RichC | December 31, 2007
My family has been enjoying some time out of town and away from the computer, cellphone, Internet and WORK! In full disclosure though, I did make an attempt a post from my Palm Treo 700p as I wanted to comment on my daughter’s new iGo Keyboard, but wasn’t able to get the post and photo [...]
RichC | December 30, 2007
Popular Mechanics has a great article in their January issue on the coming clean diesels noting “Hybrids beware!” The author Ben Hewitt points out that the new breed of diesels from companies like Volkswagen are capable of better fuel economy (74.3 mpg for the VW Polo TDI) and produce fewer greenhouse gases than some gas/electric [...]
RichC | December 26, 2007
Although Car and Driver teases TDI drivers with a few MPG one-liners, the fever to get a new TDI is growing. Check out the list of 10 in December’s Car and Driver article: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 31 mpg city/39 mpg highway (est) Vee-Dub diesel die-hards, particularly those who live in the states tied to [...]
RichC | December 24, 2007
Last night my wife and I enjoyed reading the small Max Lucado coffee table book “One Incredible Moment” in front of our Christmas Tree. Although the book was published in 2006, the segment included below, Mary’s Prayer, was originally part of the Lucado book “God Came Near.” As you prepare for your Christmas celebration and [...]
RichC | December 23, 2007
The timing belt replacement is the bane of Volkswagen TDI ownership — partially due to the complexity and cost of servicing, yet it needs to be taken seriously as in any zero-clearance engine. Understanding what’s included in changing timing belts of any car can help one better understand what should be included in this service. [...]
RichC | December 22, 2007
Our backporch project is S-L-O-W-L-Y progressing; about the only thing slower is the airplane project! The slightly warmer weather this week permitted our contractor a window to pour and stamp concrete although we are in for a change come tonight. Nevertheless, I’m glad to at least get the concrete poured!
RichC | December 21, 2007
Although I didn’t watch it on NBC TV … or even pay all that much attention to it, the “Clash of the Choirs” reality show saw Nick Lachey’s Team Cincinnati come out on top. (article) In an impressive cappella rendition of Flight of the Bumblebee (video below), the 20 person choir from Cincinnati stunned even [...]
RichC | December 20, 2007
Earthrace, the 78 foot biodiesel powered wave-piecing boat, will attempt another run at the world record in circumnavigating around the world. Skipper Pete Bethune of New Zealand and his crew have reworked the boat after several glitches left them stranded in Europe last spring. (see posts) The next start for the Earthrace Project will take [...]
RichC | December 19, 2007
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by a 314-100 margin which is the same legislation that the Senate passed last week. It now moves to the desk of President Bush who has indicated that he will sign it. The promising legislation looks good for the expansion of [...]
RichC | December 18, 2007
Amazing Grace … the movie: This is an excellent movie families over the Christmas break. In fact it might be good enough to actually purchase (Amazon link) … and if you knew my ‘anti-buy DVD when you can rent’ opinion in regard to purchasing DVDs, that actually means something.
RichC | December 17, 2007
For some VW owners, we like the TDI diesel’s fuel efficiency (averaged 45 mpg) and the ability to run clean, domestic, renewable biodiesel. Others just like the styling and crisp European road manors inherent in most VeeDubs. Many appreciate a the fair priced car considering for the exceptional engineering and quality of materials used by [...]
RichC | December 16, 2007
Winter weather has arrived and many drivers ‘new and old’ are remembering how to drive on slippery road again. Having a teenage driver who is still learning to mange rain, ice and snow is a recipe for car repairs — few escape unscathed, from what I can tell? This weekend was the first for my [...]