"You can only defecate so long in your living room before it becomes uninhabitable."
--Robbie Love Giles (quoted from an article on ClimateProgress.org about how Congress people are voting on anti-environment bills: http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/07/30/283648/the-most-anti-environment-house-in-history-how-is-your-representative-voting/
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
54.5 mpg
It's great that auto makers agreed to a goal of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. Actually new cars then will get more like 40 mpg, but the average is brought up by the presence of about 30% hybrids (currently 2-3%) and 5-10% electric cars. But 54.5 has to be seen as only a step in the right direction.
As I've argued before on this blog, the earth can only absorb 8 billion tons of CO2. Since there are almost 8 billion people, that gives each of us 1 ton to work with. If we drive 1200 miles per month (national average) and average 54.5 mpg, that is still 257 gallons of gasoline per year. At 21 pounds of CO2 per gallon (counting refining) that equals about 2.5 tons of CO2. And that's just for our personal driving; it doesn't include trucks, trains, boats, planes, or all the CO2 generated by industry and farming. Given all these other sources of CO2, and that it's difficult to replace natural gas for heating, we have to get cars completely off of fossil fuels if we are to stand any chance of stopping global warming; i.e. 2.5 tons of CO2 for personal driving is 2.5 tons too much. To get off of fossil fuels means 100% electric cars with the electricity generated by renewable sources such as solar. It also means more bike/pedestrian/transit friendly development to take the place of low density urban sprawl. I also think there is a place for biofuels if they are produced with a very low carbon footprint.
And we need to act fast. By the 54.5 goal year of 2025, at our current rate of increasing CO2 in the atmosphere, we will be close to 425 parts per million. Since 350 ppm is already identified by leading climatologist James Hansen as a danger point, continuing the rise is fraught with danger.
What we really need is a timetable to phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles. How about an agreement to stop making them by 2030, and to stop selling gasoline without special circumstances (e.g. antique cars, hardship cases for old cars owned by poor people, . . .) by 2040?
As I've argued before on this blog, the earth can only absorb 8 billion tons of CO2. Since there are almost 8 billion people, that gives each of us 1 ton to work with. If we drive 1200 miles per month (national average) and average 54.5 mpg, that is still 257 gallons of gasoline per year. At 21 pounds of CO2 per gallon (counting refining) that equals about 2.5 tons of CO2. And that's just for our personal driving; it doesn't include trucks, trains, boats, planes, or all the CO2 generated by industry and farming. Given all these other sources of CO2, and that it's difficult to replace natural gas for heating, we have to get cars completely off of fossil fuels if we are to stand any chance of stopping global warming; i.e. 2.5 tons of CO2 for personal driving is 2.5 tons too much. To get off of fossil fuels means 100% electric cars with the electricity generated by renewable sources such as solar. It also means more bike/pedestrian/transit friendly development to take the place of low density urban sprawl. I also think there is a place for biofuels if they are produced with a very low carbon footprint.
And we need to act fast. By the 54.5 goal year of 2025, at our current rate of increasing CO2 in the atmosphere, we will be close to 425 parts per million. Since 350 ppm is already identified by leading climatologist James Hansen as a danger point, continuing the rise is fraught with danger.
What we really need is a timetable to phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles. How about an agreement to stop making them by 2030, and to stop selling gasoline without special circumstances (e.g. antique cars, hardship cases for old cars owned by poor people, . . .) by 2040?
Monday, July 25, 2011
You Go California!
I am very happy to read Governor Jerry Brown's ambitious goals for increasing renewable energy production in California. According to his clean energy site Brown wants to add 20,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (1/3 of the state's current peak demand) by 2020. This will include 12,000 MW of localized PV and 8,000 MW from large scale projects.
He is also looking for ways to finance improvements in building energy efficiency, an area where California has led the nation since Brown was governor in the 1970s. Brown's site explains that, at that time California established standards that have enabled the state to maintain zero increase in electricity consumption, "even while the state's ecomomy grew by 80%." The site continues, "During that same time period, the United States' per capita electricity consumption has increased 50%. These standards have saved California more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978, equivalent to more than $1,000 per household. Savings from energy efficiency also have a multiplier effect that creates far more jobs than comparable investments in fossil fuels or other energy sources."
If we can make Brown's 2020 goal of 33% renewables in the next 10 years, there's no reason why we can't go all the way to 100% in the next 10 years (or 20 at most). Brown contends that "California has the ability to produce at least 1.3 million megawatts of renewable energy – roughly 22 times our current electricity capacity."
Brown also contends that his plan will create close to half a million jobs.
Now if the other states would just get with it!
A Little about Lithium
One question often comes up is about the supply of lithium for batteries. Is there enough? Will it become like oil is today--a bloody battleground for those countries unfortunate enough to have a lot?
One point I just learned is that lithium is not a very major factor in the cost of batteries. According to an article by Michael Kanellos in Greentech Media titled Meet Mr. Lithium, a $15,000 EV battery might only contain $100 worth of lithium. And the element is fairly abundant, so there is little likelihood of running out in the foreseeable future. Thus, even if the price of lithium goes up by a factor of 10, the cost of batteries would only go up 6%.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Electric Vehicles and our Volt articles in Sierra Club Yodeler
Please check out two articles on electric vehicles in the latest Sierra Club Yodeler (Northern California Sierra Club Newspaper). One is by Gina Coplon-Newfield, senior campaign representative, Sierra Club national electric-vehicles campaign, and the other is by me, about our Volt and Solar Panels. (Gina's article is second on the page, and mine is below hers).
Here's the link: Yodeler articles on Electric Vehicles
Saturday, July 16, 2011
We have our work cut out
I´m just returning from two weeks in Uruguay and Argentina. In Uruguay I asked about electric cars and was told that there was one in the country. In Argentina, the people I talked to were not aware of any. Gas is over $4.00 per gallon, so there is a good basis to make the switch to electricity (and most of the electricity comes from hydro power, so it is carbon neutral).
What happens in the U.S.A. is very influential in the world (rock and roll is big here), so I think we need to work hard to set a good example and hope it spreads.
What happens in the U.S.A. is very influential in the world (rock and roll is big here), so I think we need to work hard to set a good example and hope it spreads.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Cars Too Roundup
With the new Cars 2 movie and LEGO sets out it's no surprise that we came up with our own tie in challenge and called it...um...Cars, Too. But true to LUGNuts form, this challenge has a few twists. Sure you can build any character from the movies Cars and Cars 2 but also acceptable are any vehicles with a face on it. What the hell does that mean, you may ask...well, cars from children's illustrated books would work but if cutesy sunshine and rainbows isn't your thing, then the snarling skull and cross bones on the Death Proof Nova would totally work as well. Lets just see how we did, shall we?
Living up to its name, Fe2Cruz is first on the slab with this cute little Speed Buggy. The expressive eyes and even the animated stance of the wheels illustrate perfectly what this challenge is all about. Way to show us all how its done!
And no slouch in the "showing us all how its done" department is of course Peter Blackert with his first of many, many entries...this one is the colorful Nigel Gearsley - Aston Martin DB9R Racer. Hope you got a snack and maybe coffee with a little extra sumpin' sumpin' in it, cuz this is going to be a long ride!
Another fine British chap is Sgt. Highgear, Buckingham Palace's stuffy regimental guard. It's only fitting that Sarge is a red Land Rover and the fat balloony tire used as a fluffy hat...too perfect!
Keeping up with the British theme is David Hobbscap, a 1963 Jaguar lightweight E-type Coupe in classic British racing forest green. It's no coincidence that he announces the races just like his namesake...David Hobbs.
Its sort of funny and fitting that Peter's first American vehicle is poor rusted old Mater the '55 Chevy tow truck. Voiced by none other than...um...Larry the Cable Guy, Mater isn't the brightest bulb in the whole chandelier but is dependable, hard working...and even gets caught up in an international spy ring. How cool is that? Git 'er done, Mater!
And speaking of gittin' things done is The King, Strip Weathers...a 1970 Plymouth Superbird who is no stranger to gittin' things done at over 200 MPH. He was voiced by none other than NASCAR Grand Poobah, Richard Petty. I mean...who else would voice such a car, really?
Jeff Gorvette is a racing Corvette C6.R done up in patriotic colors and according to Disney/Pixar he's one of the greatest American racecars alive today and a real threat at the world Grand Prix. Heh, remember when you were a kid the first time you read the words "grand prix" aloud? It was pretty funny.
Sometimes American cars have a south of the border flair as evidenced by purple Ramone. Voiced by the hilarious Cheech Maron, Ramone is a flashy Mexican lowrider who switches up his paint scheme as often as I change my underwear...which is just about daily.
This challenge suggested that we could build vehicles that look like they should be in the Cars movie but are not. Peter illustrates one such example with Ramone's more conservative older sister, Coral. She's a pristine '55 Chevy Bel Air with a black and...um...coral-ish two tone paint job. I wish such a color existed in abundance.
Another fabrication from the mind of Peter "Lego911" Blackert is Ramone's brother Nomad, the '56 Chevy Nomad. He's not as into body art as Ramone is but Nomad has a few custom fabrications of his own with his lowered stance on wide rimmed gold spoked wheels and dark red and gold color scheme. The '56 Chev Nomad just so happens to be my fave car of all time.
Playing a minor role in the Cars movie is Michael Schumacher, a Ferrari F430 Berlinetta. Toward the end of the film he shows up to pay a visit to Ferrari crazed Luigi and his tire shop at Radiator Springs. He was flanked by a pair of sleek Maseratis...a dream come true for Italian born little Luigi.
Next on the slab is Lewis Hamilton, the super fast McLaren MP4-12C supercar. He sports a striking metallic black and yellow color scheme and the flag of Grenada, home to his family who emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. The car was voiced by British racing legend Lewis Hamilton himself.
Snotrod is the only muscle car in a gang of tuner sedans. He is named for his allergy problem which results in his explosive albeit hilarious sneezing fits. However, his ability to clear the road of pesky traffic is unmatched and much appreciated by his buddies who like the road all to themselves.
Much more suave and debonair than Snotrod is Finn McMissile, who is a master British spy. Though charming and eloquent, it's his stealth maeuvering, intelligence, and years in the field that enable him to thwart unexpected attacks from bad guys. He mistakes rusty Mater for an American spy in a clever disguise and hilarity ensues.
Radiator Springs resident Luigi is a big-hearted, gregarious and excitable Italian Fiat 500. A tire virtuoso and owner of Lugi's Casa Della Tires, he is naturally a fanatic for all things Italian and is particularly enchanted by Ferrari racing cars. Cars 2 takes the Radiator Springs gang to Luigi's home village of Porto Corsa, Italy where his family greets everyone in big Italian style.
Back with a flashy peacock green paint job is Green Ramone. The cool thing about a lowrider like Ramone (what ISN"T cool about him)? is he changes his paint job daily so all kinds of neat color configurations can be made. Now if only he came in purple. Oh wait....right!
Sally Carrera is a demure baby blue Porsche 911 and the apple of Lightning McQueen's eye. Longing for Lightning's return from his latest Piston Cup race season, Sally is looking forward to a long drive with "Stickers", as she affectionately calls Lightning. While she prefers understated clean tones over gaudy flash, she is still quite fond of McQueen.
Another demure girl who likes her boyfriends flashy is Flo, Ramone's main squeeze. Flo is a sassy, no-nonsense lady with the biggest heart in Radiator Springs. She runs the local diner, Flo's V8 cafe, the only gas station for miles around, where she still serves the "finest fuel in 50 states". She was a touring Motorama girl in the '50's. Sweet!
Sheriff is a 1949 Mercury Police Cruiser and is the local law enforcement and the keeper of the peace in Radiator Springs. He does what most old men enjoy doing...telling stories and taking naps behind the Radiator Springs billboard. That's where he was when Lightning McQueen first zoomed into town years ago, which led to a messy car chase that didn't end well.
Francesco Bernoulli is Europe's number 1 racecar. He's also...um...Francesco's number 1 racecar as he is his own biggest fan. I can totally relate. I built the official LEGO set of Francesco and it was a pretty fun build. All I can say to the hot rod builders out there is...red rims, dudes! Think about it...red rims. Classic hot rod style right there!
Another figment of Peter's crazed automotive imagination is Dan "The MAN" heavy goods vehicle. It makes sense, too. Flo needs the "finest fuel in 50 states" and its up to Dan to deliver the goods. He pays homage to the good ol' Octan Racing challenge from a few months back in both color and verbage. Nice touch!
David Ludebaker is a made up character that came to Radiator Springs to pay respect for the late oldschool racing legend Doc Hudson. It's not that he was late for anything but more like dead. Why do they call dead people late anyway? David lives in Washington state and is based on an American AFOL who loves classic cars. Any guess on who that might be? Old...feisty...cantankerous...the resemblance is uncanny! ;)
Speaking of old, the senior resident of Radiator Springs is Lizzy, the Model T Ford. She's a little old lady, but still an active businesswoman who uses her moxie to sell bumper stickers, mud flaps and other Route 66 memorabilia from her curio shop. She's as feisty as she is brash. Lizzie's unswerving frankness and offbeat comments keep the townsfolk and tourists on their toes, even though she has no idea what she's just said.
And finally on the Lego911 slab is Acer, my fave outcast vehicle from Cars 2 and with that Peter says "Ok, I'm done!" I'm done too. This has been a great challenge but I've got a brand new Lego room just dying to be used, so tune in for our next challenge when we...oh wait. We still have everyone else's entries to go. 23 entries...how does he do it?! Cripes, man! Ok, lets soldier on.
LegoExotics somehow lives up to his own name with this Ferrari 360 Modena. He says his buddy Sven modified his old model to look like a Cars character in order to correspond with our challenge. We all could use a buddy Sven, even if only just to crack Scandinavian jokes with. Here's one...Ole bought Lena a piano for her birthday. A few weeks later, Lars inquired how she was doing with it. "Oh," said Ole, "I persuaded her to svitch to a clarinet." "How come?" asked Lars. "Vell," Ole answered, "because vith a clarinet, she can't sing.
Thanks, ladies and germs, I'm here all week! Be sure to tip your bartender! No really, seems like I'm here all week with this writing. But next up is Ace and his cute little Rod Steward. There is no relation to the decrepit old rocker with the Ziggy Stardust mullet...but rather Rod is a relative of Mater and more like a Spongebob on wheels. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Your mother, that's who!
If you want my body and you think I'm sexy, come on baby let me know. Sorry, I wasn't getting all saucy there. I just got that Rod Stewart song stuck in my head now. My mother thought he was the hottest thing ever, which is what made me think of that joke earlier. Anyway, she might also like this little Bat Tumbler as built by Krika99. If you're wondering what this build is doing in a face related challenge, it has a bat face...sort of. At least it does in the original blueprints anyway.
Shunazaver is back and has built Randy Vannis...an anthropomorphic garbage truck...thingy. He also tells us school has been a drag since it's the last week and all. Yeah I remember the last days of school. It's only a few short days before summer vacation starts and I forget everything I've ever learned.
Man, as I'm writing this I've made grilled cheese sandwiches for the first time in this new apartment and the smoke alarm is going off like crazy! I really ought to leave the multi-tasking to Administrative Assistants and single moms. Doing a little multi-tasking of his own is Oldeconoline with his official Ultimate Batmobile set that looks like its been defaced in garish Joker colors.
Also good at creating alternate models of official Lego sets is NK DeSign-er with this Uri Grant character...better known as Granturi, cousin to the ever popular Lighting McQueen. NK tells us this was modded from the 5867 Cteator Super Speedster set. Neat!
Not to make this build all about me, but this build is all about me. Let me explain. Thanks to the aforementioned move, this month marks the first in LUGNuts history that I had to sit out a challenge. If I had the time to build, this...uh...Fisher Price oldschool toy phone vehicle thingy was exactly what I was going to build! Yep, I even was gathering reference pics on my desktop. Luckily Nathan Proudlove pulled through with his own sweet version...and with the Santa Bikes, pair of Deoras, and nearly two evil clown trucks, this isn't the first time Nathan and I have come up with the same sick idea.
While Nathan and I have proven to share the same malformed brain, Ralph Savelsberg is surely a one-of-a-kind thinker with this fully transforming Autobot Tracks. While transformers are not a new idea, even in Lego, he has surely been unique with his ability to blur the rules of the challenge by giving this car a face...hidden within its robotic alter-ego. Difficult to build, yet flawless in its execution, this is some good stuff right there!
Dohoon Kim adds his own particular style to lovable Mack the '85 Superliner. Mack was voiced by the blue collar sounding John Ratzenberger who incidentally also voiced Hamm Truck, Abominable Snow Plow, P.T. Flea Car in the first Cars movie. Wow, now that is some great multi-tasking!
If you like all things lime green, you'll surely be tickled pink (or green) for this Giselle Grocery Getter built by Tim Inman. Don't let its understated form fool you, this build is truly complex and is currently on display at the Costa Mesa Community Window Lego Store Display. Way to go, Tim! I must admit, I do like her blue eye shadow. Classy!
Equally...um...classy is this Hot Rodded out V-12 Semi Truck built by Jonathan Derksen. What...who said blue eye shadow and hot rodded trucks aren't classy? Yeah, I guess those traits are decidedly trashy, not classy...but hey, ya gotta admit hot rods are cool and there's just something about a gal in blue eye shadow. Makes me wanna head to Walmart.
And speaking of which, it looks like Rolic's little baby girl has gotten to mom's makeup case and defiled one of his famous white cars with it. But no, that garish lipstick and blue eye shadow is brick built on purpose. This means Rolic must be acquiring at least some pieces in other colors besides white. Will we see future creations in surprising new colors any time soon? Only time will tell for sure, but I really hope so.
Star Trek, Star Wars...even Battlestar Galactica has an expanded universe for nerds to ponder over, and according to Kaitimar, so does Cars. Here we see Rudy the Riot Cop Riot Squad Police Vehicle from the Cars expanded universe suited up for when the citizens of Radiator Springs goes loco and is in need of some good old fashioned...um...riot policing. Don't taze me, bro!
While you're still figuring out that last internet meme you can quietly ponder the sound of one hand clapping...and this cute little Zen Master Pitty built by Raphy. He keeps the zen garden tranquil and all...um...zen-like with his rake. Shhhh...be quiet. You don't want to harsh his zen mellow, dudes.
Shhhhhhh. And with that, lets quietly ponder next month's challenge called Everything Under The Sun. We're not encouraged to build everything under the sun but rather everything...under the sun. Its all about vehicles where the driver's heads are exposed to the elements to enjoy the summer sun. Formula 1 racers, motorcycles, tractors and...um...topless convertibles are all the rage in this month's challenge so... SHOW US YOUR BOOBS!!! ......shhhhhhhhhh!! I mean...show us your topless summery cars. Shhhhh...I'm off to build now. Stay tuned to see how we do next month. Night night, everyone. Shhhhh.
Living up to its name, Fe2Cruz is first on the slab with this cute little Speed Buggy. The expressive eyes and even the animated stance of the wheels illustrate perfectly what this challenge is all about. Way to show us all how its done!
And no slouch in the "showing us all how its done" department is of course Peter Blackert with his first of many, many entries...this one is the colorful Nigel Gearsley - Aston Martin DB9R Racer. Hope you got a snack and maybe coffee with a little extra sumpin' sumpin' in it, cuz this is going to be a long ride!
Another fine British chap is Sgt. Highgear, Buckingham Palace's stuffy regimental guard. It's only fitting that Sarge is a red Land Rover and the fat balloony tire used as a fluffy hat...too perfect!
Keeping up with the British theme is David Hobbscap, a 1963 Jaguar lightweight E-type Coupe in classic British racing forest green. It's no coincidence that he announces the races just like his namesake...David Hobbs.
Its sort of funny and fitting that Peter's first American vehicle is poor rusted old Mater the '55 Chevy tow truck. Voiced by none other than...um...Larry the Cable Guy, Mater isn't the brightest bulb in the whole chandelier but is dependable, hard working...and even gets caught up in an international spy ring. How cool is that? Git 'er done, Mater!
And speaking of gittin' things done is The King, Strip Weathers...a 1970 Plymouth Superbird who is no stranger to gittin' things done at over 200 MPH. He was voiced by none other than NASCAR Grand Poobah, Richard Petty. I mean...who else would voice such a car, really?
Jeff Gorvette is a racing Corvette C6.R done up in patriotic colors and according to Disney/Pixar he's one of the greatest American racecars alive today and a real threat at the world Grand Prix. Heh, remember when you were a kid the first time you read the words "grand prix" aloud? It was pretty funny.
Sometimes American cars have a south of the border flair as evidenced by purple Ramone. Voiced by the hilarious Cheech Maron, Ramone is a flashy Mexican lowrider who switches up his paint scheme as often as I change my underwear...which is just about daily.
This challenge suggested that we could build vehicles that look like they should be in the Cars movie but are not. Peter illustrates one such example with Ramone's more conservative older sister, Coral. She's a pristine '55 Chevy Bel Air with a black and...um...coral-ish two tone paint job. I wish such a color existed in abundance.
Another fabrication from the mind of Peter "Lego911" Blackert is Ramone's brother Nomad, the '56 Chevy Nomad. He's not as into body art as Ramone is but Nomad has a few custom fabrications of his own with his lowered stance on wide rimmed gold spoked wheels and dark red and gold color scheme. The '56 Chev Nomad just so happens to be my fave car of all time.
Playing a minor role in the Cars movie is Michael Schumacher, a Ferrari F430 Berlinetta. Toward the end of the film he shows up to pay a visit to Ferrari crazed Luigi and his tire shop at Radiator Springs. He was flanked by a pair of sleek Maseratis...a dream come true for Italian born little Luigi.
Next on the slab is Lewis Hamilton, the super fast McLaren MP4-12C supercar. He sports a striking metallic black and yellow color scheme and the flag of Grenada, home to his family who emigrated to Britain in the 1950s. The car was voiced by British racing legend Lewis Hamilton himself.
Snotrod is the only muscle car in a gang of tuner sedans. He is named for his allergy problem which results in his explosive albeit hilarious sneezing fits. However, his ability to clear the road of pesky traffic is unmatched and much appreciated by his buddies who like the road all to themselves.
Much more suave and debonair than Snotrod is Finn McMissile, who is a master British spy. Though charming and eloquent, it's his stealth maeuvering, intelligence, and years in the field that enable him to thwart unexpected attacks from bad guys. He mistakes rusty Mater for an American spy in a clever disguise and hilarity ensues.
Radiator Springs resident Luigi is a big-hearted, gregarious and excitable Italian Fiat 500. A tire virtuoso and owner of Lugi's Casa Della Tires, he is naturally a fanatic for all things Italian and is particularly enchanted by Ferrari racing cars. Cars 2 takes the Radiator Springs gang to Luigi's home village of Porto Corsa, Italy where his family greets everyone in big Italian style.
Back with a flashy peacock green paint job is Green Ramone. The cool thing about a lowrider like Ramone (what ISN"T cool about him)? is he changes his paint job daily so all kinds of neat color configurations can be made. Now if only he came in purple. Oh wait....right!
Sally Carrera is a demure baby blue Porsche 911 and the apple of Lightning McQueen's eye. Longing for Lightning's return from his latest Piston Cup race season, Sally is looking forward to a long drive with "Stickers", as she affectionately calls Lightning. While she prefers understated clean tones over gaudy flash, she is still quite fond of McQueen.
Another demure girl who likes her boyfriends flashy is Flo, Ramone's main squeeze. Flo is a sassy, no-nonsense lady with the biggest heart in Radiator Springs. She runs the local diner, Flo's V8 cafe, the only gas station for miles around, where she still serves the "finest fuel in 50 states". She was a touring Motorama girl in the '50's. Sweet!
Sheriff is a 1949 Mercury Police Cruiser and is the local law enforcement and the keeper of the peace in Radiator Springs. He does what most old men enjoy doing...telling stories and taking naps behind the Radiator Springs billboard. That's where he was when Lightning McQueen first zoomed into town years ago, which led to a messy car chase that didn't end well.
Francesco Bernoulli is Europe's number 1 racecar. He's also...um...Francesco's number 1 racecar as he is his own biggest fan. I can totally relate. I built the official LEGO set of Francesco and it was a pretty fun build. All I can say to the hot rod builders out there is...red rims, dudes! Think about it...red rims. Classic hot rod style right there!
Another figment of Peter's crazed automotive imagination is Dan "The MAN" heavy goods vehicle. It makes sense, too. Flo needs the "finest fuel in 50 states" and its up to Dan to deliver the goods. He pays homage to the good ol' Octan Racing challenge from a few months back in both color and verbage. Nice touch!
David Ludebaker is a made up character that came to Radiator Springs to pay respect for the late oldschool racing legend Doc Hudson. It's not that he was late for anything but more like dead. Why do they call dead people late anyway? David lives in Washington state and is based on an American AFOL who loves classic cars. Any guess on who that might be? Old...feisty...cantankerous...the resemblance is uncanny! ;)
Speaking of old, the senior resident of Radiator Springs is Lizzy, the Model T Ford. She's a little old lady, but still an active businesswoman who uses her moxie to sell bumper stickers, mud flaps and other Route 66 memorabilia from her curio shop. She's as feisty as she is brash. Lizzie's unswerving frankness and offbeat comments keep the townsfolk and tourists on their toes, even though she has no idea what she's just said.
And finally on the Lego911 slab is Acer, my fave outcast vehicle from Cars 2 and with that Peter says "Ok, I'm done!" I'm done too. This has been a great challenge but I've got a brand new Lego room just dying to be used, so tune in for our next challenge when we...oh wait. We still have everyone else's entries to go. 23 entries...how does he do it?! Cripes, man! Ok, lets soldier on.
LegoExotics somehow lives up to his own name with this Ferrari 360 Modena. He says his buddy Sven modified his old model to look like a Cars character in order to correspond with our challenge. We all could use a buddy Sven, even if only just to crack Scandinavian jokes with. Here's one...Ole bought Lena a piano for her birthday. A few weeks later, Lars inquired how she was doing with it. "Oh," said Ole, "I persuaded her to svitch to a clarinet." "How come?" asked Lars. "Vell," Ole answered, "because vith a clarinet, she can't sing.
Thanks, ladies and germs, I'm here all week! Be sure to tip your bartender! No really, seems like I'm here all week with this writing. But next up is Ace and his cute little Rod Steward. There is no relation to the decrepit old rocker with the Ziggy Stardust mullet...but rather Rod is a relative of Mater and more like a Spongebob on wheels. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Your mother, that's who!
If you want my body and you think I'm sexy, come on baby let me know. Sorry, I wasn't getting all saucy there. I just got that Rod Stewart song stuck in my head now. My mother thought he was the hottest thing ever, which is what made me think of that joke earlier. Anyway, she might also like this little Bat Tumbler as built by Krika99. If you're wondering what this build is doing in a face related challenge, it has a bat face...sort of. At least it does in the original blueprints anyway.
Shunazaver is back and has built Randy Vannis...an anthropomorphic garbage truck...thingy. He also tells us school has been a drag since it's the last week and all. Yeah I remember the last days of school. It's only a few short days before summer vacation starts and I forget everything I've ever learned.
Man, as I'm writing this I've made grilled cheese sandwiches for the first time in this new apartment and the smoke alarm is going off like crazy! I really ought to leave the multi-tasking to Administrative Assistants and single moms. Doing a little multi-tasking of his own is Oldeconoline with his official Ultimate Batmobile set that looks like its been defaced in garish Joker colors.
Also good at creating alternate models of official Lego sets is NK DeSign-er with this Uri Grant character...better known as Granturi, cousin to the ever popular Lighting McQueen. NK tells us this was modded from the 5867 Cteator Super Speedster set. Neat!
Not to make this build all about me, but this build is all about me. Let me explain. Thanks to the aforementioned move, this month marks the first in LUGNuts history that I had to sit out a challenge. If I had the time to build, this...uh...Fisher Price oldschool toy phone vehicle thingy was exactly what I was going to build! Yep, I even was gathering reference pics on my desktop. Luckily Nathan Proudlove pulled through with his own sweet version...and with the Santa Bikes, pair of Deoras, and nearly two evil clown trucks, this isn't the first time Nathan and I have come up with the same sick idea.
While Nathan and I have proven to share the same malformed brain, Ralph Savelsberg is surely a one-of-a-kind thinker with this fully transforming Autobot Tracks. While transformers are not a new idea, even in Lego, he has surely been unique with his ability to blur the rules of the challenge by giving this car a face...hidden within its robotic alter-ego. Difficult to build, yet flawless in its execution, this is some good stuff right there!
Dohoon Kim adds his own particular style to lovable Mack the '85 Superliner. Mack was voiced by the blue collar sounding John Ratzenberger who incidentally also voiced Hamm Truck, Abominable Snow Plow, P.T. Flea Car in the first Cars movie. Wow, now that is some great multi-tasking!
If you like all things lime green, you'll surely be tickled pink (or green) for this Giselle Grocery Getter built by Tim Inman. Don't let its understated form fool you, this build is truly complex and is currently on display at the Costa Mesa Community Window Lego Store Display. Way to go, Tim! I must admit, I do like her blue eye shadow. Classy!
Equally...um...classy is this Hot Rodded out V-12 Semi Truck built by Jonathan Derksen. What...who said blue eye shadow and hot rodded trucks aren't classy? Yeah, I guess those traits are decidedly trashy, not classy...but hey, ya gotta admit hot rods are cool and there's just something about a gal in blue eye shadow. Makes me wanna head to Walmart.
And speaking of which, it looks like Rolic's little baby girl has gotten to mom's makeup case and defiled one of his famous white cars with it. But no, that garish lipstick and blue eye shadow is brick built on purpose. This means Rolic must be acquiring at least some pieces in other colors besides white. Will we see future creations in surprising new colors any time soon? Only time will tell for sure, but I really hope so.
Star Trek, Star Wars...even Battlestar Galactica has an expanded universe for nerds to ponder over, and according to Kaitimar, so does Cars. Here we see Rudy the Riot Cop Riot Squad Police Vehicle from the Cars expanded universe suited up for when the citizens of Radiator Springs goes loco and is in need of some good old fashioned...um...riot policing. Don't taze me, bro!
While you're still figuring out that last internet meme you can quietly ponder the sound of one hand clapping...and this cute little Zen Master Pitty built by Raphy. He keeps the zen garden tranquil and all...um...zen-like with his rake. Shhhh...be quiet. You don't want to harsh his zen mellow, dudes.
Shhhhhhh. And with that, lets quietly ponder next month's challenge called Everything Under The Sun. We're not encouraged to build everything under the sun but rather everything...under the sun. Its all about vehicles where the driver's heads are exposed to the elements to enjoy the summer sun. Formula 1 racers, motorcycles, tractors and...um...topless convertibles are all the rage in this month's challenge so... SHOW US YOUR BOOBS!!! ......shhhhhhhhhh!! I mean...show us your topless summery cars. Shhhhh...I'm off to build now. Stay tuned to see how we do next month. Night night, everyone. Shhhhh.
Friday, July 8, 2011
LEGO Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Cabriolet PDK
This is un-freaking-believable. Almost makes me want to get into Technic again... almost.
via Jalopnik
Friday, July 1, 2011
NY Times likes the Volt
It's official--the NY Times likes the Volt (or at least one of their op/ed writers does). That's a big step toward the mainstream.
Check out the article at: NY Times article on the Volt by Joe Nocera
I was happy to see the article. I especially agreed with the part where he says:
"Before I knew it, my miles per gallon for that tankful of gas had hit 80. By the next day it had topped 100. I soon found myself obsessed with increasing my miles per gallon — and avoiding having to buy more gas. . . .By the time I gave the car back to General Motors, I had driven 300 miles, without using another drop of gas beyond the original two gallons. I’m not what you’d call a Sierra Club kind of guy, but I have to tell you: I was kind of proud of myself.
When I began to describe for Mr. Lutz (see conversation with Bob Lutz earlier post)the psychological effect the Volt had had on me, he chuckled. “Yeah,” he said, “it’s like playing a video game that is constantly giving you back your score.”
Having the display of miles per gallon in front of you when you drive makes you want to keep getting it higher. Right now, for the 4,140 miles we've driven in Oakland, we have used 18 gallons of gas--230 mpg. For our total of just over 5,500 miles (including our trip to San Diego last January), we have used 51 gallons of gas--108 mpg overall.
Check out the article at: NY Times article on the Volt by Joe Nocera
I was happy to see the article. I especially agreed with the part where he says:
"Before I knew it, my miles per gallon for that tankful of gas had hit 80. By the next day it had topped 100. I soon found myself obsessed with increasing my miles per gallon — and avoiding having to buy more gas. . . .By the time I gave the car back to General Motors, I had driven 300 miles, without using another drop of gas beyond the original two gallons. I’m not what you’d call a Sierra Club kind of guy, but I have to tell you: I was kind of proud of myself.
When I began to describe for Mr. Lutz (see conversation with Bob Lutz earlier post)the psychological effect the Volt had had on me, he chuckled. “Yeah,” he said, “it’s like playing a video game that is constantly giving you back your score.”
Having the display of miles per gallon in front of you when you drive makes you want to keep getting it higher. Right now, for the 4,140 miles we've driven in Oakland, we have used 18 gallons of gas--230 mpg. For our total of just over 5,500 miles (including our trip to San Diego last January), we have used 51 gallons of gas--108 mpg overall.
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