I want to have $1 coins, where can I find them?
In a plastic based society, having pocket full of change isn't the way to go. I don't recall the coins are something that I carry for a long long time. The coins are to be found in either car cup holders, or the plastic jug I placed nearby entrance door.
The "smart card", the micro-chip embedded cash card didn't take off in America, but it worked well in Europe when it was first introduced in 1990's/early 2000. I think having a superior communication infrastructure renders the off-line transaction (coins, cash smart card) less important.
I like to use coins to save our tax payer money, but couple things has to happen first
1. stronger pockets for all. better design of coins holder for purses
2. pricing structure need to match the use of coins when the basis for everything is near $1.00 mark - water, soda, chip, or lottery tickets.
3. machines accepts dollar coins
4. fewer credit card accepted vending machines. red box accept coins?/not credit cards?
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Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Vinegar? Differences?
Sherry Vinegar - Spanish, from Sherry, Sherry vinegar must undergo ageing in American oak for a minimum of six months
Red (wine) Vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar - Italy, white wine
Rice vinegar, white, flat in flavor, sushi rice is mixed with rice vinegar
Black (rice) vinegar, dark - Chinese likes this type
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Rained! Soil is moist again
Rained, finally. The badly needed rain has finally arrived.
Soak-er hoses are the way to combat hot and dry summer.
Soak-er hoses are the way to combat hot and dry summer.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Airline Ticketing Codes
First Class
F, A
Business Class
J, C, D, Z, P*
Full Fare Economy Class
Y, E
Discount Full Fare Economy
Class B
Economy Class
M, U*, H, Q*, V*, W, S*
Discount Economy
Class L*, T, K*
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Long Range SUV? Traveling with MDX and Trailer; U-Haul
March 2012 - Trailer Hitch and U-Haul Trailers
Towing - asking a professional truck driver.
1. a balanced trailer - is easier, and safer to drive
2. sliding trailer/shifting weight to the rear axle, also improves fuel efficiency.
3. sliding hitch to a "right" spot/over the drive axle can also improve fuel efficiency
# # # # #
Most trailer for cars, suv and pick up truck don't have these adjustment. The tongue weight - is fixed, can't be slide fwd or aft. The cargo trailer to rear axle is fixed. Balancing load between tongue, and rear axle have to be done right at the time of loading
# # # # .
U-Haul seems to offer the best value for trailer hitch installation. Just like any business, the real bottom time, when it is fully equipment with everything. The price can be 50% more than just the trailer equipment itself.
The trailer with tandem wheels seems to offer the better control/balance than single axle trailer. The draw back is higher gross weight.
1,000-lb, 2,000 lb, 3,500 lbs, 5,000 lbs seems to be common trailer rating for vehicles. Just like most aircraft carrying freight, it's likely that typical load fills up the available space/volume before reaching the maximum gross weight. So, what does it mean?
It's very likely that a vehicle with a recommended maximum trailer with of 3,500 can actually pull a trailer with a higher maximum gross weight rating.
# # # #
For example: 6' x 12' cargo trailer
Inside dimensions: 11'7" x 6' x 5'5" (LxWxH)
Door opening: 5'0" x 4'10" (WxH)
Volume: up to 396 cu. ft.
Max load: 2,480 lbs.
Gross vehicle weight: 4,400 lbs. max.
Empty weight: 1,920 lbs.
# # # # #
Acura MDX/Pilot = 3,500 maximum (4,500 with aerodynamic boat trailer)
Trailer empty weight, 1,900 lbs = 1,600 lbs.
# # # #
1,600 lbs over 12x6 sq ft = 22 lbs/sq ft
boxes clothing = (2ft x 3 boxes) x 2ft wide x 3 ft @ 40 lbs = 150 lbs
couch = 7 ft x 3 ft (3ft tall) @ 150 lb
queen size beds set = 7 ft x 3 ft (5 ft tall, width) @ 200 lbs
standard boxes = 12x 12x 18
standard boxes 5 rows (5x 1 ft), 2 columns (2 x 1.5ft) x (4 x 1 ft) =40 boxes
40 boxes @ 20 lbs = 800 lbs
Up right piano = 5 ft x 2.5 ft (4 ft tall) @ 600 lb
========================================
1,900 lbs payload + 1,900 empty = 3,800 lbs
March 2012- Trailer Sizing for MDX
If a back seat seat back can be replaced/re-foam with an integrated fuel tank, how much additional fuel storage can you get?
Many passenger car offers fold down rear seats, if we don't need it then, use the seat back as fixed fuel storage.
4 feet wide x 1.5 ft wide and 3/4 ft deep. The extra 6 inches will not take too much of cargo space. The extra 4.5 cu ft of volume = 7.4 gallon/cu ft = 33 gallon?
33 gallon = 6.8 lb/gallon = 200 pounds of fuel
A total of 50 gallon fuel tanks = 1,500 mile range @ 62 miles/hour avg = 24 hours of continuous travel.
(original post)
The magic fuel tank size seems to be 18 plus gallons, regardless of the fuel efficiency.
MDX gets 20 mpg on highway, it has a 18 gallon tank, it translates into 360 miles
Altima gets 33 mpg on highway, and it also has a 18 gallon gas tank, it translates into 600 miles range.
Why can we put a bigger tank, (30 gallon tank) on SUV so that it has the same 600 miles range or more?
MDX has the 3rd row seats that most of us don't really need. By taking out the bottom seat cushions and seat back, it creates a decent size of cavity for internal fuel tank; 4 ft wide x 2 ft long x 3/4 ft deep.
6 cu ft of space, with a protective top and surrounding structure, there is space left for (6x7.4) = 44 gallons tank supplemental system. With a combined tanks of (44+18) 62 gallons capacity, the MDX is capable of 1,200 cruise range.
How/where to buy and install an auxiliary fuel tank?
Towing - asking a professional truck driver.
1. a balanced trailer - is easier, and safer to drive
2. sliding trailer/shifting weight to the rear axle, also improves fuel efficiency.
3. sliding hitch to a "right" spot/over the drive axle can also improve fuel efficiency
# # # # #
Most trailer for cars, suv and pick up truck don't have these adjustment. The tongue weight - is fixed, can't be slide fwd or aft. The cargo trailer to rear axle is fixed. Balancing load between tongue, and rear axle have to be done right at the time of loading
# # # # .
U-Haul seems to offer the best value for trailer hitch installation. Just like any business, the real bottom time, when it is fully equipment with everything. The price can be 50% more than just the trailer equipment itself.
The trailer with tandem wheels seems to offer the better control/balance than single axle trailer. The draw back is higher gross weight.
1,000-lb, 2,000 lb, 3,500 lbs, 5,000 lbs seems to be common trailer rating for vehicles. Just like most aircraft carrying freight, it's likely that typical load fills up the available space/volume before reaching the maximum gross weight. So, what does it mean?
It's very likely that a vehicle with a recommended maximum trailer with of 3,500 can actually pull a trailer with a higher maximum gross weight rating.
# # # #
For example: 6' x 12' cargo trailer
Inside dimensions: 11'7" x 6' x 5'5" (LxWxH)
Door opening: 5'0" x 4'10" (WxH)
Volume: up to 396 cu. ft.
Max load: 2,480 lbs.
Gross vehicle weight: 4,400 lbs. max.
Empty weight: 1,920 lbs.
# # # # #
Acura MDX/Pilot = 3,500 maximum (4,500 with aerodynamic boat trailer)
Trailer empty weight, 1,900 lbs = 1,600 lbs.
# # # #
1,600 lbs over 12x6 sq ft = 22 lbs/sq ft
boxes clothing = (2ft x 3 boxes) x 2ft wide x 3 ft @ 40 lbs = 150 lbs
couch = 7 ft x 3 ft (3ft tall) @ 150 lb
queen size beds set = 7 ft x 3 ft (5 ft tall, width) @ 200 lbs
standard boxes = 12x 12x 18
standard boxes 5 rows (5x 1 ft), 2 columns (2 x 1.5ft) x (4 x 1 ft) =40 boxes
40 boxes @ 20 lbs = 800 lbs
Up right piano = 5 ft x 2.5 ft (4 ft tall) @ 600 lb
========================================
1,900 lbs payload + 1,900 empty = 3,800 lbs
March 2012- Trailer Sizing for MDX
If a back seat seat back can be replaced/re-foam with an integrated fuel tank, how much additional fuel storage can you get?
Many passenger car offers fold down rear seats, if we don't need it then, use the seat back as fixed fuel storage.
4 feet wide x 1.5 ft wide and 3/4 ft deep. The extra 6 inches will not take too much of cargo space. The extra 4.5 cu ft of volume = 7.4 gallon/cu ft = 33 gallon?
33 gallon = 6.8 lb/gallon = 200 pounds of fuel
A total of 50 gallon fuel tanks = 1,500 mile range @ 62 miles/hour avg = 24 hours of continuous travel.
Traveling with 6x10 Trailer
Acura MDX, 2001-2006
Acura MDX, 2001-2006
with 5,000 lbs towing hitch (just be on the safe side)
6x10 tandem utility trailer (like the U-Haul, 2000 lb empty, 1500 lb payload max)
,100 (estimate) personal items
,100 Generator
,200 battery charging
,060 cooking
,300 water liquid
,150 food provision
, 50 (estimate) tent and sleeping gear
===============
1,000 lbs
1,000 lbs
Portable generator & fuel = 100 lb
=================================
All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator
1/2 load, 10 hours 1.3 gallon 55-60 lbs, without fuel
======
5 gallon portable fuel tank = 5/1.3 gallon @ 10 hours = 38 hours
5 gallon fuel @ 7 lbs /gallon = 35 lbs
Battery Charging and DC/AC Inverter = 200 lb
===============================
Deep cycle battery 130 Amp Hours @ 50 lb each
4 deep cycle battery pack @ 200 lbs
130 amp-hours x 4 each x 12 volt = 6,240 watts-hour
6,240 - 8 hours = 800 watts
6,240 - 12 hours = 500 watts
Cooking, AC, Power Bright PW1500-12 Power Inverter 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC
Cooking, Power Bright PW1100-12 Power Inverter 1100 Watt 12 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC
Power Bright PW200-12 Power Inverter 200 Watt 12 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC
Cooking equipment = 60 lbs
================================
Induction electric cooktop x 2 1500watts 10 lbs
1300 watt - microwave oven 30 lbs
Pots, pans, utilities 20 lbs
Drinking water/Potable water tank = 300 lbs
====================================
Bottle water 12 gallon @ 8.6 gallon = 110lbs
Potable water 20 gallon @ 8.6 gallon = 180 lbs
12 VDC, 3.0 GPM, 55 PSI, and 7.5 Amps, water pump = 5 lbs
Hot water provision (110v system)?
Food Provisions = 150 lbs
===================================
soda 12 pkg @ 9 lb /ea - 5 case = 50 lbs
Rice = 1 lb box x 10 = 10 lbs
Baby Clam = 1/2 lb x 10 = 5 lb
Can chicken = 1 lb x 10 = 10 lbs
spaghetti = 1 lb x 10 = 10 lbs
Pasta sauce = 2 lb x 10 = 20 lb
pine seeds = 1 lb x 1 = 1 lb
Spicy noodles (cup-o-noodle) = .5 lb x 20 = 10 lb
can, beef stews soup = 1 lb x 20 = 20lbs
crackers, 1 lb x 10 = 10 lbs
Potato chips 1 lb x 10 = 10 lbs
(original post)
The magic fuel tank size seems to be 18 plus gallons, regardless of the fuel efficiency.
MDX gets 20 mpg on highway, it has a 18 gallon tank, it translates into 360 miles
Altima gets 33 mpg on highway, and it also has a 18 gallon gas tank, it translates into 600 miles range.
Why can we put a bigger tank, (30 gallon tank) on SUV so that it has the same 600 miles range or more?
MDX has the 3rd row seats that most of us don't really need. By taking out the bottom seat cushions and seat back, it creates a decent size of cavity for internal fuel tank; 4 ft wide x 2 ft long x 3/4 ft deep.
6 cu ft of space, with a protective top and surrounding structure, there is space left for (6x7.4) = 44 gallons tank supplemental system. With a combined tanks of (44+18) 62 gallons capacity, the MDX is capable of 1,200 cruise range.
How/where to buy and install an auxiliary fuel tank?
SmartOnes, Weight Watchers, Frozen food review
Smart Ones Weight Watchers
My take on all the nice frozen foods - review
On average, each package contains 30% of sodium. I can easily take-in 3 boxes in one sitting. or 6-7 boxes a day. It translates into 200% of suggested daily intake for sodium. Granted, sodium elevates flavors; but I don't think I will miss that much if it is cut down to 20% per box.
=====
Slow Roasted Turkey Breast
200 cal fat 60 cal NaCl 30%
Spicy Szechuan Style Vegetables & Chicken
240 cal fat 50 cal NaCl 29%
lot of flavor, too salty - not sure it's soy sauce or salt
Shrimp Marinara
180 cal fat 20 cal NaCl 24%
saucy, needs a bit sugar to counter balance tomato sauce, a bit too salty
Spaghetti with Meat Souce
290 cal fat 90 cal NaCl 30%
Hit and miss, heavy (food by weight), ok taste
Chicken Santa Fe
140 cal fat 20 cal NaCl 33%
My take on all the nice frozen foods - review
On average, each package contains 30% of sodium. I can easily take-in 3 boxes in one sitting. or 6-7 boxes a day. It translates into 200% of suggested daily intake for sodium. Granted, sodium elevates flavors; but I don't think I will miss that much if it is cut down to 20% per box.
=====
Slow Roasted Turkey Breast
200 cal fat 60 cal NaCl 30%
lot of flavor, great sauce, frozen mesh potato isn't as good as turkey
Spicy Szechuan Style Vegetables & Chicken
240 cal fat 50 cal NaCl 29%
lot of flavor, too salty - not sure it's soy sauce or salt
Shrimp Marinara
180 cal fat 20 cal NaCl 24%
saucy, needs a bit sugar to counter balance tomato sauce, a bit too salty
Spaghetti with Meat Souce
290 cal fat 90 cal NaCl 30%
Hit and miss, heavy (food by weight), ok taste
Chicken Carbonara
260 cal fat 45 cal NaCl 29%
Chicken Santa Fe
140 cal fat 20 cal NaCl 33%
Too saucy - add a few grains of well cooked, soft rice would be nice.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Newer Semi Tractor Trucks
Peterbilt 386
FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120 (CL120)
Kenworth T2000
1. Payment, if any - car loan
2. Insurance, driving habit
3. Vehicle operating expense
maintenance
wear and tear items
scheduled, expected repairs
fuel tax
Crater of Diamonds, NOT!
The name shall be changed to Crater of Diamonds to Crater of Jasper.
Finding the diamonds requires a bit more training than the videos shown at the visitor center. Tired of not finding diamonds except some reflective, shining dust in the soils, collecting pretty rocks was the way to go. Most of the rocks caught my attention were Jasper. What is Jasper? Gem stone quality?
What is the best method to look for diamonds? Who's knows? Commercial mining technology is quite different from the armature family fun at the Crater of Diamonds - no motorized tools are allowed.
Finding the diamonds requires a bit more training than the videos shown at the visitor center. Tired of not finding diamonds except some reflective, shining dust in the soils, collecting pretty rocks was the way to go. Most of the rocks caught my attention were Jasper. What is Jasper? Gem stone quality?
What is the best method to look for diamonds? Who's knows? Commercial mining technology is quite different from the armature family fun at the Crater of Diamonds - no motorized tools are allowed.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Repairing My Beloved huer lambelet watch
huer lambelet watch? Where can you find the authorized dealers?
I like the watch because the style/artistic aspect of the watch, not so much of the "Swiss Movement" - even though the name sounded Swiss too.
The local Mexican-ized market store offers to repair the dis-logged minute hands and second hand for $65. The repair man claims that there are more internal damage to the "mechanics" of the watch. Where are they going to get the parts? Will the repair last?
A decent fashion watch can be had for $70 at Wal Mart. But liking the design over the functioning of the watch makes the broken Heuer Lambelet watch a "fashion" accessory repair than a "time-piece" repair.
I like the watch because the style/artistic aspect of the watch, not so much of the "Swiss Movement" - even though the name sounded Swiss too.
The local Mexican-ized market store offers to repair the dis-logged minute hands and second hand for $65. The repair man claims that there are more internal damage to the "mechanics" of the watch. Where are they going to get the parts? Will the repair last?
A decent fashion watch can be had for $70 at Wal Mart. But liking the design over the functioning of the watch makes the broken Heuer Lambelet watch a "fashion" accessory repair than a "time-piece" repair.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Vacation in AR - Crater of Diamonds State Park, In Search of Diamonds
Crater of Diamonds State Park
209 State Park Road
Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Phone: (870) 285-3113
Hours 8:00am - 5pm (winter)
Hours 8:00am - 8pm (summer)
Fees to search for Diamonds
Adults: | $7.00 |
Children (ages 6-12): | $4.00 |
Children under 6 years old: | FREE |
Stuff to bring
Small wooden box screen
3.5 gallon plastic bucket
Folding army shovel
Knee Pads
Screen Set
Saruca (finishing screen)
Pets
Dogs are allowed click the link to see the FAQ
Pets
Dogs are allowed click the link to see the FAQ
Hotel/Camp Base
S The close camp to the Crater of Diamonds are
1. Little Rock
2. Texakana or
3. The Park camping facility
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