. War. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ryoma Sakamoto, political activist. Or is he more of a James Bond? </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Strong Women</u>: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Another theme could be: Are women restricted by their role? While many of the women in the story play a traditional woman's role, they are actually rather strong women, who also accomplish much in their own right. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mother Sakamoto: who defends and saves young Ryoma when he is about to be killed for a minor violation. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Older Sister Otome Sakamoto: who is tough with Ryoma, but also gives him much love and support. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sana Chiba: his sensei who bests him in kendo. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oryo Narasaki: who bravely defends Sakamoto, standing between Sakamoto and Kondō Isami, an official of the Shinshengumi. Later, she helps save him after he is wounded. Sakamoto then marries her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Geisha (or Geiko) Omoto: who spies for the Shogunate. Then for Sakamoto. And to avoid persecution and death, keeps her Christian faith secret. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oura Kei: the successful Nagasaki trader and business tycoon who helps finance some of Sakamoto's expensive purchases of Western ships and weapons. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>A Brutal Time Period</u>: </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
Another theme could be to compare and contrast the violence used by the: Shinsengumi, Takechi & Izo, and Public Officials. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I watched the series, I thought that it must have been a pretty brutal time. The Emperor was in power, but the Tokugawa Shogunate held the real military power. There were wars between clans. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But mainly, it must have been a bad time to have your own ideas. You could get killed just for having them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Takechi and Izo kill those that don't support their idea of sonnō jōi ("Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians"), including a senior Tosa government official. Or, others who simply criticize their own group. But contend that they have done nothing wrong. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Shinshengumi are similar. They are acting in an "official" capacity, not dissimilar to present day police. But if they don't like you, you can be in for torture if they catch you, as they do to Iwasaki and Izo. Or death, when they kill most of the people attending a political meeting. In the series, a commoner makes a great comment: "without the Shogunate to control them, the Shinsengumi are just a bunch of thugs!". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, the official authorities can be just as brutal. They torture Izo for a long periods in an attempt to get a confession from him. Then order him executed. Having been raised to Joshi status, Takechi escapes torture, however, he is ordered to commit seppeku. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How does this compare and contrast to society today? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Thoughts</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
If you haven't guessed already, like <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2011/12/thoughts-on-its-wonderful-life.html" target="_blank">some other movies</a>, Ryomaden really made me think about a lot of things! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing I couldn't help thinking is that Sakamoto accomplished all that he did before he was assassinated at 33 years old. Wow! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Just like when I studied the biography of Ben Franklin, when you compare yourself to overachievers like these, sometimes you can get the feeling that you have accomplished so little in your lifetime! Hmm. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>More Links</u>: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=309" target="_blank">Sakamoto Ryoma: The Indispensable “Nobody”</a>, By Romulus Hillsborough</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wikipedia, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakamoto_Ry%C5%8Dma" target="_blank">Ryoma Sakamoto</a>:</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
NHK Chronology of Ryoma Sakamoto in Nagasaki:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.nhk.or.jp/nagasaki/ryomaden/en/index.html">http://www.nhk.or.jp/nagasaki/ryomaden/en/index.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fan Website Masaheart:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://mashaheart.net/home/2010/09/14/ryomaden-episode-29-20100718/">http://mashaheart.net/home/2010/09/14/ryomaden-episode-29-20100718/</a></div>
</div>
<div>
- this website actually has the scripts for all the Ryomaden episodes! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Jdramas</div>
<div>
<a href="http://jdramas.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/ryomaden/">http://jdramas.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/ryomaden/</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Wiki.d-addicts:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Ryoma_den">http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Ryoma_den</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wikipedia, Ryomaden:</div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dmaden">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dmaden</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Asian Wiki</div>
<div>
<a href="http://asianwiki.com/Ryomaden">http://asianwiki.com/Ryomaden</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Awesome choral music by Yucca!</div>
<div>
<a href="http://yuccarosemusic.blogspot.com/">http://yuccarosemusic.blogspot.com</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-28588995713884547232013-05-31T16:01:00.000-07:002013-05-31T16:01:53.518-07:00Blue Flowers! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I like to grow flowers from seed. And I like the color blue. </div>
<br />
It's easy to find flowers that are white, yellow, orange, red, purple/violet. But it's rare to find a blue flower.<br />
<br />
The flowers for the crop, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flax" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">flax</a>, are blue. <a href="http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/photo/bellflower-oland-sweden-high-res-stock-photography/102066556" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bellflowers</a> (Campanula Persicifolia) are sometimes blue. As are <a href="http://typesofflowersforlife.com/blue-flowers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Astors and Balloon flowers</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I see a packet of seeds with a blue flower on the cover, I buy it. You can see some of the seed packets I've bought here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfISFd-9LRDiC0EVBvU1W-LZuic2Ov6c-KgEpQ2H7LpKM3m0hOWjyehyer14xJYR6KFcYn4zov1zoMD3UWY5WcDOSz77Nuxpo9wqgvWxPbs8Wi8coszPOh6qzvQbw1UvnP8XRyw8muG6lc/s1600/BlueFlowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfISFd-9LRDiC0EVBvU1W-LZuic2Ov6c-KgEpQ2H7LpKM3m0hOWjyehyer14xJYR6KFcYn4zov1zoMD3UWY5WcDOSz77Nuxpo9wqgvWxPbs8Wi8coszPOh6qzvQbw1UvnP8XRyw8muG6lc/s320/BlueFlowers.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<div>
The names on these packages are:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nolana </div>
<div>
Wildflower - Baby Blue Eyes</div>
<div>
Delphinium</div>
<div>
Nigella - Love In A Mist</div>
<div>
Blue Columbine </div>
<div>
Anagallis </div>
<div>
Convovulus</div>
<div>
Blue Morning Glory </div>
<div>
Nemophelia - Baby Blue Eyes</div>
<div>
Lobelia</div>
<div>
Petunia</div>
<div>
Bachelor Buttons</div>
<div>
Forget Me Not - Cynoglossum</div>
<div>
Catananche</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
The two blue flowers that I've had the most success growing are:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blue Morning Glory </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xG44oudPjwqXL9WOYU-uzja-VP1G22xZ5Au7XLSitU-mvYpYpDeeC8mndQemM373a0WADrE4JlGuZhESEKV5xaNcK-nf_Uia-hvKiBX5DSp7UiyAYvP3mLaXDR7iDWoMnZo5y7oWYhEZ/s1600/BlueMorningGlory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xG44oudPjwqXL9WOYU-uzja-VP1G22xZ5Au7XLSitU-mvYpYpDeeC8mndQemM373a0WADrE4JlGuZhESEKV5xaNcK-nf_Uia-hvKiBX5DSp7UiyAYvP3mLaXDR7iDWoMnZo5y7oWYhEZ/s320/BlueMorningGlory.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's nice about the Morning Glory is that it climbs and climbs, up to 18 feet, and produces many flowers. They're great to climb and cover a drab chain link fence. The flowers open in the morning, and close in the afternoon or early evening. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Convovulus </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMCjZtzLXVEPQpMkZ6uiNYDztP5rdsd1F0ZLcam8w14r-OXsk3-eSgf_31nAr_ly4PNmtG2bRXxyxj8AzEoIp6auv8i_3YVdjRYKlfHgL-Dardkj5OHof8siCI_VCh49zPBsnUX3xKqx7/s1600/Convovulus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMCjZtzLXVEPQpMkZ6uiNYDztP5rdsd1F0ZLcam8w14r-OXsk3-eSgf_31nAr_ly4PNmtG2bRXxyxj8AzEoIp6auv8i_3YVdjRYKlfHgL-Dardkj5OHof8siCI_VCh49zPBsnUX3xKqx7/s320/Convovulus.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Convovulus flowers behave similar to the morning glory's, opening in the morning, and closing in the afternoon. They are sometimes mistakenly sold as a morning glory. However, convovulus stay low to the ground and only grow a foot or two from the seed. You can tell difference by the concentric rings of color in the flower; yellow. white, and blue. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blue Leilani</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH__tqeEyu2r7ZxI-bdOwvNdwM0npYb4euawYHv_vMs7aht0EBVpJ5M4nnzXvx-2A0FUcMHIf4VnlR1JjHAyKMTQ9PwPUoWQGS9M50d0F7kyoQYf0WIgpGZ63_jnNvEG9lex7u_hwLrgc/s1600/BlueLeilani.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjH__tqeEyu2r7ZxI-bdOwvNdwM0npYb4euawYHv_vMs7aht0EBVpJ5M4nnzXvx-2A0FUcMHIf4VnlR1JjHAyKMTQ9PwPUoWQGS9M50d0F7kyoQYf0WIgpGZ63_jnNvEG9lex7u_hwLrgc/s320/BlueLeilani.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="214" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's obvious that the Blue Leilani is not really blue, but purple or violet. I've noticed that a lot of flowers are listed as blue, when in fact, they are purple. :( But I want blue! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Named After A Flower</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Originally, I ordered the seed for the Blue Leilani online. In addition to being blue, part of my curiosity was that I'd once dated a woman called Leilani. As I thought of it, it turns out that many baby girls are named after a flower: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Daisy, Flora, Holly, Iris, Ivy, Laurel, Lily, Petunia, Rose, Susan, Violet, Zsa-Zsa (Alstroemeria) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other girls are named after a plant:</div>
<div>
Olive, Fern, Marjorie, Cherry/Sherry, Rosemary, Jasmine/Yasmeen</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Blue Roses</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The same year that I grew the Blue Leilani, I bought a red rose plant, which blossomed wonderfully. I wondered about blue roses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Turns out, that you can buy blue roses at florist shops. But until recently, they were white roses, that had been dyed blue. In 2004, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_rose" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">genetically engineered blue roses were created</a>. But it turns out that they are really violet, or purple. Can't florists and scientists get their colors right? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is the reference to "blue roses" in the play, The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams. In the play, Laura grew up with pleurosis. When as a child she told Jim of her affliction, he misunderstood, and nicknamed Laura, "Blue Roses". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Part of the symbolism of the play is that (at the time), blue roses did not exist. It's a great play, with <a href="http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/menagerie/themes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">many themes</a>, that can make you think deeply. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Why My Inspiration By Blue Flowers?</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A quick search on Wikipedia on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Flower" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blue flowers</a> says that: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"A blue flower (German: Blaue Blume) is a central symbol of inspiration. It stands for desire, love, and the metaphysical striving for the infinite and unreachable. It symbolizes the beauty of things."</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Hmm. So maybe this explains why I like to grow blue flowers from seed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've tried growing a garden consisting only of blue flowers. So far, I've only had limited success.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But look at <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baby_blue-eyes,Nemophila,Hitachinaka-city,Japan.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka-city, Japan</a>! </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf06AC-xzqX7a4gcdKx-C_IbJmR5RlrnUdSSBuDuf333IhbUGvOh7M2kyXwfaFWPGwym5GHnBEzr9BnpY6sEIeBvy7VF0KlSiCRGOLoPw0RsXDD0CiE8owJF3pdtYxeYFyiqFfykAkw92/s1600/Baby_blue-eyes-Nemophila-Hitachinaka-city-Japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggf06AC-xzqX7a4gcdKx-C_IbJmR5RlrnUdSSBuDuf333IhbUGvOh7M2kyXwfaFWPGwym5GHnBEzr9BnpY6sEIeBvy7VF0KlSiCRGOLoPw0RsXDD0CiE8owJF3pdtYxeYFyiqFfykAkw92/s320/Baby_blue-eyes-Nemophila-Hitachinaka-city-Japan.jpg" title="Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka-city, Japan, 4.5 million baby blue eyes (nemophilia)" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The 3.5 acres hill is completely <a href="http://kokusai.intergear.net/info/detail.php?id=2563&lang=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">covered in 4.5 million baby blue eyes (nemophilia)</a>, to be same color as the sky. Wow! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whoever grew that field, I'd like to talk with you! That's incredible! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-78914649229206853802012-09-03T13:31:00.000-07:002012-09-03T14:27:51.363-07:00World CO2 Production<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
After my <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2012/06/electric-vehicles-vs-internal-combusion.html" target="_blank">other posts</a> on CO2 production over the life of a car, I began to think about the total macro impact of oil consumption on the whole world. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vEkPmiV81rFEwYGQi7fZ2EVHlDbgip33egrs3yzB9IVQ-rEUjRuHbuUopVmxJxLZ_nGVHivXHCqAG34Xgg1sI01ecf45mLCpkHEIfkMGkEoMsxgKtgfIVOhGFa8Kc-laORCBEq8VLbXV/s1600/photo_earth-from-space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vEkPmiV81rFEwYGQi7fZ2EVHlDbgip33egrs3yzB9IVQ-rEUjRuHbuUopVmxJxLZ_nGVHivXHCqAG34Xgg1sI01ecf45mLCpkHEIfkMGkEoMsxgKtgfIVOhGFa8Kc-laORCBEq8VLbXV/s320/photo_earth-from-space.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>CO2 Produced Per Barrel Of Gasoline Burned</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
19 pounds of CO2 are created by burning a gallon of gasoline. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrel_%28volume%29" target="_blank">42 US gallons per barrel</a></div>
<div>
= 42 gallons per barrel * 19 pounds of CO2 </div>
<div>
= 798 pounds of C02 produced per barrel</div>
<div>
= 362.7 kilograms of C02 produced per barrel of oil. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>World Oil Consumption</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yearly, how much CO2 is created in the atmosphere by burning oil? First, what are the numbers for oil consumption? From <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/06/oil-production-and-consumption" target="_blank">The Economist</a>, and using the numbers from: </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.eia.gov/ipm/demand.html">http://www.eia.gov/ipm/demand.html</a></div>
<div>
http://www.eia.gov/emeu/ipsr/t17.xls</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.indexmundi.com/energy.aspx">http://www.indexmundi.com/energy.aspx</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over 80 million barrels of oil is now consumed in the world each day. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwjBkg7pPhwCKcQt-nk1TdtQC04sMNfSzNSMhWMhhz_3-6kVIIwiK8jK2gO5dtS6iH9PeXapcxZ8L6xAjIAkWNBY7PImqRP9FZcGEiX7FmR-j7s1q4jp5qWf7gNvegOa3jd5RVziYZLdg/s1600/OilProductionAndConsumption.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwjBkg7pPhwCKcQt-nk1TdtQC04sMNfSzNSMhWMhhz_3-6kVIIwiK8jK2gO5dtS6iH9PeXapcxZ8L6xAjIAkWNBY7PImqRP9FZcGEiX7FmR-j7s1q4jp5qWf7gNvegOa3jd5RVziYZLdg/s320/OilProductionAndConsumption.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>World Daily Oil Consumption</u>: <br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
2009 daily average: 84,337,000 barrels per day (84.3 million) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
84,337,000 barrels * 42 gallons per barrel:</div>
<div>
3,542,154,000 gallons </div>
<div>
= 3.54 billion gallons of oil consumed each day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>World Yearly Oil Consumption</u>:</div>
<div>
2009 total: approximately 30,783,005,000 barrels per year (30.7 billion barrels) </div>
<div>
= 1,292,886,210,000 gallons per year (1.292 trillion gallons) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Using numbers from <a href="http://www.peaceredding.org/Annual%20Oil%20Consumption%20-%20about%20one%20cubic%20mile.htm" target="_blank">this page</a>, in 1997, approximately 1.02 cubic miles of oil were consumed. By calculation, in 2009, approximately 1.17 cubic miles of oil were consumed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In 2002, the estimated worldwide oil reserves was only 35 cubic miles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>World C02 Production By Weight</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How much CO2 is produced in the atmosphere worldwide each year? Using 2009 statistics.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Daily CO2 By Weight</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3.54 billion gallons * 19 pounds of CO2</div>
<div>
= 67,300,926,000 pounds </div>
<div>
= 30,591,330,000 kilograms </div>
<div>
= 33,650,463 (~33.6 million ) short tons </div>
<div>
= 30,591,330 (~ 30.5 million) metric tonnes </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Daily, 33,650,463 (~33.6 million) short tons of carbon dioxide created daily in the world!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Yearly CO2, By Weight</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Carbon dioxide created in the Earth's atmosphere in 2009:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
30,783,005,000 barrels * 798 pounds of C02 produced per barrel</div>
<div>
= 24,564,837,990,000 pounds of CO2 </div>
<div>
~ 24.5 trillion pounds</div>
<div>
= 12,282,418,995 short tons of CO2</div>
<div>
~ 12.28 billion short tons of CO2</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
= 11,165,835,450,000 kilograms of CO2 </div>
<div>
~ 11.16 trillion kilograms</div>
<div>
= 11.16 billion metric tonnes</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>World C02 Production By Volume</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What is the volume of the yearly production of C02? Turns out there are already some great stats at <a href="http://www.icbe.com/carbondatabase/CO2volumecalculation.asp">http://www.icbe.com/carbondatabase/CO2volumecalculation.asp</a> Using some of their numbers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Volume of CO2 produced from burning one gallon of gas </div>
<div>
= 4.867 square meters</div>
<div>
= 171.88 cubic feet</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, how big is 171.88 cubic feet of C02, produced by burning just a single gallon of gas? It's about the cargo capacity of a Honda Odyssey minivan. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
By volume, one ton of CO2 occupies:<br />
= 556.2 cubic meters<br />
= 19,642 cubic feet of volume.<br />
<br />
1997 Volume Of USA CO2 Production:<br />
= 3,035,000,000,000 cubic meters (3.035 trillion)<br />
= 3,035 cubic kilometers<br />
= 1,171.8 cubic miles<br />
<br />
So, how big a volume of C02 is produced by oil consumption of the whole world in 2009? Calculate the multiplier:<br />
<br />
1997:<br />
World: 73,436,000 barrels per day<br />
USA: 18,620,000 barrels per day<br />
<br />
2009:<br />
World oil consumption: 84,337,000 barrels per day<br />
<br />
84,337 / 18,620<br />
= 4.529 times<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>2009 Volume Of World CO2 Production</u>:<br />
= 3,035 cubic kilometers * 4.529<br />
= 13,745.5 cubic kilometers<br />
<b>= 5,307 cubic miles</b><br />
<br />
<br />
How big is that?<br />
<br />
"US land surface area 9,158,960 square kilometers. …Every year the United States emits a 33.14 cm (1.08 foot) high blanket of carbon dioxide over its land area."<br />
<br />
Applying the multiplier:<br />
= 33.14 cm * 4.529<br />
= 150.09 cm (4.92 feet)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
In 2009, the gasoline burned worldwide, produced a volume of CO2 that would cover the entire United States almost five feet deep! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK_JbinEMUNQV0440xflt6J6WPNKHsABiZRXDexIMWV6P7o9qHoWWPEv76KQ4y2o00GwNZ3uceLzUa_qrcEhYIlvz0KWYWo7KMcgST6E9HRs8cw1DAO9raDd007Qt29IhwbbHSEud73rF/s1600/USAFromSpace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK_JbinEMUNQV0440xflt6J6WPNKHsABiZRXDexIMWV6P7o9qHoWWPEv76KQ4y2o00GwNZ3uceLzUa_qrcEhYIlvz0KWYWo7KMcgST6E9HRs8cw1DAO9raDd007Qt29IhwbbHSEud73rF/s320/USAFromSpace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
That volume of C02 is produced every year. And it's increasing. Wow!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imagine if it was not C02, but H2O, and the entire USA was covered, five feet deep, not in carbon dioxide, but in water! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When this much CO2 is being produced on such a massive industrial scale, do you think that mother nature can absorb this much CO2 at the same rate? That's a good topic for another post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-14802431851272190602012-08-14T16:31:00.001-07:002012-08-14T16:32:39.775-07:00At Constant Consumption - Not <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
There are a lot of reports coming out lately that say we have 100 or 500 year supply of resource x, y, z, and especially oil "at current consumption". Which really means, at the current rate of consumption. Say, n units per year. It also assumes that the n units of consumption per year will remain constant, and never change. Which of course is not realistic at all, as the world population grows and demand for oil and everything else increases.<br />
<br />
As Dr. Albert A. Bartlett notes in "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY" target="_blank">The Most Important Video You Will Ever See</a>", this totally ignores the fact that consumption rates are going up exponentially.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs92WHyv6CMwiSChej9KCYzJ90G4GCrC7_BhBPQH_h39Oj1o8NLFKySqkWhbm_mfeEWcjxpnE2ozVqcuZB5gir_osiyru0jLMSwRThB9TctGgk5kdzFkBA6O0aOkIJKL-YwUrXbL6BuVhA/s1600/AtCurrentConsumptionGraph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs92WHyv6CMwiSChej9KCYzJ90G4GCrC7_BhBPQH_h39Oj1o8NLFKySqkWhbm_mfeEWcjxpnE2ozVqcuZB5gir_osiyru0jLMSwRThB9TctGgk5kdzFkBA6O0aOkIJKL-YwUrXbL6BuVhA/s320/AtCurrentConsumptionGraph.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In finance, there is the "<a href="http://www.moneychimp.com/features/rule72.htm" target="_blank">Rule of 72</a>". It's a simple finance rule to determine how quickly money will double at a given compound interest rate.<br />
<br />
72/interest rate = years required for the money to double<br />
<br />
We can use the Rule of 72, for some quick calculations. If you have a population growth rate of 7%, in ten years, the population has doubled. And in 20 years, the population has quadrupled! If your city's sewer system in inadequate now, think how bad it will be in 20 years!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
I was thinking about this, and decided to model it in Excel. Just how much remains, and how quickly does it run out? It's amazing how fast things do run out.<br />
<br />
Even if there is only a 1% increase in consumption, the "500 year supply" will only last 181 years! Less than half the time of the original 500 year prediction.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
At just a 2% growth rate, a "100 year supply" will be exhausted in 56 years! And a "500 year supply" will be exhausted in 122 years! <br />
<br />
At a 7% growth rate, the 100 year supply is exhausted in only 31 years! And the 500 year supply is exhausted in 53 years! <br />
<br />
What's interesting to note, is that at 8 percent or higher consumption, the remaining 100 and 500 year supplies are pretty close to each other. The "100 year supply" is totally exhausted in 29 years, and the "500 year supply" is totally exhausted in only 49 years. That's only a 20 year difference, even though the "500 year supply" started as five times larger, and 400 years longer, than the "100 year supply".<br />
<br />
So, next time you hear that there are so many hundreds of years of a resource left "at current consumption", don't believe it. Since the consumption rate is going up, the number of years remaining is much lower.<br />
<br />
Blogspot won't allow me to upload a spreadsheet. But it's is simple exercise to make one. Try it! The results should blow your socks off!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-74833353003199433052012-07-21T21:37:00.000-07:002012-07-21T21:41:10.054-07:00Book Review: Financial Times Briefings - Sustainable Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few months ago, I read at the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Business-Financial-Briefing-Series/dp/0273746014" target="_blank">Financial Times Briefings - Sustainable Business</a>, By Brian Clegg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWoTcjkL-n3Cggvsd2RVbc2-_873FMC1YZjKTg8KR7-4phtm0SCYWLQ6cnQv1wwqgZTK63Wd4irIAFfkgEb1KbGmmr1SUTH2EWDq3XN39IMnlGYeGG87WnLyZBTChWHnTBTTMTlyyJviu/s1600/FTSustainableBusiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWoTcjkL-n3Cggvsd2RVbc2-_873FMC1YZjKTg8KR7-4phtm0SCYWLQ6cnQv1wwqgZTK63Wd4irIAFfkgEb1KbGmmr1SUTH2EWDq3XN39IMnlGYeGG87WnLyZBTChWHnTBTTMTlyyJviu/s1600/FTSustainableBusiness.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is a book aimed at executives on incorporating sustainability into their corporations. Not unlike a financial analyst's primer on certain new technologies for investors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
It covers, what is sustainable business. Why do it. Real life examples by early adopters. Strategy on how to do it. Building the business case. Managing. Measuring.<br />
<br />
A key point: don't greenwash. Ie. Do an advertising campaign to say that your organization is green, when nothing is fundamentally different. Or perhaps, no different at all from the old energy hogging, polluting, unsustainable, methods that your company has done for the past 50 years.<br />
<br />
The book emphasizes a number of times, that executive commitment and involvement is key to successfully making the change.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
There were two case studies in the book that I really noticed. They apply not only to sustainability. But also to systems, and business, in general. They are short, eloquent, and to the point, so I'll just quote them directly.<br />
<br />
<br />
The hamburger standard, page 28<br />
<br />
British Airways' staff fly to all corners of the globe, and the company's policies and procedures manual had a huge section dedicated to allowances that could be provided for staff travelling on airline business. For every country would be listed specific figures to be paid for each meal, for overnight accommodation and for local transportation. It was a full time job for several people just to keep this information up to date, and every traveler had to spend time consulting it. This was a bureaucratic solution to a problem.<br />
<br />
The suggestion that BA ignored was to replace this labour intensive, thick pile of paper and many hours of wasted time with a simple guide. Across the board, the allowance would be stated in multiples of a McDonald's mal. For example, a lunch allowance might be three meals, dinner allowance five meals. This did not mean that you were expected to eat five Big Mac meals for dinner, but rather that the cost of five Big Mac meals in that country would be the amount you<br />
were allowed to spend on dinner. Immediately the manual would have shrunk to become a one-page table, and the values would rarely need to be altered, as the pricing mechanism ensured that it automatically followed local inflation and deflation. The approach was simply too radical for the bureaucracy. lt didn't have backing from the top and so was never implemented.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Case study: Bigger pipes make better carpets, page 66<br />
<br />
When Interface Corporation was setting up a new carpet manufacturing facility in Shanghai, it needed, as is usually the case in such facilities, to put in pipes to pump around the fluids used in the process. The standard pump for this set-up consumed around 70 kilowatts of energy. However, the designers questioned this, stripping back the requirement to first principles.<br />
<br />
Usually piping is fitted around the placement of equipment, resulting in convoluted pipework with lots of bends and twists. The longer and twistier the pipework, the more resistance it provides to the fluid flow, hence the more power required to push liquids around it. Longer pipes also lose more heat, requiring more expensive insulation.<br />
<br />
In addition, the standard approach uses relatively cheap, narrow pipes - this narrowness means that it takes even more power to push the fluid around. Fatter pipes are more expensive, but concentrating on that cost ignores the savings that can be made by using smaller, cheaper pumps. By using fatter pipes and managing the equipment around the pipe runs, rather than the other way round, the pump required was just over 5 kilowatts - a 93 per cent saving in energy used.<br />
<br />
The Interface Corporation example demonstrates the danger of making assumptions in the design of your premises. The same, of course, goes for the design of your products. Always be prepared to ask the question 'Why?' This is a powerful aid for business creativity and an excellent stimulation to increase sustainability. It may be that there is no alternative to what you were already doing, but until you have asked 'Why do we need to use this much energy?' or 'Why are we using these scarce resources?' or 'Why can't we pay a living wage?' you have not truly<br />
explored the options.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Brilliant! I often do this type of questioning in the systems work that I do. Why do we need to do those processes? Are these assumptions really correct? How can I make this go faster? More accurate? More intuitive?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, so much of what I have seen in systems work is that managers and developers add more complexity, upon complexity, upon complexity. To the point, where you -must- use the computer and the software to figure things out! This is differentiated from just removing the complexity altogether and replacing it with simplicity, as in the British Airways example.<br />
<br />
So much of getting to the right solution is just asking the right questions. Like some of the questions I asked on this blog about Internal combustion engines, Electric Vehicles, and CO2.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
It turns out that the Financial Times also hosts a conference on sustainability.<br />
<a href="http://www.ftconferences.com/sustainablefinance/">http://www.ftconferences.com/sustainablefinance/</a><br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The book is quick, to the point, and as you can tell by the quotes, very eloquent. It is highly recommended. Do read it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-40816642944050002702012-06-29T22:59:00.000-07:002012-07-21T21:40:54.497-07:00Hummer Versus Prius<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iJ6fZpov5lUI52jOmLZ44uzGSDUuRJpXq8HCBv7OFAGvvp6iO3XUCtIsP-wO2OEhcC3NhdEg4liiypW51Z1-VsOCFvx2eYjRcde06XIxpS1HVzSJuO-7JEurvrAisiF9UZZMbPE1saNK/s1600/hummer_v_prius_300dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iJ6fZpov5lUI52jOmLZ44uzGSDUuRJpXq8HCBv7OFAGvvp6iO3XUCtIsP-wO2OEhcC3NhdEg4liiypW51Z1-VsOCFvx2eYjRcde06XIxpS1HVzSJuO-7JEurvrAisiF9UZZMbPE1saNK/s320/hummer_v_prius_300dpi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was a rumor that was circulating a few years ago. I recall it being on the internet, but not in the mainstream media.<br />
<br />
It went, that because a Toyota Prius used lithium batteries, and that mining lithium caused so much environmental damage, the Hummer was actually better for the environment over the long term. Really?<br />
<br />
A number of writers have since clearly disproved this. See their valid analysis here:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_versus_prius.html">http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_versus_prius.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_vs_prius.pdf">http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_vs_prius.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
However, I did my own simple analysis. It was not difficult at all. The hardest part is finding the correct numbers.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Prius - Weight Of The Battery</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The weight of the Prius battery varies according to the source. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+introduces+2012+prius+plug-in+hybrid.htm">http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+introduces+2012+prius+plug-in+hybrid.htm</a></div>
<div>
<div>
176-lb. Li-ion battery pack (80 kg)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.hybridcars.com/forums/prius-battery-pack-weight.html">http://www.hybridcars.com/forums/prius-battery-pack-weight.html</a></div>
<div>
53.3 kg, or, 117.5 lb</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius_Battery_Specs">http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/Toyota_Prius_Battery_Specs</a></div>
<div>
68 kg, or 149.6 pounds</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/toyota/3921/Prius-battery-weight">http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/toyota/3921/Prius-battery-weight</a></div>
<div>
2001-2003 Prius' battery pack: 110 Pounds total weight, (50 kg) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Assume the heaviest weight, of 176 pounds, or 88 kilograms. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, according to: <a href="http://toyotapriusbattery.com/repair.html">http://toyotapriusbattery.com/repair.html</a>, the replacement cost for the Prius battery is about $4000. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Curb Weight Of The Vehicles</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hummer: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6400 to 6614 pounds, assume 6500 pounds</div>
<div>
Prius: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2932 pounds</div>
<div>
Prius excluding battery pack: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2756 pounds</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Difference:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3744 pounds (1.872 tons)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Including the battery, the Hummer is 2.2 times as heavy. </div>
<div>
The Hummer is 2.3 times as heavy, excluding the battery. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will assume that the steel, plastic, rubber and other materials for both the Hummer and Prius come from the same or similar sources. And so no major difference in the environmental impact of these materials. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3744 extra pounds of materials is 21 times the weight of a 176 pound battery pack. And the battery pack actually includes a lot of non lithium parts such as a frame, plastic holders, etc. So, the weight of the lithium itself is actually lower. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Gasoline, and CO2 Impact</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Assume 200K miles over the lifetime of both vehicles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hummer: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9 to 10 MPG </div>
<div>
Prius: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48 to 51 MPG</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Hummer gets about 5 times worse mileage than the Prius! But I guess everyone knew that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gasoline required for 200K miles:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hummer: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>200K/10 mpg = 20,000 gallons</div>
<div>
Prius:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>200K/50 mpg = 4,000 gallons</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Difference:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Hummer will consume 16,000 more gallons of gas over 200K miles. At $4 per gallon, that will cost an additional $64,000 over the life of the vehicle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>CO2 Over 200K Miles</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Assuming 19 pounds of CO2 per gallon</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hummer: 20,000 gallons * 19 pounds </div>
<div>
= 380,000 pounds</div>
<div>
= 190 tons of CO2</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Prius: 4,000 * 19 pounds</div>
<div>
= 76,000 pounds</div>
<div>
= 38 tons of CO2 </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Difference:</div>
<div>
The Hummer will create 152 more tons of CO2 over the life of the vehicle! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, the criticizers say that because of some pollution created by the lithium ion battery, the Hummer is better for the environment than a Prius, over the life of the vehicle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If that is the case, the mining and production of the 176 pound battery pack (0.088 ton) lithium ion battery that costs $4000 would require the equivalent of the additional resources of at least:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3744 more pounds (1.872 tons) of steel, plastic, rubber, and other materials used in the production of the vehicles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Plus, 16,000 gallons of gas (96,000 pounds, 48 tons, that would cost $64,000 at $4 per gallon) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which would be burned up and produce 152 tons of CO2.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, does the $4000 Prius battery require that many resources to produce? Or, in its manufacture, and lifetime of use, does it create the equivalent environmental damage of 48 tons of C02?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Does that make sense? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think not. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is not believable at all! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-59028848092453374282012-06-29T00:41:00.000-07:002012-07-21T21:41:45.669-07:00How Much Gas Do ICE Vehicles Burn Up Just Idling At Red Lights?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Further to my <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.ca/2012/06/electric-vehicles-vs-internal-combusion.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> on CO2 in Evs and ICE vehicles, how much gas is burned over a car's lifetime idling away at red lights and stop signs? And then accelerating up to speed again?<br />
<br />
<br />
A Honda Accord gets approximately 25 MPG in city driving, and 31 MPG on the Highway<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Assume 25 MPG for a Honda Accord in city driving.<br />
<br />
200K miles / 25 MPG<br />
= 8000 gallons of gas in the car's lifetime<br />
<br />
8000 Gallons * $4.00 per gallon:<br />
= $32,000 for gas in the car's lifetime<br />
<br />
$32,000 / 200,000 Miles<br />
= 16 cents per mile, just for the gasoline<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Assume 31 MPG for a Honda Accord for highway driving.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
200K Miles / 31 MPG<br />
= 6452 gallons of gas in the car's lifetime<br />
<br />
6452 Gallons * $4.00 per gallon:<br />
= $25,808 for gas in the car's lifetime<br />
<br />
$25,808 / 200,000 Miles<br />
= 12.9 cents per mile, just for the gasoline<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
To approximate, assume that if the Accord drove (in the city) at a constant speed of 35 MPH, it would get the same mileage as on the highway, about 31 MPG. Actually, since there is much less wind resistance at 35 MPH, instead of 65 MPH, it would actually get even better gas mileage than 31 MPG.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Over the 200K mile lifetime of the car:<br />
<br />
8000 Gallons - 6452 Gallons<br />
= 1548 gallons is spent idling away at red lights, and accelerating<br />
<br />
1548 Gallons * $4 per gallon<br />
= $6192.<br />
<br />
1548 Gallons * 19 pounds of C02<br />
= 29,412 pounds of CO2<br />
= 14.7 tons of C02!<br />
<br />
<br />
To summarize, here is what an ICE vehicle wastes idling away at red lights, and accelerating:<br />
<br />
1548 gallons of gas!<br />
29,412 pounds / 14.7 tons of C02!<br />
$6192 spent doing no work at all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Some might argue that ICE vehicles are sometimes on the highway, therefore, these numbers might be high. Ok, what percent of the time are they on the highway? 10%? 20%? 30%? Multiply the number appropriately, say, by .7 for 30% of the time on the highway. So, instead of 1548 gallons and 14.7 tons of CO2, it's "only" 1083.6 gallons that are wasted, and 10.29 tons of CO2 generated over the 200K lifetime of the vehicle. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
By contrast, when an electric vehicle is stopped, the motor is not idling, it is completely stopped. At that point, the EV is only using a small amount of electricity for the control systems and any accessories. <br />
<br />
Only when an electric vehicle actually accelerates, does it use any electricity. <br />
<br />
So, not only is an electric car much more efficient than an ICE vehicle at using energy while driving, it is also infinitely more efficient when stopped.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
What do you think? Do the oil companies like it when ICE cars burn up so many thousands of gallons of gas in their lifetime just idling away, but producing no useful work?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-29887836952231232502012-06-06T18:00:00.002-07:002012-07-21T21:42:03.736-07:00Electric Vehicles Vs Internal Combusion Engine: Total Cost Of CO2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Further to the <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2012/06/vehicle-lifetime-cost-of-energy.html" target="_blank">Total Cost of Energy for a vehicle</a>, how much CO2 do Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles make, versus Electric Vehicles (EV)?<br />
<br />
<br />
The total weight of C02 that an ICE vehicle emits into the atmosphere over 200K miles is at least 50 times the car's weight! Wow!<br />
<br />
On CO2 emissions, electric vehicles easily beat internal combustion engines, usually by orders of magnitude.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>How MUCH Carbon Dioxide Does Your Car Produce?</u><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
So, how much CO2 do ICE vehicles produce over their lifetime? First, consider how much CO2 is produced by burning a gallon of gasoline.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to, <a href="http://www.carboncompany.com/statistics.htm">http://www.carboncompany.com/statistics.htm</a>, the average fuel economy for cars sold in 2005 is about 25.2 MPG (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"How much CO2 is produced from 1 Gallon of Gas? 1 GALLON OF GAS = 19 LBS. OF CO2. If a gallon of gasoline weighs about 6 pounds, how can it produce three times that much greenhouse gas? The carbon from the gasoline mixes with oxygen from the air. … The eight molecules of CO2 weigh about three times more than the one molecule of octane you started with. That doesn't mean you've violated the law of conservation of mass; instead, you've added the weight of the oxygen from the air to the weight of the carbon from the gasoline."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Burning a Single Tank Of Gas Will Create More Carbon Dioxide Than Most People Weigh! </div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
Assuming 15 gallons of gas in a car's gas tank: </div>
<div>
15 gallons * 19 Pounds Of Co2</div>
<div>
= 285 pounds of CO2 per tank of gas!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you burn 15 gallons of gas in your tank, you are creating 285 pounds of CO2! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Think of that number in terms of how much you personally weigh. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
----</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Burning Gasoline Over 200K Miles Will Produce Dozens Of Tons Of Carbon Dioxide</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At 25 MPG, and assuming that this figure also applies to 15 MPG: </div>
<div>
1 Gallon Of Gas = 19 Pounds Of Co2</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8,000 gallons of gas in the car's lifetime of 200K miles</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
8,000 Gallons * 19 Pounds Of Co2</div>
<div>
= 152,000 pounds of C02</div>
<div>
= 152,000 pounds / 2000 pounds in ton</div>
<div>
= 76 Tons of C02 over the car's lifetime</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsigr-N_yRgo43I0YqdhgWW6mTU_YyNKdboTZ0jSxTj5nPLvDVR4TTp7HQPnXU3Yp_wrKj-oP9YrP6ptU2pw0xWRhQ8BWH-IpmQA60ftIATujQmOOdVKW_zviHv8_vxyYcDGNSAAm-8s-/s1600/ICETotalCO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsigr-N_yRgo43I0YqdhgWW6mTU_YyNKdboTZ0jSxTj5nPLvDVR4TTp7HQPnXU3Yp_wrKj-oP9YrP6ptU2pw0xWRhQ8BWH-IpmQA60ftIATujQmOOdVKW_zviHv8_vxyYcDGNSAAm-8s-/s320/ICETotalCO2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Assuming the car weighs 1 ton (2000 pounds), the 25 MPG car will produce 76 times its weight in carbon dioxide in its 200K mile lifetime!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A vehicle that gets 35 MPG will produce 54 tons of CO2. A car gets 15 MPG will produce 127 tons of CO2. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>How Much CO2 Emissions Do Electric Vehicles Make?</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, with CO2, we mean, "How much CO2 do EVs INDIRECTLY emit?". Of course an EV produces no direct CO2 whatsoever, in the same way your cell phone produces no direct emissions. Unless you consider the noise pollution that comes out of your cell phone. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There have been many expressing a big OPINION that because electric vehicles use electricity that has been generated by coal plants, it produces "just as much" pollution as gasoline ICE vehicles do. But they usually don't give any numbers or analysis.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So let's run the numbers using some relatively simple math. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>How Much Carbon Is Used To Create A KiloWatt Hour?</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From: <a href="http://www.manicore.com/anglais/missions_a/carbon_inventory.html">http://www.manicore.com/anglais/missions_a/carbon_inventory.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
CO2 Emissions in grams per KWH (life cycle analysis)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Worst case is coal: 800 to 1050 grams of carbon dioxide per KWH</div>
<div>
Best case is Hydro Electric Power: 4 grams of carbon dioxide per KWH</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
From: <a href="http://www.stewartmarion.com/carbon-footprint/html/carbon-footprint-kilowatt-hour.html">http://www.stewartmarion.com/carbon-footprint/html/carbon-footprint-kilowatt-hour.html</a></div>
<div>
Using, Exhibit 1.1 </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Worst case: 1000 grams of carbon dioxide per KWH, using coal</div>
<div>
Best case: 4 grams of carbon dioxide per KWH, using hydro electric</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Notice the difference? <u>Producing electricity from coal produces 250 times more CO2 then using hydro electric! Wow! </u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From a carbon standpoint, does it make sense to build more hydro electric power plants, and phase out the coal plants? Would that have more benefits than building expensive infrastructure for carbon sequestration? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consider how heavy 1000 grams is. It is a kilogram, which is 2.2 pounds. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Using 100% coal, for every KWH of electricity produced, 2.2 pounds, or one kilogram of CO2 is produced. Could you carry on your back, the weight of CO2 that generated the electricity you used in a day?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u><a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2012/06/vehicle-lifetime-cost-of-energy.html" target="_blank">Revisiting Electric Vehicle's Mileage Scenarios</a></u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Best case:</div>
<div>
Mitsubishi MIEV</div>
<div>
6.25 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Average Case:</div>
<div>
Nissan Leaf Best case/Tesla Roadster are very similar</div>
<div>
Use 4.5416 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Worst case:</div>
<div>
Nissan Leaf at -30 celcius: </div>
<div>
1.9583 miles per kwh</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Put the numbers into a spreadsheet, the worst case scenario using coal, and an EV with reduced range in cold winter weather. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1000 grams of carbon per kwh</div>
<div>
453.59 grams in a pound</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
= ( (200,000 miles / 1.958 miles per kwh) * 1000 grams of CO2 per kwh) / 453.59 grams per pound</div>
<div>
= 225,153 pounds </div>
<div>
= 225,153 pounds / 2000 pounds in a ton</div>
<div>
= 112.6 tons of carbon over 200K miles in an EV</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-CdvFhcAMmC3pVfjXwUAF-q5dSPW666ygDEheW60irRKIAOzsBjZr9l2IMLFpR5xAcDlm5LYiKWr5WroYcgjgyecjqgXC4Mrnce2lFGKu4oyUaW9H84dsiYschcAq0CCHs6X-n7ji6w8/s1600/EVCO2Emissions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-CdvFhcAMmC3pVfjXwUAF-q5dSPW666ygDEheW60irRKIAOzsBjZr9l2IMLFpR5xAcDlm5LYiKWr5WroYcgjgyecjqgXC4Mrnce2lFGKu4oyUaW9H84dsiYschcAq0CCHs6X-n7ji6w8/s320/EVCO2Emissions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Note the dramatic difference between coal and hydro. If 100% Hydro electric power is used to charge the EV, over the entire 200K miles, an EV driving in winter weather will not even create half a ton of carbon dioxide! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is in contrast to ICE vehicles, which will produce 54 to 127 tons of CO2 over a 200K lifetime.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Comparing EV and ICE CO2 emissions side by side, we get: </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUpCGFAIpJs9OOq5OkqfuezfbqNtTQy8SgjCE3k2J5mMRakfaw9CH1Jz9V21uiwVM_7KEwXoW96SLit8LDV6aSV4jlALbTDfkdhjBb2DlD9gBfxUrhuPJEojFtz14Cu3dO8OTZr7Rb5FC/s1600/CO2EVVsICE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUpCGFAIpJs9OOq5OkqfuezfbqNtTQy8SgjCE3k2J5mMRakfaw9CH1Jz9V21uiwVM_7KEwXoW96SLit8LDV6aSV4jlALbTDfkdhjBb2DlD9gBfxUrhuPJEojFtz14Cu3dO8OTZr7Rb5FC/s320/CO2EVVsICE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
For the Best and Average cases, using 100% coal to charge the EVs, the CO2 produced is only about 2/3rds (64%) of the CO2 that ICE vehicles emit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This puts to rest the idea that charging the vehicles with coal would produce "just as much" CO2 as internal combustion engines. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If 100% Hydro electric power is used to charge the EVs, over 200K miles, the worst case scenario with Evs (.45 tons of CO2) would be over 100 times better than the best case with ICE (54 tons). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Notes on The Worst Case Scenarios:</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even in the worst case scenario of using 100% coal, EVs still produce fewer carbon emissions, although not as dramatically at 89% of ICE emissions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For today's EVs to get such a short range for their charge, it is typically because they are working 100% of the time in a very cold winter environment, such as -30 Celcius (-22 Fahrenheit). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, how long are any vehicles driven consistently in such cold weather? Even in Canada, the winter ends, and the warm temperatures of spring and summer follow. In cold Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the <a href="http://www.gov.mb.ca/ctt/invest/busfacts/qu_oflife/ql_sunshine.html" target="_blank">average temperature</a> is below freezing only from November until March, 5 months of the year. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In such a cold climate, it's not uncommon for even ICE vehicles to also get worse overall mileage. While they get 15 MPG in the summer, they will get fewer MPG in the winter. Part of this is due to the time spent idling just to warm the vehicle up. Another factor is the colder air used for combustion. Lower winter gas mileage would also increase the CO2 emissions for ICE vehicles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<u>What Power Sources Are Used To Generate Electricity?</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the USA, different power sources are used to generate electricity. According to <a href="http://www.getenergyactive.org/fuel/mix.htm">http://www.getenergyactive.org/fuel/mix.htm</a>, about 48% of the USA's electricity is generated from coal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>What Is The Weighted Average Of CO2 Per KWH In The USA?</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From <a href="http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/energy-efficiency-news/c02-emission-by-countries.html">http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/energy-efficiency-news/c02-emission-by-countries.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
USA: 0.61 Kilograms of CO2 per KWH</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
= .61 Kilograms * 2.2 pounds in kilogram * 453.59 grams in a pound</div>
<div>
= 608.7 grams of CO2 per KWH</div>
<div>
= Approximately 1.3 pounds of CO2 per KWH</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Multiplying the EV's CO2 numbers by .61, we get:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR85t8dwf1hr7p1jJDtGajC4vNzT_BeLl65nN10nIKFGrGrBhevmB74DQJCWzpQyxu_XACkRVts7j2zb9L_b_nYofiBrXlNId_dP8DksDbb8-0siJYIQFw96Kx5FQ1K-uG96Jt95lzdSLP/s1600/CO2EVVsICE-WA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR85t8dwf1hr7p1jJDtGajC4vNzT_BeLl65nN10nIKFGrGrBhevmB74DQJCWzpQyxu_XACkRVts7j2zb9L_b_nYofiBrXlNId_dP8DksDbb8-0siJYIQFw96Kx5FQ1K-uG96Jt95lzdSLP/s320/CO2EVVsICE-WA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
In the Best and Average cases, the CO2 emissions from charging the EV, are only about 39% of what an ICE vehicle produces. In the worst case, they are 54%. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
In Canada, where the colder weather would produce the higher electricity use for EVs, about 59% of electricity is produced by Hydro electricity. See:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/sources/electricity/1387">http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/sources/electricity/1387</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_Canada">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electricity_sector_in_Canada</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.electricity.ca/media/pdfs/Electricity%20101/Electricity%20101%20Slide%20Deck_December%202010%5B1%5D.pdf">http://www.electricity.ca/media/pdfs/Electricity%20101/Electricity%20101%20Slide%20Deck_December%202010%5B1%5D.pdf</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And in some provinces, over 90% of the electricity is generated by hydro electricity: British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Newfoundland. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, in the worst climate for CO2 emissions from EVs, there are actually the cleanest energy sources to charge the vehicle. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The weighted average of CO2 per KWH in Canada is about 1/3 of what it is in the USA:</div>
<div>
http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/energy-efficiency-news/c02-emission-by-countries.html</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Canada: 0.22 Kilograms per KWH</div>
<div>
= 220 grams of CO2 per KWH</div>
<div>
= 220 grams / 453.59 grams in a pound</div>
<div>
= Approximately 1/2 pounds (.484 pounds) of CO2 per KWH</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Using the Canadian weighted average of 220 grams of CO2 per KWH, the difference is even more dramatic.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2axGeWInZXcsfnFgvrbVwgdXub-pT11CdIg26cWdkN2sJb25pDrJQpLfBbsOnuIdWP6Ut0vxUo7BIHHOj0hKdMkP8PNnpaaaX0fyWFqWwP2ZTm6gwLX3wQqnKqjp-sSg7QITYhBDQvTvM/s1600/CO2EVVsICE-CDNWA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2axGeWInZXcsfnFgvrbVwgdXub-pT11CdIg26cWdkN2sJb25pDrJQpLfBbsOnuIdWP6Ut0vxUo7BIHHOj0hKdMkP8PNnpaaaX0fyWFqWwP2ZTm6gwLX3wQqnKqjp-sSg7QITYhBDQvTvM/s320/CO2EVVsICE-CDNWA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Using the best and average case scenarios, EV CO2 emissions are about 1/7 what an ICE vehicle produces. In the worst case, EV CO2 emissions are about 1/5.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Thoughts</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Running the CO2 numbers, a few things really stood out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One, the many tons of CO2 produced by internal combustion vehicles over a lifetime of 200K miles. For a vehicle that gets 35 MPG, over 50 tons of CO2 is produced! 127 tons for a vehicle that gets 15 MPG! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two, how very dirty coal is for producing electricity. Coal produces over 250 times the amount of CO2 that hydro electric does! Just one KWH of electricity created by a coal plant produces .85 to 1 kilogram of C02! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You have to wonder just how "clean", is "clean coal"? 850 grams of CO2 per KWH? That's only a 15% reduction from 1000 grams per KWH. Not very compelling. Perhaps that's a topic for another post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Three, from a CO2 perspective, the most dramatic thing we can do to reduce CO2 is to move from ICE to EVs. That would make a dramatic difference. In the USA, it would reduce emissions to less than half of what they are. In Canada, such a move would reduce emissions from 1/7 to 1/5 of what they currently are. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Four, it is really striking when you start to consider the CO2 emissions from coal and ICE vehicles in terms of your own weight. It starts to put the total emissions of the whole population into perspective. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Five, as far as public policy is concerned, if reducing C02 is the priority, almost anything that can move away from coal would seem to be a good idea. Again, an idea for another post. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How about you? Any thoughts or ideas? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-6886903082158012412012-06-05T23:37:00.000-07:002012-06-29T00:42:56.003-07:00Vehicle Lifetime Cost Of Energy: Electric Vehicles Vs Internal Combustion Engine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Recently I was thinking about the total cost of gas over an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car's lifetime of about 200 thousand miles and ran some numbers on the question. It's a LOT!<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<u>Cost of Gasoline Over The Vehicle's Entire Lifetime</u>:<br />
<br />
Assume an ICE vehicle's total mileage before it is scrapped is 200,000 miles. Assume it gets 25 MPG and gas costs $4 per gallon.<br />
<br />
200,000 mile / 25 MPG<br />
= 8000 gallons of gas in the car's lifetime<br />
<br />
8000 * $4.00 per gallon<br />
= $32,000 for gas over the car's lifetime!<br />
<br />
$32,000 / 200,000<br />
= 16 cents per mile, just for the gasoline<br />
<br />
Over the lifetime of the car, 200K miles, the gasoline to drive it will cost $32,000! <br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6TwG3oZC838EAOl2mq-dfoqirtsLwiGJjQ3zixXPkqoPmZcHvDu0YUdb4cpdVxFCgAx-aig7ab53jV8yTo0OWLYuy24TtpC09brYBVfqHLpk6LkdfQ0gLXEgdbRRzSfCvdtQGq-smyfK/s1600/GasCosts200K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6TwG3oZC838EAOl2mq-dfoqirtsLwiGJjQ3zixXPkqoPmZcHvDu0YUdb4cpdVxFCgAx-aig7ab53jV8yTo0OWLYuy24TtpC09brYBVfqHLpk6LkdfQ0gLXEgdbRRzSfCvdtQGq-smyfK/s320/GasCosts200K.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even if the car runs on average at 35 MPG, the total cost of gasoline for the car's lifetime, is about $22,857! When you think of it, the total cost for gasoline is about the cost of the car itself, and often even more! If you only get 15 MPG, the cost of gas over 200K miles will be $53,333!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<u>How Much Do Electric Vehicles Cost To Operate?</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, what kind of "MPG" do EVs get? How far does an EV travel on a single charge? Taking some popular samples:</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIEV" target="_blank">Mitsubishi Miev</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mitsubishi Miev has a stated range of 160 kilometers (100 mi) for the Japan 10-15 mode drive cycle with a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
100 miles / 16 kwh</div>
<div>
= 6.25 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
= 10 kilometers per kwh </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster" target="_blank">Tesla Roadster</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Battery<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>53 kWh (Lithium-ion battery)</div>
<div>
Electric Range<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>244 mi (393 km) using EPA combined cycle</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
244 miles / 53 kwh </div>
<div>
= 4.6 miles / kwh</div>
<div>
= 7.41 kilometers / kwh</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Leaf" target="_blank">Nissan Leaf</a>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
24 kW·h lithium ion battery</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Range<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>117 km (73 mi) (EPA)</div>
<div>
175 km (109 mi) (NEDC)</div>
<div>
76 to 169 km (47 to 105 mi) (Nissan)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Best:</div>
<div>
109 miles/24 kwh</div>
<div>
= 4.5416 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
= 2.82 kilometers per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Worst:</div>
<div>
47 miles / 24 kwh</div>
<div>
= 1.9583 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
= 3.16 kilometers per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This shorter range of 47 miles is <b><u>consistent with tests of the Nissan Leaf in cold weather driving at -30 celcius (-22 Fahrenheit)</u></b>! In colder weather, the range is reduced. Excellent disclosure on Nissan's part to publish a worst case scenario number!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Electric Vehicle's Mileage Efficiency Scenarios</u>:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Best case:</div>
<div>
Mitsubishi MIEV</div>
<div>
6.25 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Average Case:</div>
<div>
Nissan Leaf Best case/Tesla Roadster are very similar</div>
<div>
Use 4.5416 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Worst case:</div>
<div>
Nissan Leaf at -30 celcius: </div>
<div>
1.9583 miles per kwh</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Put the numbers into a spreadsheet. Use six cents per kilowatt hour. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
200,000 miles/4.5416 miles per kwh</div>
<div>
= 44037 total kilowatt hours</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
44037 total kilowatt hours * 6 cents per KWH</div>
<div>
= $2642.22</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKrMlq1t4CPQ54MOEX_8xCVzOB1HD7tRf3fLb_IqU3SxIVQgsO2UjuLVLl9xqGuY83VuMMcoejPrhXqEOCnINneLLyDvZHF7QHS6wb8ymbx-zoHHJ-UkO0q8UFrk4hyGti4MkXHveqMnB/s1600/EVEnergyCosts200K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKrMlq1t4CPQ54MOEX_8xCVzOB1HD7tRf3fLb_IqU3SxIVQgsO2UjuLVLl9xqGuY83VuMMcoejPrhXqEOCnINneLLyDvZHF7QHS6wb8ymbx-zoHHJ-UkO0q8UFrk4hyGti4MkXHveqMnB/s320/EVEnergyCosts200K.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Comparing the energy costs side by side, the cost for electricity is around one tenth the cost of gasoline! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbe97Iwm3fvMGxo8vlhESGUec0CSKyPWxlvnwU9rYX4ewmOmxOB0upaFCJeYECAb3AfZf1oGe9oBCr6vsfapng0ezvfyBbFuM3Bwi1J03f2nek0hlyEAxNF8XsOPuf7fOGZ081eoGZo-c/s1600/ICEVsEVEnergyCosts200K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbe97Iwm3fvMGxo8vlhESGUec0CSKyPWxlvnwU9rYX4ewmOmxOB0upaFCJeYECAb3AfZf1oGe9oBCr6vsfapng0ezvfyBbFuM3Bwi1J03f2nek0hlyEAxNF8XsOPuf7fOGZ081eoGZo-c/s320/ICEVsEVEnergyCosts200K.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And the cost per mile is just as dramatic. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1cagzaz2uRd96bWAcxUoB2Dgf4MA_hd4qf9C6PAfOcdAtSG5DW3XSCH4AUXQTNC787FmCb_SKwfAMGNJ5sIN1sZ2Kg4iK8CDsERRuzKgdx_MoLVU6mqt_lBnfzoBQq3SDCKwYGh71K3k/s1600/ICEVsEVEnergyCostPerMile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1cagzaz2uRd96bWAcxUoB2Dgf4MA_hd4qf9C6PAfOcdAtSG5DW3XSCH4AUXQTNC787FmCb_SKwfAMGNJ5sIN1sZ2Kg4iK8CDsERRuzKgdx_MoLVU6mqt_lBnfzoBQq3SDCKwYGh71K3k/s320/ICEVsEVEnergyCostPerMile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the average scenario, an ICE car costs 16 cents per mile, just for the gas. An EV requires only 1.32 cents of electricity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
Note that the ICE costs are just the cost for the gasoline. It does not include the costs for oil changes, tune ups, radiator fluid changes, repairs, financing, or depreciation. Perhaps in another post, I'll detail all the other expenses. The point here is to show how dramatic the differences in operating costs for fuel vs electricity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Why Don't We Hear More About The Total Fuel Cost Over The Entire Life Cycle Of A Car?</u> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One reason is perhaps that the buyers of new cars are not thinking into the future 200K miles and 10 or more years. They are thinking of a 3 to 5 year time span. Leases are often for 3 years. After that, the buyer plans to buy another new prestigious car. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When they buy, the biggest visible cost is the price of the vehicle, at $20K, $30K, $40K, $50K or more. Gasoline at $4 or even $5 per gallon does not seem like big expense. Like smokers who do not think of the health consequences of one more cigarette, car buyers do not think much of the long term cost of gasoline. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From a consumer behavior standpoint, they are thinking heavily about: features, financing, car payments, tax write offs, style, color, how it drives, excitement, showing off, status. Or, perhaps an end to the problems that an existing car is giving them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even if they did think of the long term fuel costs, they are probably only thinking of fuel costs in terms of the time they will personally own the car. Not about the life of the car after they trade it in for the next vehicle. Even at 20K miles per year, the 5 year cost of fuel for a car that gets 25 MPG is:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
20K miles per / year * 5 years</div>
<div>
= 100K miles</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
100k/25 mpg</div>
<div>
= 4000 gallons</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4000 gallons * $4 per gallon</div>
<div>
= $16K </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
"Only" $16K. Which is probably still less than the price of the car. A Camry or Accord easily sells for over $30K new. The gas expense is still smaller over that time period. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, when they do eventually drive 200K, they will have spent just as much for the gasoline over the same time period. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I think a big reason why we don’t think of the total cost of gas, is probably because it's just not mentioned. If the sales reps, media, and general public thought in these terms, car companies would probably sell a lot fewer cars!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If they want to sell more EVs, perhaps they can just broadcast a few of these TCO numbers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy driving and financing. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
---</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<u>Further: The Costs For Fleets</u>: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found some articles on the lifecycle costs for fleets. What's interesting, is that they don't really seem to consider the price or total cost of gasoline very much. Why? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Automotive Life Cycle Economics and Replacement Intervals</div>
<div>
<a href="http://css.snre.umich.edu/css_doc/CSS04-01.pdf">http://css.snre.umich.edu/css_doc/CSS04-01.pdf</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This paper from 2004 covers a lot of the scheduled maintenance that needs to be done to a car. Financing. Insurance. Whether to buy new or used. How long to keep the vehicle. Car values. Depreciation. CO2 emissions. Gasoline taxes. It does consider various technologies to improve fuel economy. But it does not detail the total cost of gas that the owner will pay while driving the vehicle over the time period. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Vehicle Lifecycle Costs Analysis</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fleet-central.com/fleet_costs.pdf">http://www.fleet-central.com/fleet_costs.pdf</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This paper from Automotive Fleet, 2003, is a compilation of a number of articles from different writers. It was sponsored by Toyota. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first writer, Peter Klopchic from CitiCapital Fleet, states that the two biggest direct costs are depreciation, and maintenance over the first two years. But not fuel. Odd. The maintenance charges on a brand new vehicle cost more than the gas? I disagree with depreciation being a direct cost. In accounting, depreciation is always an indirect cost, never direct. He also lists Indirect Costs as being Perk Value, Corporate Image, and Downtime, items that I have never heard of on an income statement. However, I have heard of these in sales and marketing. I'll conclude that he is not an accountant, but works in fleet sales. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other writers mention fuel efficiency. One quotes a number of fleet managers who consider MPG. Not surprisingly, some of these fleet managers also mention the Toyota Prius. One mentions that his Prius averages 44 MPG. However, again, the total cost of gas is not detailed over the TCO. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Terry Flesia from AutoCross & Associates, a fleet consulting firm in Irvine, CA, commented on fleet expenses, going back to the 1950s. In particular, fuel and depreciation expense. Unfortunately, he combines these two expenses into one: "total fuel/net depreciation cost-combination", and does not provide a detailed example for explanation. So, it's unclear what percent the fuel expense really is, or was. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The main thrust of all the writers in this PDF seem to be the cost of depreciation. Not fuel or other expenses. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Business 101: Calculate Per-Vehicle Cost</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.lctmag.com/operations/article/1249/business-101-calculate-per-vehicle-cost">http://www.lctmag.com/operations/article/1249/business-101-calculate-per-vehicle-cost</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This article was written for owners of limousine fleets in 2003, when the price of gas was lower than it was today. It does estimate that fuel will be 15% of the total cost of ownership. It does detail some actual figures. The largest is the chauffeur’s pay at $110 per day. The next is fuel at $17 per day. A multiple of 6.4 times. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So perhaps that's why they don't talk about fuel expenses very much. Any ideas? </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-68879570949241377852012-03-14T10:17:00.000-07:002012-03-14T10:17:12.270-07:00Book Review: The Millionaire Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently, I read the book, <a href="http://www.thomasjstanley.com/pub-books/2/The_Millionaire_Mind.html" target="_blank">The Millionaire Mind, by Dr. Thomas Stanley</a>, who also wrote the book, The Millionaire Next Door. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0Q3EgDM2cewxxbkjBLtswIohkgw9P0bMeUCerFOJrN0ZliA9cTlXzatUAQYbWsofN0Rfn3QdBve65v2HQJIfRRoWuG3iDOHJ9AIp_8Llrx1GtXnLs7bOQfhWZ81I9onQ1DVF1RIGooeg/s1600/Millionaire-Mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0Q3EgDM2cewxxbkjBLtswIohkgw9P0bMeUCerFOJrN0ZliA9cTlXzatUAQYbWsofN0Rfn3QdBve65v2HQJIfRRoWuG3iDOHJ9AIp_8Llrx1GtXnLs7bOQfhWZ81I9onQ1DVF1RIGooeg/s320/Millionaire-Mind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The book is the result of his studies of many people with millions in net worth. Their habits. How they got rich. And for those who want to market to them, their buying patterns.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Sample Size</u>:<br />
<br />
Dr. Stanley makes a distinction between millionaires, and deca-millionaires. When the book was published in 2000, the average household net worth over all the respondents was 9.2 million. The average annual household income of the respondents was $749,000.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div><u>Top Success Factors For Millionaires</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>What did millionaires attribute to their success? </div><div></div><br />
<div>Ranked, according to the percentage responding Very Important. The percent are those reporting the quality as being either Important or Very Important. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1: Being honest with all people 95% </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1: Being well disciplined </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">95% </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (tied with Being Honest) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3: Getting along with people</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">94%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4: Having a supportive spouse</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">81%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5: Working harder than most people </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">88%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6: Loving my career/business </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">86%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7: Having strong leadership qualities:</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">84%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8: Having very competitive spirit</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">81%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9: Being very well organized:</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10: Having an ability to sell my ideas:</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">82%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10: Making wise investments</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">76%</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>Superior Social Skills Over Superior Intellect</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>What factors did these true millionaires attribute to their success? Most all put a major emphasis on social skills, rather than on superior intellect. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Ranked in the number one position, was " Being honest with all people", tied with "being well disciplined" at 95%. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Next, was "getting along with people" at 94%. </div><div><br />
</div><div>By contrast, only 20 percent ranked "having a high intellect" as very important, which ranked 21st. </div><div><br />
</div><div>However, 90% of the millionaires had college degrees, and 52% had advanced degrees. </div><div><br />
</div><div>--- </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Making Character Judgements</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><br />
Most millionaires are a very good judge of character.<br />
<br />
They will say that one of the most important things they learned in university was to make accurate judgements about people.<br />
<br />
This judgement is very evident in their choice of a spouse. <br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<u>Three kinds of Intelligence: Analytical, Creative, and Practical</u>:<br />
<br />
The book references the work by Robert Sternberg, Successful Intelligence. There are three kinds of Intelligence: Analytical, Creative, and Practical. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the school and university systems are only geared toward analytical intelligence. But to become rich, this is clearly not enough. Many PhDs are not rich. Not only that, he notes cases of some scholars that broke the law, and went to jail. Not the smartest thing to do. <br />
<br />
As they say, you can't legislate common sense.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
<u>How Did Millionaires Choose Their Vocation</u>?<br />
<br />
Most millionaires have a great intuitive ability to see and understand a great business opportunity. 46% of all the millionaire business owners, and 39% of all the millionaires indicated that intuition was an important discovery factor. 39% also studied the profitability of their business.<br />
<br />
Only 14% found their vocation through a standardized aptitude test. <br />
Less than 6% found it via the college placement office.<br />
Only 3 percent were led to their vocation by a headhunter or a career counselor.<br />
Only 2% discovered their business idea at an opportunity or franchise fair.<br />
<br />
81% of millionaires felt that their vocation allowed them to make full use of their aptitudes and abilities.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><u>Parents</u>:</div><br />
Most first generation millionaires are the products of loving, caring, and well adjusted parents who were rarely in the divorce court. Most of the parents' marriages lasted the full term. Their parents were not abusive and the home was not a pressure cooker environment.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div><u>The Spouses Of Millionaires</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Millionaires have an uncanny ability to choose the right mate for life, long before they were millionaires. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Of all the millionaires in the book, 92% were married. Only 2% had never married. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Most millionaires have been married for a very long time. The average time married in the sample was 28 years. One in four had been married for 38 or more years. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Only 55 of 1317 (about 4%) respondents believed that their spouse did not play an important role in their economic success.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The millionaires almost never consider marrying someone merely for "physical attractiveness" alone. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Qualities that initially attracted millionaires in their spouses: Intelligence, Sincere, Cheerful, Reliable, Affectionate. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Important Qualities for a successful marriage for both millionaire men and women: Honest, Responsible, Loving, Capable, Supportive. For all respondents, at least 91% of the time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Millionaire women, 49% of the time, also attributed the success of the marriage on the man being a high income earner.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The couples make trade offs, investing in the business, rather than new cars and luxuries. Wives supported, and stay with their husband, while he left his job and started his business.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Dr. Stanley concludes that there is a highly significant relationship between a successful marriage and net worth.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><div><u>Spouse Selection by Non Millionaires</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>In contrast, Dr. Belinda Tucker of UCLA did a survey on the selection of mates. Average, non millionaire men considered physical attractiveness more than any other dimension. Then, earning potential. Average, non millionaire women rated salary and earning potential highest, more important than attractiveness, education, or occupation. </div><div><br />
</div><div>"Satisfaction with your partner's earning contributions is strongly related to how you feel about your relationship and whether you feel you will stay in the relationship." </div><div><br />
</div><div>Both non millionaire men and women would consider divorcing a spouse who lost their job. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This is so diametrically opposed to the attitudes of millionaire couples. </div><div><br />
</div><div>--- </div><div><br />
</div><div>Only about 19% of millionaires engage in "do it yourself" activities. Dr. Stanley finds an inverse relationship between these activities and wealth. </div><div><br />
</div><div>---</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><div><u>Thoughts</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>This book was a great eye opener. Some things I already knew, or suspected. And others surprised me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So much did not fit the stereotypes of some rich people such as you see on TV shows: Lifestyles of the Rich And Famous. How Did You Get So Rich? Donald Trump on The Apprentice.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Perhaps some parts explain why I'm not a millionaire yet. My career has been influenced by recruiters. I take on a lot of "do it yourself" activities, and so far, haven't married. Hmm. </div><div><br />
</div><div>On the other hand, I'm very honest. Often my intuition, and judge of character is very good. So maybe ...</div><div><br />
</div><div>It is a great book to read. Highly recommended. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Note: This book by Dr. Stanley is different from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Millionaire-Mind-Mastering-Wealth/dp/0060763280" target="_blank">Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, by T. Harv Eker</a>. Which is also recommended.</div><div><br />
</div><div></div><div><br />
</div></div><div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-87093696878872487282012-03-03T12:39:00.000-08:002012-03-03T12:39:14.905-08:00Book Review - The Coming Jobs War<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently I read the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coming-Jobs-War-Jim-Clifton/dp/1595620559" target="_blank">The Coming Jobs War</a>. It is written by Jim Clifton, the Chairman of Gallup Corporation, the pioneering survey research company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpOFkCALxAT7lak4GWVbF9VrMWlsKPMHrN9juDUC5VHCerVEcsw71iLbz8gisQsoan2BD7pUYb4mr-f4jQOBVlZHhlYroW96nmWV5M3ITZav0zL1aYBsc-6XllY35GSxoUOlE1aHrFIR/s1600/clifton-worldwide-job-demand-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQpOFkCALxAT7lak4GWVbF9VrMWlsKPMHrN9juDUC5VHCerVEcsw71iLbz8gisQsoan2BD7pUYb4mr-f4jQOBVlZHhlYroW96nmWV5M3ITZav0zL1aYBsc-6XllY35GSxoUOlE1aHrFIR/s320/clifton-worldwide-job-demand-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
He makes many great points throughout the book. What impresses me, is that the conclusions were all developed based on research, and empirical evidence. It's not just another unsubstantiated opinion. <br />
<br />
Clifton says that so many companies pay attention to the wrong things. A most critical factor is actually the employees. Looking at the employment issue from the Six Sigma perspective, miserable employees are a "key defect".<br />
<br />
"An <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employee_engagement" target="_blank">engaged employee</a> is one who is fully involved in, and enthusiastic about their work, and thus will act in a way that furthers their organization's interests"<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div>Clifton writes many pages on how engaged employees are in their jobs, and provides some very interesting statistics: </div><div>28% of Employees are Engaged in their jobs</div><div>53% of Employees are Not Engaged</div><div>19% of Employees are Actively Disengaged</div><div><br />
</div><div>Even Clifton is surprised. Only one quarter to one third of employees are actively engaged in their jobs! How does this occur? How to determine how engaged an employee is? In their research, Gallup has come up with twelve questions that can accurately predict how engaged employees are:</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><a name='more'></a></div><div>1: I know what is expected of me at work</div><div><div>2: I have the materials and equipment I need to do my job right</div><div>3: At work I have the opportunity to do what I do best</div><div>4: In the last seven days, I have received recognition for praise for doing good work.</div><div>5: My supervisor or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person</div><div>6: There is someone at work who encourages my development</div><div>7: At work, my opinions seem to count</div><div>8: The mission or purpose my organization makes me feel my job is important</div><div>9: My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work</div><div>10: I have a best friend at work</div><div>11: In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress</div><div>12: This last year, I have had opportunities to learn and grow</div><div><br />
</div><div>When I read this summary of questions, I thought it was brilliantly simple! How many questions would you answer with a positive?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Unfortunately, bad managers are to blame. In a large part, because they create environments where ultimate employee answers to the above questions are mostly negative. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Clifton then goes on to say that nothing fixes bad managers. He estimates that at least one in five managers are bad! Clifton is convinced that nothing can fix a bad manager. His recommendation: bad managers should simply be fired. Not (re)trained. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Clifton further goes on to apply the same ideas to schools, managers, companies, leadership, and customers. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Youngsters and teenagers drop out of school when they become disengaged. They lose hope in the future. Then, they drop out of life. Many then go on the welfare roles. Other go into a life of crime. </div><div><br />
</div><div>He estimates that only 3 out of 1000 people have the ability to create a company that makes $50 million in revenue per year or more. That's only 30% of 1%. Profit Increase predicts share price increase 80% of the time. Sales growth predicts profit increase 80% of the time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The best predictor of company success, and new jobs is new customers. To really build a successful company, you need engaged customers that score 5 out of 5 on survey responses. Not 3 out of 5. Not 4 out of 5. To keep a customer, a company needs to bat 100%. If your company fails on any one issue, the customer will not be engaged, and will ultimately be lost. Read the book to find out what the survey questions are. :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's a great book. Short, concise, to the point. Backed up by great and extensive research. Makes sense. Highly recommended. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-44542547752408426332012-02-02T21:20:00.000-08:002012-02-03T08:29:13.325-08:00A Matter Of Trust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/q_xocxJ7SlQ/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q_xocxJ7SlQ&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q_xocxJ7SlQ&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
Recently I was reading the book, The Social Animal, by David Brooks. <br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_Animal_(David_Brooks_book)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Social_Animal_(David_Brooks_book)</a><br />
<br />
It's a fascinating read. He refers to study after psychological study, in an attempt to explain our behavior as individuals. And also society as a whole. It's a fabulous read.<br />
<br />
One reference he makes is to the book, The Moral Basis of a Backward Society, by Edward C. Banfield.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moral_Basis_of_a_Backward_Society">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moral_Basis_of_a_Backward_Society</a><br />
<br />
Summarizing Banfield, Brooks notes that in Southern Italy, very few people trust anyone outside of their immediate family, or kin. As a result, the businesses in that area, are all, as a result, very small. By contrast, Germany and Japan are safe societies where there is a lot of inherent trust. Accordingly, large corporations can and do thrive in Germany and Japan. <br />
<br />
This concept really struck me: to see our lives in terms of trust. I began to think in terms on many levels. <br />
<br />
I thought of a long list of people and entities, of who and what I felt I could, and could not, trust. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
<u>Software and Websites</u>:<br />
<br />
Just in software and the internet alone, what can I trust? There are a lot of scams on the internet now. I started hunting down and reporting email spammers way back in 1996. I'm very aware of all kinds of scams that occur through the internet: email spam, phishing, spyware, viruses, trojans, Nigerian 419s, etc. <br />
<br />
<u>Ebay</u>: Can you trust the Ebay seller to give an accurate description and ship the goods? Can you trust the Ebay buyer to send the money? Can you trust the buyer to give accurate and honest feedback? Can you trust the seller not to respond with false negative feedback in retaliation?<br />
<br />
BTW, one tactic I like to use on Ebay, is to ask the seller a simple question. If they aren't motivated to answer the question, why would they ever ship the goods? <br />
<br />
<u>Paypal</u>: Paypal, interestingly enough, is a huge business that was developed because of the trust issue. If buyers and sellers can't trust each other, there would be a lot less online commerce. Because the seller is ensured payment, they will sell over the internet. Because the buyer's financial information is kept confidential by Paypal, the buyer doesn't need to worry about a stranger attemping fraud with it. <br />
<br />
Privacy Policy: Can you trust a website with your privacy and information? <br />
<br />
Lately, I've been noticing how much tracking so many websites do to my web browsing behavior. What are they doing with that information? <br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
<u>Friends And Family</u>:<br />
<br />
There is a simple test I've heard of for trust in friendship. If you suddenly needed a ride to the airport, or had to be picked up, who could you call and rely on? Or, as one of my friends asked me to do, if you had to leave town for a two week vacation, who could you ask to take care of your pets while you were gone? <br />
<br />
As I look back, my best friends have been the ones that I could trust the most. <br />
<br />
Can you trust your friends with things you would like to be kept secret and not broadcast? <br />
<br />
Remember the scene in The Shawshank Redemption? "Can you trust your wife?"<br />
<br />
----<br />
<br />
<u>Neighbors and Personal Business</u>:<br />
<br />
Landlord/Landlady: Will they provide good housing, and take care of it? <br />
<br />
Tenant: Will they take care of the property and pay the rent on time?<br />
<br />
Neighbors: Will they be good neighbors?<br />
<br />
Police.<br />
Bankers.<br />
Politicians.<br />
Lawyers.<br />
Government officials.<br />
Insurance Agent.<br />
<br />
Local Stores with enough of your personal information. Will they keep it safe? How about national chains, such as Target?<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
<u>Work and Business World</u>:<br />
<br />
<u>Customers</u>: Will they pay their bills? On time? <br />
<br />
<u>Suppliers</u>: Can you trust your suppliers? To tell you the truth? To do a good job? To bill a fair rate? Doctor, Dentist, Car mechanics, Housing contractors such as electricians and plumbers. <br />
<br />
What level of trust can you give your: Employer, Employee, Manager, Coworkers?<br />
<br />
-------<br />
<br />
<u>Corporate World</u>:<br />
<br />
Think of some scandals that have occurred in recent years. Bernie Madoff. Enron and Arthur Anderson. WorldComm. The US real estate bubble was fueled in part by untrustworthy evaluations of the mortgage backed securities by ratings agencies. There are lots more that could be mentioned. Underlying all these scandals, is the issue of trust. <br />
<br />
Accountants are supposed to be the guardians of trust in the financial markets. The Enron, Worldcom, and Bernie Madoff scandals should have been stopped by the accountants. Had investors been able to trust the accountants to give the correct numbers, rather than a corrupted "opinion", the investors would not have lost their money, as the company executives got rich at the same time. It turns out that there have been many accounting scandals. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accounting_scandals">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accounting_scandals</a><br />
<br />
Many recruiters use tactics that render them most untrustworthy. See the article on Black Hat Recruiters. <a href="http://blog.nahurst.com/black-hat-recruiter-tactics">http://blog.nahurst.com/black-hat-recruiter-tactics</a><br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<u>Politics</u>:<br />
<br />
Top 10 Political Scandals in the United States<br />
<a href="http://www.pfhub.com/top-10-political-scandals-in-the-united-states/">http://www.pfhub.com/top-10-political-scandals-in-the-united-states/</a><br />
<br />
Many politicians, violating the trust they were given.<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<u>Media</u>:<br />
<br />
Can you trust the media to be accurate? And report on the real issues? <br />
<br />
To read about bias in the media, see:<br />
<a href="http://www.fair.org/">http://www.fair.org</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_bias">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_bias</a><br />
<br />
-------<br />
<br />
<u>National Security</u>: Since September 11th, 2001, there is so much less trust in society, at many levels. <br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
Because of the trust issue, I find a lot of my energy being drained. <br />
<br />
For instance, just with my computers. Defending against hacking. Protecting against a breach. Backing up the data, in case of failure.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, it's only defense, not offense. All the effort protecting myself, is not advancing my career, or making me richer. Only protecting me from identity theft, and losing money, time, reputation, etc. So, it's not very "productive". Were I putting the same amount of effort into a business, there would eventually be some income, and return on investment. <br />
<br />
What's aggravating, is that there are armies of independent people and organizations working very hard on their scams. And, in addition to their own effort, they employ all the computing power at their disposal. Decades ago, they needed to use a lot more effort, such as their dialing telephones manually, and smooth talking people out of their money. Now, they use automatic dialers, and play you a recording, even when you are on the Do Not Call list. The swine.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
The lack of trust in society these days is a huge drain on resources. Emotion. Effort. Time. Money. But the lack of trust gives little real Return On Investment. What a bother. <br />
<br />
Thinking of Banfield's writing, I prefer the trustworthy societies he described. Not a society of many small distrustful "families" as was the case in Southern Italy. <br />
<br />
How we make a more trustworthy society?<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-87384910909543721812011-12-24T23:45:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:04:16.525-08:00Thoughts on It's A Wonderful Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It's Christmas season again. And like every year, the Christmas classic, It's a Wonderful Life, is played on television.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e4wGigqs18FO2QOwZO_p2Tmzl7RhOgUXqON2W5lrGf-RpgRfTgfhP4xN8iBvmu_d07JwS7vj-zqlxQ-Lc_2xKywdqIDejYZIyUuWk_lZx5Dtn4foPDoAICuZXBlaoZrVcg_h71bIrXYb/s1600/it-s-a-wonderful-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e4wGigqs18FO2QOwZO_p2Tmzl7RhOgUXqON2W5lrGf-RpgRfTgfhP4xN8iBvmu_d07JwS7vj-zqlxQ-Lc_2xKywdqIDejYZIyUuWk_lZx5Dtn4foPDoAICuZXBlaoZrVcg_h71bIrXYb/s1600/it-s-a-wonderful-life.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's an awesome and favorite show, with a <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1010792-its_a_wonderful_life/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1010792-its_a_wonderful_life/" target="_blank">95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes</a>.<br />
<br />
For those of you who aren't familiar with the story, here is a quick overview. George Bailey grows up in small town Bedford Falls, and has dreams of doing big things in his life. Travel, graduate from university, see the world, build bridges and skyscrapers. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
His friend, Sam Wainwright, goes on to become a rich successful businessman, producing airplane components for the military. His brother goes to college, becomes an airforce pilot, saves the lives of everyone on a transport ship, and gets decorated as a war hero. <br />
<br />
But George Bailey never gets to college. He never gets to leave his small town. He takes over the not too profitable family Building and Loan business, marries, lives in an old dilapidated house, and has children. In business, Bailey competes with the rich banker, Mr. Potter, who owns most of the businesses in town. <br />
<br />
George Bailey hates his life. He has not done anything that he has dreamed of doing. One day there is a crisis; a lot of money is missing. George prays for God to show him the way. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuQwnpZ4T67aXJCuIwsN36nvX7c0K65CjTJm5fzokW7VVZsz82TWOVNnjWqDNzF-T0Ky2Jq9rOucfQSn2nw6aohtkfzb43EJAeEEyQ1ICgv7LP-RGVfWWKWCG-_mkaReC6rCv_YN6FyIN/s1600/george_bailey_prays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuQwnpZ4T67aXJCuIwsN36nvX7c0K65CjTJm5fzokW7VVZsz82TWOVNnjWqDNzF-T0Ky2Jq9rOucfQSn2nw6aohtkfzb43EJAeEEyQ1ICgv7LP-RGVfWWKWCG-_mkaReC6rCv_YN6FyIN/s1600/george_bailey_prays.jpg" /></a></div><br />
An angel, Clarence, arrives. George tells the angel that he wishes he had never been born. Clarence grants him his wish. <br />
<br />
George Bailey sees what the world would have been like without him. It's much worse. The world has been much, much better with him in it. <br />
<br />
It's such a great show with many messages. It has given me some different thoughts over the years. <br />
<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
What About The Rest Of The Class?<br />
<br />
It reminded me of when you had a great friend in school, who later went away, or died. You missed the friend, and things were not as fun. <br />
<br />
Which of course made me think, was there another great friend who was not in your class, or life? Who was it? What would it be like if they were here? <br />
<br />
As Clarence says in the movie, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"<br />
<br />
------------<br />
<br />
What About The Rest Of The Cast?<br />
<br />
But what about the rest of the cast of the movie? What if the central character in the movie was the angry, sad, and rich Mr. Potter? What if he hated his life as a cripple, and lamented that he had still not achieved what he really wanted. Or considered himself to be the "warped, frustrated, old man" that Bailey called him? Would the town have been better off with him? Or not?<br />
<br />
Many would probably argue that the town was worse with Potter, who charged top dollar for cheap rental houses, refused to give extensions when times were tough, and didn’t give loans to commoners. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, perhaps because of Potter, there was industry, and commerce. And the town Bedford Falls, where otherwise there might have just been a village in the sticks. <br />
<br />
What if the central character was the druggist Mr. Gower? The mentally unstable Uncle Billy? The frustrated Violet Bick? <br />
<br />
What would the plot of the movie be like if the story revolved around any of these characters? <br />
<br />
Fascinating question. <br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
In a similar way, it makes you think of who you work with, or hire. Do they add value to the team or project? Or not? Are you better off with, or without them? <br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
Cultural Differences on Suicide: <br />
<br />
The writer, Frank Capra, was a devout Catholic. Some of the movie's messages are consistent with Catholic catechism, especially the idea of <a href="http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a5.htm" target="_blank">suicide</a>: "Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God."<br />
<br />
This is in stark contrast to the Japanese idea of the honorable suicide.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://victorian.fortunecity.com/duchamp/410/seppuku.html" target="_blank">To the samurai, seppuku</a>--whether ordered as punishment or chosen in preference to a dishonorable death at the hands of an enemy--was unquestionable demonstration of their honor, courage, loyalty, and moral character."<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_in_Japan" target="_blank">In Japanese culture, for example, there are basically two types of suicide</a>: honorable and dishonorable suicide. Honorable suicide is a means of protecting the reputation of one’s family after a member has been found guilty a of dishonorable deed such as embezzlement or flunking out of college, or to save the nation as in the case of the kamikaze pilots in World War II. Dishonorable suicide is when one takes his or her life for personal reasons in order to escape some turmoil. This is thought of as a cowardly way out of life and a coward can only bring dishonor to his family."<br />
<br />
Given this huge cultural difference, I've often wondered if It's A Wonderful Life has ever been shown in Japan, and what the reaction has been. <br />
<br />
I've written to ask some Japanese friends and contacts. But I've never received a response. I sense that it is a real emotional question. <br />
<br />
Does anyone know? If so, please leave a comment.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
On a related subject, there are some Japanese movies that make me think of similar things that It's A Wonderful Life does. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_Life_(1998_film)" target="_blank">Afterlife</a>: A movie where spirits, having died, have to decide on one memory to take with them into eternity. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741" target="_blank">Ikiru</a>: Akira Kurosawa's movie about an old man, who, knowing he is about to die, puts all his life and effort into doing something of lasting value for the town. Actually, so many films by Kuroawa deal with subjects of life, death, and meaning of life. He was awesome!<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
Did Kurosawa and Capra know about each others work? I wonder what they would talk about? <br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
There are a lot of great movies that I've seen. Some are just great entertainment. Others really make me think. It's A Wonderful Life is one of them. <br />
<br />
See a great review here: <br />
<a href="http://www.reelviews.net/movies/i/its_wonderful.html">http://www.reelviews.net/movies/i/its_wonderful.html</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-60417623663958847832011-12-08T21:58:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:05:12.132-08:00My First Road Bike: Chimo Criterium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My very first bike was a blue Chimo Criterium that I bought as a teenager. Recently I found some transparencies of it.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE_rulF2jn2JqSFYql8oU48qmxkzDCL6rO5ZJC4Xqj86egX4AdTkU9vuuLtwCs9nY8XYvKf-Qjn8H7DNORA_m7kTS_JwnplGEKWZs62QbCD5Ys0H5FYwqy2JH8HIkaIuiQnAOm9Awg0yw/s1600/ChimoHungryHillSummit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE_rulF2jn2JqSFYql8oU48qmxkzDCL6rO5ZJC4Xqj86egX4AdTkU9vuuLtwCs9nY8XYvKf-Qjn8H7DNORA_m7kTS_JwnplGEKWZs62QbCD5Ys0H5FYwqy2JH8HIkaIuiQnAOm9Awg0yw/s320/ChimoHungryHillSummit3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>It was made by <a href="http://www.hkcycle.com/enhome.asp" target="_blank">Hong Kong Bicycle (HKB)</a> which is still in business. Although their products look a lot better now. </div></div><div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div><div>The Chimo Criterium had a lugged steel frame. SR stem. Sugino Maxy alloy cotterless cranks. Dia Compe center pull brakes. 27 * 1 1/4 inch Araya aluminum rims. High flange hubs, 36 hole, either Suzue or Sunshine. Suntour slant pantograph rear derailleur. 10 speeds using a 5 speed freewheel, and 52/40 chainrings. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Interestingly, the quick release was actually in the brake levers, not on the brake arms. I always thought that this was safer; if the quick release was on, you still had just as much braking power. Not so when the quick release is on the brake. (Recently I forgot to disengage the quick release on my Tektro R556 brakes, accelerated, then discovered, that the brake pads would not even touch the rims at all! Weeeeee......) </div><div><br />
</div><div>It was a middle of the road bike. Not light or high quality enough to be a serious racer. But better than a lot of other bikes that were around at the time. A good starter bike. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The frame was rather unusual. It had steep 73 degree head and seat tube angles. And a very high bottom bracket, 13 inches off the ground. It was actually possible to lean the bike over to 40 degrees of the ground, and still pedal through the turn, without hitting the pedal on the ground! There are not many bikes that you can do that on! </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I first moved out to Vancouver, it was my only means of transporation. I had no car and didn't take the bus. Recently I visited Vancouver, and saw hundreds of cyclists commuting. I thought, "I'm a such a trendsetter and leader! Once I start doing something, everybody else starts doing it!" :) </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>A few years after living in Vancouver, I completed a cycle tour from Prince Rupert to Vancouver. About 900 miles (1600 kilometers) through the mountains. The gear weighed about 40 pounds, and the bike 30, so it was about 70 pounds altogether. I carried my clothes, tent, sleeping bag, food, and slept in hidden places on the side of the road. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTIwEAsNqJ2GWMK9eBuZQIvuXNrHqeK0jNJAEx10aiyrYAnAwPwFgcm0i_S4csuPuZ_BzJWxk9a1Km-bg-cO7eBW3JNFOMsc3JxlSb8u323RQBMD4fRluL8uR7T66hVf64Vn981CLE-uS/s1600/ChimoChinaNose2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTIwEAsNqJ2GWMK9eBuZQIvuXNrHqeK0jNJAEx10aiyrYAnAwPwFgcm0i_S4csuPuZ_BzJWxk9a1Km-bg-cO7eBW3JNFOMsc3JxlSb8u323RQBMD4fRluL8uR7T66hVf64Vn981CLE-uS/s320/ChimoChinaNose2.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>It was a tough ride. The bike had 28 teeth on the large cog in the rear, and 40 teeth on the small chainwheel in front, so a relatively low gear was possible. Still, a lot of those hills were really steep. I would be standing out of the saddle much of the time, straining each stroke to climb the hill. One day I noticed that an 18 wheeler truck was only going up the hill, just a little faster than I was. Some climbs were really tough! </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I finished the trip, I noticed that I was really strong. I had big veins in my legs, and even in my arms. And my resting heart rate was only 50 beats per minute. For someone who was a tall skinny teenager, this was a big boost of confidence for me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A few years later, I went out one night, and locked my bike up with the cable as I always did. When I returned, the bike was gone. Someone had stolen it. It was heartbreaking. So I had my parents ship out my Torrot, that I wrote about in <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-bikes.html" target="_blank">another post</a>. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Recently, this past year, I was riding my bicycle and saw a Chimo Concourse locked to a sign post, half disassembled. The Concourse was much same bike as the Criterium, but without the steep angles. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Seeing the bike on the street, brought back a lot of memories. I immediately recognized the components, after all the time I'd spent adjusting or rebuilding them. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1EpRtIgTaDnUiSVB033pCuxPGllZzXejgL72etBAMQEpX2uTaXaYn6Ah-kG2C1W3_pWTvuJda4sAZnupfWBWAChcFqybZtr0jqXGrSrjfTa8quWcc-wvk2PCe-8YqHubJDCMLj0Zi1MM/s1600/chimoconcourse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1EpRtIgTaDnUiSVB033pCuxPGllZzXejgL72etBAMQEpX2uTaXaYn6Ah-kG2C1W3_pWTvuJda4sAZnupfWBWAChcFqybZtr0jqXGrSrjfTa8quWcc-wvk2PCe-8YqHubJDCMLj0Zi1MM/s320/chimoconcourse.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>One thought was, how cheap everything was. Lots of stamped steel or aluminum, such as in the brakes. The quality of the components was so much worse than what we can get now. Now components are drop forged. And they look and work much better! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Suddenly I realized why I've been pursuing a few nice blue bikes the past few years. When I was young, I always wanted a better bike. But I couldn't afford it then. Now it's fulfillment time! </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>BTW, speaking of Suntour derailleurs, the Suntour slant pantograph technology totally changed derailleur technology. See a great website that summarizes the history of derailleurs and the companies that made them is at: <a href="http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Home.html">http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/Home.html</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>His writing is awesome. He writes about the derailleur companies like they were people. Their rise, success, and fall. Do check it out.<br />
<br />
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-57228676140993133912011-11-27T19:56:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:05:29.553-08:00My Bikes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I keep sending pictures of my bikes to people. So I may as well just make a blog post for everyone to see. <br />
<br />
My first bike a blue Chimo Criterium that I bought when I was 13. Unfortunately, it was stolen when I was in my early twenties. I'll see if I can find an old picture of it. <br />
<br />
<u>Torrot </u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclqxe9yT8qig2E-xwVixF8diQ0mmPQddUjxoCKJpYkGYwZ31NKebwAcznxP0PfxhzPSVM_0i-M9nZlA2Re07VDwR8CFK-T1kwHeXKbx7shvi3N0pmgXBMklgjIQLtPVS02g6GhufrYMo_/s1600/DSC_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclqxe9yT8qig2E-xwVixF8diQ0mmPQddUjxoCKJpYkGYwZ31NKebwAcznxP0PfxhzPSVM_0i-M9nZlA2Re07VDwR8CFK-T1kwHeXKbx7shvi3N0pmgXBMklgjIQLtPVS02g6GhufrYMo_/s1600/DSC_4766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This second bike I got as a teenager, when I was 16. It is a Spanish bike, brand name, Torrot, meaning "bull". It was only imported into Canada, by one man, Ozzie Mellon, an colorful and opinionated character. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
When I first got this bike, it had centerpull Olympic brakes, Triplex derailleurs, downtube friction shifters, tubular tires, cottered cranks, and fluted TTT stem. I thought it was rather odd that it came with tubular tires, and cottered cranks. Usually when bikes came with tubular tires, they came with more expensive cotterless cranks. The frame also has French threads for the bottom bracket. Unfortunately, it's very rare to find French threaded parts now. <br />
<br />
I've since changed every part on this Torrot, except the handlebars. Perhaps the headset. <br />
<br />
The original fluted TTT stem was very short and long. It was cramped riding when I was a teenager. I didn't ride it for a few years, and then rode again when I was 24. It quickly put my back out of place when I then took it for a 20 mile ride. It was incredibly painful. My walking stride length was much shorter. It took about six months for the chiropractors to get my walk straight and perfect again. <br />
<br />
I've since changed to a tall and short stem. It suits me much better. No more back problems. <br />
<br />
Years later, I went to Japan, and tried to find a double sized shirt, measured around the neck, and the arms. The best I could find was five centimeters (about 2 inches) too short in the arms. I realized that the Asians generally have shorter arms than Europeans. I later saw how bicycle frames from the seventies, eighties and nineties came with short and long stems. They were built in Japan for one body type, but exported with a short and long stem for Europeans. <br />
<br />
I'd changed parts over the years. And in 2008, I changed some more parts. Changed the wheels, pedals, and bottom bracket to a sealed one and brakes to Tektro R556. <br />
<br />
It rides really well. I'm surprised how well it banks and takes the bumps. <br />
<br />
This is the bike that I will use for errands. I can lock it up, and it will be there when I return. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Shogun Samurai</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQDcpvQUlrP-OhLjSJlxT9p__YlDdGLFPOQe8Oq5WZyVEsWy_wVAe6CYWLgVeOpbjo2nWPxC3J4OJIy2bzXIkIFtddjrF5UtkypxUff8qUBt3fKPIwEbRc12h1pUAX37d7RVBdSIE0kL0/s1600/DSC_3075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQDcpvQUlrP-OhLjSJlxT9p__YlDdGLFPOQe8Oq5WZyVEsWy_wVAe6CYWLgVeOpbjo2nWPxC3J4OJIy2bzXIkIFtddjrF5UtkypxUff8qUBt3fKPIwEbRc12h1pUAX37d7RVBdSIE0kL0/s1600/DSC_3075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
This bike I bought from a university classmate after he graduated and moved. It was a Shogun Samurai from the early nineties. Shimano 105 equipped throughout. Six speed SIS shifting with downtube shifters. <br />
<br />
The design is known as a triple triangle frame. Supposed to be stiffer with less material. <br />
<br />
The frame was made with Tange Infinity double butted tubing. It was fabulous! When you bounced the front wheel, you could really see the nice spring in the front fork. <br />
<br />
This bike was always too big for me. I was just able to stand over the top tube. It never quite fit me. <br />
<br />
In the end, I gave this bike to my brother, who is slightly taller than me, when he started running triathlons. Later, he had bought another bike, and I had him sell it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Specialized Allez Pro</u><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC0CmIK7Wi4lkvKCGJgP1kMakbNuNQ-8LNDJyP-iZCXZbxS4VPOCBxQbpdVptRNSma9uRUbC7ytNILGPsEll-h2kQ8xRU7R7apdS0EXxBVmnaHBz9vfSGI013s5_dpYsoRVd_YCMu7C0Z/s1600/DSC_8799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC0CmIK7Wi4lkvKCGJgP1kMakbNuNQ-8LNDJyP-iZCXZbxS4VPOCBxQbpdVptRNSma9uRUbC7ytNILGPsEll-h2kQ8xRU7R7apdS0EXxBVmnaHBz9vfSGI013s5_dpYsoRVd_YCMu7C0Z/s1600/DSC_8799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This Specialized Allez Pro was a bike that I bought on Ebay. Originally, I was thinking of stripping it for parts. But after I rode it, I was hooked. It was an awesome ride! <br />
<br />
It was from the early nineties, Shimano 600 parts throughout. <br />
<br />
It was the first SIS handlebar shifters I had. The rear shifters worked fine. But the front had a habit of seizing in high gear. This was really irritating after I'd upshifted for a downhill ride, and then couldn't downshift for an uphill. I was able to lubricate it and finally get it to work. But it still had a habit of seizing. No wonder the guy sold it. <br />
<br />
This is the same bike that I struggled to put a rear rack on, that I've wrote about <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2011/11/bike-racks-on-classic-road-race-bicycle.html" target="_blank">previously</a>. <br />
<br />
Eventually, I gave this bike to my brother as well. I wanted to keep it in the family, so I didn't sell it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Soma Smoothie</u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYI1w2-2exVk5r9bbYpnDLv4OIBlxSjy6lpysuWaRjG0XXgB2pL72Qz-akca9GRNzCD8nTo20AIakN-_ASwDx0fBW8xY707a2NpUKPsoOkO_s8_rj_f8fM-73bF-nD02N8WKdT6vmRrpB/s1600/DSC_4775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYI1w2-2exVk5r9bbYpnDLv4OIBlxSjy6lpysuWaRjG0XXgB2pL72Qz-akca9GRNzCD8nTo20AIakN-_ASwDx0fBW8xY707a2NpUKPsoOkO_s8_rj_f8fM-73bF-nD02N8WKdT6vmRrpB/s1600/DSC_4775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
For a bike, I'd wanted a few things. A nice steel road bike. Eyelets for a rear rack. And I like blue. I WANT BLUE! <br />
<br />
The Soma Smoothie fit the bill. I got the frame and many parts on Ebay. It took a while to build up. And I was able to find a blue seatpost from Origin8 to go with the frame. <br />
<br />
This is a really nice road bike. When you take a corner, it's responds really fast. <br />
<br />
The steel frame and fork takes bumps really well. It stays close to the road. Although if I ride for a long time on a lot of bumpy roads, it does tend to wear on your body.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Soma Smoothie ES</u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WOwSDqnkf1cy8jeHxYW35b9CO_T3L6LOJnPc6vzRnLAuXcQtTPVM7h9OrCyjSXNnmWk6PVTbkjP2g_txDjWN2Dj6Fj4rpse6auWF4atub5hlmqb6IlKCESNGsslL5Dbf9m_XfqQgih9w/s1600/DSC_4973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WOwSDqnkf1cy8jeHxYW35b9CO_T3L6LOJnPc6vzRnLAuXcQtTPVM7h9OrCyjSXNnmWk6PVTbkjP2g_txDjWN2Dj6Fj4rpse6auWF4atub5hlmqb6IlKCESNGsslL5Dbf9m_XfqQgih9w/s1600/DSC_4973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Turns out that after I got the Soma Smoothie frame, I realized that I got the wrong frame. I'd really wanted the blue Soma Smoothie ES. I wasn't pleased with the confusion. Soma has since renamed the frame the ES. <br />
<br />
I'd wanted the ES because the wheelbase is long enough to put on fenders. You can see the difference between the two frames when you look at the clearance between the rear tire and the seat tube. <br />
<br />
I haven't spent a lot of time on this bike yet. The only thing that jumps out is that the cornering is not as fast as with the Soma Smoothie. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Surly Cross Check </u><br />
<br />
This year, I rode a Surly Cross Check at the bike store. I was very impressed. It took bumps so well. <br />
<br />
Then I saw a blue Surly Cross Check for sale, in exactly my size. So I bought it. It's not built up yet. <br />
<br />
The wheelbase is similar to the ES. I have a feeling that it the Surly Cross Check and the Soma Smoothie ES will have a similar ride.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-79722848238757488612011-11-25T22:29:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:05:47.435-08:00The Microcosm, The Macrocosm And Renewables<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our behavior can affect others, or society at large. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been contemplating. Some of our behaviors can be very good for an individual (in the microcosm), but at the same time, be bad for society (the macrocosm). Or vice versa. Or, they can be good for both. Or, even bad for both. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I quickly started to make a long list.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="1" dir="ltr" style="width: 380px;"><tbody></tbody><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Macrocosm </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Microcosm (down)</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bad</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bad</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3</span></span></td><td valign="top" width="33%"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</span></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quadrant 2)</span></span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things that are good in the microcosm, but not the macrocosm</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things that benefit one person or party. But are bad if every individual/entity in the whole society does them. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It comes as no surprise, that so many crimes fit into this category. The crimes need to be outlawed, for the good of society as a whole. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Personal Relations:</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lying</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheating</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lack of ethics</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greed</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abuse</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crime:</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Theft</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bribes/Corruption</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fraud</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Murders</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traffic violations</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Violence, murder</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drug trafficking </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Organized Crime</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Business (a number of these are also crimes):</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collusion/Anti-trust/Monopolies</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pollution</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nepotism</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monopolies/Oligopolies</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corporate control of the media</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">False Advertising</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sweat shops</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outsourcing jobs overseas</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slavery</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Predatory bank lending</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outrageous bank fees</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Large corporations buying or crushing competition, instead of competing better.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Insurance company's practice of breeching their own contracts, denying legitimate insurance claims, in order to maximize profits. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abuse of the courts: High legal fees to fight corporations and have the right thing done in court.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Interactive Voice Response (IVR) on phone systems</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stock Market Options: one person loses, one wins</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Products:</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This concept can even apply to things, such as products. Sometimes, you wonder, what is the use to society as a whole of this product? Ie. enhancement pills for certain body parts. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Addictions, such as alcohol, cigarettes, drugs. Not good for the individual, but very good for the seller to have the steady stream of income. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Industries, as a whole: </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cigarette/Tobacco industry</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GMO - Genetically Modified Organisms</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pesticides</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bottled water </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Credit Default Swaps (CDS) and other derivatives</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Again, it's great for the tobacco industry to make lots of money from the sale of their cigarettes, but cigarette smoking causes a lot of health problems for society as a whole. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Public Policy / Politics:</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No city planning</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No industrial policy</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Abortion as a very expensive form of birth control</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cars that are designed to only run on gasoline</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Huge subsidizations of the gasoline industry</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ecological issues such as massive and unsustainable deforestation for a short period of jobs and profits. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In economics terms, we would call many of these, externalities. This is the concept that the full price to society, is not reflected in the cost of the good. For instance, the costs to society for pollution, such as increased health care, is not reflected in the price you actually pay for coal, or gasoline.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A related concept is game theory, and the prisoner's dilemna. What will one do, based on what others are doing around you? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quadrant 3)</span></span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bad for the individual, but good for the society as a whole.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was tough to think of subjects for this category. The only real thing I could think of was various kinds of sacrifice: </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parenting </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Military Heroism</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Religious martyrdom </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Very brave people standing up to unjust laws in society, like Sophie Scholl and the White Rose members who stood up against the laws of Nazi Germany. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Activitists, working hard for a worthy cause</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Union members who, at great risk to themselves, campaigned for better wages and working conditions for themselves, and helped improve conditions for the rest of society as well. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quadrant 4)</span></span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things bad for both the individual and society.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a tough one. Other than things that are the opposite of what is in quadrant 1), it's hard to think of things in this quadrant. Many bad things occur because someone benefits at some level (quadrant 2). But what actions or entities are done that are bad for both the individual doing them, and society as a whole? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">War (except financiers and arms dealers make money selling arms and financing war, so perhaps it really belongs in quadrant 2) </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natural disasters such as hurricanes could fit in here. Although I was thinking of things that a group or individual can do of their own volition. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Addictions can also fit into here. There are actually three parties in addictions: (1) the individual addictee, (2) the company or party that sells the drug, the addictor, and (3) society as a whole. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quadrant 1)</span></span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A healthy population</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Education and literacy</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Infrastructure</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A strong set of values in both the individual and society so that a police state is neither needed or wanted to control everyone </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Media that informs the general public on serious issues. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Renewables: Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Electric cars, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I think of renewable energy, it is one industry that benefits both the individual or corporation that invests in it at the micro level, and society as a whole, at the macro level. Once the infrastructure is paid for, all the energy is now free. Money is not spent on consumable gas or oil. Instead, it is spent on other things. The money stays local, and stays in the local economy, given the multiplier effect. It's such a win/win situation for both the individual, and society as a whole. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, what else can we put into these quadrants? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-71907707762822158052011-11-13T20:34:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:06:16.262-08:00Mechanix Illustrated 1959: Heat Your House With Solar Energy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Recently, I came across the April 1959 issue of Mechanix Illustrated magazine. <br />
<br />
It had the article: Heat Your House With Solar Energy, by John I Yellot. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg8opkWKsVYTqc8zFs0MvuyNsrXAti5Act3yiSR83R16arm4kJricQgLo1F8YYWo6D3GZYBMi2GmdM_auBwnG9h-WH30C7Q5jR_1xs-ep2bhEuuGhw1Y5Qu3mn67rVqWIngnl3_g8Qj-s/s1600/1959SolarThermalIllustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXg8opkWKsVYTqc8zFs0MvuyNsrXAti5Act3yiSR83R16arm4kJricQgLo1F8YYWo6D3GZYBMi2GmdM_auBwnG9h-WH30C7Q5jR_1xs-ep2bhEuuGhw1Y5Qu3mn67rVqWIngnl3_g8Qj-s/s320/1959SolarThermalIllustration.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>I've been looking at solar energy for a few years now, including solar thermal for heating. It's very interesting to see this early work of this solar pioneer. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The issue of economics was also mentioned back then: </div><div>"The principles of solar heating are simple. The trick is to install the equipment at a cost so low that the total annual cost of owning it and whatever auxiliary equipment is needed to ensure good year-round performance is less than the cost of doing the entire heating job by conventional methods."</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's good to see that after 50 years, there are a lot more efficient, and cost effective solar systems on the market now!</div><div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div>Many solar thermal systems today still have the same three parts to the basic design he describes: </div><div><br />
</div><div>"A solar heating system requires three major parts. The first is some form of collector which catches the sun's heat and transfers it to a fluid (water or air) which carries it away. The second is some means of storing the heat when the sun sets or is shut off by clouds. The third is a method by which the stored heat can be made available to warm the house."</div><div><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkSs1YNWJ3X0cip0vhrBDyN2minem4OcTCzIhxg_euxdR7KucpA8coVzQkSoLFsivkf4tiJa_rwmxqwFW_gAY9wkrZhGxHdCTyag_agUSsmQO18XqrG4aazlVsBvRlJlu0xciLD6Tt3MZ/s1600/MITSolarThermalHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkSs1YNWJ3X0cip0vhrBDyN2minem4OcTCzIhxg_euxdR7KucpA8coVzQkSoLFsivkf4tiJa_rwmxqwFW_gAY9wkrZhGxHdCTyag_agUSsmQO18XqrG4aazlVsBvRlJlu0xciLD6Tt3MZ/s320/MITSolarThermalHouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Much of the article goes into details of two different solar houses. One built by MIT in Lexington, Massachusetts for winter weather. And, a louvre type collector design built in Phoenix, Arizona. Does anyone know if these houses and their solar systems are still in use, where they are, and how well they worked? If so, please leave a comment. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTNxl5erkfw-ezQwVzZxeurz8vvv-KgsarZ96q09e6nzIqGvKJJQoEVqIKDc_t615EM5v-TXPVY4T9bCDKEPE89FRldsxqL7-xBbTLeaxbDJS254odMg5EU5ZiQS32SHaD1BTb75q0sOt/s1600/1959SolarThermalMITCollectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTNxl5erkfw-ezQwVzZxeurz8vvv-KgsarZ96q09e6nzIqGvKJJQoEVqIKDc_t615EM5v-TXPVY4T9bCDKEPE89FRldsxqL7-xBbTLeaxbDJS254odMg5EU5ZiQS32SHaD1BTb75q0sOt/s320/1959SolarThermalMITCollectors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The article also goes into the pros and cons of various materials that can be used for construction: glazing, pipes, insulation, collectors, heat storage tanks. Why water is the best medium to store heat. "Water has a higher specific heat ... than any other liquid". Heat distribution: warm air, or radient systems. Auxilary heat systems. Controls, thermostats, pumps. Exploded views showing details of construction. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ABW655BtqrdhaIvcJTfhpFXosl9pLo9U0-0qbz9r6KlrkZN5nzuGRvwSF06narWXI8U2C2DhW7MTaB8B86gGNAhu7ftt5hu61ia0BLifMjVWMhkg9Kvk_73rOU5XYKCjXV96yLIwydX/s1600/1959SolarThermalLouvreCollectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_ABW655BtqrdhaIvcJTfhpFXosl9pLo9U0-0qbz9r6KlrkZN5nzuGRvwSF06narWXI8U2C2DhW7MTaB8B86gGNAhu7ftt5hu61ia0BLifMjVWMhkg9Kvk_73rOU5XYKCjXV96yLIwydX/s320/1959SolarThermalLouvreCollectors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>It is not a difficult article to read. Given that solar thermal was in its infancy, the article seems to be geared toward the inquisitive do it yourselfer (DIY). Architects, engineers and city planners could also get a good introduction to the technology to know what is involved. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>So Much Less DIY Now</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's interesting that the "how to" magazines for the DIYs like Popular Mechanics, Popular Science and Mechanix Illustrated, are not that popular anymore. My suspect this is for a few reasons. Products are much cheaper now, relatively. It is cheaper to just buy many things, rather than "save money" by making them. For instance, a sled or wagon for the kids. Perhaps a car trailer, cabinets, or chest of drawers. </div><div><br />
</div><div>With computers, products are also more complex, and can't be made at home anymore, unless you have some specialized electronics, firmware, and programming skills. Don't forget specialized equipment and manufacturing facilities. Design plans for home made televisions or IPads anyone? Another impediment is that so many of us now live in apartments or condos now, and don't even have a garage, or basement in which to build or fix things anymore. We are being deprived. And, it seems that many (wo)men don't have the tools, or even the skills to use tools these days. I can't think of anyone other than myself who even waxes their own car. Do you? </div><div><br />
</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>John Yellot Was A Very Interesting Man</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Reading further, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I._Yellott" target="_blank">biography</a> of John Yellot is a fascinating read. "after having already achieved recognition in steam, coal, gas, and nuclear energy, he switched fields—to passive solar energy." </div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm always impressed by these kinds of people, who progress beyond their early training, influences, or stations in life. Other examples are Eisenhower, the general who as president, spoke out against military spending. JFK, the rich kid, later championed the poor. In movies, you could call this character development. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>I've scanned the article into a PDF file and <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/72649223/Mechanix-Illustrated-1959-article-Heat-Your-House-With-Solar-Energy" target="_blank">uploaded it here</a> for everyone. Enjoy!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-12017502062380335482011-11-03T23:43:00.000-07:002012-02-06T19:06:52.940-08:00Why I Use Tennis Shoes, Toe Clips, and Straps For Cycling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There are a lot of cycling shoes out there. Some are quite fancy, like the bindings on ski boots.<br />
<br />
However, I've always used my leather tennis shoes with classic toe clips and straps. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCGUa6zIJl1n5b4Hb8W7pfxJpxztnwSuljJA1YRNrb7wf_hIa67c0l1HPJ0j-ABKX3DpA2X1C0KQASIG93a8pfRmrEHhdOXGniSWJ_g2WubTLG2NRukbsSebfg1llIz_r56faWXDYflrf/s1600/DSC_4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCGUa6zIJl1n5b4Hb8W7pfxJpxztnwSuljJA1YRNrb7wf_hIa67c0l1HPJ0j-ABKX3DpA2X1C0KQASIG93a8pfRmrEHhdOXGniSWJ_g2WubTLG2NRukbsSebfg1llIz_r56faWXDYflrf/s320/DSC_4967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Years ago I lived in Vancouver, BC, and had no car. I rode my bike through the entire wet winters. When you ride in the rain, the water will splash up to your feet. Fenders will help, but your feet will still get wet. And cold. <br />
<br />
I found that leather tennis shoes worked the best. The leather provides both water resistance, and insulation from the cold. <br />
<br />
If you ride with shoes that are made of nylon, they get cold and wet really fast. It's not fun at all.<br />
<br />
The other advantage with tennis shoes is that you can walk around in normal shoes, in the normal manner. You can even pick your bike up on your shoulder, and run, as in cyclo cross.<br />
<br />
You don't need to buy another pair of special cycling shoes to only use when you go cycling.<br />
<br />
The white tennis shoes are acceptable in some night spots, where other running shoes are not.<br />
<br />
So, lots of advantages. <br />
<br />
Why not other styles? Cross trainers are built up on the outside. These don't go into the toe clips very well. Nylon running shoes are also built up on both edges. The nylon will not only be cold in the wet, they also won't go in and out of the toe clips very well. And when they do, the nylon will get cut by the toe clip. Dress shoes have a sole that is too flexible, not enough support. You can feel too much of the pedal. <br />
<br />
The only disadvantage is trying to find such a shoe these days. I finally found mine at the Reebok outlet store. <br />
<div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-20706390600852833242011-11-01T19:01:00.000-07:002012-02-06T19:07:21.817-08:00Review of the Tubus Disco Bicycle Rack On My Classic Road Race Bike<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After struggling with <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2011/11/bike-racks-on-classic-road-race-bicycle.html" target="_blank">a number of ways to put a bike rack on my Specialized Allez Pro</a>, I eventually bought a Tubus Disco bike rack.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TH7pJakyMkGioH0MAujk1Sb1g3Cnr_NMyWHygcZtOQWkmWrObwX-VuXoVXYr8dUNW2Ogj7luuuJT7AdbDOYucP47UaMEEiWztSvdp1Ku1BEaw7oCKMzAyDvKQGFDZ6LuE7skbfF36TPs/s1600/TubusDisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TH7pJakyMkGioH0MAujk1Sb1g3Cnr_NMyWHygcZtOQWkmWrObwX-VuXoVXYr8dUNW2Ogj7luuuJT7AdbDOYucP47UaMEEiWztSvdp1Ku1BEaw7oCKMzAyDvKQGFDZ6LuE7skbfF36TPs/s320/TubusDisco.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The Tubus Disco rack is actually designed for bikes with disc brakes. However, after visiting a store with Tubus products, and visualizing every rack up against my road bike, I decided on the Disco. </div><div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div>Had the dealer I visited known that the Luna, or Fly -required- bending, and perhaps cutting the round stay, I might have bought one of those. So, to be fair, perhaps this is not the right rack for my bike. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The Disco is an innovative design. If you don't have eyelets for the rear rack, you can use their special extra long quick release skewer. The rack then rests on the quick release skewer. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Experience</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>There was some success. But a lot of issues.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Missing Documentation/Instructions/Nuts</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>The package came with bolts, but no nuts. I had to find some other nuts to use, but I can't remember exactly where (notes made over 2 years ago). </div><div><br />
</div><div>I could not find PDF instructions for it anywhere. They were not on the Tubus website, or other suppliers'. However, there were instructions for other racks. Disappointing. Nor was there even any picture of the Disco rack correctly mounted on any bicycle. Just a rack on a seamless background. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, I had questions as I went. </div><div><br />
</div><div>There were multiple size spacers; Which size do I use? Answer: the large ones. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Just what side are those spacers supposed to go? </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8xf_mab8jrdmgrpKYrQDw4ubaSTcpUREr5YhsZjFnuThV-3UxQul80yUkfbgZxVTHn-d4qYBzgxbvJCBVs4PH0obmV8U5vhPNK-blIjaFJgHHTp1T_SzAcarkQ_L8KKAW0TOEcEiKr1D/s1600/DSC_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8xf_mab8jrdmgrpKYrQDw4ubaSTcpUREr5YhsZjFnuThV-3UxQul80yUkfbgZxVTHn-d4qYBzgxbvJCBVs4PH0obmV8U5vhPNK-blIjaFJgHHTp1T_SzAcarkQ_L8KKAW0TOEcEiKr1D/s320/DSC_3849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Answer: between the rack, and the bike frame. </div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Fastening</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>At the top, to anchor the Disco to the seat stays, there are, get this, SIX fasteners! Two to clamp to the seat stay. Two to secure each roundstay clamp assembly from moving side to side. Two to secure each roundstay clamp assembly from moving forward and back.</div><div><br />
</div><div>While this gives a lot of flexibility, on the Specialized Allez Pro that I had, it was really tight to get it all to work. I finally tried putting one roundstay of the bike rack, between the brake arms and the brake cable. But there was barely any clearance.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0TiMhsiWilEU7J3N1bU0WmGjSXYpaf24_uFaN8R0gaQh6sVp6bjZIrDete4Of84xxCkdE1bys1zFWRcLxVg5Oow14E7M_ltaUGjDV3zfTJ1CXrnC0XnWCN-VLk4Gx6Ebc7pjo8_VEj3z/s1600/DSC_3840Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0TiMhsiWilEU7J3N1bU0WmGjSXYpaf24_uFaN8R0gaQh6sVp6bjZIrDete4Of84xxCkdE1bys1zFWRcLxVg5Oow14E7M_ltaUGjDV3zfTJ1CXrnC0XnWCN-VLk4Gx6Ebc7pjo8_VEj3z/s320/DSC_3840Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>Very Tricky Installation On My Bike</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>The installation was really tricky and time consuming. Part of this is because of the narrow seat stays on this bike, and the narrow rack from Tubus. Not much room to work. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When you put in the wheel with the Tubus quick release, the nuts need to be loose at first so that you can adjust the rack to a level position. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The crazy thing is, the bolts to clamp the roundstays from moving back and forth are on the inside! These nuts are not accessible from the outside. At least that is what was shown on the seamless picture from Tubus. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, you have to put in the wheel to make the adjustments. But once the wheel is in, you can't access the bolts to make the adjustment! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now that I had the wheel in place, and the rack horizontal, I could not access the nuts. The seat stays of my bike were so narrow. Even with a 1 mm thick Mafac tool wrench. The rack moved back and forth slightly, about 1/2 inch. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Tubus says to mount it securely. And I like things to stay put. So, I marked the roundstays with a mechanical pencil, and took the wheel out. Then clamped the roundstays in place.</div><div><br />
</div><div>However, when I put the rear wheel back in, it would not go in correctly. There had been some movement of the rack, which of course affected the wheel via the quick release skewer. The result was that the rear wheel now permanently rubbed the brake pads! Sigh! And this is with a frame and wheel combination that is so well made, that the wheel always drops perfectly in place. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I was thinking that if I had a spare hub, with no rim attached, it would have made installation easier. I could have put the quick release skewer onto that hub, and attached the Disco rack. However, you would still need to get the wheel in, to adjust the rack exactly level. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Attempt 2, Remove the left roundstay. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Another Saturday, I took another look. I knew that I had to secure all the fasteners at the same time. I loosened the right roundstay clamp assembly and turned the nut to the outside. Now the roundstay went at an angle across what little room there was. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, I used only one roundstay to attach to the seat stay. But I could successfully secure all the remaining (three) fasteners at once. See the picture. </div><div><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5a0wyV7aIPnGym5t_bFo0HJqyTAXxaa5i2u3mJ5pcZ1wzhLt4ucD-kWu_Z25ZTCMU0M5Ncl1Kjw4PtNOLcHSitpf2l-GdZ4K8LldG2_-tSy_pdZja5-R-QDcc41NdQKRbSwxdpdJZ95f/s1600/DSC_4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5a0wyV7aIPnGym5t_bFo0HJqyTAXxaa5i2u3mJ5pcZ1wzhLt4ucD-kWu_Z25ZTCMU0M5Ncl1Kjw4PtNOLcHSitpf2l-GdZ4K8LldG2_-tSy_pdZja5-R-QDcc41NdQKRbSwxdpdJZ95f/s320/DSC_4054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>Notes</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>If you ride through puddles, the rack has no fender effect. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The length of the rack on top is shorter than other racks. Only 11 inches. For the hooks of your panniers, there is only 8 inches of useable range between the crossbars. It does however, work with my old Kirtland panniers. Just. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgbiHbOMtQYShDhgN6Es88M2x2R7SsQ5fH1vRXYnhSEvuUKJhDoRm4Y8zRBp6vlL7oGjLHyH8p7AMIkFVLGwDZLurBDMK5ENFox4tNa3OCvwGQrFShdlAB_NCZtNpXbAPjwpMXzUTpGoc/s1600/DSC_8811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgbiHbOMtQYShDhgN6Es88M2x2R7SsQ5fH1vRXYnhSEvuUKJhDoRm4Y8zRBp6vlL7oGjLHyH8p7AMIkFVLGwDZLurBDMK5ENFox4tNa3OCvwGQrFShdlAB_NCZtNpXbAPjwpMXzUTpGoc/s320/DSC_8811.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Other racks have longer range. The Planet Bike Eco Rack has about 11.5 inches of useable range to hook your panniers into. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And the top of the rack is rather narrow. Only 3 1/4 inches outside measurement. You need to make sure a flat object will stay in place. The Planet Bike Eco Rack is 5 1/4 inches wide. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If the whole top of the rack were wider, there would be more room to manoeuvre the roundstays when mounting. </div><div><br />
</div><div>There are roundstays from Tubus available with bends in them. In 5, 8, 12 and 35mm offsets. Although, it's hard to know which ones to use until you get started. If dealers are to carry these racks, it would be good for them to keep a good selection of parts available. They then could sell the accessories. Or charge to mount the rack and mount any accessories needed to do it right. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Rear Wheel Removal</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Whenever I take my bike in the car, I put it in the trunk, by taking off both wheels. Now, with this rack, I would have to take a longer time to get the rear wheel off and back in. I feared that I would have to make rack adjustments every time I put the wheel back in, and bring the tools. </div><div><br />
</div><div>On the rear wheel, I mounted a heavier tire that had Kevlar in it for puncture resistance. Fixing a rear wheel flat on the road is irritating enough. Now, with the Disco rack, removing and replacing the wheel would be trickier. Fortunately, in all the time that I spent with this bike and rack, I never had to fix a rear tire or spoke. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When you remove the wheel, do it on a large expanse of clean concrete, not grass. Or put a towel underneath. If you miss catching those round spacers when they drop, they can roll away. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Advantages of the Tubus Disco Rack for Road Racing Bikes</u>:</div><div><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTGSMNycJYRDu4ZN3GB4NBE7lx-YwaICliEPwQmPEAsFZr7VONwDUt9JBfcN8-LoCx2iwXqqjGUtUA7Rp5q2ROl34j4-8PA9PhyJtSstKF9CAfZ7ClALpiARz52Xo-_JoXewGLDet5fCQ/s1600/DSC_8799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTGSMNycJYRDu4ZN3GB4NBE7lx-YwaICliEPwQmPEAsFZr7VONwDUt9JBfcN8-LoCx2iwXqqjGUtUA7Rp5q2ROl34j4-8PA9PhyJtSstKF9CAfZ7ClALpiARz52Xo-_JoXewGLDet5fCQ/s320/DSC_8799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The Tubus Disco rear rack mounts onto road racing bikes that have no eyelets for a rack.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ7bi3s4wiZ4ogENHW6NbUvqma05k6befabFzWAm_sA8QZkHkq9r0i7eQdyFa0aYHnE5ov4Z6X6hnB6upxj4BBJX4ZGdx9h9io8UIL_dQDHTHwXgjWGYTIXNl7X5nDq4-iADlAhBX9g3H/s1600/DSC_8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ7bi3s4wiZ4ogENHW6NbUvqma05k6befabFzWAm_sA8QZkHkq9r0i7eQdyFa0aYHnE5ov4Z6X6hnB6upxj4BBJX4ZGdx9h9io8UIL_dQDHTHwXgjWGYTIXNl7X5nDq4-iADlAhBX9g3H/s320/DSC_8801.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The Disco rack is one of the very few that will actually mount level to a racing bike's tight rear triangle, with steep seat stays. And still not collide with the rear brake. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Avoids having a framebuilder braze on eyelets (and then repaint). Or, allows you to feel how the road bike feels with weight, to help you decide if you want to get those eyelets brazed on. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Light. </div><div><br />
</div><div>There is a warranty for registered customers. Tubus says that it will ship parts to registered customers anywhere in the world. Although I've heard <a href="http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/accessories/racks/product/disco-rack-09-34960" target="_blank">some problems</a> with this. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>The rack is pushed back far enough that my heels don't hit the panniers. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlAJddgyEEOIGwzwCLNGOAi_RYxJeijWE-FX9ChigiavH0yL2TZ-fMW4WB3DgPDVG8ZAkXM0vumoYp6XOTpRaDClOilYMQ4Xks65RZJcy4dpiNqPSE8PUcjYpF72ksQ-D4LvFtNFr2cK/s1600/DSC_8809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nlAJddgyEEOIGwzwCLNGOAi_RYxJeijWE-FX9ChigiavH0yL2TZ-fMW4WB3DgPDVG8ZAkXM0vumoYp6XOTpRaDClOilYMQ4Xks65RZJcy4dpiNqPSE8PUcjYpF72ksQ-D4LvFtNFr2cK/s320/DSC_8809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><u>Disadvantages</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>No online documentation, or pictures of the rack mounted on other road bikes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Tricky installation on my road bike. Two roundstays and six fasteners are really difficult to use with road bikes. In my case, I had to eliminate one roundstay (and three fasteners). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Getting the rear wheel in and out is tricky, and takes longer. </div><div><br />
</div><div>High Price. $130 or more. It's difficult to believe that the Disco rack could not made/sold at a cheaper price. After buying this older bike, $130 is a serious percentage of the cost of the bike! A framebuilder quoted me much less than the rack to braze on eyelets for me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I would expect that the 8 inches of useable range between the crossbars may not work with some panniers, that have hooks spaced wider than 8 inches. Test first. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Wish List for Tubus</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>Proper PDF documentation. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Pictures of the rack mounted on various bikes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Change the design so that the roundstays are tightened from the outside, not inside. </div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><u>Final Solution</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>In the end, I decided to give this Specialized to my brother, and bought a Soma Smoothie instead. Partially because of the rack issue. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The Soma Smoothie has eyelets for the racks and fenders, and the Tubus Disco works really well on it. Since I could attach the Disco to the frame, I could remove the wheel and adjust the rack. Although, I still think that the design should be changed so that the bolts are tightened from the outside. </div><div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-31082422548180841192011-11-01T18:37:00.000-07:002012-02-06T19:07:40.640-08:00Bike Racks on a Classic Road Race Bicycle That Has No Eyelets For A Rack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I always throw my lock, tire repairs stuff, etc. in my bike panniers. In the past, when I've left stuff in panniers on the bike, some objects have got ripped off from inside the bags. So, when I go to the store, the bags always come with me via quick releases. Thus, my desire for a bike racks over the rear tire on all my bikes. One set of bags and tools. Just move them from from bike to bike. <br />
<br />
I had a older Specialized Allez Pro from the early 90s. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XK-_wJ4gYA9i1c-nAnniQdTWbMChDb_ObmCqS7VRauk4xMLzjyrrEfOZ-zQFUcFYLgBfrumO_5xixEFHln3tui415Lp9wrs0DI_8hAkwrX-0t0EKjEJ3pj2EyJuCUGAhb9_6AwMH-Fao/s1600/DSC_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XK-_wJ4gYA9i1c-nAnniQdTWbMChDb_ObmCqS7VRauk4xMLzjyrrEfOZ-zQFUcFYLgBfrumO_5xixEFHln3tui415Lp9wrs0DI_8hAkwrX-0t0EKjEJ3pj2EyJuCUGAhb9_6AwMH-Fao/s320/DSC_3208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I loved how this bike handled. But, this bike did not have any eyelets for either rack or fenders. :( <br />
<div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM72MOaJysWKGCbELfG1meDbbOWMer_zx1bEiuKDmpWemYkoNSEQj9J9W5dqY2xTBXAoiRsO1fgYDp_7EKueeRMKoJqzBIDXeQIajUbdwGJCif-HJUbMWqAKoYsDdJJejpmnkhOCm0oYi/s1600/DSC_3203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmM72MOaJysWKGCbELfG1meDbbOWMer_zx1bEiuKDmpWemYkoNSEQj9J9W5dqY2xTBXAoiRsO1fgYDp_7EKueeRMKoJqzBIDXeQIajUbdwGJCif-HJUbMWqAKoYsDdJJejpmnkhOCm0oYi/s320/DSC_3203.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>I had an awful time trying to attach bike bags. Here is a synopsis of my struggle to make it work.</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><div><u>Seatpost Rack</u>:</div><div><br />
</div><div>I ordered an Axiom Odysee seatpost rack and attached it. But it didn't work out very well. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl5q7oBO-bgpQRSRnm7zlojqGYMXljVZrMidAHPb6HMfm5Y75KLAG9JjvTo0CPWcYIa4smUQBFUR89_rj3zQjqolMAL5KlEWD3KJkFqd0pmY5VSroBNOxvc1cyMJ8xIzygvnAuY7mTqwk/s1600/DSC_3258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl5q7oBO-bgpQRSRnm7zlojqGYMXljVZrMidAHPb6HMfm5Y75KLAG9JjvTo0CPWcYIa4smUQBFUR89_rj3zQjqolMAL5KlEWD3KJkFqd0pmY5VSroBNOxvc1cyMJ8xIzygvnAuY7mTqwk/s320/DSC_3258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The center of gravity was ridiculously high. And it looked awful!</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<u>Traditional Bike Racks</u>:<br />
<br />
I went to a store with many bike racks. The rear seat stays were so steep, most all of the bike racks could never sit level. They would have had sat at an angle sloping down toward the ground. <br />
<br />
The one that sat level closest was the PlanetBike EcoRack. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_G2a-ECxm4pLZIlHGfnS5PaI2g1Z3ZfTIf3Lfbg7BOnP7yC6SQxlVEYbmcjTVuwPkDq-3r9lpA2XIo7JBK9bECwKrL6b4zrek-KqyerhGMR5VYB83pukzkvhFaVu67_vvrVz5NN3nnj/s1600/DSC_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_G2a-ECxm4pLZIlHGfnS5PaI2g1Z3ZfTIf3Lfbg7BOnP7yC6SQxlVEYbmcjTVuwPkDq-3r9lpA2XIo7JBK9bECwKrL6b4zrek-KqyerhGMR5VYB83pukzkvhFaVu67_vvrVz5NN3nnj/s320/DSC_3811.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<br />
However, given that there were no eyelets, how to attach the rack? To take this picture, I held it on with twist ties. <br />
<br />
I considered having eyelets brazed on. However, this would then require repainting the frame. Too much work for me.<br />
<br />
Some people suggested that I just clamp the rack onto the seat stays. However, I couldn't find any clamps that would actually clamp tightly around such a small seat stay. Turns out that they were really narrow at the bottom, and most of the clamps are designed for something bigger. <br />
<br />
And, having worked for a while in construction, I didn't think pressure fit clamps would be very good. Much better to have all the weight falling onto a secure part of the frame, and a bolt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tubus Disco Rack</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrqtjZ-BxbzyazUlZ4EwAPTo5Z9LyUCngKcrKNabPjS6qet3WoDAJ3YwCuO76hY0t-dJpmo7ZyPx3DW6iBxvIlPiQrFi-0VyK0n0vPL0RppVaKAycqBxKmbpcDj9tnBzh4_gN2ZaOkUF8/s1600/TubusDisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrqtjZ-BxbzyazUlZ4EwAPTo5Z9LyUCngKcrKNabPjS6qet3WoDAJ3YwCuO76hY0t-dJpmo7ZyPx3DW6iBxvIlPiQrFi-0VyK0n0vPL0RppVaKAycqBxKmbpcDj9tnBzh4_gN2ZaOkUF8/s320/TubusDisco.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Finally, I got a Tubus Disco Rack. It "worked", but not as well as I would have liked. I'll make a <a href="http://rodgerswriting.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-of-tubus-disco-bicycle-rack-on.html" target="_blank">separate review</a> for it.<br />
<div><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395389247095233215.post-29858869359756634722011-09-20T19:09:00.000-07:002012-02-06T19:08:08.398-08:00Galvin's Clock And Watch Repair - Awesome!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A while back, on Yelp, I gave a great review for my friend, Galvin, of Galvin's Clock And Watch Repair in San Gabriel, California. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa6wJySTW_xWn6D-Whc43xttuuDm45M3g08-Uy26xu8KbRyjvu0Vl3OXwRzDZiFUARN98HDTTrCL6YseOf58UeZp2HN_0RGhT3rFosRPXNmpSTw0pylHw2YomHktD9v7wA5O0FkspaZW6/s1600/galvinsstore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa6wJySTW_xWn6D-Whc43xttuuDm45M3g08-Uy26xu8KbRyjvu0Vl3OXwRzDZiFUARN98HDTTrCL6YseOf58UeZp2HN_0RGhT3rFosRPXNmpSTw0pylHw2YomHktD9v7wA5O0FkspaZW6/s320/galvinsstore.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
But when I go back to the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/galvins-time-repair-san-gabriel">Yelp</a> page, and find Galvin, my review is nowhere to be seen. Why? <br />
<br />
I've since heard that Yelp, "<a href="http://feedmedrinkme.blogspot.com/2009/02/problem-with-yelp.html">charge businesses to remove or re-order bad reviews!</a>".<br />
<br />
And, at <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10168065-93.html">http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10168065-93.html</a>, "six business owners said Yelp sales reps promised to remove or move negative reviews in exchange for advertising and that in six other instances positive reviews disappeared or negative ones appeared after owners declined ad deals."<br />
<br />
Hmm.<br />
<br />
When I met Galvin, I saw someone who had to be one of the best, if not the best, in the business of watch repair. But he didn't have a lot of traffic. I'd hoped a good review on Yelp would help all the wearers of expensive watches in Los Angeles find him. They would be happy they did.<br />
<br />
Well, since it's not appearing on Yelp, or when I do a search on Google, I'm going to just post the review on my own blog. So there.<br />
<br />
Here was the review I wrote:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
------------<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><div>If you need ANYTHING for your watches or clocks in the Los Angeles area, Galvin's Clock and Watch Repair is definitely the place to come. Even it's just for a battery.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Galvin has been in the watch repair business for four decades. One look at his store, and it's obvious. There are many very specific and expensive watchmaking tools. Including a device to waterproof your diver's watch to depth. Lathes. Dozens, probably hundreds of hand tools specific to watch and clock making. A device to wind springs (just who has that these days?)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Dozens of drawers of spare parts. Watch Bands. Batteries. Many parts, he actually has IN STOCK. No waiting for parts required!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Galvin is definitely the very experienced master that you want working on your timepieces. </div><div><br />
</div><div>He works with all kinds of antique clocks as well. There are dozens (maybe hundreds) of beautiful antique clocks overflowing all over the shop. One is a French clock from 1750!! It's beautiful, like so many others in the store. And you can buy them too!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>I first met him a few years ago when I dropped by to have my batteries replaced. I've come back to to speak with him occasionally since then. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Galvin is also a minister, so he has some very good values. He's not the type to do bad business. The prices are good too.</div><div><br />
</div><div>He is located in San Gabriel, California, near Las Tunas and Del Mar.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Find out more at his website:</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.clockwiz.com/">http://www.clockwiz.com/</a></div><div><a href="http://www.galvinstimerepair.com/">http://www.galvinstimerepair.com/</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>It's worth a trip just to look. The pieces are beautiful and the shop is so visually interesting.</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><div>--------</div><div>Find him at: </div><div><br />
</div><div>Galvin's Time Repair</div><div>121 E Las Tunas Dr</div><div>San Gabriel, CA 91776</div><div>(626) 285-9466</div><div><br />
</div><div>--------</div><div><br />
</div><div>BTW: there are hundreds of very visually interesting clocks in Galvin's store. Once a customer was there, getting a battery changed, and Galvin went to set the hands of the watch. I joked, "Galvin, do you know the time?" :)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6121 E Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91775, USA34.1030439 -118.09885280000003-0.85885109999999543 -177.86447780000003 69.0649389 -58.333227800000031