Living in Bexar

HONDA DCT ADV-X, Forza and NC750X 745CC / 750CC Bike

2022-12-30T15:48:00.002-08:00

Shopping for highway worthy adventure bikes, and Honda makes several similar bikes for this market. Which one should I get?

Honda ADV-X (745cc) - NT$ 498,000

Honda Forza (745cc) - NT$ 475,000

Honda NC750X (745cc) - NT$ 398,000

All these models are equipped with automatic dual clutch transmission. The engine is great with low end torque and excellent fuel efficiency. They are not designed for high revving, racing applications, which is OK with me.

Honda NC750X offers the most traditional styling, with the exception of the fuel tank location. With a lockable front storage space large enough for a full face mask is a very nice feature. The side saddle and rear seat storage box can be added while maintaining the traditional look. The shortcoming includes the access to the fuel cap when the rear seat is strapped with luggage. The foot rest is fixed as a pedestal only. The instrument panel is a mono-chrome LCD display. TFT color display on Forza is much nicer.

As the model name implies, it should offer average off-road capability.

Honda Forza has the typical big-big scooter. Its design is more suitable for paved road, urban riding only. The color TFT instrument panel, and the very comfortable seating are two biggest advantages. Straddling with saddlebags makes the bike look weird. Without them, Forza looks very comfortable for two people on highway cruising.

Honda ADV-X seems to strike the balance of NC off-road capability and functionality comfort of Forza. Could it be a bike that neither excels in urban nor adventure use?

COVID Booster Shot - is it necessary

2021-12-15T16:39:00.005-08:00

What are significant differences between COVID-19 virus and the seasonal influenza virus?

We were told to get flu shot every year, because the influenza virus mutates, or “drift” over time. The scientists are developing yearly formulated vaccine to counter projected on the “mutated” virus.

So far, the major COVID-19 vaccine development was designed for the original virus out of Wuhan China. 18 months since the vaccine development, and 12 months since FDA approval on the emergency use authorization, COVID-19 has evolved, mutated, and drifted into significant variants.

We were told flu shot vaccine from last year don’t work well with this year influenza virus. It is not surprised that the original COVID-19 vaccine isn’t working as well against covid 19 beta gamma delta with each of mutation; and the first-generation vaccine showing decline efficacy over each mutation.

So, when does the original vaccine become irrelevant against 4th, 5th mutated virus? When does getting booster shoot will have an advantage from contracting virus over simply maintaining social distancing and good hand washing and broad acceptance of masking?

We have more people died this year than the time when we don’t have vaccine. Why CDC and scientist won’t publish or conduct any study in this regard? Why 60-70% of vaccinated population don’t slow down the spread?

Why?

Why CDC don’t talk about covid therapeutics drugs on treating COVID-19?

When CDC don’t talk about young adult experience more serious side effect and death from vaccination, while voted to vaccinate young children for pharma company profit

Why FDA is allowing Pfizer to withhold vaccinated data for 50 years? Is there something we shouldn’t know?

Why don’t we have updated vaccine like we have on the influenza? Why FDA isn’t approving anymore new drug?

Many people have reservation on this new type of vaccination - I.e. m-RNA. I don’t want to inject myself more of this type of vaccine while Pfizer hides the medical results for 50 years. Maybe we could be off with continuation of social distancing, masking, hand washing and topping off the flight with early therapeutic drugs.

Bought a used 2011 MDX, - the process of $5,000 to "zero out" the maintenance hours

2020-12-25T22:50:00.001-08:00

For typical DIY, starter, there is a list of check list items

FLUIDS M-210 ; L-000 (T-210)
▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀

☼ Oil change and oil filter change (M-25)

☼ Transmission drain and refill 3 times. Use compatible on first drain and refill, and Honda fluid on 2nd and 3rd refill (M-20, M-35, M-35)

☼ Transfer case, the gear oil (M-10)

☼ Rear Differential fluid (M-30)

☼ Brake fluid change (M-25)

☼ Power Steering fluid change (M-30)

ENGINES M-525 ; PL-625 (T-1,150)
▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀

☼ Spark plugs change (M-50)

☼ Engine Coolant Change (M-25)

☼ Timing service, including water pump, and serpentine belt changes (M-450, Pro-Labor -625)

OTHER SERVICABLE ITEMS (T-170)
▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀

☼ Engine Air filter (M-15)

☼ Cabin Air filter (M-15)

☼ Front, driver/passenger windshield wipers (M-25)

☼ Rear windshield wipers (M-15)

☼ Battery, new/Maybe (M-100)

WHEELS AND SUSPENSION (T=3,250)
▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀ ▀▀

☼ Spare tires, 10 years old - dry rots (M-140)

☼ New sets of tires, 255/R55-19, and new pressure sensors (M-1260)

☼ Sway bar - links and bushings (M-100 ; Pro-Labor ; 150)

☼ Front brakes serving (Rotor, and brake pads) - (M120 ; Pro-Labor 130)

☼ Rear brake == assuming it is in good condition (M-0, Pro-Labor 0)

☼ Rear suspension = shocks (M-150; Pro-Labor 100)

☼ Front suspension = structs/spring combo (M-700 ; Pro-Labor -300)

☼ Wheel alignment = Pro-Labor 100

2011 ACURA MDX MPG - Real life fuel efficiency after 150,000 miles

2020-12-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

The published MDX MPG has a rating of 16 MPG in the City and 21 MPG. What is real life fuel efficiency after 150,000 miles?

Here are some MPG data with various driving conditions:

1. Lots of stop and go urban driving. (16 MPG)

2. Going through hills, up and down at 75-80 mph (16 MPG); at 70 MPH improves efficiency (18 MPG)

3. Urban mix driving, 50% highway, 50% stop-n-go driving achieves 17 MPG

4. Excessive highway speed, 80 MPH or with impeding traffic flow. (18 MPG)

5. Urban highway speed at 65-75 mph; heavy traffic flow, lots of speed changes (20 MPG)

6. Constant "relaxed" flat highway speed at 75 mph; light traffic flow (22 MPG)

7. Constant "relaxed" flat highway speed at 65-70 mph; without heavy traffic flow (24 MPG)

BLM

2020-12-25T15:22:00.004-08:00

There is a white house at the end of road.

The White house is located on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington DC.

We believe black live matter, all lives matter.

Do you support the Back Live Matter?

Do you support all (black) live matter movement.

Do we, media, politician CARE to make a distinction between Black Live Matte (organization) and black live matter (cause)?

Walking, Jogging at the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy

2019-11-25T12:36:00.004-08:00

This is my walking trail map at the Phil Hardberger Park. Usually there is more foot traffic at the East side of the park, but the West side offers more natural paths (non-paved, or prepped surfaces). I like the West side a bit more than the East side because of small elevation changes and longer trail.

Harbor Freight Tools - Free stuff with purchase

2019-03-23T21:26:00.004-07:00

Expires on 5/04/19 Free with any purchase 3 1 0 5 8 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 ▬ 20% 5/04/19 3 1 0 5 8 4 8 6 0 1 0 1 ▬ Flash light, round - black 3 1 0 7 2 6 6 2 0 1 0 1 ▬ AA/AAA Heavy Duty Battery 3 1 0 7 1 5 8 3 0 1 0 1 ▬ 4 in 1 Screw Driver 4/20/19 4 7 5 3 0 5 3 0 0 1 1 2 ▬ 4" magnetic parts holder 3/31/19 1 9 5 0 8 1 2 6 ▬ Microfiber Cleaning cloth 12"x12"

Robert Reich and Popular Vote System

2018-04-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Robert Reich posted a new video.

While we resist Donald Trump, we also need to make sure our democracy doesn't ever again elect a candidate who loses the popular vote. We must make the electoral college irrelevant. And we can. This week Connecticut became the latest state to push for a popular vote system. More states must join. Please help spread the word.

Dumb move;

Democrats will loose even more electoral college. Trump will start to camping big Blue like California and New York NJ, He can easily get 5% ( 2 millions) more votes and still loosing big in these states. Then those 10-15 already BLUE states passing this popular votes law will be required to vote "RED" in electoral college because Trump wins the national popular vote. RED States respect State rights, they are not going to buy in the proposed "popular vote" scheme.

Do Democrats want to guarantee Republican White House for a few more decade?

2002 MDX Towing MPG

2018-04-13T10:45:00.003-07:00

The testedvehicle has 252,500 to 263,500 miles during the test period. The vehicle does not have extra equipment added to improve towing performance.

The 3 test configurations were:
(1) No trailer; loaded with estimated 500 lb cargo
(2) 4x8 enclosed U-Haul trailer. The basic empty weight of the trailer is about 850 lbs, and it was loaded with estimated 900 lbs cargo. The total weight 1,750 lbs
(3) 5x9 open utility U-Haul trailer. The basic empty weight of the trailer is about 1,200 lbs, and it was loaded with estimated 700 lbs cargo. The total weight 1,900 lbs

There are 3 types of resistance forces acting on a moving vehicle, i.e. aerodynamic drag, rolling drag, and hill/grading drag. For a given vehicle traveling at the same speed, flat terrain with no wind or little wind conditions, the only variable will be the rolling resistance. From many of Caterpillar RV/Truck design handbooks; the rolling resistance is typically proportion to the total vehicle weight. One (1) HP can overcome. about 650 lbs of rolling drag. So, the difference in these test configuration would only had contributed approximately 3 HP difference. Therefore -the majority of HP requirement differences will be attributed by aerodynamic drag, and grading drag.

In this first test data set:at 70 mph, flat and no wind condition.
(1) No trailer configuration - 21 mpg
(2) With enclosed trailer - 17 mpg
(3) with open trailer - 12.5 mpg

At 70 mph - 21 mpg = 3.33 gallon / hr;
17 mpg = 4.11 gallon /hr and
12.5 mpg = 5.6 gallon /hr

At 70 mph, 21 mpg, the engine generates 57 HP, assuming 1 gallon of gas/hour produces 17 HP.
For the enclosed 4x8 trailer, it saw an increase of 0.78 gallon/hr fuel consumption.It translates into a 13 HP of trailer drag. For the 5x9 open trailer, the fuel consumption increased to about 2.27 gallon /hour. That translates into a 39 HP of open trailer drag.

The rolling resistance of 4,700 lb vehicle and a 1,900 lb trailer is about 6,600 lbs. The rolling drag will be around 9 to 10 HP. The calculated aerodynamic drag for the vehicle was about 47 to 50 HP.

The significance of this set of data reveals that the open 5x9 trailer generates 80% more drag. Even enclosed 4x8 trailer with long tow bar (big gap between trailer and tow vehicle), this configuration only generates 26% more drag.

From the second test data set, traveling:at 70 mph
(1) With enclosed trailer - 15 mpg at flat and 5 (0 to 10) mph wind condition. 4.66 gallon/hr
(2) With enclosed trailer - 17 mpg at flat and no wind condition. 4.11 gallon /hr

The difference of 0.55 gallon/hr fuel burn due to head wind will require additional 9 to 10 HP. Theoretically, the drag force is proportional to the 3rd power. Traveling at 70 mph with 5 mph wind vs traveling at 70 mph no wind would translate into 23% more drag. The theoretical HP requirement calls for 47-50 HP * 123% = 60 HP. The test result and theoretical calculation of fuel efficiency were the same.

Conclusion:
The rolling resistance, or vehicle weight isn't a big issue, the aerodynamics is. Having heavier vehicle due to added aerodynamic treatment is a better solution than focusing on the weight only. If a vehicle is constantly traveling in 3% graded plus area, then the priority should be on reducing the vehicle weight.

Windows OS

2018-03-25T14:45:00.001-07:00

Notebook HP-T7200 M ○ 7 ♣ Lenovo ThinkPad T61 ○ 10

Desktop HP Dual XEON-32 ○ 10 ♣ DELL Q6600-4 ○ 10

Notebook DELL Latitude ○ 7

Good OS:

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

10 - iPhone revolution; it's even less "techie" than ever

7 - Try to make it for "non-tech" for general users

XP - It did everything well

98 - A operating system that change PC computing

3.11 - It's different, GUI

Ver Release Ended Extended Life

10 2015.07 2021.1 2026.1 11
7 2009.10 2015.01 2020.01 11

XP 2001.10 2009.04 2014.04 13

98 1998.06 2002.07 2006.07 8

3.11 1994.01 2002.01 2002.01 8

(not so good) BAD OS

▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀

8/8.1 - The new look, re-arranged menus with too many not so "smart assist". No drivers

Vista - re-arranged menus, and lacking drivers - XP looked awesome

ME - Try to be "general user" OS; - lack of drivers

95 - It's a nice start. It doesn't make much gain in productivity over Windows 3.11

Ver Release Ended Extended Life

8.1 2013.10 2018.01 2023.01 10

8 2012.10 2016.01 N/A

Vista 2007.01 2012.04 2017.04 10

ME 2000.09 2004.01 2006.07 6

95 1995.08 2001.01 2002.01 7

The Despot's Apprentice - So Wrong Dr. Brian Klass

2017-12-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

The underlying assumption is that all news media are objective, no left/right leaning. But, the "fake news" outlets are overwhelmingly biased. For the past 15 months, the relentless pursuit of the Trump/Russia collusion, we are on waiting for the "smoking gun" breaking news. One of the biggest news and greatest impact of US democracy is the collusion between the federal government of Obama administration (FBI, Justice Department, IRS) and Clintons, and "fake news media" is not covering it with the same level of tenacity toward Trump / Russia collusion. There were no critical media in the US for the past 8 years. The "fake news" reporting of the 2016 election was the eye opener for many, and their subsequent reporting further solidify "fake news" status.

New Apples discovery - Opal and Ambrosia

2017-12-15T17:29:00.000-08:00

I came across these two new apples in my local grocery store. Opal and Ambrosia.

Opal has the appearance of light brown-green color skin. It's far from the "red" and "green" like variety. It was found in 1990's around British Columbia Canada . It was stumbled upon in a family farm. It's believed naturally cross-breed between Starking Delicious and 'Golden Delicious.

Ambrosia has the appearance of red with light green hue skin. It looks like any recent varieties of bio-engineered apple. It was only recently Developed by the Institute of Experimental Botany in Prague and FruitSelect in 1999. It's growing in Washington.

New gun owner - 10 Minutes read on owning pistol

2015-10-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

SAFETY.. This should be muscle memory for everyone..
================
Before examming a pistol - 1. Gun is loaded. and hands off/fingers off trigger. 2. drop magazine, and apply manual safety. 3. pull slide to check rounds in chamber;

There are many basic rules of gun handling
1. Always assume the pistol is loaded, sofinger off the trigger, until you're ready to fire
2. Point gun at the (safe) direction you want, looking down the barrel is NOT one of them
3. When ready to shoot, think about what's behind your target. Bullet pass through objects easily.

Checking out the gun (watch TV shows - cops handling weapon found in suspect vehicle)
1. Figer off the trigger, and point pistol at a safe direction,
2. Switch "safe" mode - if the manual safety is available
3. Drop managzine,
4. Check the "loaded" chamber indicator, pull slide to eject rounds in chamber. slide it couple times, if you want to do it like the police do.

A good pistol should:
1. A pistol fit your hands, comfortable to handle, good grip
2. Trigger has a "clean break"; It's hard to describe, it's like knowing where edge of cliff is.
3. Pistol takes pretty much any ammo without "failure to eject, FTE, failure to load, FTL, or failure to Fire FTF).

Choosing a pistol platform
1. The larger caliber usually generate higher recoil. Some guns produce less recoil than others with a same caliber ammunition.

2. The muzzle velocity and bullet weight determines the target "impact force". The basic physics says F=1/2*m*v^2; Where m = weight of bullet, Each caliber ammunion offers different bullet weights; for example: 9mm ammo are available in 115, 124, 147 grains, and light bullet usually have higher muzzle velocity. Blazer ammunition, 9mm Brass, 115 weight = 1,145 ft/s, and 124 weight = 1090; velocity. They have nearly the same "energy, in ft-lbs".

3. Public opinion, or con 9mm ammo seems to offer the best balance between minimizing recoil, and generating adequate "energy force".

Choosing an ammo type
1. Most of +P is for home defense, but it is not intended for all pistol. +P usually indicate high pressure, higher velocity rounds.
2. Target shooting - Round nose
2. Hurting/killing/causing tissue damage - hollow point
3. Lighter bullet typically equal higher velocity - improving accuracy over longer distance. The bullet drop is significant over 50 yards for slower ammo. The bullet drop difference within 15 yards is insignificant.

"Force" - comparison of various caliber and weight

In comparison (Blazer Brass);
9mm 124 weight, Muzzle velocity = 1090 ft/s, - yields 327 ft-lb
40 S&W 165 weight, Muzzle velocity = 1050 ft/s yields 404 ft-lb
40 S&W 180 weight, Muzzle velocity = 985 ft/s, - yields 388 ft-lb
45 ACP 230 weight, Muzzle velocity = 830 ft/s, - yields 352 ft-lb

Some of 9mm home defense ammunitions are loaded with powerful explosives,
Hornady Critical Duty Ammunition 9mm Luger +P 135 Grain - 1110 ft/s, 369 ft-lb
Winchester PDX1 Defender Ammunition 9mm Luger +P 124 Grain 1200 ft/s 396 ft-lb
Cor-Bon DPX Ammunition 9mm Luger +P 115 Grain 1275 ft/s 415 ft-lb

The lighter bullet with higher muzzle velocity - generate as much energy or if not more than a 40 S&W round.. The draw back is that no all pistol is designed to fire +P (high velocity rounds). An firing over rated ammo can cause harm (exploded pistol) to shooter.

Buying and storing ammo
1. Buy less expensive rounds (likely to experience FTE/FTL) for practice, and definitely buy good rounds for home defense or hunting. Failure to fire upon target (intruder), is not a good idea.
2. Find way to keep moisture out of your ammo and keeping them in cool places, if you intent to buy and store for long period of time. Buy an ammo can, or use plastic/air tight container, or use vaccum seal bags to store ammos.

Shooting range
1. Safety - protect your eyes and hear. Goggle and ear plugs. It's loud when entering gun range.
2. Don't load your gun before entering gun range. Most gun range owner don't like that.
3. Don't rapid firing. Sh*t likely to occur when people have too much fun and forgetting safety.
4. Away pointing pistol in the direction of target, not people next to you or behind you.
5. Hands off trigger until you've aimed, and ready to fire.

GOP Power Ranking and my 2 cents

2015-09-22T21:49:00.001-07:00

WEEK 7 RANKINGS

1. DONALD TRUMP (LAST WEEK: 1): Refreshing, but can he move the mountain?
2. BEN CARSON (T-3): Refreshing, Presidential, wise man, but can he staff people with equal quality?
3. MARCO RUBIO (T-3) - Vice President/Advisor - Communicator
4. TED CRUZ (6) - ) He's needed to run Senate
5. CARLY FIORINA (2): Refreshing, Presidential "Challenge Establishment" in her own way
6. JEB BUSH (5): President - "easy transition", experienced
7. JOHN KASICH (7) President - "easy transition", experienced
8. CHRIS CHRISTIE (8) Hawkish - Chief of Staff
9. MIKE HUCKABEE (9) Nice Guy
10. RAND PAUL (10) Nice Guy
11. BOBBY JINDAL (11) Not Interested. Time has changed. We have Huckabee, Ben and Carly already.
12. RICK SANTORUM (12) He's still in? Time has changed.
13. LINDSEY GRAHAM (13) He's still in?
14. GEORGE PATAKI (14) He's still in?
15. JIM GILMORE (15) He's still in?

Week 5
1. CARLY FIORINA (1) President - "Challenge Establishment"
2. MARCO RUBIO (3) Vice President/Advisor - Communicator
3. DONALD TRUMP (2) Advisor - demostic policy- brining back common sense governace
4. BEN CARSON (4) Advisor
5. JEB BUSH (5) President - "easy transition", experienced
6. TED CRUZ (6) He's needed to run Senate
7. JOHN KASICH (7) President - "easy transition", experienced
8. CHRIS CHRISTIE (8) Trumpish -Cabinet secretary as Agriculture, Energy, Education to cut spending
9. MIKE HUCKABEE (9) Nice Guy
10. RAND PAUL (10) Nice Guy
11. LINDSEY GRAHAM (12) Still not interested
12. RICK SANTORUM (13) Not Interested
13. BOBBY JINDAL (14) Not Interested
14. GEORGE PATAKI (15) Not Interested
15. JIM GILMORE (16) He's still in?

Week 4
1. CARLY FIORINA    President - "Challenge Establishment"
2. DONALD TRUMP    Advisor
3. MARCO RUBIO    Vice President/Advisor - Communicator
4. BEN CARSON    Advisor
5. JEB BUSH    President - "Inside Track"
6. TED CRUZ    Senate "Majority Leader" - He's In already
7. JOHN KASICH    Advisor
8. CHRIS CHRISTIE    Not interested
9. MIKE HUCKABEE    Nice Guy
10. RAND PAUL Nice Guy
11. SCOTT WALKER*     Nice Guy
12. LINDSEY GRAHAM     Not Interested
13. RICK SANTORUM     Nice Guy
14. BOBBY JINDAL    Nice Guy
15. GEORGE PATAKI     Not Interested
16. JIM GILMORE        Who?
X RICK PERRY Nice Guy

Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive

2015-09-20T20:04:00.003-07:00

Current prices for portable storage drive:

Over the years, most of my portable drives were damaged over time because of "improper handling"..
My collection includes
60GB 7200 RPM e-IDE
80GB 5400 RPM SATA
120GB 5400 RPM SATA
250GB 5400 RPM SATA
1GB 5400 RPM SATA (Toshiba)

WD 1TB WD Elements Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive Storage (WDBUZG0010BBK-NESN)
1tb 60
2tb 81

WD My Passport Ultra 1 TB Portable External Hard Drive, Black (WDBGPU0010BBK-NESN)
1tb 60
2tb 90

Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable Hard Drive- Black (HDTB310XK3AA)
1tb 50
2tb 80

Toshiba Canvio Connect II 1TB Portable Hard Drive, Black (HDTC810XK3A1)
1tb 50
2tb 80

Travel First Aid Kit

2015-08-24T18:16:00.002-07:00

Costco - Meds
1 - Kirkland Anti-Diarrhea 2x200 tablets $11.
2. Melatonin 365 tablet $6
3. Cold Multi-Symptom Daytime and Nightime $????
4. Kirkland Signature™ AllerClear®, 365 Tablets $10
5 Kirkland Aspirin 81mg $ ????

Features:

Compare to Tylenol® Cold Multi-Symptom Daytime/Nightime Active Ingredients^, 120 Daytime Gelcaps, 48 Nightime Gelcaps.

[1] Imodium - diarrhea
     Kirkland Signature™ Anti-Diarrheal 2mg., 400 Caplets
     Imodium® A-D Active Ingredient, Loperamide Hydrochloride 2 mg.

[2] zolpidem ( Ambien , sleep)     melatonin (sleep, amino acid tryptophan)
   Costco Schiftt 2015.09.17 - $7.49-2.00 rebate = $5.49

[3] Tylenol - fever, pain; Acetaminophen
     Ibuprofen - 800 mg; 200mg/800mg     NyQuil - cold == > Acetaminophen (500 mg/15 mL) (pain reliever/fever reducer)Dextromethorphan (15 mg/15 mL) (cough suppressant) Doxylamine succinate (6.25 mg/15 mL) (antihistamine/hypnotic

[4] Aspirin - heart attack?

[5] Benadryl - allergy (Diphenhydramine)
     Kirkland Signature™ AllerClear®, 365 Tablets
     Claritin® Active Ingredient, Loratadine 10 mg/Antihistamine

[7] Anti-itch cream Neosporin - triple ointmentBandages, and wipes

[8] Tiger Balm - everything

booty call, one night stand, sugar momma, or cougar

2014-12-25T17:03:00.001-08:00

booty call: a phonecall,page,or conversation aimed at getting into your pants.Not an invite to a movie or dinner, not just coffee, not a casual or formal get-together, just a plain old-fashioned "let's fuck"

I woke at 4 a.m. with a massive hard-on. I picked up the phone and gave Ruthie a booty call. I wanted to mount her so very, very much. I had it REAL bad !

one night stand, :Hooking up with someone for one night of sex with no strings attached and hoping to never see them again. It is important not to exchange any personal info with them so they can't track you down and stalk you later.
I had a one night stand with this guy I picked up at the club.

sugar momma: A woman (often an older woman) who holds her man/woman in nice standing with money, food, an apartment, etc. -- not always used in a derogatory fashion, or merely in exchange for sex, but because she can.

"Why can't I find me a nice sugar mama to take care of me?"

or cougar: An older woman who frequents clubs in order to score with a much younger man. The cougar can be anyone from an overly surgically altered wind tunnel victim, to an absolute sad and bloated old horn-meister, to a real hottie or milf. Cougars are gaining in popularity -- particularly the true hotties -- as young men find not only a sexual high, but many times a chick with her shit together.

That cougar I met last night, showed me shit I didn't know existed, I'm goin back for more.

crazy

2014-11-17T18:23:00.002-08:00

2015.09

night club - back door loading dock . with goods.
as it pull out, a larger truck with cran pulls out runing side by side.

van pulled and stop the vehicle,
bad guy jumped out - the security guard and off duty police were demand to get out.
police asked for mercy.

cran moved over and lifted the loads on the bed of the truck, and pull away
and drove to nearby descrete building with gate, and pull in.

minutes late the truck re-appear out of the gate, and drove to a different location.
picked a loose bad of "pieces" of junk- bagged,

and drove back to the club loading dock.

2014.11
bugs double in quantity when ever there is a loud noise, runs like ants. double in size over time

2014.11
building, tall apartments, with no exterior windows. items are staged along with window ledge. Someone flies along the rooms and steal CD/and DVD. Came to a familiar area/street name, and rest along a park, to evaluate the loot, passing by peeking at the loot and found the CD/DVD titles were inappropriate

Single Malt Whisky Scotch, The Highlands, Orkney Island

2014-11-09T19:38:00.001-08:00

The Macallan Cask Strength
The Highlands

The Macallan brand is synonymous with top-tier Single Malt Scotch, and the unsung hero of their portfolio is their Cask Strength. This malt hails from the Easter Elchies House of Macallan overlooking the River Spey. Like its better-known 18-year-old sibling, the Cask Strength has a sherried finish making it bright, rich and accessible; but this one explodes with caramel, brown sugar, toffee and vanilla so complex and intertwined it drinks like a dessert. It's well balanced on the palate with a sweet, tawny port, cinnamon oatmeal bouquet.

Price: $75

Highland Park 18 Year Old
Orkney Islands

It's hard to believe that Highland Park's 18-year-old Single Malt was first released in 1997, as its great reputation belies its youth. On the nose you get honey, sherry and peat coupled with almonds and light smoke, which makes it not just approachable but irresistible. It is simultaneously subtle and complex while allowing the consumer to enjoy a smooth and dynamic expression of the Orkney Islands' most prized distillery. It finishes with heather and honey mixed with earth, dried fruit and nuts.

Price: $105

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old "Extremely Rare"
The Highlands

The Glenmorangie 18 Years Old spends fifteen years of its life in classic Bourbon oak barrels. A portion is then transferred to Oloroso sherry barrels for the final three years of maturation. These barrels are then reunited to create this silky Scotch, tasting of nuts, dried sticky figs, dates and vanilla. These flavors meld together on the palate in perfect harmony, leaving a nice creamy finish with a hint of fruit, floral, almonds and vanilla.

Price: $100

Quotes from Tom Magliozzi

2014-11-04T04:38:00.002-08:00

Quotes from Tom Magliozzi:

“It's only a car.”

"Do it while you're young. You may never have another chance to do anything this stupid again!"

"Happiness equals reality minus expectations"

“How do you know if you've got a good mechanic? By the size of his boat.”

"If money can fix it, it's not a problem."

“Our Humility is what makes us great.”

“Reality often astonishes theory.”

"Life is too short to own a German car.”

“Kids: get away from the cell phones, get away from the computers, and mail someone a fish before it’s too late.”

“Non Impediti Ratione Cogitationis” - “Unencumbered by the thought process.” Tom’s self-proclaimed motto.

“Never let the facts stand in the way of a good answer”

"Some guy I met said it's amazing how we use cars on our show as an excuse to discuss everything in the world—energy, psychology, behavior, love, money, economics and finance. The cars themselves are boring as hell."

“It is better to travel in hope than arrive in despair.”

"If it falls off, it doesn't matter.”

"I like to drive with the windows open. I mean, before you know it, you're going to spend plenty of time sealed up in a box anyway, right?”

Vehicle for Traveling in North America RV Travel - 4 wheel drives - To Canada and Central America (Belize)

2014-11-01T20:56:00.001-07:00

Vehicle #1 125CC Scooter @ 85 mpg $3000 (NEW)

    Modify underseat storage - to add 5-6 gallon additional fuel storage

     Extended range = 7.5 usable fuel/safe reserve fuel = 600 miles
    Add REAR storage for luggage

Vehicle #2 Toyota Prius @ 50 mpg $12,000 (USED)
Nice all weather -
Usable range = 10 gallon @ 50 mpg = 500 miles
Scooter = 35 gallon
Prius = 60 gallon
Difference in fuel for a 3,000 miles travel = 25 gallon @ $2.50/gallon = 62.00

Vehicle #3 Honda Odyssey @ 23 Mpg $8,000 (USED, 8 years 110K miles)
Nice all weather, lot of storage
Usable range = 16.4 gallon @ 23 mpg = 375 miles
Scooter = 35 gallon
Prius = 60 gallon
Odyssey = 130 gallon
Difference in fuel for a 3,000 miles travel = 70 gallon @ $2.50/gallon =175

Guyana - northern coast of South America.

Guyana was originally colonized by the Netherlands. Later, it became a British colony and remained so for over 200 years until it achieved independence on 26 May 1966 from the United Kingdom.

San Antonio - Key West (1,550m)

Key West - Halifax (2,300m)

Halifax Nova Scotia - Anchorage (5,000m)

Anchorage-San Diego (3,520m)

San Diego-Panama Canal, Panama (3,770m)

Panama Canal - Belize City (1,400m)

Belize City - San Antonio (1,630m - 29H)

Average speed of 50mph = 30-33hours - 4 days of driving

Take the US281 to the Mexico boarder; Mexico - 97 - 101 -Ciudad Victoria - 180 - 80 Tampico - 180 - Heroica Veracruze,-150D - 145D (Coatzacoalcos) - 180 - Villahermosa - 186 (Chetumal) - Belize - Northern Hwy - Belize City.

Vehicle Spare Parts - to take on a trip

1a. Alternator / 1b. Starter / 1c Ignition Coil Pack 1d Serpentine belt

2a Oxygen sensor (up stream) / down stream 2b (sensor, throttle, air flow sensors)

3a Battery 3b Head lights sets 3c windshield wiper blades

4a. Oil filters 4b air filters 4c engine oil 4d transmission oil 4e rear diff oil
5a 5 gallon-gas can 5b FULL size spare tire and tire repair kit -sealer?

October 2010 - RV insurance

Wow, I didn't know the RV insurance (liability only) can be inexpensive.

I am not sure because I am getting older, or RV isn't driven as much as cars, the yearly premium is $209. or $105 for six months. It's about 40% of my typically premium for the car I commute with.

Military Combat Systems

2014-11-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

AIRPLANES

Generation of Fighter Aircraft

5th generation - 2005+
-------------
F-22, Stealth, vector thrust
Sukhoi PAK-FA
J-20

4th generation (1970-200)
-----------------
Highly maneuverable
Multi-role
F-15 - larger
Su-27
F-16 -small
Mig-29
F-18 - Multi-role
Mirage 2000
4.5th generation - advanced integrated weapon targeting system
Eurofighter Typhoon
Saab JAS 39 Gripen

3rd generation (1960-1970)
Air-to-Air combat
Improvement on air-to-ground attach
F-4
A-6
A-7
Jaguar

Interesting failed to launch projects
Northrop F-20 (F-5 improvement) - extreme fast climbLight weight, cheap to operate; but - lack weapon systems payloads

Ground Attack Aircraft

Fairchild A-10 May 72 / March 77 - in service -target retirement 2040 (63 years)
new wing / replacement program - 2007 -

SHIPS

Aegis Combat System and Ships

wiki: The Aegis Combat System is an integrated naval weapons system developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA, and now produced by Lockheed Martin. It uses powerful computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.

United States Navy, - Arleigh Burke

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force - Atago

Spanish Navy - Alvano Bazan

Royal Norwegian Navy - Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate

Republic of Korea Navy - Sejon

Royal Australian Navy

International Travel - Visa Required - airlines

2014-11-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange @ Airport Main Terminal charges a huge fee and 20% off the posted exchange rate.

Didn't have much luck with the exchange at the Warsaw Central train station either. Stepping down to the platform/track, the exchange rate was a lot more attractive.

Best exchange/fair exchange stations - Singapore airport

American credit cards may not work on most of newer European ATM machines. The newer credit card with embedded "smart card chip" is required to be accepted.

USAA - and other banks - owners need to call in to allow foreign ATM withdraws.

UNITED Airlines - seats and fare codes
The cheapest tickets coach
M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N

Full fare coach
Y, B

Business Class
J

Fare	Domestic Upg.	International Upg.	Award Miles	PQM	PQS	Price Rank	CLASS	Description
J	NA	Business Fare	175%	150%	1.5	1	B	Business Class.
O	NA	Business Award	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	B (AWARD)	Business Class AWARD TICKET (Better known as 'XC' class)
Z	NA	Business Class	150%	150%	1.5	3	B (DISCOUNT)	Heavily discounted Business Class - CANNOT (officially) be upgraded using either miles or SWU's or Sales Dept upgrade certificates.
D	Yes	Business Fare	175%	150%	1.5	2	B (DISCOUNT)	Discounted Business fare- used also on all "Business" Class Star RTW fares. Upgradeable to F domestically.
C	Yes	Business Fare	175%	150%	1.5	1	B (FULL)	Full Fare Unrestricted Business Class. Upgradeable to F domestically.
I	NA	Business Upgrade	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	B (UPGRADE)	Business Class Upgrade class from Economy (Better known as 'NC' class)
N	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	18	E (AWARD)	Economy Class AWARD TICKET (Better known as 'XY' class)
Y	Yes	Yes	125%	150%	1	4	E-1 (FULL)	1st Tier Economy. Full Fare unrestricted Economy class
B	Yes	Yes	125%	150%	1.5	5	E2	2nd Tier Economy. Almost Full Fare Economy with minimal restrictions - also used Star *RTW
M	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	6	E3	3rd Tier Economy. Almost Full Fare Economy with few restrictions. May require twice the points to upgrade than Y or B fares.
E	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	7	E4	4th Tier Economy. 'Ted' and some low web/discount fares from early 2005. Now officially elevated to above H class!
U	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	8	E-5	5th Tier Economy. Showed up Nov/03 as booking class for "TED" also in mid 2005 a high level mainline class!
H	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	9	E6	6th Tier Economy. Higher level Economy Class with few restrictions. Some "RTW" coach is H. May require twice the points to upgrade than Y or B fares.
Q	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	10	E7	7th Tier Economy. Discount Economy with moderate restrictions. (Bereavement tix are in Q)** Q can be a QUP that books into domestic F without the use of an upgrade instrument. Some Q fares are refundable.
V	Yes	Maybe **	100%	100%	1	11	E8	8th Tier Economy. Discount Fare Economy often with a lot of restrictions**
W	Yes	Maybe **	100%	100%	1	12	E9	9th Tier Economy. Discount Fare Economy often with many restrictions**
S	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	13	E9-10	10th Tier Economy. Real Lowball coach with lot of restrictions. Reports that some are not mile earning ex UK/Brazil etc.
L	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	15	E9-11	11th Tier Economy. Discount Fare Economy with a lot of restrictions
T	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	14	E9-11	11th Tier Economy.Heavy discount Fare Economy - often with a lot of restrictions
K	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	16	E9-12	12th Tier Economy. Seasonal Economy Promotional Fares/Reduced Fare Gov’t contract etc
G	Yes	Yes	100%	100%	1	17	E9-13	13th Tier Economy. Travel Industry Economy Class fares
P	First Class	NA	150%	150%	1.5	2	F	Premium USA Transcon First Class on 3 classers
X	NA	First Class Upgrade	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	F (AWARD)	First Class UPGRADE AWARD from paid Business* (Better known as 'NF'). Please reference the class of fare for your original ticket.
R	First Award	NA	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	F (AWARD)	First Class AWARD TICKET (Better known as 'XF' class)
A2	First Class	NA	175%	150%	1.5	3	F (DISCOUNT)	Two Cabin discounted Fare First Class. Round The World First is booked in this class.
A3	First Class	NA	250%	150%	1.5	3	F (DISCOUNT)	Three Cabin discounted Fare First Class. Round The World First is booked in this class.
F2	First Class Fare	First Class Fare	175%	150%	1.5	1	F (FULL)	Two Cabin full Fare Unrestricted First Class
F3	First Class Fare	First Class Fare	250%	150%	1.5	1	F (FULL)	Three Cabin full Fare Unrestricted First Class

Modern International Airport
Sydney
Kansi Japan
abu dhabi
Narita
shanghai
Frankfurt
tokyo haneda
Auckland
copenhagan
London heathaw
central japan airport???
Vancouver international
kuala lumpur
zurich airport
Munich
beijing capital
amsterdam
hong kong airport
singapore changi
incheon

Mobile phone-
[/] The teleco - stationed after passing through customs.
[/] Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile (台湾大哥大) are the two major players.
[/] SIM cars are available in standard and micro-SIM
[/] To purchase SIM card, requiring two forms of official pictured ID
[/] Any prepaid plan can be top off with refill cards sold at convenience stores
[/] Taiwan Mobile/unlimited data plan (3G) // rates are similar among major companies
Mobile Broadband 1-day = NT$100 (min) 100/day avg $3.25
Mobile Broadband 3-day = NT$250 / 83/day avg = $3.00
Mobile Broadband 5-day = NT$350 / 70/day avg = $2.50
Mobile Broadband 7-day= NT$450 (max) 65 day avg = $2.25

American Express - how to run a business

2014-11-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Gloria MacKenzie, a 84-year-old woman based in Florida, was the single biggest winner of the Powerball jackpot last week because she said someone was “kind enough” to let her step in front of the line at Publix. As a result, the quick pick lottery ticket destined for the "nice" lady, Mindy Crandell, went to MacKenzie. Though Crandell responded with even more kindness that "things are meant to be for a reason," to most of the general public, it seems like another case where the nice guy finished last.
In small business, there are many times where being "nice" will ensure a company finishes dead last. Here are five reasons you're not winning the race.
1. Settling for sub-par employees. Small-business owners need to be aggressive in searching, finding and hiring the best people. A team is only as strong as its players, and this part of the small-business game is not for the faint of heart. No matter what state the economy is in, there is always a lot of competition for top talent. It is critical for hiring to be part of an owner’s personal mission—it should never be delegated entirely. Interview passionately, relentlessly and always pay above industry compensation. Fighting to win the battle for the best employees is a key requirement to building a profitable company.
RELATED: A Foolproof Guide to Hiring the Best Candidate
2. Conceding too quickly. The most successful entrepreneurs are fierce competitors. Channel Steve Jobs, Donald Trump, Bill Gates and Larry Ellison. They compete honestly, but intensely. They never give up and play to win. Successful small-business owners think their fair share of the marketplace is 100 percent. They want all the business and are unwilling to concede any profitable customer segment to a fellow competitor.
3. Not being stubborn enough. Studies suggest that men who are “below average on agreeableness earn roughly 18 percent more than men who are considered nice." Statistically, rude people get more of what they want. At the start, forget about negotiating for a win-win. Set minimum and maximum goals. Aggressively pursue the maximum goal and never quit unless the minimum one is achieved.
4. Feelings of guilt. The small-business owner has to be merciless in firing people who are not profitable for the company after a few months. Too many owners allow poor performers to linger, and they end up hurting the entire team. The "nice guy" behavior of letting them hang on benefits no one since the other employees know who the weakest links are. Never hesitate. Give the appropriate amount of severance and cut them loose even if there is no immediate replacement. This goes for employees who have shown dishonest behavior. Practice a zero tolerance policy of “one strike and you're out."
RELATED: Have You Mastered These 5 Levels of Leadership?
5. Not seizing the lead. A small business is never run like a democracy. Some may even call its structure a benevolent dictatorship. While the leader should solicit ideas and feedback from employees and managers, there is only one vote that really counts. Majority doesn't rule at a business. Employees will follow a leader who shows confidence and commitment.
In business, owners who are always nice guys can finish last. Remember that the next time you let someone cut in front of you at the supermarket.
Read more stories about leadership in small business.

Semi-Truck, to buy

2014-11-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

Highway Tractors
I made 6-connective weekend trips to a neighboring city. I came across many 18-wheelers on the interstate highways. Some were old, boxy Peterbilts, some were very aerodynamic looking Freightliners and Volvos. Regardless of the boxy cabs, or aerodynamic cabs, they all have some kinds of "add-on" to improve the aerodynamic of overall setup. Without out a doubt, the raised wind deflector over the trailer was every one I have came across.

Another interesting observation about the trucks - there are only a few brands of truck cab integrator:

The top-selling brand of semi truck is Freightliner; it sells about a third of the 190,000 new semis sold annually. Freightliner is owned by Daimler Trucks North America, which also owns the Western Star brand. Second most popular is Navistar International, followed by PACCAR, which owns the Peterbilt and Kenworth brands. Fourth is Volvo, which also owns the Mack brand

Freightliner
Peterbilt / Kenworth
Volvo / Mack
International
Ford

Further more - Detroit Diesel, Cummins are popular engine choices for truck manufactures that don't have their own branded engines.!

Newer Semi Tractor Trucks

FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120 (CL120)
Peterbilt 386 /Kenworth T2000
Volvo VNL series, 670 (Volvo 3 types of engines)

Truck operating expense
1. Payment, if any - car loan
2. Insurance, driving habit
3. Vehicle operating expense
maintenance
wear and tear items
scheduled, expected repairs
fuel tax

Reefer - refrigerated trailer

What I had in mind was about the preventative maintenance program (PM) offered at may truck stop/commercial vehicles. In this case "Reefer" refers to the refrigerated container, or shipping trailers equipped with refrigeration system.

The refrigeration trailer/container uses combustion engine to generate the power to run the refrigeration system. It also requires the PM like tractor and trailer.

2007 Volvo 780 - 10 speed Auto $19k
2007 Volvo 780 0Volvo 465, Auto 10, FUEL SQUEEZER, 2 YRS AGO INFRAME MOTOR, 18 OLD TRANS, WELL MAINT, 80% TIRES, 30 DAY WARR. limited, NO OIL LEAKS, NO BLOW BY,