That would be this house, of course.
All I can say is, enjoy it while it lasts stud.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Daydreaming
I'm thinking that my next automotive purchase may not be an automobile strictly speaking.
I've looked through the BRP website and am quite impressed with the Can-Am Roadster. Bombardier Recreational Products, of which Can-Am is only one (SkiDoo, SeaDoo, Evinrude and Johnson outboard motors are all others), make it explicitly clear that they consider their vehicle to be neither an auto nor a motorcycle, whatever any particular state's licensing stipulations might be. Since they also market their own line of riding leathers, gloves and helmets, they might also look into adding a (weather-proofed, of course) sachet of salt as well. They do have to carve out a niche in the market somehow; keep that in mind the next time you hear someone ask, "What's in a name?".
That bit of snark out of the way, the included video makes it pretty obvious that riding this beastie is a tangibly different experience from the more traditional two-wheeler (can we take it as stipulated that the lack of any doors or roof removes this from the "car" category?). BRP Can-Am has also made a good effort to provide registration/licensing info (See: "Ownership Info" on the "Need to Know" page), but this is still limited to their Phase 1 sales markets as of yet. Texas is in their Phase 2 category, but I already know that this vehicle will require a motorcycle endorsement on a Class C license along with registration and insurance as a motorcycle (and do not drive your new ride to the test yourself; the state trooper who administers the practical driving portion will write you a ticket, if only on the grounds of your having so obviously insulted his/her common sense and general intelligence. I'm just sayin' is all).
However, I see no mention of what I consider an obvious touring option - a twin-wheeled Bob trailer. If the outside width dimension of the trailer tires was ~1" narrower then the inside front tire dimension, this ought to allow for a cargo area of about 3' inside width by - what? - maybe 5' in length? The principle limiting factor would, I suspect, be the top-end weight capacity adjustment permitted by the rear wheel suspension system, although the more serious challenge might be to the Vehicle Stability System and Dynamic Power Steering (click on the "Technology" link from the main product page). For what it's worth, the added braking surface ought to offer a net advantage as some degree of compensation.
I also think a hard-top closure mechanism would be indicated so as to keep down the likelihood of vehicle roll over resulting from trailer overloading. No-one can completely protect stupid people from themselves, but a solid top with no tie-down points provided ought to be of some help, at least. The extended touring (or only the weekly trip to the supermarket/dry cleaners/fill-in-the-blank as appropriate) cargo capacity would also address one of the more common objections to owning an open-chassis vehicle.
Curiously, I could find no reference to vehicle fuel mileage performance anywhere on the website. I wouldn't think the numbers would differ too greatly from other comparably sized v-twin engines, but it does seem an odd oversight if only from a sales hype perspective. For further reading (and other's point of view) see here for a start.
Absent an early installment from my retirement portfolio (what were the lotto numbers last night anyway?), I won't be actively in the market for one of these this year. However, next summer is a real possibility if the current price structure (and my state of employment) holds true that far into the future.
I do remain available should Can-Am wish to promote their fine product by having me drive a complimentary model around the state. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.
I've looked through the BRP website and am quite impressed with the Can-Am Roadster. Bombardier Recreational Products, of which Can-Am is only one (SkiDoo, SeaDoo, Evinrude and Johnson outboard motors are all others), make it explicitly clear that they consider their vehicle to be neither an auto nor a motorcycle, whatever any particular state's licensing stipulations might be. Since they also market their own line of riding leathers, gloves and helmets, they might also look into adding a (weather-proofed, of course) sachet of salt as well. They do have to carve out a niche in the market somehow; keep that in mind the next time you hear someone ask, "What's in a name?".
That bit of snark out of the way, the included video makes it pretty obvious that riding this beastie is a tangibly different experience from the more traditional two-wheeler (can we take it as stipulated that the lack of any doors or roof removes this from the "car" category?). BRP Can-Am has also made a good effort to provide registration/licensing info (See: "Ownership Info" on the "Need to Know" page), but this is still limited to their Phase 1 sales markets as of yet. Texas is in their Phase 2 category, but I already know that this vehicle will require a motorcycle endorsement on a Class C license along with registration and insurance as a motorcycle (and do not drive your new ride to the test yourself; the state trooper who administers the practical driving portion will write you a ticket, if only on the grounds of your having so obviously insulted his/her common sense and general intelligence. I'm just sayin' is all).
However, I see no mention of what I consider an obvious touring option - a twin-wheeled Bob trailer. If the outside width dimension of the trailer tires was ~1" narrower then the inside front tire dimension, this ought to allow for a cargo area of about 3' inside width by - what? - maybe 5' in length? The principle limiting factor would, I suspect, be the top-end weight capacity adjustment permitted by the rear wheel suspension system, although the more serious challenge might be to the Vehicle Stability System and Dynamic Power Steering (click on the "Technology" link from the main product page). For what it's worth, the added braking surface ought to offer a net advantage as some degree of compensation.
I also think a hard-top closure mechanism would be indicated so as to keep down the likelihood of vehicle roll over resulting from trailer overloading. No-one can completely protect stupid people from themselves, but a solid top with no tie-down points provided ought to be of some help, at least. The extended touring (or only the weekly trip to the supermarket/dry cleaners/fill-in-the-blank as appropriate) cargo capacity would also address one of the more common objections to owning an open-chassis vehicle.
Curiously, I could find no reference to vehicle fuel mileage performance anywhere on the website. I wouldn't think the numbers would differ too greatly from other comparably sized v-twin engines, but it does seem an odd oversight if only from a sales hype perspective. For further reading (and other's point of view) see here for a start.
Absent an early installment from my retirement portfolio (what were the lotto numbers last night anyway?), I won't be actively in the market for one of these this year. However, next summer is a real possibility if the current price structure (and my state of employment) holds true that far into the future.
I do remain available should Can-Am wish to promote their fine product by having me drive a complimentary model around the state. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
So, how's that global warming working out for you?
It might be time to give the whole question a re-think.
Which almost certainly means that we can expect a rush of legislation and business ventures to get in on the phenomenon before it fades away from the public consciousness. Not to mention the gradually more absurd efforts to extend the sense of catastrophe/threat the public associates with the topic.
Is there any serious hope that we might realise some positive result as well from all of this? Like, say, wide-spread expansion of nuclear powered electrical generation and water desalination plants along with the infrastructure to distribute or transport same throughout the country maybe?
Well, throughout most of the country anyway. And people ask why I moved to Texas.
Which almost certainly means that we can expect a rush of legislation and business ventures to get in on the phenomenon before it fades away from the public consciousness. Not to mention the gradually more absurd efforts to extend the sense of catastrophe/threat the public associates with the topic.
Is there any serious hope that we might realise some positive result as well from all of this? Like, say, wide-spread expansion of nuclear powered electrical generation and water desalination plants along with the infrastructure to distribute or transport same throughout the country maybe?
Well, throughout most of the country anyway. And people ask why I moved to Texas.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Iron Man
I should preface this by noting that I haven't read an Iron Man (or any other for that matter) comic since I was 14 years old or there abouts. And when I did read them, they weren't objects of deep study. All that said, I am impressed with how well this movie rings true to those more-than-a-little fuzzy memories of the comic book character. The technology isn't remotely similar, but doesn't suffer from the modernisation either.
I'm not quite sure what movie this guy saw, but I suggest he leave his political agenda at home next time he goes out for some action/adventure movie entertainment. Tony Stark discovers during his ordeal in Afghanistan that his company's weapons are being delivered to our country's enemies. Added to this, a certain amount of psychic and emotional upheaval is only to be expected following such a traumatic ordeal. Finally, the writer needed to present the audience with a source of conflict as motivation for Tony to make such a drastic adjustment from his previous, and obviously very acceptable to himself, lifestyle. Rejection of previous beliefs and business objectives, followed by a gradual process of accommodation to life's realities, is a perfectly plausible mechanism to use to achieve this crisis of confidence for Tony to confront and eventually overcome.
Unlike everyone else in the theater, I sat through the closing credits. "I'm Nick Fury, head of SHIELD..." Can you spell sequel? Maybe I'll have adjusted to Gwenyth Paltrow as a redhead by then. :)
Like almost everyone else, I think this is an excellent movie and suggest you go see it in the theater. The visual effects aren't going to be nearly as impressive on a smaller screen.
UPDATE: Judging by this report we might see a sequel released as early as this time next year. $200+ million from just the opening weekend? Wow! A lot of that timing will depend less upon the principal actor's scheduled commitments then it will on the availability of the computer graphics talent I suspect.
Link via James Hudnall who also links to this topical YouTube video.
I'm not quite sure what movie this guy saw, but I suggest he leave his political agenda at home next time he goes out for some action/adventure movie entertainment. Tony Stark discovers during his ordeal in Afghanistan that his company's weapons are being delivered to our country's enemies. Added to this, a certain amount of psychic and emotional upheaval is only to be expected following such a traumatic ordeal. Finally, the writer needed to present the audience with a source of conflict as motivation for Tony to make such a drastic adjustment from his previous, and obviously very acceptable to himself, lifestyle. Rejection of previous beliefs and business objectives, followed by a gradual process of accommodation to life's realities, is a perfectly plausible mechanism to use to achieve this crisis of confidence for Tony to confront and eventually overcome.
Unlike everyone else in the theater, I sat through the closing credits. "I'm Nick Fury, head of SHIELD..." Can you spell sequel? Maybe I'll have adjusted to Gwenyth Paltrow as a redhead by then. :)
Like almost everyone else, I think this is an excellent movie and suggest you go see it in the theater. The visual effects aren't going to be nearly as impressive on a smaller screen.
UPDATE: Judging by this report we might see a sequel released as early as this time next year. $200+ million from just the opening weekend? Wow! A lot of that timing will depend less upon the principal actor's scheduled commitments then it will on the availability of the computer graphics talent I suspect.
Link via James Hudnall who also links to this topical YouTube video.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Content? What content?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Where mouth meets money
Via Al Fin's sidebar links comes notice of this announcement:
"In its most ambitious and broad ranging move yet the X Prize Foundation will divide up some $100 million for transformations in biofuels, clean aviation fuel, energy storage, the provision of basic utilities for developing nations, and other categories."
The article goes on to say that an exact formula for dividing up the moolah and how to apply for consideration hasn't yet been determined. Given the X-Prize Foundation's proven track record for honest and reliable push-prize promotion, I can only say that I await further news and developments with marked anticipation. The focus of this effort seems to be on getting targeted invention(s) actually into production and delivery to customers, which is a bit different from the previous X-Prize for space access.
Got a bright idea? Here's your shot at a share of a hundred million bucks.
"In its most ambitious and broad ranging move yet the X Prize Foundation will divide up some $100 million for transformations in biofuels, clean aviation fuel, energy storage, the provision of basic utilities for developing nations, and other categories."
The article goes on to say that an exact formula for dividing up the moolah and how to apply for consideration hasn't yet been determined. Given the X-Prize Foundation's proven track record for honest and reliable push-prize promotion, I can only say that I await further news and developments with marked anticipation. The focus of this effort seems to be on getting targeted invention(s) actually into production and delivery to customers, which is a bit different from the previous X-Prize for space access.
Got a bright idea? Here's your shot at a share of a hundred million bucks.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Take this - and call me when you're better
I recently had opportunity to recommend the Neti pot to TamaraK as a low impact method for her to alleviate her sinus problems (you'll have to scroll well down the comments). Despite her subsequent confession of sissytude (a condition shared by a surprising - to me - number of others) regarding the general sanctity of nasal passages, I can't help wondering how effective such a device might be as a delivery mechanism for nano-scale medicines?
Granted, only a certain amount of any individual dose would remain inside the sinus cavity (the rest being flushed out along with everything else), but this should allow for a more gradual introduction of the material into the system via absorption through the sinus tissues. Should a more rapid introduction be desired, then an inhaler or direct transfusion would still be viable - if more invasive - options.
Regarding the still-mythical respirocytes hypothesised by Ray Kurzweil, and unlike Phil Bowermaster apparently, I certainly do want the capabilities he mentions whether or not I have any particular "need" for them. I regard such choices as being analogous to the choice provided to US citizens by our constitution's 2nd amendment. The decision to exercise the right isn't predicated on any degree of need; any effort now or in future to restrict such medical options as Kurzweil's respirocytes ought to be as strongly resisted as are infringements on our right to firearms. We are each free to elect not to exercise the right, but no-one should have the blanket authority to impose when or if we may make such a choice for ourselves.
Granted, only a certain amount of any individual dose would remain inside the sinus cavity (the rest being flushed out along with everything else), but this should allow for a more gradual introduction of the material into the system via absorption through the sinus tissues. Should a more rapid introduction be desired, then an inhaler or direct transfusion would still be viable - if more invasive - options.
Regarding the still-mythical respirocytes hypothesised by Ray Kurzweil, and unlike Phil Bowermaster apparently, I certainly do want the capabilities he mentions whether or not I have any particular "need" for them. I regard such choices as being analogous to the choice provided to US citizens by our constitution's 2nd amendment. The decision to exercise the right isn't predicated on any degree of need; any effort now or in future to restrict such medical options as Kurzweil's respirocytes ought to be as strongly resisted as are infringements on our right to firearms. We are each free to elect not to exercise the right, but no-one should have the blanket authority to impose when or if we may make such a choice for ourselves.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Good Enough
Kevin Baker laments his lack of speed in firing "controlled doubles" at a recent shooting match he attended. In his post, Kevin links to a classic Chris Byrne post that thoroughly explains and illustrates precisely the what and why of the issue. I should also note that I've met Chris and seen him shoot (at the NoR Fest/Conf last year); not only does he clearly understand the difference between a controlled double and a doubletap, he can demonstrate same with depressing regularity and accuracy.
With a brand new, straight-out-of-the-box, never before fired by him 10 mm no less.
Sigh.
All that said, I'm going to argue the position that, outside the bounds of formal competitions like IDPA/IPSC and the like, the standards of performance Chris and Kevin seek to achieve are not entirely realistic for actual pistol gunfights (says the man who is loudly grateful never to have actually had to engage in one).
Lemme 'splain.
Hold your hand in front of you, palm toward you, fingers extended and touching each other. Then make a fist with the thumb resting outside the closed fingers. I should point out that attempting to punch someone with your fist in this configuration will almost certainly result in more damage to your fist then to another's face; also, the area demarcated by your fist (base of the palm to the closed fingers x the thumb knuckle joint to the blade-edge of the palm) is a reasonably accurate simulacrum of the size of your heart. Place your closed fist over the mid-point of your chest and you will have a clear illustration of the target area involved. Now, center the last joint of your little finger on your upper lip and take note of the portion of your face your fist covers.
As part of your next trip to the range, make this same fist but this time extend your arm towards the target you just shot. If the X-round (6, 7, 8, 17?) string you just shot is covered by your extended fist, I'm going to suggest that you did indeed "got him" and that that's more than good enough.
Which is the point underlying this post; just how much and, at least as critically, how fast is "good enough" when your target is another human trying to shoot you and not just a steel plate or piece of paper?
My belief is that one shot "within the fist" on a consistent basis is of greater importance then almost any number of shots placed adjacent to the critical location. Keep in mind the dimensions of an "A" shot as described in Chris' post. The area of my own extended fist is ~ 2.5 inches wide by 4 inches high, considerably smaller then the 6" x 10" area permitted in competition. In a defensive handgun fight, a potentially lethal wound will almost certainly limit the number of return shots you will have time to deliver - which is still really bad news for your opponent.
Especially if we reverse the scenario and you are the opponent.
I contend that, while the averaging effect achieved in IDPA-type competition is an excellent test of a shooter's overall skills, the value of a single well-placed first shot is of overriding importance. Furthermore, if you are capable of consistently placing a shot within the fist on a human chest, you are equally capable of doing so to a human head. Should that be the case (talk about your critical self-analysis!), then for the purposes of a defensive gun fight, if both target areas are equally clear* the head shot ought to be the primary choice. Remember, this is handguns, not rifles, and at a probable distance between shooters of 7 to 10 yards maximum (anything much beyond that range starts to call into question the whole "defensive" aspect of the thing, don'tcha agree? You're gonna get sued anyway, why make it easy for them?).
I choose to carry a 1911 pattern .45 acp semi-auto as my primary weapon, with a S&W 431 PD in .32 H&R Magnum as a pocket/back-up weapon. If you also choose to fire a bullet of lessor mass than a .45/357/44 mag (9 mm or .38 for example) you too will be more likely to find a second shot necessary. I do agree that delivering a follow-up round to the same fist-size area as the first shot within one second of firing that first shot is a realistic objective. You aren't likely to be given more time then that by the other shooter in any case, so the impetus behind Kevin's desire isn't simply confined to seeking competitive advantage in a formal match setting. Now that he too is (will be soon?) carrying concealed, the ramifications of doing so need to be considered as well.
Shooting competitions, practical or otherwise, are structured to emphasise the competitive relationship between the shooters pretty much as a requirement of their design, whatever the practical/defensive intent might also be. If you're going to carry a gun off the range as well as on, I believe you should regularly train to use your weapon to an off-range requirement on a regular basis, in addition to training for any other shooting setting that attracts your interest. Just keep clearly in mind the differing circumstances of your varied interests, that's all, and be careful not to practice one to the exclusion of some other.
*A "clear" target is one that is unobstructed, both in front and behind, along the likely trajectory of the fired bullet.
With a brand new, straight-out-of-the-box, never before fired by him 10 mm no less.
Sigh.
All that said, I'm going to argue the position that, outside the bounds of formal competitions like IDPA/IPSC and the like, the standards of performance Chris and Kevin seek to achieve are not entirely realistic for actual pistol gunfights (says the man who is loudly grateful never to have actually had to engage in one).
Lemme 'splain.
Hold your hand in front of you, palm toward you, fingers extended and touching each other. Then make a fist with the thumb resting outside the closed fingers. I should point out that attempting to punch someone with your fist in this configuration will almost certainly result in more damage to your fist then to another's face; also, the area demarcated by your fist (base of the palm to the closed fingers x the thumb knuckle joint to the blade-edge of the palm) is a reasonably accurate simulacrum of the size of your heart. Place your closed fist over the mid-point of your chest and you will have a clear illustration of the target area involved. Now, center the last joint of your little finger on your upper lip and take note of the portion of your face your fist covers.
As part of your next trip to the range, make this same fist but this time extend your arm towards the target you just shot. If the X-round (6, 7, 8, 17?) string you just shot is covered by your extended fist, I'm going to suggest that you did indeed "got him" and that that's more than good enough.
Which is the point underlying this post; just how much and, at least as critically, how fast is "good enough" when your target is another human trying to shoot you and not just a steel plate or piece of paper?
My belief is that one shot "within the fist" on a consistent basis is of greater importance then almost any number of shots placed adjacent to the critical location. Keep in mind the dimensions of an "A" shot as described in Chris' post. The area of my own extended fist is ~ 2.5 inches wide by 4 inches high, considerably smaller then the 6" x 10" area permitted in competition. In a defensive handgun fight, a potentially lethal wound will almost certainly limit the number of return shots you will have time to deliver - which is still really bad news for your opponent.
Especially if we reverse the scenario and you are the opponent.
I contend that, while the averaging effect achieved in IDPA-type competition is an excellent test of a shooter's overall skills, the value of a single well-placed first shot is of overriding importance. Furthermore, if you are capable of consistently placing a shot within the fist on a human chest, you are equally capable of doing so to a human head. Should that be the case (talk about your critical self-analysis!), then for the purposes of a defensive gun fight, if both target areas are equally clear* the head shot ought to be the primary choice. Remember, this is handguns, not rifles, and at a probable distance between shooters of 7 to 10 yards maximum (anything much beyond that range starts to call into question the whole "defensive" aspect of the thing, don'tcha agree? You're gonna get sued anyway, why make it easy for them?).
I choose to carry a 1911 pattern .45 acp semi-auto as my primary weapon, with a S&W 431 PD in .32 H&R Magnum as a pocket/back-up weapon. If you also choose to fire a bullet of lessor mass than a .45/357/44 mag (9 mm or .38 for example) you too will be more likely to find a second shot necessary. I do agree that delivering a follow-up round to the same fist-size area as the first shot within one second of firing that first shot is a realistic objective. You aren't likely to be given more time then that by the other shooter in any case, so the impetus behind Kevin's desire isn't simply confined to seeking competitive advantage in a formal match setting. Now that he too is (will be soon?) carrying concealed, the ramifications of doing so need to be considered as well.
Shooting competitions, practical or otherwise, are structured to emphasise the competitive relationship between the shooters pretty much as a requirement of their design, whatever the practical/defensive intent might also be. If you're going to carry a gun off the range as well as on, I believe you should regularly train to use your weapon to an off-range requirement on a regular basis, in addition to training for any other shooting setting that attracts your interest. Just keep clearly in mind the differing circumstances of your varied interests, that's all, and be careful not to practice one to the exclusion of some other.
*A "clear" target is one that is unobstructed, both in front and behind, along the likely trajectory of the fired bullet.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
What an ass
Finally got in to see the ass doctor yesterday - mine, not him.
The good news is that my prostate isn't enlarged nor otherwise apparently out of the ordinary and, other than having "a few" polips removed via laser, all else seems to be in reasonably good rectal order, if inordinately breezy still. Great delight was taken from informing me that "this too shall pass".
So, no ass cancer and my general state of health also seems to be much improved. Hard to complain about any of that. I'm still adjusting to the dietary implications of being diabetic, but there's a surprising amount of food goods available for carbohydrate-restricted diets. Weirdly, after not smoking for 14 months now I'm experiencing the urge to smoke. Not to worry, I'm much too cheap to take up the habit again at current prices.
Let's see if I can find something of a more general degree of interest to write about in future. Certainly, some topic that has less to do with the state of my rectal region or other attendant body parts.
The good news is that my prostate isn't enlarged nor otherwise apparently out of the ordinary and, other than having "a few" polips removed via laser, all else seems to be in reasonably good rectal order, if inordinately breezy still. Great delight was taken from informing me that "this too shall pass".
So, no ass cancer and my general state of health also seems to be much improved. Hard to complain about any of that. I'm still adjusting to the dietary implications of being diabetic, but there's a surprising amount of food goods available for carbohydrate-restricted diets. Weirdly, after not smoking for 14 months now I'm experiencing the urge to smoke. Not to worry, I'm much too cheap to take up the habit again at current prices.
Let's see if I can find something of a more general degree of interest to write about in future. Certainly, some topic that has less to do with the state of my rectal region or other attendant body parts.
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