Investments or Waste of Money?

To keep the car a bit longer than usual, do I replace parts before they really go bad, or should these parts be replaced where the maximum benefit can be realized?

For most of us, the suspension parts, like shocks and struts are not replaced until they are already completely out of service life, and caused some damage to the tires and steering. If the struts are good for 80-150k miles, and only planning to keep the vehicle for 200~220K, should they be replaced half-way, regardless whether struts/shocks are completely out of commission?

Well, I did it. My cars has new struts/shocks and oxygen sensors replaced - even though the handling was still acceptable, the check-engine light wasn't on yet. Replacing these parts on my own terms, and replacing them at my half-way mark of planned ownership, I hope this was a logical decisions.

The new suspension parts improves the "braking" more secure, there is no hint of nose dive anymore. I am going the turn at the usual high-speed, the cars doesn't lean and slide any more. It handles like a real new fun car all over again.

Lyle Bien -1996 Taiwan

Vice Admiral Lyle G Bien USN (Ret.) was in command of the Nimitz Battle Group throughout her response to the Taiwan Missile Crisis in 1996.

A family man.

In 1996, Taiwan held the very direct democratic presidential election (in the past, the president was elected by mostly appointed representatives of provinces [省; shěng] of mainland China.

An act of true democracy, Chinese Communist decided to intimidate the hearts and will of this democratic process by launching warhead carrying missile over Taiwanese territory waters everyday, for 30 days toward the election day.

Vice Admiral Lyle G Bien commanded USN 7th Fleet to patrol area to deter Chinese hostile action. By positioning the 7th Fleet near Taiwan and Japan was sufficient to deter Chinese missile launching activities.

Why are we continue to trade down our believe of democratic process for cheap Chinese goods?

Chinese continues to post a threat toward democratic process

Bio Diesel - the New Fuel

by Joe Gokaho 2010.03.14 D7

Bio Diesel can be made is a relative short period of time, by extracting oil from plants like algae. It will be a better alternative than refining fossil.

I found this article from "Truck Trend" an interesting read.

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Entering the TruckTrend.com and Gas vs Diesel as your keywords.

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Even though the article is nearly 8-9 years old, but it still make sense.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/tech/163_0210_diesel_vs_gas/index.html