chuck kottke

:laugh3: The problem with most music critics is they are always looking or plumbing for the something that's wrong with a given band/music/song etc., and afraid to acknowledge genuine hard-earned quality when everyone else hears and sees and feels it quite plainly. They've learned to be super-critical, and finding the needle, have missed the haystack, thus poking themselves in the end.:P It's easy to be the critic, if you're not actually doing the creating, playing, touring, fan support, etc. - as my dad would say, "critics are the people who never make mistakes, because they never really do anything!" Coldplay have earned their success.:smug:

One thing - the old cars and trucks tend to be the ones that smoke.. I know that because I own one!:laugh3: (a real problem in cities, but not such a big deal in the rural areas..) Obviously more of a way to spur auto sales than save the environment; to do that, we would need elected officials that answer to our needs and broad social values, when in reality they answer to the highest bidder. "Hey, I bought me a senator! Ya, I bought one too!! Now they work for me and you..." (a funny song - somewhere it's gotta be cataloged..)

Raleigh will be zapped frequently, and gusty winds, but no mention of tornadoes in the forecast yet - perhaps it will depend on the storm cells, and the swirling air masses. Then, blisteringly hot, in the 105 F range. Batten down the hatches! (me personally, I like a good storm now and then..) Prepped for power outages? Here, we're still waiting for summer!:laugh3: :sunny:

Flooding issues there? I'm unaware of the weather right now on the East Coast - what's the matter with a little storm now and then??

Please take the time to read this last post and pay to the god at the bottom if you haven't yet.

Nah, solar panels can be feather light - the stationary rooftop ones use sturdy aluminum and steel frames, but really the wafers are super thin, and thin film amorphous can be flexible and very light. Solar aircraft have been flying for quite some time, and that stuff's gotta be light for that. I was thinking about the issue of flexibility today - for example, the Prius uses an amorphous panel, because it flexes to the shape of the car's top, but the panel efficiency is probably roughly half that of single crystal or poly-crystalline panels, so how to get the shape rounded, the efficiency maxed out, and use rigid cells..:thinking:... I thought about making a plastic dome that conforms to the auto shape desired (let's just say, for example, acrylic plastic..), and the cells can be oriented beneath it on a cushioning bed, to reduce vibrational damage to the solider joints, wires, etc. Then an all-day charge would really get you places! 200 Watts, for 10 hours, 2kwh of juice - and and a light vehicle would make a big difference... I always thought that making something like a beetle shell, with wings beneath would be neat - have the shell hinge up, and the solar panel "wings" fold out in the sun, to catch more rays - perhaps 400 or even 800 watts per hour could be harvested that way, and then it would all fold back up neatly under the shell halves, when the vehicle was ready to roll. Wind issues, and poking other vehicles might present challenges, but it's an idea!

Aww, comeone, it can't be that bad! There's...plenty of refining to be done, the air is cleaner than Los Angeles', and there's plenty of green space in the middle.. or, is that a river down there??:stunned: Well, it's picturesque, and there seems to be work available - something sorely lacking in parts of the US these days.. (median home price in Akron is $80,000 - a steal of a deal! Unfortunately, not much rubber hitting the road in Akron these days..)

Relax, reflect, and chill after a long day's work.:sunny: The power of synergy, stability, reflectivity, and teamwork can conquer mountains, but sometimes it takes an independent mind to discover a well of truth. All the parts make the whole for the clock to keep good time.

What on earth does this all have to do with Coldplay, you might be asking yourself. Well, it's all connected - the dynamics of our planet's climate, the greenhouse gases, forests, and auto's. I am seeking - seeking answers, and enlightenment, just as we all are. Coldplay's support of Oxfam & Sustainable Forests is a strong connection. But to keep the fun in driving, and change directions on energy consumption in general is my goal - we can do both, I am convinced, if we make the smart choices. Small is beautiful, but big can be fun - if done properly. Might take some shape changes though, to complete the efficiency measures. For instance: If I were to plant soybeans for bio-diesel on the farm, doing the calculations for 80 acres, @ 50 bushel per acre, when pressed, it would yield around 5700 gallons US. Enough to run 76 autos each year if we get 200 mpg. 200 mpg is possible if the auto is a true hybrid, with solar fold-out panels on the upper surfaces, and that's where we need to be headed to make it realistic to do what we'd like to do - cruise! Anyhow, give me some feedback.:)

Please take the time to read some Darwin, Hawkins, Rollins and Thoreau; Dickens, Emerson, Marx, Abbey, and Einstein could add something to the mix as well. And pray for those going through life with blinders on - they often pull the carriage forward fine, but limit their field of vision and their sight of the whole truth - a path to limited outcomes for human potential - both of theirs and of ours. One Mind, Open Wide, Seeking Truth. Pray for peace, enlightenment, and action; be the change you wish to see. Jesus's love, charity and just actions are a pretty good start, and Mohamed's vision of equality a cornerstone of advancement, but there's more out there for the seeker to find...

:toff:Absolutely David, I agree! Top hats are back in style, and we certainly wouldn't want to take off one's hat just getting into the family limousine! So it is with auto purchases here in the US - ladies like their plumage, and gents must be properly attired.:smug::P And so it was with Lamberts and Rolls in 1909.. What I see is simply the unerring repeat of what we do best: Easter Island had their stone heads, and we have our motor heads.:laugh3: But the problem is the cost of consistency, measured in failed civilizations and ecological ruin... Since stone heads remain popular even today, I'm just suggesting we make them lighter, more flexible, and less somber.:waffle: Use some pumice, a little natural resin for binder, and maybe put a cheerful grin on each one! Add some cherubs around the edges, a few heart-tipped arrows, and maybe some doves here and there to round them out a bit.. Since a pattern, once established, remains so for as long as the civilization can keep it going, there remains perhaps only one option: make vehicles that appear very much like those we currently use, but are better, lighter, safer, ecologically in-sync, equally functional, and a better value. What I keep hearing is that when the fuel prices rose, people bought the efficient autos, and now that prices have dropped, they're back to the big pickups and SUV's. Which need not be so bad, if the larger vehicles are revamped to ultra-modern efficiency standards, and the cars made super-efficient & less expensive to give the buyer more incentive to choose light cars vs. trucks. The Aptera might be one option, since the price range could be $29,000 to $40,000; better if it were in the $10,000-20,000 range. Tesla too - offering a $100,000 electric is great for the jet-set, and spurs innovation in technology and refined engineering, but doesn't meet the needs of the average person. I suppose in California that's a bargain when houses cost $300,000 for a starter cottage, but here, that's a wee bit steep! So, onward with the future:[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSh2XeLY7YE]YouTube - Rush - Closer To The Heart[/ame]

I've thought about it for a while, and I'm thinking now a bit differently on the vehicle profile matter. Tall is alright, as is long and wide, provided we minimize the drag coefficient. For many car buyers, sitting up higher is pleasing and comfortable, and roominess is nice for hauling families and stuff - I have to face this reality, to get the "hot pizza, cold beer" that we want, and keep the planet cool as well!:cool: Fuller's Dymaxion was, in many ways, the first fuel-efficient SUV - at 30 miles per gallon U.S. in 1931, it would probably get in the upper 40's for fuel efficiency today with our modern engines and drive trains. Drag coefficient of ~.15, which is pretty impressive as well. Chrysler offered the "Airflow", which used similar streamlining in it's day, and Mercedes offers the bionic car now based on the box fish! Looking at the larger picture, if the engine wastes 68% and idling 17% of the energy contained in each gallon of fuel burned, there's the place to fix first. Vehicle drag in air amounts to 4%, brakes amount to ~5%, air conditioning 2-3%, etc. So, delivering a better drive system is #1, and could save 1/2 to 3/4 of the total energy requirements off the bat, since 85% goes into heat, not movement. Having a light vehicle saves quite a bit of fuel, since less energy in needed to accelerate, and less is lost in deceleration; Fuller's car weighed in around 1800 lbs. - fully half of what a "small" car weighs typically in the U.S. Hidden in this equation is the energy required to make a vehicle - as much as the car consumes in it's lifetime in fuel; thus, half the mass is about half the "hidden" energy consumption. And if Fuller's car were covered in solar cells, it might again double it's mileage or better, if parked in a wide open lot. Solar doesn't deliver much instantaneous power - maybe you'd get 1/2 horsepower in full sun; but let the auto sit in a parking lot for 9 hours, and there's quite a bit of stored energy to be released for the 1/2 hour commute home! (for example, it only takes around 10 horsepower to keep a big old Caddy crusin' down the interstate; a modern equivalent of the Dymaxion might only need 3 of those horses, which the solar power and batteries could manage quite well for 30 minutes.) And even if we choose to not change body styles all that much, as long as the vehicles were lighter, safer, and built along these lines, they would take us out of the current challenges we face, and get us the pizza and beverage, without the heavy toll on the environment!:)

:rolleyes::laugh3:Hiya Isabel!:) I'm still doodling around with ideas - please feel free to help me! Thinking about engine vibrations - because smooth power is cool power..:cool: Since the car of the future will have a need for extended range, and batteries alone may not fill the bill for a while, engines may be here to stay. And since the future hybrids will be (and some are already) basically generator sets - smaller, compact engines coupled to generators & batteries & motors - it's good to get engines that run smooth at higher RPM's for several reasons: 1. Horsepower output increases at higher engine RPM, and balancing is critical to keep the engine together (not shaking apart). Wear issues as well.. 2. Better balancing means less parts, and less to go wrong - less vibrations, less electrical connections coming loose, lighter crankshafts, and a smoother acceleration. The boxer engine (flat engine) is one of the best inherently balanced engines - Carl Benz liked it, and it's an excellent place to start: Flat engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The advantages are numerous, and even the slight side-to-side vibration caused by offset pistons can be eliminated by fitting one connecting rod end over the other on the crank, in a boot and stirrup manner ("split" the ends of one of the connecting rods in two, have the other connecting rod fit down the middle of the split to the crank, and thus both pistons can be placed exactly opposite one-another). Rotational vibrations are not much of an issue, as they generally only affect the smoothness of the power output - a problem in a system with a drive train directly connected to the engine, but with a generator, less of an issue. The continuous power output means less need for large engines, and a split-cycle design (making for a doubled two-cylinder boxer layout, or a layered boxer) would greatly improve engine efficiency, reduce exhaust component heating, and make for a much quieter engine. Acceleration issues - the whole reason for the big engine: The answer is pretty simple - lighter, safer autos, and supercapacitors w/ torquey electric motors for the up-to-speed effect. Since mass is hard to accelerate, and since we're smarter today, autos should be getting lighter - much, much lighter. Safety issues are a matter of design, as light and safe is just a matter of observing and mimicking nature's ways. Add the fold-out solar panel, and most of the energy needs are met - only the long haul becomes an issue.. so, one can conceive of a family-sized auto, with plenty of room for comfort and visibility, and a low drag coefficient; light, safe, fast, manuverable with more traction and safety than the current crop of autos. In fact, more mauverable - because we can add aircraft control surfaces, special tires, a low center of gravity (batteries and the flat boxer engine - genset), and a retractable high-friction traction belt for use on ice, snow, or wet pavement. Keeping in mind a fair number of traffic fatalities are the result of the high center of gravity of the SUV's on the road, this should come as welcome news to safety-conscious persons, and anyone who has felt the rush of blood to their stomachs when hitting a patch iof ice in winter! More Babblings..::P The Lambert car (One U.S. competitor to Rolls Royce back in the early 1900's) used a friction disc drive - an infinitely variable transmission (basically a small driven traction wheel pressed against a friction disc). Perhaps, if the energy losses are not too great, it may be advantageous to place a friction disc at each wheel, plus motor, shaft, and drive wheel, to allow for the speed changes and torque uniformity currently provided by the differential and transmission. Maybe a horse apiece, but just a thought to consider - vs. band transmissions or sliding gear ones. Simpler, and negates the issue of requiring a variable torque/speed electric motor, which is apparently a hold-up for an all-electric direct drive system..

Aptera in the blogosphere: Jay Leno takes the Aptera 2e out onto the highway (w/Video) | Electric Vehicle News Leno test-drives the Aptera! Also, Bucky Fuller's Dymaxion redux - retooling the Dymaxion car for the modern world:BuckyWorks: Buckminster Fuller's ... - Google Books

Just the usual spy cams and listening devices..:shifty::curtain: A memory..

More innovative and creative than anything yet in existence. A radical departure from the norm - I'm working on the design. Surrounded by a spring cage similar to a rib-cage, covered with a semi-flexible skin, complete with solar panels on all upper surfaces. Retractable anti-skid system (similar to snow-mobile belt & rollers), able to handle black ice and all slippery conditions, and the body built from bio-composites. Collision capabilities superb, by bio-mimicry; utilizing air-cushioning fabrics to absorb energy, and specially designed shock-absorbers built in (collision absorbers). Interior of bio-composites and natural materials. Very high torque e-motor drive, with lithium batteries (the new safe ones), solar recharge, plug-in, but with a full-expansion power stroke engine for the long haul; Diesel gen-set, but designed primarily for bio-diesel or strait vegetable oil. Engine with one or two cylinders, with excellent balancing, so no more motor vibrations. (No need for multi-cylinder design, as gen-set levels the power pulses, and balancing eliminates the shaking.) ++With the fold-out solar panels, given the parking-lot recharge on an average day, the vehicle should rarely need to start the engine on short commutes, thus (as with some of the light hybrids) the mileage can be very good - on the order of 200+ mpg. Optional pedal cranks for energy and exercise while driving. Range can be extended with fast recharge.. Super-capacitors for quick power boosting. Control surfaces for added traction and enhanced steering at highway speeds, plus air-brakes. Dual-type tires, of softer material, to grip the road better and shed water more efficiently, making up for the light vehicle weight in the traction department. Weight a fraction of current light-vehicle weight. 3500 lb (~1590 KG) reduced to 1500 lb (~700KG). Infra-red sensors for spotting deer/reindeer/elk/moose/cows/sheep/kangaroos far ahead, and alerting the driver of the danger. Headlights of high-intensity LED's, using a focusable light-bar across the front. Tail-lamps and side-lanps highly vibile bright red LED, with LED's in the tail fins. Just a wish-list, but hey, we can dream!!

:laugh3: (perhaps you're right!:)) Although, I like the moss-covered version offered up by Nick too.. Wisconsin is a cool climate, so there's got to be a top to put on it... Nice to see the modern equivalent of the cycle-car - Aptera was all I knew of before, and this Atom adds another dimension.

Well, that's deep! I'd like to just say that we are all, at times, either one, or the other, or some of both, but often we work in teams, play a role, or just go with the flow - it makes civilization possible; there are time when shifting gears is necessary though, and it often takes some impetus to get the ball rolling.. ?how do you define a Rainbow as either Red or Violet???:P

Yes, I agree David - that makes good economic sense; but then who is willing to offer a completely new platform, when it's time for such a transition? Platform sharing for autos has been around since (probably) 1898, but in those days, the auto was transforming rapidly on a yearly basis. What I am proposing is a departure from the normal designs, aside from instrumentation and tires. It's time for a change into something more 21st century. Light, flexible, impact cushioning as nature is the guide & master designer, electric, with a high-efficiency gen set, solar charging, using aerodynamics as an aid in vehicle traction and control, as well as to assist braking; maximizing earth-friendly materials, and minimizing rare, risk-causing materials. revolutionary. Some vehicles have part of this equation solved, but none incorporate them all.. Henry Ford had the right idea with his autos - light, flexible, strong, with a light, powerful power-plant. Use a planetary transmission and bands to change gears, rather than the standard "crunch" transmission. that was in 1909 - today's auto needs to be just as revolutionary and visionary in it's design. Just watching the gulls today, I am always in awe of nature's finely honed designs - birds that can go up and down vertically in the slightest breeze as though they were riding an invisible elevator, and lands exactly where they took off from, making flight look like child's play. Methinks we have barely scratched the surface of design...

mix natural peanut butter, granola cereal, and a few chocolate chips. Enjoy.:)

Auto weight issues - if it takes as much energy to make an auto as it uses in it's lifetime, then weight really does impact the environment heavily. See:Vehicle Technologies Program: Fact #475: June 25, 2007<BR>Light Vehicle Weight on the Rise

:rolleyes::laugh3: Imagine Ari not seeing the Beer thread! Well, now's you're chance to catch up on times missed back yonder, Ari.. ;) Nick, yuengling beer - that's a new one to me!! A micro-brew, or available anywhere? What's it like? Yes, I must agree - Heineken is good beer, but is it the hops or barley that gives it the great aroma??:thinking:

:rolleyes:Aren't we supposed to be supporting the fair-trade chocolate??:P "Made with Love - from small farmers to you.." it says on the cocoa can.. But yes, I agree Kels, sometimes' there's no alternative! (I've even driven 14 miles just to get some dove dark choc.:escaping:)))))) As long as you leave some for the (chocolate) cake, no harm done!:laugh3:

Hello Nick! Grass not growing well could be for several reasons, such as the pH being too far from neutral, or low light levels, but most likely it's the poor soil that's causing poor growth. Creating a space without grass by removing the sod, and encircling it with edging - weed barrier - is a quick way to start a garden, and the soil you've got already is probably fine - it just needs to be improved with yearly amendments of compost and tested for nutrient levels, to see what it needs. You could go to home depot and add some rich soil to it, for a quick start; miracle grow soil brand I'm not familiar with, but if you're aiming to grow organic veggies, it's best to go the compost route. Making compost is simple and reasonably fast, especially in warm Florida! Just take the sod lifted from the garden bed, chop it up with a shovel, and mix it with about an equal part of dead leaves, untreated wood shavings or sawdust, fine bark chips or stump chips, add some soil if you're adding extra grass clippings, pile it up, and water it! Water often, & turn it after a week or so, and in a few weeks, you'll have the finest compost - ideal garden soil! Most sandy soils drain well, so the nutrients are often washed out of the soil - to replenish the nutrients, simply water with compost tea, and I like to add a little kelp meal to the soil before planting, as it's an excellent source of trace minerals. The biggest shortcoming during the growing season is fixed nitrogen, so adding a weak solution of nitrogen helps growth immensely (dilute urea, dilute fish emulsion, etc.), or side-dress the plants with some cotton seed meal, alfalfa meal, soy bean meal, etc.. If you've fertilized the lawn, it might have plenty of potassium and phosphorous in it already - worth the test to a soil testing lab, or just take it into the county extension. One quick, organic solution for fertilizing is to dilute urine (cow, horse, human, etc.) - use about one quart per 5 gallon pail, and the also provides plenty of moisture. Florida's reputation is the rainy state, but sandy soil is fast to dry out - our's get's parched in just 3 days in the heat, so watering is a must after a few days of sun & heat. Unlike lawn grass, which can go dormant in long dry spells, garden veggies are fussy - water is the key ingredient to success. Best of success to you, Nick!;)

BumP:) Just enjoying some Heineken, which has a pleasing nutty odor - what do they brew it with?? Very good aroma. Anyhow, Madtown Nutbrown is very smooth and rich, Old Foghorn is a barleywine ale that's enjoyable, and there's nothing like a black toad for dark flavor! My favorite is still the Chicago Stockyard Oatmeal Stout - what a beer should be.:toff::drunk: