Inside Story - Airframe Liaison 101

Here is a liaison engineer tip sheet that has been passed around for years.

If you have new suggestions for the newbies, add that to the list.

Do the impossible
1. Remove and replace hole
2. Melt down and re-pour
4. Beat to fit, hammer to shape, paint to match
5. Rework to what blueprint is supposed to be
7. Remove interference and replace with gap
10. Radius out and fair in – do no remove any material.
18. Make it fit
19. Sand blat part until it isn’t
20. Add sufficient paint to obtain blueprint wall thickness

It's Up to You
13. Hit the SOB with a big hammer – maybe it will fit then
16. Apply a good coat of Vaseline and get a good running start
6. I can’t understand the drawing either, make it like you want
8. After you mess up the above disposition, resubmit for scrap
12. Inspect quality into discrepant area

Let's Make It Easy for Both of US
3. Use as was
9. Scrap, I can’t think of anyway to fix it.
11. Resubmit for use as is.
14. You are only 100% out of tolerance, use as is
15. Us as is, Send it to next position and see if they can get it to work
17. Use as is. Production schedule overrides good engineering
21. Use as is – No feasible repair

How Do I Know It's Time to Change Job?

by Gokaho 2009.12.10 D4

Someone offers you a new job, shall you take it? I found these questions seem to be useful.

* Objective, or you shall have a good idea how to answer these questions before taking the job

* Subjective, or you shall have a warm, fuzzy answer from the office visits and interviews

Objective questions:

1. How is the work schedule? Does it fit your lifestyle, or you're comfortable routine? (Give that 10 points)

2. How is the location, and commute? Will you be happy with a lot of boring commute, or willing to put up middle of nowhere live style? (Give that 10 points, or 5 points - if you are young).

3. How much you will be compensated? Once you're compensated for the comfort living, money seems to be less important. Assuming your basic needs are taken care off, the salary plays a small part of your "career package" (Give that 20 points, or 15 points if you are young)

Subjective questions:

1. Can you do the job? Knowing what's going one will make your day go faster, and stress free (Give that 30 points).

2. How is your boss? Can you maintain a good professional relationship? Can he/she be a mentor? (Give that 20 points, or 25 points if you are young)

3. How is your co-worker? Do you feel good to see them? (Give that 10 points)

4. Growth opportunities? The big company tends to offer more growth opportunities than a smaller organization. (Give that 5 points, or 10 points - if you are young)

Let's make a table (now) and (new offer) - and see whether it's a good idea to jump ship.

Example of evaluation sheet:

now new Criteria

=== === ==================

010 005 Location - 10%

010 010 Schedule - 10%

010 015 Pays - 15%

---------------- (sure 35%)

025 025 Perform - 30%

---------------- (not so sure 35%)

015 015 Boss - 20%

005 010 Co-Workers 10%

000 005 Growth - 5%

http://so2pp.blogspot.com/

http://rts2go.blogspot.com/

Up and Up - Costs of Replacing Wiper Blades

15-20 years ago, I was able to find re-fill wiper blades, there are not in the store anymore. I remember many of open packages, and returned items laying around. At the time, there were multiple wiper systems, and vehicles begun to use non-matching pairs blades as vehicles became more aerodynamically shaped with curvy windshields, lead to a lot of "damaged, open goods".

I missed those days. I could have a pair for less than $4.

Couple years ago, the re-fills were off the shelves completely. Then it came the "complete set" - wiper arms with new blades assemblies. The stores had fewer "open items" on the shelves then. It was annoying to have to by pairs of 2 different lengths wiper sets, one for the driver side, and one for the passenger side. Still, for $10-$15, I had both wipers replaced with fairly ease; I quantified the added costs for improvement of installation. Those days are gone too.

I went to couple auto parts stores recently to buy replacement wiper blades, and came out the store without buy it. Ones on display, a single, individually packaged blade ranges from $12 for short 17" to $28 for a long 24" "high-tech" blades. Having the car in the hot Texas sun, the blades pretty much stop working after a year and half. I was wondering whether the $28 "high tech, high dollar" blades will last more than one and half years. The "high tech" wiper blade product information help line - said - "we recommend to have the blades replaced every year". What? That's $55 a year if I want to keep the blades in working condition - it's same amount of money the States charges to have the vehicle registered. What's going on?

The wiper arms are made off metals - they looks pretty good years after years. Only the blades wear out and need to be replaced. Can we go back the ways of doing things? It's getting to be a bit ridiculous now - tossing a way millions of good wiper arms into land fill every years. I am getting a bit tired to sending a lot money on Chinese goods.

Jesus Loving Bumper Stickers and Fish Decals

By Joe Gokaho 2009.11.17 D2

I came across this blog entry http://www.stuffchristianculturelikes.com/2009/08/94-jesus-fish-decals.html. I always want to know the origin, or the purpose of fish and birds that people put on the cars.

Recently at a church parking lot, I came across a family of 5, hopping out of their family mini-van with 5 fish in varies size decals. From the blog post above, there is a Dodge van with many fish (2 big fish, 2 medium fish and 5 small fish), representing a family tree.

Windows 7 and Multiple Physical CPUs

I was ready to give my old computer an upgrade to the new operating system - Windows 7.
I tried Vista 7 - couldn't take it - and continued on with the XP Professional for another 2 years. The buzz is about IT roll out plan for Windows 7; to me, it is a message for me to learn Windows 7.

The special offer, $150, provided 3-user license for upgrading to Windows 7 Home Premium. I thought it was a good deal!


I upgraded my Thinkpad T61 (Core2Duo, T7300 2.0GHz) to Windows 7 Premium 64-bit. It works ok, many of the hardware are still hard to find, still having many unresolved "!" "?" on many devices.

The next PC in line is a IBM Intellistation Pro Z. Yes it's old, but the benchmark performance on the Dual Xeon (P4) setup is still pretty good. I was counting on the 5x500gb SATA in RAID to pull ahead. Spent hours and hours trying to figure out why Windows device managers shows 4 CPU while the perfomance monitor shows 2 CPU history. Why?

After googling for many hours, and many of my own testing
Windows 7 Home Premium supports
1 physical CPU with multi-cores.

Windows 7 Home Ultimate & Professional support.
2 physical CPU with multi-cores

More googling from a foreign website, it confirm my greatest disappointment.

# # #
From the BIO setup, I turned off HyperThreads function
Device manager sees 2 CPU, MSCONFIG & Performance monitor shows 1 CPU Usage History

From the BIO setup, I enabled HT function
Device managers sees 4 CPU, MSCONFIG & Performance monitor shows 2 CPU Usage History

I unplugged one of the CPU, leaving it with just 1 CPU, with HT function enabled
Device manager sees 2 CPU, MSCONFIG & Performance monitor shows 2 CPU Usage History

The biggest bummer of all - it going to cost $200 to upgrade to Ultimate version 7 if I want to see both of XEON processor at work!

There are fewer dual or multiple Processor, MP systems on the market, the trend is toward 1 cpu-multiple cores.

Notes from Fortune Cookies

1. The harder you work, the luckier you get (in bed). * 2009.11.10


2. There's more to balance than not falling over. * 2009.11.10

3. A person is never too old to learn

4. Inspiration within is waiting for you. It's time to go deep

Adding Ethanol to Petrol Fuel Doesn’t Improve Air Quality

by Joe Gokaho/2009.10.31.D6

Key backer of ethanol fuel wants to increase the amount of ethanol into typical petroleum fuel mix. Many of the large cities use “improving air quality”, as the reason for doing so to comply with the federal, EPA, air quality mandate.

It’s tested by many organizations, like MotorWeek, showing the overall fuel efficiency has drop significantly in many vehicles. Even though “per gallon” pollution has reduced as the result of combining petroleum fuel with ethanol, but it takes more “gallon” to get to where you want to go.

I live in a city, where the area is not subjected to the “tougher clean, ozone days”, but we are approaching to the EPA limits. Many of the gas stations dispense fuel without ethanol. The gas stations at the nearby city dispense fuel with 10% ethanol mix. Here is my personal repeated many times over - “1 data point” experiment done on my vehicle (not optimized to run ethanol, no turbo to take advantage of higher compression etc).

Fuel with 10% ethanol = 20.5 mpg
Fuel without ethanol = 22.0 mpg

10% ethanol may have reduced the polluting compound, but it takes 7% more of the blended fuel than conventional fuel. The net results are:

1. More CO2, for the global warming stuff – (according to some scientists)
2. It costs me more money to take me to places
3. It’s doesn’t really make air cleaner, it actually makes it worse because we need to burn more of it.
4. We get burned on both ends, by paying (subsidizing) the ethanol producers, and use it more at the pump.

Let’s save the subsidy toward making ethanol, let farms grow corn where it most suited – for food. (cost vs benefit).

The subsidy can be better used, for encouraging use of “proving” technology that actually burn less fuel. Here are some examples:

1. Manual transmission: It’s improves city driving fuel efficiency.
Consumer Reports test result shows, 2008 Honda Accord, 4 cylinder
18 mpg for 5-speed manual
15 mpg for 5-speed automatic

That’s whopping 20% improvement,
20% less of CO2
20% less of money spent on “possible foreign oil”
14% less of “pollutants” than running E90
2. Making more gears, and more aerodynamic shape vehicle
Consumer Reports test shows, a 8-speed automatic 2009 Lexus LS460 improves fuel consumption (32 mpg) over the 5-speed 2003 LS430 (29 mpg highway) by 10%

Well, going green, consuming less is great and we should. But we need spend money (subsidy) wisely, congressman.

End Subsidy on Ethanol, Add Subsidy for Proven Fuel Saving Technology

by Joe Gokaho/2009.10.31.D6

Key backer of ethanol fuel wants to increase the amount of ethanol into typical petroleum fuel mix. Many of the large cities use “improving air quality”, as the reason for doing so to comply with the federal, EPA, air quality mandate.

It’s tested by many organizations, like MotorWeek, showing the overall fuel efficiency has drop significantly in many vehicles. Even though “per gallon” pollution has reduced as the result of combining petroleum fuel with ethanol, but it takes more “gallon” to get to where you want to go.

I live in a city, where the area is not subjected to the “tougher clean, ozone days”, but we are approaching to the EPA limits. Many of the gas stations dispense fuel without ethanol. The gas stations at the nearby city dispense fuel with 10% ethanol mix. Here is my personal repeated many times over - “1 data point” experiment done on my vehicle (not optimized to run ethanol, no turbo to take advantage of higher compression etc).

Fuel with 10% ethanol = 20.5 mpg
Fuel without ethanol = 22.0 mpg

10% ethanol may have reduced the polluting compound, but it takes 7% more of the blended fuel than conventional fuel. The net results are:

1. More CO2, for the global warming stuff – (according to some scientists)
2. It costs me more money to take me to places
3. It’s doesn’t really make air cleaner, it actually makes it worse because we need to burn more of it.
4. We get burned on both ends, by paying (subsidizing) the ethanol producers, and use it more at the pump.

Let’s save the subsidy toward making ethanol, let farms grow corn where it most suited – for food. (cost vs benefit).

The subsidy can be better used, for encouraging use of “proving” technology that actually burn less fuel. Here are some examples:

1. Manual transmission: It’s improves city driving fuel efficiency.
   Consumer Reports test result shows, 2008 Honda Accord, 4 cylinder
   18 mpg for 5-speed manual
   15 mpg for 5-speed automatic
   
   That’s whopping 20% improvement,
   20% less of CO2
   20% less of money spent on “possible foreign oil”
   14% less of “pollutants” than running E90
2. Making more gears, and more aerodynamic shape vehicle
   Consumer Reports test shows, a 8-speed automatic 2009 Lexus LS460 improves fuel consumption (32 mpg) over the 5-speed 2003 LS430 (29 mpg highway) by 10%

Well, going green, consuming less is great and we should. But we need spend money (subsidy) wisely, congressman.

Car Problems Repairs, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Lexus, Subaru

2007 Lexus RX350 FWD 18"  235/55R-18

wear/fuel/handling/braking/comfort
Michelin - Pilot® MXM4®   50,000
  8/ 9/10/ 9 / 9

Michelin - Energy™ MXV4® S8   50,000
 8/10/ 9/ 9/10

Michelin - Pilot® Sport A/S 3  45,000
10/ 9/ 9/ 8/10

Bridgestone - Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia (eco)


# # # # #

third update 2013.04

second update: 2012.05

first update:  2012.04

Acura MDX 2002
Lexus RX350 2007
Honda CRV 2011

======

Model: 2011 Honda CR-V SE  FWD
Spec: 4 Cyl 5AT
Miles Driven: 26,000 (on going)

Model: 2002 Acura MDX
Spec: 6 Cyl 5AT
Miles Driven: 180,000 (on going)
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 24k – A/C Compressor (out)
@ 67K – Engine mounts (2 places) – replaced
@ 90K – Window shield wiper arms
@ 102K - Engine transmission
@ 138K - check-engine - EGR Valve (cleaned)
@ 158K - SRS, front driver seat belt buckle sensor
@ 164K -  A/C heater blower blower motor resistor (AC/front blower stopped working)

Model: 2007 Lexas RX350 Fwd
Spec: 6 Cyl 5AT
Miles Driven: 37,000 (on going)
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 6K Tire – low pressure sensors (complaints)
@ 6K Difficulty opening center console storage bin
@ 28K - leaking rack-n-pinion, power steering
@ 33K - rear brake rotors

Historical Models
Model: 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S
Spec: 4 Cyl - 4AT
Miles Driven: 152,000/disposed
@ 128K - Starter
@ 128K - Alternator (un-necessary repair)
@ 146K - headlight (wear and tear)

Model: 1992 Subaru Legacy L
Spec: 4 Cyl - 4AT
Miles Driven: 74,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
(compaints)
@ 30K - sticky ac control panel - no repairs made



Model: 1992 Acura Integra 3dr
Spec: 4 Cyl - 5-speed manual
Miles Driven: 67,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 20K - Engine mount replaced
(complaints)
@ 30K - ABS (on - and off) - no repairs made

[2] # - # - #

Model: 1995 Toyota T-100 DX
Spec: 6 cyl 4AT
Miles Driven: 125,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 90K - shocks absorber repalced
@ 114K - driver side hydraulic brake line replaced

[3] # - # - #

Model: 1996 Nissan Maxima SE
Spec: 6 cyl 4AT
Miles Driven: 104,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ none (complaints)
@ 40k - alignment needs a lot of correction

[4] # - # - #

Model: 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE
Spec: 6 cyl 4AT
Miles Driven: 96,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 15k Sunroof water seal replced
@ 85K right CV-joint boots replaced


Model: 2003 Honda CRV Real Time 4WD
Spec: 4 Cyl 4AT
Miles Driven: 105,000
(not caused by bad driving)
Problems, unexpected repairs:
@ 66K – A/C Compressor

3 Levels of Inferior Learning – and Global Warming

Joe Gokaho/2009.10.22.D4

I recently heard on a radio show where someone was describing the current health care reform debate. I thought the terms were funny, but they can also be used to describe our own learning behavior.

According to the online dictionary, the 3 terms

Stupid – Slow of mind, lack of interest

Ignorant - resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or intelligence

Gullible - easily duped or cheated

Of course, no one can be that “stupid”. Everyone’s a lifelong learner, so being “stupid” is not what we were born with, rather what we’ve grown into it.

We are often fall into the trap, believing, simple, convenient, and comforting answer as truth. Are we easily turned away the moment encountering first rock on the path, and settle in for that scare answer? When we look around, it seems ok, because everyone else is also setting for that simple, convenient, and comforting finding as the ultimate truth.

Seeking out advice from “expert” is a sure short-cut to greatness. Could have one’s desire for quick answer from “experts” lead to being ignorant all over again – believing everything for granted?

When it comes to our global warming issue, no one is stupid, but we are not too far from being “ignorant” and “gullible”. Believe me, when VP Gore says “all science facts show…….” I would argue, being skeptical may be the first step getting closer to truth – how did VP Gore know “all science”, or just only the “all science” he knows or want you to know.. 

Joe Gokaho/2009.10.22.D4

I recently heard on a radio show where someone was describing the current health care reform debate. I thought the terms were funny, but they can also be used to describe our own learning behavior.

According to the online dictionary, the 3 terms

Stupid – Slow of mind, lack of interest

Ignorant - resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or intelligence

Gullible - easily duped or cheated

Of course, no one can be that “stupid”. Everyone’s a lifelong learner, so being “stupid” is not what we were born with, rather what we’ve grown into it.

We are often fall into the trap, believing, simple, convenient, and comforting answer as truth. Are we easily turned away the moment encountering first rock on the path, and settle in for that scare answer? When we look around, it seems ok, because everyone else is also setting for that simple, convenient, and comforting finding as the ultimate truth.

Seeking out advice from “expert” is a sure short-cut to greatness. Could have one’s desire for quick answer from “experts” lead to being ignorant all over again – believing everything for granted?

When it comes to our global warming issue, no one is stupid, but we are not too far from being “ignorant” and “gullible”. Believe me, when VP Gore says “all science facts show…….” I would argue, being skeptical may be the first step getting closer to truth – how did VP Gore know “all science”, or just only the “all science” he knows or want you to know.

CPS - Build Nuclear Power Plant NOW

Part 1 - I want lower rate !! For the next 40 years

Part 2 - Get real - overly Hyped "Green Technology

Why Green Technology Doesn't Work .. Part 2 of 2

By Joe Gokaho 2009.09.30 D3

I don’t think a City of San Antonio should bet on the green technology yet because,

1. Solar, Wind technology – is heavily subsided and provided by the federal government (funding is no problem there – our senators and representative are not bounded by the deficit spending).
   
   No state and local government is spending money on these technology, because – local/state government can’t just print money – “bang of the buck” still rules.
   
   Sad to say, we are already paying higher utility rate because of the green technology. Why no one complaint yet? –Because it doesn’t show up in your monthly utility bill, it’s all paid by your children, and many other rich people.
   
   Accelerating this green technology adaptation through government heavy subsidy is a very stupid policy; money can be better spend on improving conservation technology. Or something else.
   
   
2. Solar and Wind power generation are not only unpredictable and they are typically producing out of phase usage cycle. For example, most of the wind power is generated during night time, where the electricity consumption is at least.
   
   If the solar and wind are to be the primary source of electrical power producing source, then the secondary system -” non-green/nuclear power will have to be “big, capacity wise” to do double duty – pickup where the “green technology” is out of season - "NO SHOW".

My take on the energy solution should go in the following order: The backbone of power generating source, should be controllable, somewhat; The uncontrollable power generating source, like solar, winds should be acted as alternative.

Primary Source – Nuclear power, Fire/steam (may be burring switch grass pellets (instead of coals), Hydro (somewhat controllable), thermo (like Iceland)

Secondary Backup – Wind, solar generating, conservation, oil/natural gas.

New Electrical Power Plant for Texas Part 1 of 2

By Joe Gokaho 2009.09.30 D3

My utility company is a non-profit – city owned. Currently the electric rate is about 25%-30% cheaper than the neighboring cities with privately owned providers (for profit). I have come to enjoy having dry and cool air conditioned rooms during the long and hot Texas summers. One last thing on my mind would be that spike in electricity bill in the summer time.

The population growth for the State of Texas is faster than rest of the country, the long and hot summer seasons, and ever larger new home constructions also play a great demand on electrical power generation requirement on all Texas utility providers.
City of Houston (once called Houston Light and Power), asks residence to participate a rolling black out program –in hope to cut down power consumption enough to avoid either brown out scenario or building new power generating plants. Other cities also have tried that idea. I bet in a few years, new power plants have to come online, somewhere on the grid to fill in increasing demands. The “green movement” and newly yet to be approved carbon tax – once can only image the great financial burden imposed on Texan in a few short years.

City of San Antonio is the process proposing, building new nuclear power plants. The new facility will be an expanding of existing South Texas Nuclear Power Plant. The price tag is steep, it projects to raise the electric rate by significant amount, but yet it’s still far less than the market rate in the nearby cities like Dallas, Austin and Houston. One would argue, why not spending the money now on the project, when the project is complete, city of San Antonio will be able to enjoy the same electric rate, where other cities (for profit providers) will continue to pay even higher rate, and buying extra power from the open market.

Strong opposition came out , against the nuclear power plant. Everyone says – we should go green, think of solar, wind. The opponents argue, even though the current technology is high, but the cost of these green technology are go down, it’s better for our children and environment.

I hate to use the line from Clinton era, "It's economy, stupid". If we spend money on the green technology without the heavy government subsidy, everyone will shocked to find how expensive it is to go green now, or just in the next decade.

Overrated Toyota Hybrid – It Still Burns Fossil Fuel

Joe Gokaho, 2009.09.24 d4

I was waiting for friends in front of a local popular Mexican restaurant, and over heard a conversation about their “hybrid” family car to friends whom they had dinner with. The intrigued friends kept referring to the Prius as an electric car, but the owner went on the entire “computer logic” flow how the vehicle switches between gasoline engine, and electricity, the condition of which the vehicle would operate as an electric car etc. The intrigued friends was lost in the conversation, but the inquirers were interested in about “green” aspect of the Prius.

Wake up! It’s still a fossil fuel power vehicle, the electricity is just by product from burning fossil fuel. The owner implied they own a “green” vehicle, in this case the Toyota Prius, was a bit stretch.

Nearly all of our current fossil fuel sources are not “renewable”, so Prius is not a “green” car. Even the future plug-in 100% electric car like Volt – isn’t green unless the it doesn't charge it with power generated from coal, or natural gas or even nuclear power plants.

# # # #

Well, you can get a pretty fuel efficient car without the use of expensive electric motor/battery pack, like the Prius. 3 basic attributes makes the car efficient – weight of the vehicle, aerodynamic drag/resistance of the tires friction, and the efficiency of the power plant (engine). Except the "tax incentives - kick starts the "hybrid scheme"..

Just for comparison

Toyota Prius

Weight – 2,965lbs

Aerodynamic Cd, drag – 0.27

Engine – 1.3 Liter & electric

City 34 mpg

Highway 47 mpg

- Source Consumer Reports

(say a 2006 Honda Civic 4 dr)

Weight – 2,900 lbs

Aerodynamic Cd =

Engine 1.8 Liter

City 18mpg

Highway 43mpg

- Source Consumer Reports

The highway driving, both cars have pretty similar fuel economy; Prius is better at managing power at city driving (stop and go situation), less energy is wasted by “shutting down engine” and use electric power to assist acceleration, avoid over revving engines.

If you commute, less of the Washington DC stop & go driving, save yourself a few dollars, just get an aerodynamic car with small engine displacement. It's hard to come up $3,500 worth of fuel saving.

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 integrators:

Freightliner

Volvo

Peterbilt

Kenworth

International

Ford

Mack

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

The Original Bexar County

Joe Gokaho/2009.09.14 D2

I found Texas history is quiet interesting. My latest fascination is about the original Bexar County, before formation of the Republic and joining the Unions.

The Texas Republic - encompassed an area that included all of the present U.S. state of Texas, and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. There was only county, Bexar County, that encompasses the current west Texas (1/2 of Texas, and New Mexico Colorado and Wyoming. Image, the you're the one - Bexar County Sheriff, overseeing an area larger than the state of California ..

Pushing Shopping Carts Over Curb

Joe Gokaho 2009.09.09 d3

I was at the local Costco store over the weekend. I had my vehicle parked close to a near by “raised curb island”. There were couple shopping carts parked on the “curb island” – that was nice, at least, I, as the next shopper won’t run into the run-away shopping carts.

I though it would be nice to bring one of the cart back to the store, may be I will help out the Costco associates collecting the carts back to the store front. I drag the cart off the island, somehow the carts lost footing, one of wheel stuck on the grassy island, the other wheels ran off the curb. The cart was in a awkward position – lost its balance and tumbled down and landed on the side. I didn’t realize how much “force” was needed to just bring the cart off the curb, despite I wasn’t successful at it. I can only wonder how much force is needed to lift the oversized shopping cart on the curb, and park it on a narrow strip of “Curb Island”.

There was a “return cart” slot – 5 parking spaces over from the “curb island”. I would think it is a lot easier to push the cart over 5 parking spaces than lifting the shopping cart on the island. Why would people do that? Not only has it taken more effort to lift the cart onto the “curb island”, it also blocking someone entering from the passenger side of the vehicle.

I though Costco stores have pretty good parking lot layout, “shopping carts return slots” are will strategically positioned – there is no reason not to return the carts to designated area, that makes everyone “safe” and their cars “safe’ from shopping carts.

US Military and CIA are Already Exercising Moral Superiority

Joe Gokaho 2009.09.02 D3
So2pp.blogspot.com

I would argue, any rational person will agree that US is already exercising higher moral superiority than our enemies. Because we don’t do what enemies do to captives.

Americans have not:
1. Decapitate captives
2. Allowing remains of the captives to be mutilated, dragging captives on the streets
3. Using captives for propaganda purpose
4. Using captive as human shields
5. Killing captives without trials

I will reconsider the “moral superiority” argument when our enemies stop doing immoral acts.

Health Care – Where’s Beef

Joe Gokaho 2009.08.31 1D

There is my understanding of our "health care" system.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Myth and F reek-0-nomics

Health Care - Where's Beef

There is my understanding of our "health care" system.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 Myth and F reek-0-nomics

My Understanding of Health Care .. Shortcuts

There are loop holes in my talking point; it’s just like any other government managed shared resource program. But the goal is to make American understand that there is a cost associated with health care, and it’s not free

We budget for food, housing, transportation, but not everyone allocate funding for retirement, education, or our own health care. Our government can’t just continue to escalate the burden on “have” to pay everything for those so calls “not as well off”.

A homeless person, without assets, is already received “free” emergency room care at the tax payers’ expense. Under the reform, when does tax payers money begin to extend100% free health care to individuals – when is one too poor contribute into the basic health care system?

Everyone needs to take responsibility for himself; otherwise, soon or later everyone catches on how the system work - We don’t have to do anything (work, contribute), and government will take care of everything

My Understanding of Health Care (Part 3 of 3)

This is my health care reform “pass-fail” check list:

1. Government needs to fix/make Medicare a viable program first, proving to tax payers that government knows how to direct, manage health care Otherwise, why should we believe we are getting something better, or creating even bigger government funded heath care program.

2. Government health care benefit must be a self-sustaining system, without the aids of other form of taxes. What’s being collected in premium, out of pocket expense shall be the same as the payout for medical service.

3. The “so call minimal heath care” shall be clearly defined. Everyone needs to know “what are we buying” and “how much we are paying”. The definition of “minimal health care” needs to be adjusted yearly according to our ability to pay.
The maximum tax rate burden to fund “minimal health care”, should not exceed 1.45% of the income; it’s an arbitrary number, but it is to keep the definition “minimal health care’ in check.

4 Health care premiums should be same for everyone, regardless of income level. The benefit package should be the same for everyone – everyone’s being created equal. If we collectively want more in benefit, then we will have to pay more. No cheating, no special treatment – everyone must be treated equally.
If special assistance is need to low income earner (progressive tax is implemented), at a minimum of 4 out 5 rate payers (80% rate payers) are set to maximum tax rate. Assistance/progressive rates can only apply to 1 out of 5 rate payers.

Coke, No Ice

2009.08.28

We, as American, all enjoy icy cold soda, either from a chilled soda can, or loaded lots crushed ice. The 90’s plastic bottles are great, it performs well at keeping soda from going flat, but it doesn’t keep the soda cold for very long.


When flying to Europe, I am a bit surprised to learn many of the passengers around me didn't want ice with their soda, I wonder who wants warm soda, that's wired.

Later I learn they were European. They would trade 'cold soda' for "cool soda" for the full flavors. I guess we like the watered down "American Coffee" - as long as it hot to hold in a cold day; and we like our soda served icy cold too.

May be there is another reason – economics. Years ago, I was told to fill the 1/2 of the drink cup with ice before dispensing soda. Ice is cheaper than the carbonated soda & syrup, the restaurateur makes more money that way. May be European are smarter -wanting "full flavor" of the soda, not washed down version because – it’s €4 for a 12oz soda, accompany that €22 3-course dinner at corner café.

I usually finish my “brown bag” lunch in no time; I end up with 1/2 cup full of ice. I am copying European way of ordering drinks now, Coke - no ice please..

Job Titles and Responsibilities, Defined

3 Levels of Competency –

► Newbie – you can’t be a newbie forever
► Average, - You can’t let someone stuck in this level for ever (for too long)
► All Stars – your competency will suffer when you begin to loose he “all stars” from your staff. Build a business, or fine tune your business strategy to maximize the capability of your all stars.

5 Level of Responsibility
► Producing – Value added staff.
► Supervisors (teachers) – A producer and a mentor for the “value added staff”
► Managing – Shall have the technical understanding of how to complete tasks – resource requirement and constraints.
► Directing – Shall have same skill set as managing, but in a collective of similar disciplines (domain of knowledge). He shall also make “wise” adjustments to his resources in anticipation of new projects, or the industry down turns. Example of the “wise” decisions: (a) outsourcing, (2) fine tuning resources, including HR, to match the company core competency.
► Visionary – Shall have a good understanding of competitors, technology innovation, market condition, trend, communicate to others on how to position the company to provide the products and services (target market, competency)

So, where I am on the chart? Where have I been, or where are you on my chart? How long do we stay in each of those boxes?

For estimating one’s career growth (responsibility and competency), I come to think of duration for each of the competency stage is about: Newbie – (1-2 years), Average – (3-7 years)

	Newbie	Average	All Star
Envision	Step 10	Step 11	Step 12
Direct	Step 8	Step 9
Manage	Step 5	Step 6	Step 7
Supervise	Step 3	Step 4
Produce	Step 1	Step 2

Cash Flow / Investment Return on Rental Property

By Joe Gokaho 8.17 1D

What’s the best way to hedge against inflation? Gold? That's I have been hearing on the conservative radio talk shows a lot. In this down economy and our government is borrowing more than ever, and rumor (trending to) of higher taxes – one can only think of the path other countries had taken, they all end up with much high inflation rate.


I don’t want to holding to a bunch of worth "less" US dollars in mutual funds and stocks. I strongly believe that our inflation is likely be long-lasting for the next 15-20 years as we shifting toward European taxing system. Spanish government is struggling with its socialist reform policy – 30 years after the dedicator ruler of Francisco Franco, the unemployment is still among the highest in European Union.

Buy American! It’s not a bad idea, but tot buy what? Real estate is often quoted as one way to hedge against inflation.

http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/index.php/2007/09/18/12-ways-to-beat-inflation-dont-let-rising-prices-get-you-down/

In this down economy may not be a good idea to buy more properties. I just learned that a tenant inform a close friend that that they can’t pay the rent anymore – because of their business income has dropped.

Wow – they are facing to loose rent income for at least 3 months, and lots of legal fees to evict tenants. I wonder how “real estate investment” is really doing to hedge against inflation. Their current year return on the rental property is a whopping negative #@#$@.- its worse than inflation.

My Understanding of Health Care (Part 2 of 3)

By Joe Gokaho/2009.08.010 D1

Medicare – works great?
======================

On average, the government pays out over $700 a month per person to private insurance company for the Medicare Advantage Program. Medicare Part B demands another $90 month on the premium, totaling $10,000 a year (directly and in-directly) per person.

To avoid the pitfall of co-pays and out of pocket expenses in Medicare, people general purchase “Medicare Gap” insurance to cover that. People can’t afford the insurance are running a risk of “IOU” to our medical systems.

If there is no consequences for not paying the medical bill (people have limited assets, or had diverted assets to their charities, children already), then why buy the “Medicare Gap” insurance?

In my life time, (say working from age 20 through 65 - $50,000 year @ 1.45% tax rate) , all my FICA contributions had earned 3% in return-keeping up with inflation, my personal "FICA account" doesn’t even come close to the fund my $10,000 a year/medical bill for the next 15 years. Where do we find the extra money in my "FICA fund" to support Medicaid?

American life – worth more than anywhere else
==================================

Everywhere else in the world, everyone is aware a “value” associated with human life. Only in the America, a human life is priceless – we will devote endless resources to save one’s life, improve one’s quality of life. Outside of America, only the wealthy appreciates the concept of “prices less Medicare”, maybe that’s why only American are creating new, real practical life saving health care technology.

Being Americans, we are not in tuned with ‘cost’ associated delivery of health care. Because rich and poor all get quality care in emergency situation, regardless your ability to pay.
In European system, like Spain, the social security benefit tax rate is (30.5%), twice of American tax rate. And everyone pays into the systems.

Will we embrace European systems, doubling our current FICA tax rate of (15.3%) to (30.5%) to fund the “universal health care plan”?

Will you be happy to have your salary reduced from $100,000 a year salary down to $85,000 a year? For $15,000 a year, I can buy up a lot of insurance on my own.

Will you be happy to give up part of your $40,000 job to have medical insurance? May be, I am sick with pre-existing medical condition. If I am healthy, giving up $6,000 year of pay, it seems like a dumb trade-off.

Rewiring TV, Entertainment Systems

Our 3 and ½ years old plasmas tv received an update wiring last weekend. I had the TV hookup with mixed new and old technologies couple years ago. Once was new technology is now pretty much obsolete, superseded with newer technology.

It had a HDMI (video only) port; the technology was so new 3-4 years ago, the $2500 Panasonic Plasma offered only 1 hookup, Today’s Panasonic succession model offers 3. It old TV didn’t even offer digital NTSC tuner either back then.

Old plasma tv also had an optical audio output for home theater/surround sound stereo setup. I am not sure whether my parents had used that feature at all. Today, HDMI version 1.3 replaces that optical interface.

Remember the “smart card” as the cable set top box equivalent for viewing HD program? Well, the optional “cable card” isn’t compatible with the local cable service provider. Now it’s a useless piece of technology.

# # #

We went back to the basics: Don’t have a new Blue-ray DVD player just yet, sticking with old faithful technology. The back panel setup is now configure to

1. Component 1 – DVD
2. Component 2 – Satellite Dish Ku Band (NOT DDS DishNetwork, Direct TV).
3. Composite 1 – VCR
4. Composite 2 – Cable
5. Air – Antenna Local HD
6. HDMI (video)– (open, may a PC video at a later time
7. No more plugs for karaoke LD player. We can’t sing anyway, sure going to miss the $200 mic.

I also notice elderly parents placed a portable boom box next to the stereo rack equipment. I realize the system was too complicated for them to operate; they had resolve to a $50 simpler device. I dump the surround sound Kenwood Home Theater with a nice bookshelf Panasonic stereo I had since 1990’s – I said nice because, there weren’t that may bookshelf systems with separate wiring for cross-over speakers. The system costs $750 in 2009 dollars, it’s not cheap considering it doesn’t even have the surround sound speakers, but it makes up the difference by giving accurate clear sound reproduction, pretty tight bass and easy to use interface.

Removing Curbside Weeds

I am tired of weeds popping out along my curb. In the past, I physically removed weeds with its long well developed roots, I also used herbicides on weeds - they came back years after years.

My next strategy was to patch up, seal up the crack with concrete mix. It seems to work for a season.

Next year, the weeds started to grow again. Instead of "heavy" bushes of weeds, now they are smaller, but still awful to look at when your house is the only one on the block that has weeds

# # #

I think I have figured out how I keep having weeds..

► The paved street, made from mostly asphalt composition, and the curb side, made from mostly concrete mix, They expand and contract differently, leaving a small crack between these two surfaces

► The small crack reduce the moisture evaporation; and the daily over-watering run-off soaks down the cracks.

Lesson learned.

► The crack and the uneven surface allows soil/sand to pool nutrition for weeds to grow.

► 40lb concrete mix doesn't fill many holes

► Standard, concrete mix contains pebbles too big to fill cracks, patching the surface unevenly. Make your own sand/cement mix instead.

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Myth: Make Health Care Affordable

Many people think by pooling small business owners together will be able to make health insurance affordable, rather than trying to buying policy individually. There is some truth to it. The policy premium will be based on the new “collective” accessing health care, rather than just one individual.

Example: If 1 in 5 of the employees received a $80,000 by-pass heart surgery, and no one else used the service, then on average, an individual needs to share $16,000/year per person. Writing a policy for these 5 people can be risky; may be that why the typical premium for individual is not so affordable - unless you're extremely healthy with extremely high deductible policy.

If the same $80,000 can be shared by a group of small businesses, The larger the collective can smooth out (share more) the spike in cost. If there are 20 people in the policy, then writing a policy for these 20 people is less risky, because the average cost shared by everyone on the policy is $4,000/year. A big drop in premium. # # #

The assumption is that the premium will be lower when small business owner get together to buy insurance, but in reality the premium is adjusted every year, base on how the “collective” uses the medical service in the past year.

You may get a favorable rate at year one, then it’s about you and your “risk sharing” policy holders use the service collectively # # #

An auditor told me the story about “unexpected” jump in health care premium on a company facing uncertain future (closure, ran out of money, waiting for a new buyer to take over the company).

As the rumor spread, the employees began to visit doctors more frequently before the anticipated transition (to new owner, or facing closure), getting "taken care off" before losing their jobs and health care insurance.

The anticipated transition didn’t take place; the company limped through another calendar year. The insurance company raised the premium following year by 50%. That’s a policy on a company that has 400 plus employees. The employees had caused the company budget into deeper trouble.

# # #

If you offer a group of people who never had/or had limited health care to join a health care system, knowing they don’t have to paying full direct cost (employee are paying deductibles only), they will use the service to its full extend (freakonomics); Take note small business owners!. The balance of the health care cost (paid by either preminum and insurance) is going to be very high; regardless the number of people had joined the system.

The health care premium is not about number of people; it’s about the how kind of health care we want, and how much we are willing to pay for it.

Trillions and Billions – New “Big” Number on Government Budgets

Billion was a big number when I was growing up, now the trillion is the new big number. It’s hard for me to think that the NEW “Big” number is 1000 times bigger than the OLD “Big” number – in a short 30 years span. Freakonomics?

Hearing government spending a billion here and couple billions there and 500 billion on special programs – I don’t know whether our government spending is out of control.

Here is my way of thinking of number factors

► Inflation rate – $100 in the 1980 worth about $200 today

► Population growth – Spending $1 on every American costs $226 millions in 1980, Spending $1 on every American today, it costs $307 millions (I don’t know whether 307 millions include illegal or not)

▼ Most of the budgets growth is proportion to the size of general population. The budget for school, roads, police grow as number of people depends on the service increases.

▼ Some of them shouldn’t grow, in theory. Budget to run the White House and congress should stays the same, the number senators and representatives don’t change. The military budget and PBS stations should stay about the same – the US territory hasn’t change (although threat to our country may have changed), the number of PBS stations/PBS programs stay about the same.

In 1980 – $100 million program is about $200 million in 2009. If this $100 million was spent on population consumption programs (i.e. policing), then it’s about $280 million programs.

When I hear a 1 trillion dollar program on prescription drug program, I should think it is same as a
$700 billons in 2000 or
$500 billons in 1990 or
$350 billons in 1980.

# # #

There are so many nearly trillion dollar programs today, but I rarely recall any spending programs over $100 billions mark in 1980’s. I would argue that our government has a spending problem. If all conditions are the same as before, we need to cut what ever the budget we have by at least 2/3, by making the budget spending level like we had in the 80’s.

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