Trickle

May 17, 2008

A quick follow up to Peak oil doom and gloom is that both the manufacturer of the no pizazz ZX40 electric wagon and the high pizazz Tesla, are both working on a more mainstream sedan.  From opposite ends of the spectrum, they both recognize the mass market.  Miles is working on the XS500 sedan targeting 120+ range with an 80mph top speed, while Tesla is holding there cards a bit closer. 

We consciously chose to develop a high-end sports car as our first car in order to develop the “performance DNA” from which we could create other electric vehicles. Our next model will leverage the Tesla Roadster‘s technology, resulting in a less expensive sports sedan that we can sell at higher volume. Tesla Motors

Posted in Technology No Comments »

Peak oil doom and gloom

May 13, 2008

There are a lot of “Peak Oil” doom and gloom vibes floating around out there and I think they are emanating mostly from socialism thumping Democrats. And I’d be all doomy, gloomy and depressed also, if I thought the way to energy independence was packed into big no fun, no freedom, everyone goes the same place at the same time, mass transit buses and trains.

Most people don’t readily take to a no fun, no freedom, no hope, tomorrow’s no better than today way of life; but many on the left are giving their best shot at guilting Americans into accepting socialism as some sort of punishment for a raised standard of living.

I don’t get the same doom and gloom vibes over gas prices from people on the right. They tend to focus on a better situation in life, responsible freedom, perhaps a little fun, and most definitely hope over doom & gloom. And why not! Capitalism and freedom make “peak oil” a non-issue. Regardless of supply or lack of supply, as prices go up, capitalists will look for more economical solutions and usually find them.

And by solutions I mean solutions, not a pushcart, not a bike, not public transportation, not even one of these little pseudo-cars that I read about in the Herald. While, it may be good enough for running around town; with a top speed of 35 mph and a range of 50 miles, it just doesn’t do it for me. I’m sure the manufacturer hit their niche market, but gas burning autos are a mass market, and a mass market vehicle demands mass market performance and pizazz.

In fact, to understand just how little performance and pizazz this modern wonder has, you need only to compare this little car to the Baker Electric, which topped out around 25 mph, but had a longer range of 110 miles. In 1909 the Baker may have had performance and pizazz, but similar performance in a car today is rather dull, maybe even dangerous.  Tough to think of giving up even high priced gas for this golf cart like auto.  This Baker is part of Jay Leno’s Garage.  Check it out. He does a great review and even has a test drive clip. Pretty cool! For 100 years ago.

And before you leave Jay’s Garage, check out the Tesla Roadster. Tesla Motors is showing just how ungloomy and undoomy our future will be if continue to fend off socialism.

• Acceleration time: 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
• Top speed: electronically limited at 125 mph
• Range: 221 miles on the EPA combined cycle

Performance, pizazz, and technology that will likely trickle down to mass market family cars and minivans. And by the way they are selling these. You know; capitalism, some profit, some jobs, some fun, and a lot of hope for a better future.

Oh, and just for fun.

Posted in Capitalism, National Issue, Socialism, Technology 1 Comment »

And we eat our young

May 11, 2008

Did you read the article Republican’s Vote Against Mom, No Word on Puppies Kittens. It was in the Washington Post and referred to by a local Democrat blogger who used the column as a tool to question the morality, integrity and sanity of Republicans.

• A majority of the House GOP has voted against motherhood.
• When Republicans are against Motherhood, can voting against apple pie be far behind?
• we need to question their collective sanity as well as their morality and integrity.
• Is Rick Bart Against Motherhood, Too?
• Republican’s Vote Against Mom, No Word on Puppies Kittens
• 178 Republicans cast their votes against mothers.

After that little mosaic of quotes, it is a wonder that neither the Washington Post, nor our local Democrat blogger, has accused us of also eating our young. Seriously though, this accusation doesn’t hurt Republicans, it only makes Democratic Party followers look ridiculous for even making this suggestion.

And by the way, the Washington Post also carried a couple of articles, Democrats Link Wishes to War Funding and ‘Blue Dog’ Democrats Join GOP in Opposing War Bill, which explain the real reason that Republicans and also conservative Democrats were employing obstructive tactics against the majority Democrats last week.

Lastly, let me as, a registered Republican, make this perfectly clear on this Mother’s Day; I have nothing but love, respect and appreciation for mothers everywhere regardless of political and/or religious affiliations.

Although……… I’m not really keen on moms who dress their children in exploding vests. Silly looking home knit vests, yes; exploding vests, no.

Posted in Politics 1 Comment »

Walk for Life 2008

May 9, 2008

It looks like we will have some great weather tomorrow morning. Hope to see lots of people there either walking or supporting walkers.

DATE: Sat, May 10
TIME: 8:30am-12pm
PLACE: Abundant Life Church, 3210 Meridian St
DIRECTIONS: Map to Abundant Life Church
CONTACT: 360.671.9057

Join the Walk For Life which supports life affirming services provided by the Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic. Breakfast & registration at 8:30am - Walk begins at 9am.

Click here for more information

Posted in National Issue No Comments »

Cool Stuff - The man who grew a finger

May 8, 2008

“It took the end right off, down to the bone, about half an inch.

“We don’t know where the piece went.”

Today though, you wouldn’t know it. Mr Spievak, who is 69 years old, shows off his finger, and it’s all there, tissue, nerves, nail, skin, even his finger print.”

BBC NEWS | The man who grew back his finger tip

Posted in Science No Comments »