Buying Dimond Rings

Loose diamond stones



Blue Nile

Costco.com - yes! this discount store received great review for inexpensive rings and wines

USAA.com - I don't know why - but USAA offer diamond stones as part of its membership service

A Lump Found on Dog Skin

A good source of information -- click here or here
Tried to poke the lump to remove pus (Abscess, or Pimple) - nothing happened.  It was as solid tissue filled with blood vessels. It was not a fatty lump  (Lipoma) on the skin at all.  I was hoping that it was Mast cell tumor, it was a result of cells used by the body to defend against outside element and had gone through malignant change.


From the research, the firm solid cutaneous swelling - seems to meet the definition of  Neoplasia Nodule -Histiocytoma. The growth started like a pimple bump to 1/2 cm in diameter over 5-6 weeks period.

Memory Test - Out of State License Plates

3

3/15/2012,

It has been over 1 1/2 years, there are fewer out of state license plates on the morning commute.

Does Texas still create jobs?

# # # #
Texas creates jobs!

11/30/2010 AM
Utah - Lexus ES250 Black
Florida - Honda Accord White 2G
California - Honda Civic 4Dr Siliver (2g)
North Carolina - Honda Odyssey Silver 2g
Kansas - Mini Cooper Gray

11/30/2010 PM (left office 30 minutes earlier than usual)
??? - Cadillac CTS
Mexico - Ford F-150 (1G)
Utah -Saturn L200
Maine - BMW 5-series (4G)
Ohio - Mini Cooper S
Organ - Toyota Tundra (1G)

Texas Creates Jobs part III

PM -

1. BMW 1 series - California

2. Toyota Camry - Mexico

3. Cadillac DHS - Florida

4. Toyota Camry (old) -???

5. Nissan Altima - ????

6. (non-us model) - Mexico

Texas Creates Jobs - Part II

AM –I was late to work – missed the peak of morning commute by 20 minutes

1. Honda Civic – California
2. Honda Element – California

PM –I was right on the commute prime time

1. Toyota Avalon – Washington
2. Mazda B series pickup – Utah
3. Mitsubishi Eclipse – Virginia
4. Land Rover LR2 – Mexico
5. Ford Expedition – Mexico
6. Volvo C70 – North Carolina
7. Chrysler PT Cruiser – Indian
8. Ford Crown Victoria – Florida
9. Ford F-150 – Georgia
10. Hyundai Sonata – Arizona
11. Ford F-150 –Louisiana
12. Pontiac Grand AM -North Dakota (Military)
13. Pontiac Grand AM – Kansas
14. Chevrolet Impala - ??? (driving too fast)
15. Suzuki Esteem - ???? (driving too slow, past by)
16. BMW 330 – European style plate -???

Texas Creates Jobs

November 16, 2010

During a morning commute between US281/North Loop 1604 and downtown Alamo Dome (15 miles drive, in the same direction – across 4 lane of highway), I encountered 5 out of state license plate vehicles. One of the drivers (vehicles) was military personnel. 

1. Chevrolet C1500 Crew Cab – Pennsylvania  
2. Cadillac Seville/DHS? – New York
3. Toyota Tacoma – Utah
4. Pontiac Grand Am – Michigan
5. Toyota Land Cruiser – Maryland

Left office 1/2 hours later than usual, during the commute between downtown and 281/Loop 1604, in the same direction, I encounter 7 out of state license plate vehicles.

1.  Honda Pilot - California
2.  Volkswagen Jetta - New Mexico
3.  BMW 330 - Canadian
4.  Toyota Prius - Colorado
5.  Mazda Mazda 6  - Oklahoma
6.  Chevrolet Trail Blazer - Ohio
7.  Saturn Outlook - Florida



Texas creates jobs, but they are not for the locals??  – Uh? Governor Perry!!

ATA Code - Aircraft Maintenance Chapters 100

Chapter 00 Introduction / Aircraft General

Chapter 05
05-10-00 Time Limits / Maintenance Checks - Aircraft General
05-20-00
05-40-00 Time Limits / Maintenance Checks - Components

Chapter 06
06-00-00 Dimensions and Areas - General

Chapter 07
07-00-00 Lifting and Shoring - General

Chapter 08
08-00-00 Leveling and Weighing - General

Chapter09
09-00-00 Towing and Taxiing - General

Chapter 10
10-00-00 Parking, Mooring, Storage and Return to Service - General

Chapter 11
11-00-00 Placards and Marking - General

Chapter 12
12-00-00 Servicing - General

Chapter 18
18-00-00 Vibration and Noise Analysis (only Helicopter)

Chapter 20
20-00-00 Standard Practices - Airframe - General

Chapter 21
21-00-00 AIR CONDITIONING
21-10-00 Compression
21-20-00 Distribution
21-30-00 Pressurization control
21-40-00 Heating
21-50-00 Cooling
21-60-00 Temperature control
21-70-00 Moisturization/air contamination

Chapter 22
22-00-00 AUTOFLIGHT
22-10-00 Autopilot
22-20-00 Speed-attitude correction
22-30-00 Autothrottle
22-40-00 System monitor
22-50-00 Aerodynamic load alleviating

Chapter 23
23-00-00 COMMUNICATIONS
23-10-00 Speech communication
23-20-00 Data transmission,auto. calling
23-30-00 Passenger address and ent.
23-40-00 Interphone
23-50-00 Audio integrating
23-60-00 Static discharging
23-70-00 Audio & video monitoring
23-80-00 Integrated automatic tuning

Chapter 24
24-00-00 ELECTRICAL POWER
24-10-00 Generator drive
24-20-00 AC generation
24-30-00 DC generation
24-40-00 External power
24-50-00 AC electrical load dist.
24-60-00 DC electrical load dist.

Chapter 25
25-00-00 EQUIPMENT & FURNISHINGS
25-10-00 Flight compartment
25-20-00 Passenger compartment
25-30-00 Buffet/galley
25-40-00 Lavatories
25-50-00 Cargo compartments
25-60-00 Emergency
25-70-00 Accessory compartments
25-80-00 Insulation

Chapter 26
26-00-00 FIRE PROTECTION
26-10-00 Detection
26-20-00 Extinguishing
26-30-00 Explosion suppression

Chapter 27
27-00-00 FLIGHT CONTROLS
27-10-00 Aileron & tab
27-20-00 Rudder & tab
27-30-00 Elevator & tab
27-40-00 Horizontal stabilizer
27-50-00 Flaps
27-60-00 Spoiler, drag devices, fairings
27-70-00 Gust lock & damper
27-80-00 Lift augmenting

Chapter 28
28-00-00 FUEL
28-10-00 Storage
28-20-00 Distribution
28-30-00 Dump
28-40-00 Indicating

Chapter 29
29-00-00 HYDRAULIC POWER
29-10-00 Main
29-20-00 Auxiliary
29-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 30
30-00-00 ICE & RAIN PROTECTION
30-10-00 Airfoil
30-20-00 Air intakes
30-30-00 Pitot and static
30-40-00 Windows, windshields & doors
30-50-00 Antennas & radomes
30-60-00 Propellers & rotors
30-70-00 Water lines
30-80-00 Detection

Chapter 31
31-00-00 INDICATING & RECORDING SYS.
31-10-00 Instrument & control panels
31-20-00 Independent instruments
31-30-00 Recorders
31-40-00 Central computers
31-50-00 Central warning systems
31-60-00 Central display systems
31-70-00 Automatic data reporting systems

Chapter 32
32-00-00 LANDING GEAR
32-10-00 Main gear & doors
32-20-00 Nose gear & doors
32-21-01 ACTUATOR, CENTERING
32-30-00 Extension & retraction
32-40-00 Wheels & brakes
32-50-00 Steering
32-60-00 Position and warning
32-70-00 Supplementary gear

Chapter 33
33-00-00 LIGHTS
33-10-00 General compartment
33-20-00 Passenger compartments
33-30-00 Cargo and service compartments
33-40-00 Exterior
33-50-00 Emergency lighting

Chapter 34
34-00-00 NAVAGATION
34-10-00 Flight environment data
34-20-00 Attitude & direction
34-30-00 Landing & taxiing aids
34-40-00 Independent position determining
34-50-00 Dependent position determining
34-60-00 Flight management computing
34-70-00 X-PONDER, MODE S

Chapter 35
35-00-00 OXYGEN
35-10-00 Crew
35-20-00 Passenger
35-30-00 Portable

Chapter 38
38-00-00 WATER/WASTE
38-10-00 Potable
38-20-00 Wash
38-30-00 Waste disposal
38-40-00 Air supply

Chapter 45
45-00-00 Central Maintenance System / Onboard Maintenance System

Chapter 46
46-00-00 Information Systems

Chapter 47
47-00-00 Inert Gas System

Chapter 51
51-00-00 STRUCTURE, GENERAL

Chapter 52
52-00-00 Doors
52-10-00 Passenger/crew
52-20-00 Emergency exit
52-30-00 Cargo
52-40-00 Service
52-50-00 Fixed interior
52-60-00 Entrance stairs
52-70-00 Door warning
52-80-00 Landing gear

Chapter 53
53-00-00 FUSELAGE

Chapter 54
54-00-00 NACELLES/PYLONS
54-10-00 Nacelle section
54-50-00 Pylon section

Chapter 55
55-00-00 HORIZ. & VERT. STABILIZERS
55-10-00 Horizontal stabilizer or canard
55-20-00 Elevator
55-30-00 Vertical stabilizer
55-40-00 Rudder

Chapter 56
56-00-00 WINDOWS
56-10-00 Flight compartment
56-20-00 Passenger compartment
56-30-00 Door
56-40-00 Inspection & observation

Chapter 57
57-00-00 WINGS
57-10-00 Center wing
57-20-00 Outer wing
57-30-00 Wing tip
57-40-00 Leading edge and leading edge
57-50-00 Trailing edge and trailing edge
57-60-00 Ailerons and elevons
57-70-00 Spoilers

Chapter 61
61-00-00 PROPELLERS
61-10-00 Propeller assembly
61-20-00 Controlling
61-25-01 GOVERNOR, PROPELLER
61-30-00 Braking
61-40-00 Indicating
61-50-00 Propulsor duct

Chapter 71
71-00-00 POWER PLANT
71-10-00 Cowling
71-20-00 Mounts
71-30-00 Fireseals
71-40-00 Attach fittings
71-50-00 Electrical harness
71-60-00 Air intakes
71-70-00 Engine drains

Chapter 72
72-00-00 ENGINE - TURBINE

Chapter 73
73-00-00 ENGINE FUEL AND CONTROL
73-10-00 Distribution
73-15-00 Divider Flow
73-20-00 Controlling
73-25-00 Unit Fuel Control
73-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 74
74-00-00 IGNITION
74-10-00 Electrical power supply
74-15-01 Box, Ignition exciter
74-20-00 Distribution

Chapter 75
75-00-00 AIR
75-10-00 Engine anti-icing
75-20-00 Cooling
75-30-00 Compressor control
75-35-01 Valve HP & LP Bleed
75-40-00 Indicating

Chapter 76
76-00-00 ENGINE CONTROLS
76-10-00 Power control
76-20-00 Emergency shutdown

Chapter 77
77-00-00 ENGINE INDICATING
77-10-00 Power
77-20-00 Temperature
77-30-00 Analyzers
77-40-00 Integrated engine instrument sys.

Chapter 78
78-00-00 EXHAUST
78-10-00 Collector/nozzle
78-20-00 Noise suppressor
78-30-00 Thrust reverser
78-40-00 Supplementary air

Chapter 79
79-00-00 OIL
79-10-00 Storage
79-20-00 Distribution
79-30-00 Indicating

Chapter 80
80-00-00 STARTING
80-10-00 Cranking

Chapter 81
81-00-00 Turbines (only Reciprocating Engines)

Chapter 82
82-00-00 Water Injections

Chapter 83
83-00-00 Accessory Gear Boxes (Engine Driven)

Chapter 84
84-00-00 Propulsion Augmentation

Chapter 91
91-00-00 Charts

Chapter 104
104-10-00 Technical Training Servicing
104-20-00 Technical Training Familization
104-30-00 Technical Training Maintenance

Chapter 105
105-00-00 Flight Simulator Systems

Chapter 116
116-00-00 Flight Simulator Cuing Systems

New Nikon D3100 vs D90 weight, Why D5100

July 2011 - Why GoPro; Discontinued Kodak Play Sport - ZX5
 
Wow -- Small is better, right?

# # # # #
From Amazon store

$90 KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera / Zx5
Waterproof, shock proof, 32gb maximum / 10 hours (720p) / 2 hours of recording

eBay purchase of a used ZX5 costs $40 shipped.

I would fully charge 2 or 3 of these with me when I travel

Or
(paid for) iPhone 4 camcorder?
Not-waterproof, not shock proof, 64gb drive (50gb max?)

March 2011 - Next Camera
 
Nikon Sensor Size
DX
FX
1/2.3" CCD

Nikon Camera, milestone camera with best value
2011/2012 - D700 - DX 16 (USED $650)
2011/2012 - D5100 - DX 16.2 mpixel, full HD video, 3rd gen processor ($600) /USED ($400)
2008 - D90, DX 12.3 mpixel, basic video recording, 2nd gen processor ($900)
2004 - D70  DX 6.1 mpixel, 1st gen processor (NEW $900)


How do you choose a backup camera?  When a do it all lens can't do it, a second camera seems to be a logical choice to resolve the need to swap out lenses on fly.

With a D90 camera on hand, should a "step up" D7000 a right choice? or "step down" D3100 a better choice, or stick to of the same D90 is a even wiser choice?

Budget comes to be the key factor, otherwise, buy D7000.  It's all about getting most "bang for the buck" without missing out the new advances in technology.

So, which one?

Amazon offers a Nikon D3100 kit with 18-55mm VR for $560.  If the lens can be sold for $80 on eBay, then the upgrade for a second camera is going to run $480.  The draw back?

1. two battery chargers
2. two great lens 50mm f/1.8D and the Tokin 11-16mm ultra wide needs the AF motor!  I just cant use both lens at the same time (see wedding!!)

March 2013 = Its time to buy new camera!

$800 - D5200 (new)
$750 - D7000
$500 - D5100 (new)
$500 - D5100 + 18-55mm VR
$400 - D5100 (ebay)

$500 - D3200 + 18-55mm VR
$600 - D3200 + 18-55mm VR (new)

$360 - D3100 + 18-55mm VR (red)
$400 - D3100 + 18-55mm VR
$470 - D3100 + 18-55mm VR (new)

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

Travel - general

D5100 - 19.6 oz, no strap
Nikkor 18-200mm VR DX - 19.8 oz
total weight = 40 oz = 3 lb 4 oz

Travel - building, extra weight
D90 - 25.2 oz
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 19.3 oz
total weight = 45.5 oz = 3 lb 5oz

Extra
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 DX

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


The new lug around is a
Nikon D3100 (Nikon D5000) with Nikon 18-200mm VR at all time = (1,065g)

The special project/fun is a
Nikon D90 with Tokina 11-16mm / ultra light weight 50mm f/1.8D = (1,250g)
(the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D weights less than 160g


# # #

Nikon D3100 weight (wet) = 505g
Nikon D90 weight (wet) = 710g

Nikon 18-200mm VR DX = 565g
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX = 548g

Nikon 35mm DX f/1.8 = 197g
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D = 158g

d3100 & 18-200mm VR =  1,065g
d3100 & 35mm f/1.8 = 702g
d90 & 50mm f/1.8D =858g
d90 & 11-16mm f/2.8 DX = 1,248g
 

July 2010 - Looking like a Pro - Two Cameras

Are you serious about photography to wear two cameras to cover an event, like wedding, or parades? Is it really necessary when I have the old faithful Nikkor 18-200mm VR f/3.5-5.6 - it seems to do it all. Sometime I crave for that low light 35mm or 50mm f/1.4 f/18 lens, or that ultra wide angle lens - Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro, it seems to be a single purpose lens - for landscaping/real estate photography.

The Nikon D5000 seems to the right gear to supplement my existing D90. My biggest concern about the D5000 is not about the camera body itself, nor the lens issues, but it's about different batteries used.

Most digital cameras DSLRs, D90/D5000 are capable of taking 500-600 shoots on a single charge- without problems. To lighten up the weight, I will assume that a single charge from both batteries will be suffice to cover an event.

# # #

I found couple Nikon refurbished D5000 camera kit (with 18-55mm VR) for about $530.

# # # #
Camera one
D5000 / Nikkor 18-200mm VR f/3.5 / SB-600 flash

Camera two
D90 / Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, with a 50mm f/1.8 in the pocket / and a desktop-mini tripod to hold the SB-600 for the D90 "command mode" external flash sync.

\
July 2009 - Travel with Two Cameras

I was excited abut my visit to our national capital -Washington DC for 4th of July

Packing up my photographic gears for sightseeing was big part of my trip planning. My last trip to Paris (May 09) – the bulky full size, digital SLRs were more common than the point-n-shoot cameras among the tourists. My “Japanese Tourists” look was “normal” at this time around.

I usually pack 4-5 days of clothing and the camera gears in a large backpack as a carry on luggage. Having backpack as the “only luggage” not only let me “tour” before hotel check in time, it also let me “tour freely” before catching that late afternoon/evening flight.

Here is my typical backpack content (15 lbs) breakdown by weight

8/15 lb 54%– clothing/hygiene kit

5/15 lb 33% – Camera gear

2/15 lb 13% – Travel guide/book/phone/mp3 player

I begin to doubt myself about whether the Digital SLR is suitable traveling. Many will agree that my Nikon D90 & 18-200mm VR Lens is an ideal combo for traveling; but it weights in 3 plus lbs. I can’t resist not taking my Tokina ultra wide lens for landscape, interior shots, but the lens also add another 1.5 lbs to my luggage weights.

The bottom line - my camera gear accounts for 1/3 of overall luggage weight.

Nikon D90 mfg info link

Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom mfg info link

Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX AF11-16mm f/2.8 Mfg Info Link

I plan to look for a “backup” camera to make a lighter “get away”. At the current time, there is no substitute for the Tokina ultra wide (17mm/35mm equivalent); therefore the “backup" is about the finding a D90/18-200mm (27-300mm equivalent) replacement.

These cameras are on my shopping list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 (25mm-300mm) Mfg Info Link

Canon SD880IS (28mm-112mm) Mfg Info Link

Nikon Coolpix S620 (28mm-112mm) Mfg Info Link

Casio EXILIM EX-H10 “Superzoom” (24mm-240mm) – NEW product

I am a big sucker for the wide angle lens. The DMC-ZS1 & EX-H10 come close to my favorite all purpose Nikkor 18-200mm VR (27mm-300mm) lens in terms of field of view. Will I trade for the size (Exilim) over the zoom (Lumix)? Hopefully, I will have something small to bring to my next vacation.

 

Cargo Dimensions - Garage Size

2010 Mazda5 Cargo Dimensions.
A: 41" width between wheel wells on floor
B: 33"  height at rear gate
C: ?? width between top of wheel wells
D: 67" cargo length with rear seats down
E: ??" cargo length with rear seats up


2004 Acura MDX Cargo Dimensions.
A: 48.5" width between wheel wells on floor
B: 35.4"  height at rear gate
C: ?? width between top of wheel wells
D: 75" cargo length with rear seats down
E: ??" cargo length with rear seats up



2002 Outback Cargo Dimensions.
A: 42" width between wheel wells on floor
B: 30" height at rear gate
C: 47.75" width between top of wheel wells
D: 68" cargo length with rear seats down
E: 44" cargo length with rear seats up



last update: 2012.04

70.2" - 2002-2006 Honda CRV

71.6" - 2012 Honda CRV
72.6" - 2004-2009 Lexus RX

73.7" - 2000-2006 BMW X5

73.8" - 2013 Acura RDX
76.1" - 2007 - now BMW X5
77.0" - 2001-2006 MDX

78.5" - 2007 - now MDX

Yamaha Grand Piano

Under the normal circumstances, Yamaha grand piano seems to provide the most bang for the buck - maximum sound quality / cost of piano.  It's just a hearsay.

The GB series are the basic baby grand pianos:
The GC1 is a better quality grand piano and is also longer than the GB1

The A series are higher quality than GB.

The C series are the most popular.
The S series are  handbuilt superior quality instruments.

Grand pianos

• AvantGrand N3
• GB1
• GC1
• GC2
• C1
• C2
• C3
• C5
• C6
• C7
• CFIIIS
• S4
• S6
• CF4
• CF6
• CFX

Vehicle Inspection for a Long Trip

Vehicle Inspection for a Long Trip

We all have seen cars broke down along Interstates.  Experts and car shops suggest that vehicle should be checked out be a qualified mechanics for taking on  a long trip.  What make the "long trip’ different from the many short "week days" trip we take?

If you car is in good shape, it unlikely it will go wrong because of prolong driving, but it’s unexpected failure.  What I think make a car stressed out on a long-prolong driving is HEAT.

1. Tires - bad tires generate a lot of heat, improperly inflated tires generate excessive heat
2. Coolant - the cool wind draft from highway driving may not be enough for compensate for bad radiator
3. Cracked radiator hoses  & belts - well go figure.
4 Overloaded vehicle - caused the transmission to work harder, tires to blow out

Top up all fluids
1. coolant
2. battery (have it checked out, if it's over 3 years old)
3. power steering
4. transmission
5. engine
6. brake
7. rear differential
8  wind shield

Airlines Cargo and Carry on; Delta American and Delta HUBS

Domestic Air Cargo Business

When airlines begin to limit the number/amount of free check-in bags, most passengers begin to either carry less or stuff as much as possible on carry ons.

Initially, airline makes more money from the checked bags, a good business. It also free up cargo space.  The carry on bags size begins to grow and heavier at the same time, and passengers are fighting for the precious overhead bin.  The bags may fit into the overhead bin, but it's likely that loaded bin exceeded its design limit.

Saving:  Same number of passenger - less overall weight/burn less fuel - longer boarding time due to fitting carry on bags. 

Opportunities: Free cargo space - 




United Airlines
Newark
Washington Dulles International Airport
Cleveland
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Houston Intercontinental
Denver International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Guam

American Airlines
Dallas-Ft. Worth
Chicago O'Hare
Miami
New York-JFK

Delta Airlines
New York-JFK
Memphis
Atlanta
Detroit
Cincinnati
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Salt Lake City
Amsterdam
Tokyo-Narita

Airlines Merger History

United

   ► United

   ► Continental

Southwest Airlines

   ►Southwest

   ►Air Tran    ►ValueJet

Delta Airlines

   ►Delta

   ►Northwest

US Air

   ► US Air

   ► America West

American Airlines

   ► American

   ► TWA

Frontier

    ► Frontier

    ► Midwest

# # # # 

Eastern Airlines - existed from 1926 to 1991. 

Token Trailer vs Farm Trailer and Trailers

A Token Trailer license plate is available only for semitrailers having a gross weight in excess of 6,000 pounds to be pulled by vehicles displaying a Combination


Farm Trailer - Farm Use - Does not exceed 34,000 lbs


Trailer - ?? 

How bad can it get? Fixing an Old Car

1996 Nissan Maxima (sourced from Car Parts Whole Sale)

Brakes & Tires $800

0,110 Master Cylinder, Brake

0,100 Brake Disc (front, rear @ $25 ea)

0,580 Tires, set - Michelin Good tires

Suspensions $300
0,050 Front, Driver, Suspension shock/strut assembly
0,050 Front, passenger, suspension shock/struct assembly
0,025 Front, driver, strut mount
0,025 Front, passenger, strut mount
0,015 Front, driver, struct bearing
0,015 Front, passenger, strut bearing
0,050 Rear, driver side
0,050 Rear, passenger side

Mechanical, Engine Mounts $200

0,055 Driver side motor/transmission mount

0,055 Firewall motor/transmission mount

0,075 Front driver Side

Starting, Electrical $300

0,080 Battery, 

0,100 Alternator - OE replacement - $100 (cheapest)

0,010  Dayco Serpentine Belt   
0,100  Starter OEM Replacement


0,050 Oxygen Sensor, OEM FRONT (not universal product)
0,060 Oxygen Sensor, OEM REAR


0,010 Windshield wipers set
0.010 Air Filter
0,020 Cabin Air Filter


Engine Oil and Transmission and Coolant Change $200
0,020 Oil filter and oils


0.020 Automatic Transmission Filter and pan gasket
0.030 Automatic Transmission Fluid

0,010 Radiator Cap

0.015 Upper radiator hose

0,025 lower radiator hose

0,050 Water pump

0,005 Water pump gasket

0,020 Coolant - 2 gallon

Fuel Delivery & Electrical  $500
0,015 Fuel Filter
0,050 Fuel Pump
0,100 Throttle position sensor

0,270 Ignition coil (6x $45 ea)

0,080 Standard EGR Valve

AC Fixes $300
0,250 Compressor
0,025 Idler pulley (for all??)
0,015 Dryer AC receiver

How Do Manufacturers Determine Cold Inflate Tire Pressure

Tire pressures affects couple things

1. load rating - higher pressure increase payload.  It is especially true on commercial truck tires where pressure may range from 80 psi to 110 psi . The difference in pressure could mean extra 1,500 lbs carrying load per tire.

2. ride quality - lower tire pressure usually provide a better ride.

3. handling - higher tire pressure usually resulting a stiffer tire. Stiffer tires may give better handling

4. rolling resistance - higher pressure - less rolling resistance - better fuel economy

What's the balance?  Ride? - Performance (handling, fuel burn, loading)..
I would trade ride quality for better performance.

Common Air Filter Sizes

Having trouble finding odd sizes, I decided to make a bolt on a smaller wood frame at the air inlet to accept common filter sizes.

# # # #

Here is a  list of common air filter sizes
24 x 24 - Hollywood Park x2

24 x 36 - SA Fawn

-----------

12 x 24 - Water - Up

20 x 25 - Water - Down

Restaurant Rating Guide from Local Health Department

A = American (90 points or higher)

B = Burgers, Best

C = Chinese, Com’n in

D = Delicious

F = Fabulous

Trees for South Central Texas

Oak, Shumard  (Quercus shumardii) - Drought tolerant, fast growing, well-drained soil.
<< My tree grows about 1 ft a year.  It had encountered tree fungus many years>>

Oak, Bur Quercus macrocarpa - Drought tolerant, mixed type soil is acceptable, 70" spread, dense shade, Long lived tree. Full Sun.
<< My tree is growing about 1 to 1-1/2 ft a year, the dense shade isn't good for the lawn.  Thinning out branches are needed to keep a healthy lawn>>>

Oak, Live Quercus virginiana -Long lived tree, mixed type soil is acceptable, 40-80 ft tall and spread Wind resistant.
<< Some books say it can grow over 2 ft a year, my trees had grown at an average of  1/2 ft a year. I don't know the real reason why the slow growth rate, even though I placed tree spikes every year.>>

<< in the hot summer Texas heat, the Live Oak seems to grow slower than most publication>>>

Oak, Chinkapin Quercus muehlenbergii - 70' high. Well-drained soil - mixed type soil is acceptable. Full sun.

<< My trees are growing about 1 to 1-1/2 ft a year, loose "thin" tree branches>>




last update 2012.02.29

When to say goodbye to my Car

When to say goodbye to my car?

1-owner car - it doesn't need repairs, the car hasn't been a flood or serious accident, it is still fairly reliable. Now, the car is approaching the 200,000 miles mark. The long list of "maintenance items" and replaceable items are likely to exceeds the value of the vehicle, then do you keep it, or junk it - and let it be someone else's problem?

Well, the list ranges 3,500 to 4,200 for all the repairs or running the risks of upward $5,500-$6,000. If it is possible, putting off all the repairs, and fix the vehicle as needed. But it also leads to having unreliable car.

# # # #

$600 - cheapest set of tires for 4 $800 for decent tires

$700 - a set of rotors and brake pads, brake jobs
$ 50 - replace new brake fluid

$120 - replace coolant
$ 70 - transmission fluid
$ 30 - oil change
$ 70 - rear differential (4x4/awd gearing)

$ 30 - new serpentine belt
$450 - timing belts
$150 - water pump
$ 15 - radiator caps

$ 80 - spark plugs
$ 40 - electrical wire set
$300 - front and back oxygen sensors

$ 80 - battery
$ 20 - air filter
$ 30 - cabin air filter
$ 20 - windshield wipers

$300 - front struts suspension
$200 - Rear shocks suspension

$400 - ignition coils (if needed)
$250 - alternator (if needed)
$150 - starter (if needed)
$150 - fuel pump (if needed)

# # #

Well, I think unload the car to shade tree mechanics or keeping it as a spare car and doing the maintenance on spare time.

String Trimmer - Gas or Electric

Consumer Reports usually is right about the product reviews. I was shocked to find the top rated gas powered stringer trimmer has very low user/reader review. The top reason for bad reviews is same as my biggest fear of gas powered 2-cycle engines - starting.

It's very cool to hear that "power tool" revving up and down, but I stick to electric trimmer and power cord for the sake of "sure start". Now, I am in a pickle now, the yard to too large even with 100 ft and 50 ft extension cords. Should I be worrying "over extending" the power cord?

Well, the gas powered $100-$150, and professional version is well over $200 range.  The battery powered can be had for $70.  What should I look for in the trimmer, other than electric trimmer?

Option 1:
Power, bad possible start, mixing gas and oil, unlimited usage of fuel supply?

Option 2:
Consistent power output, guarantee start, remember to charge battery, life-cycle limited battery pack?

The manufacture rated the batery life to be around 1 hours - it seems like a long time, but it also could mean a 30 minutes, 15 minutes if the battery pack -goes bad quickly.

# # #

Option 3 - buy more extension cord?

Band of Brothers on Spike TV

Surfing through TV programming guide, "Band of Brothers" was on Spike TV all day long.  I thought it was a movie, and it was repeated all day long.   To my surprise, it was a TV-movie series by HBO. Thumbs up for the show - a richer story than "Saving Private Ryan".

The prized item was a German made handgun/ Pistol - Luger. What's so special about that handgun?

Michelin Tires - Costco versus Discount Tires

Michelin Passenger/Touring Tires

grand touring -all season
Michelin Primacy MXV4 = wet/dry/winter/comfort
235/65/17
60,000 miles  620aa
p235/65R17 $150 ea

standard touring -all season
Michelin Defender = wet/dry/ok winter/comfort (tread)
90,000 miles  820ab,
225/65/17  - $152 ea

passenger all season
Michelin Harmony = ok wet/ok dry/winter
80,000 miles 740ab

Michelin energy saver =ok wet/dry/bad winter
65,000 miles 480ab

HydroEdge with Green X(Passenger All-Season)
90,000 miles wet/dry/bad winter/ok comfort

Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season
Dueler H/L Alenza(Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season)
65,000 miles - $146 ea

Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow

Latitude X-Ice Xi2
40,000 miles wet/dry/winter/comfort
225/65/17- $140

COSTCO VS DISCOUNT TIRES

I like both tires shops for different reasons..

Discount Tire stores are everywhere.  The wait time is short, asking for tire rotation and re-balancing is easy. The tire selection is plenty.

Costco stores are limited. There are only 3 in San Antonio, TX (I-10 near UTSA,  281/1604 North Loop, and I-35 near Garden Ridge).  The tire selection can be limited (3 to 4 brands).  The wait can be hours for tire rotation and re-balancing.

You can get great tires from Discount Tires, but I feel Costco offers a more consistent higher quality tires - it may not be cheaper than other retail stores, even though it requires membership.

# # # #

At Costco, the tire installation seems to be more diligent (slow) than making check boxes (rushing). At Discount Tires,  I had to ask and remind the mechanics to "check" "verify" of their works.

Costco tires include "road hazardous" where discount tire is an extra fee.  A $20 fee/per tire on a set of new tires will set you back another $80.  The "life-time" tire rotation/balancing is same for both shop, but Discount Tire tag on $2.50/$10-a set to dispose your old tires where as Costco includes that on all inclusive $15 fee.

# #  example  # #

Michelin - HydroEdge® Tire Size: P225/55R17 95T

Costco $155 ea/$620 for 4, $671 with tax and $15 all inclusive fees per tire = $731.

Discount Tires $155 ea/$620 for 4 , add  $10 tire dispose fee, $60 for installation  $86 - replacement/refund + $52 taxes=$828.

That's $97 difference in price.  

This week - Costco offers a $75 off coupon on a set of Michelin, then the price difference is a whopping $178, or $45 a tire.

 # # # # ## 

Tire speed rating and Load rating

Load Range A, B, C, D, E ETC, indicate the number of ply (load rating)

Speed rating -

R - 106 MPH
S - 112 MPH
T - 118 MPH
H - 130 MPH
V - 149 MPH
W - 168 MPH
Y - 186 MPH

Curbs?

The main street in our little town is getting some improvement.  I am not sure what exactly "improvements" taking place - except that - drainage - re-surfacing street. During the town hall meeting, the "ribbon" "standard" curbs were used loosely. What is a ribbon curb?

Is "ribbon curb" a strip of flat, slightly dip/curved edge along side of paved street that assist drainage?

Is "standard curb" a "L shaped" bump with lower dip corner for drainage?

Basic Health and Is It Too Much? What some of us are taking everyday..

BMI  - basic weight / height ratio; it doesn't make difference between (fat/or muscles weight)

20 - 25 normal
25 - 30 over weight
30 > high risk

bmi = (weight / lb) * 703  / (height in inches) / (height in inches)

bmi = 200 lb * 703 / 5'10 (70) / 70 = 28

bmi = 170 lb * 703 / 6'0" (72) / 72 =  23


Body Fat %  - fat ratio changes as one ages, fat varies between man and woman




# # # #


Daily supplement intake for middle aged people
1. Heart - Fish/Flex Seed Oil
2. Heart - Low dosage Aspirin
3. Joints - Glucosamine Chondritin
4. Skin Nerve and Brain -Vitamin B50

Knowing Your Heart

Everyone, including myself, is uncertain about our own heart condition. Healthy people can die at every young age. Some doctors died in the late forties and early fifty - they should know better about their body, right?. What had cause the heart attacks without warning?

When ever we complaint about chest pains. Doctors prescribe EKG - electrocardiography - and CT scans, So what exactly do they check?

EKG - a transthoracic interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over time (looking for irregular heart beat? looking for open/closing of heart valves?)

CT scan - looking for calcifications (calcium based) within/around the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessel plaque causes the "narrowing vessel", "harden the blood vessel" reducing blood flow? - The detaching plaque from blood vessel - can causing blood clog in the brain (leading to strokes)?

Here are the standard and two new blood tests,

Cholesterol/Fatty blood test -
HDL, high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) - low HDL count - actually increased rates for heart diease
LDL, low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol)
triglycerides, fatty substance found in the blood,

Homocysteine - ($50 blood test -in 2006) - A high level of blood serum homocysteine a often linked to cardiovascular disease according to a doctor. Is it a sure thing? Who knows

Cardio High Sensitivity (CRP) - C-Reactive Protein ($40 blood test - in 2006) - Mildly elevated CRP levels have been consistently been linked to increased risk for various cardiovascular illness - stroke, sudden cardiac death.

Well, EKG - CT are physical, detectable sign of heart problems, where as the blood tests -
CRP, Homocysteine, or cholesterol test are precursor of detectable signs of heart problems.

LCD - 60Hz, 120Hz, 240Hz Refresh Rate and Dynamic Contrast Ratio

The old debate was about LCD and Plasma, the new debate is about LCD refresh rate.


# # # # Last update  # # #

Walmart - Sanyo LCD 47"
120MHz, with Wi-Fi Internet
$450 (refurb) 2012.May.18










In the past the plasma tv set offers higher dynamic contrast ratio, even at 720p, the plasma TV looked fantastic playing the DVD movies.

Will I buy another plasma TV? I think I will if I plan to watch movies most of time.  What I want to see is the 1080P feature where I can plug in a computer to use the TV as a computer monitor.  Oh, the lighter weight of LCD over the plasma is always nice.

# # #

At least, the 600Hz plasma TVs don't have this kind of "refresh" problem. So for the LCD monitors, - where is the beef? -

It's about programming signal frame rate and tv display frame not in sync, causing jitters across the screen.  The problem is more visible when viewing sports/actions show. One will assume the higher refresh rate (more computing power on the TV set, or faster update speed) will make it look as good as a plasma TV.

# # #

How are these TV set priced at WalMart?
$499 Panasonic 42" 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV, TC-P42C2, 2,000,000:1 dynamic ratio

$548 Vizio 42" Class LCD 1080p 60Hz HDTV, E420VO 100,000:1 dynamic ratio

$648 Vizio 42" Class 1080p/120Hz LCD HDTV, E420VL 100,000:1 dynamic ratio

$698 Panasonic 42" 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV, TC-P42S2 2,000,000:1 dynamic ratio

I will go for the 50" Plasma Panasonic 720P at Costco - which runs for $620.

photos: 2010 Poland Krakow Old Town

Slow Drain and Bladder

I am not a professional plumber and I tried to fix a slow drain - semi blocked kitchen sink.
--- 

Location #1 - Sink to Wall Drain Pipe

I removed the P - pipes, it looked pretty clean - smelled bad though.

Location #2 - Vent Pipe Cap - to Septic Tank
I removed the vent pipe cap outside of the house, and used a bladder to flush out the blockage.  It flowed might fine but the slow drain persisted.


Location #3 - Wall Drain Pipe to Vent Pipe Cap 
I inserted the bladder into wall drain pipe to flush out any blockage between wall drain pipe and the outdoor vent pipe. The flush was smooth, the slow drain persisted.

Well, so where is it? 
I notice that the bladder gripped the inner wall the drain tube and shoot out a small string of high pressure water, I am not sure it really clears the "blockage" - in that  2-3" pipe, or just bored out a 1/8" hole in the blockage to clear that high pressure water squirt?

Fixing it like a toilet

I resorted to my old fashion way of fixing a plugged toilet drain - try the 5-gallon bucket - and let the "gravity" do the push - pushing out the clogs.

I loaded the kitchen sink with the garbage disposer with tub of water, and covered the adjacent sink drain.  I hope that the centrifugal water pressure is pushing through the entire pipe, not just the pushing, making an opening big enough for the 1/8" water jet to pass through.

I cranked up the disposer like a blender, short pauses, and longer pauses, short puses and let it ripped. Somehow it worked.  The sound of joy - I could hear a vacuum sucking sound, the water was flowing outward to somewhere.

Conclusion

The bladder may work well in a really clogged up pipe, I think the hair clogs is a suitable application.  

For older, galvanized pipes - the blockage due to rust or reduced inner- rough surface, I think the old snake is still a better tool to use.  I wonder if the running "crushed ice" through the drain pipe will create the "scrubbing effect"  - and take out residuals in the pipe?

Photos: 2010 Poland Krakow

Plug: 782SA.blogspot.com