Microeconomics - Economic models, supply and demand, price and quantity controls, excise taxes
Public speaking - ethics, speaking confidently
Food quote: "I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food." - W.C. Fields
Trigonometry - periodic functions, sine and cosine functions, radians, graphs of sine and cosine
$$$ for Scholarships - Profile, character qualities, character strengths, happiness, vision for the future
Writing for Scholarships - 150 word essay: Career aspirations and education plans
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
More bike parts
My GPZ1100 (it's a motorcycle, of course) has over 70,000 miles on it. I haven't always driven it in a nice respectful manner. It occasionally rewards me with worn out parts. A few months ago I put on a brand new rear wheel complete with bearings and a sprocket damper. And I've known for quite some time that I was going to have to replace at least the clutch basket. The noise and occasional shudder from the clutch the last few times I've ridden it have been a pretty clear indication that it was now overdue. It's been keeping me from riding. I finally decided that I just needed to go for it and get the parts I need. I did pretty well on ebay. From a low-mile (less than 8000) Kawasaki ZX-11 (the ZX-11 and the GPZ1100 share many parts), I got a clutch basket with ring gear, bearing, bearing sleeve, washer, drive gear and backing plate. All for $100 including shipping. That's less than a third of the cost of new. Now I just need to find a couple of hours or so to put it in, probably either at Bethany's or Erik's. And it might be due for an oil change.
This is where I want to be right now
I don't care if you don't like it
Here's a picture that I like. The artist, Jeral Tidwell, has some really cool art at Humantree.com
Bali Mask and Skull
Busy, busy
I think I'm going to have very little free time this term. There is a lot of homework that goes along with all of my classes. But so far so good. It's only the end of the first week of school but I don't think I am going to have too many issues. I'm even more excited about my classes than I was before. Even speech. I'm actually looking forward to conquering my fear of public speaking. I'm especially happy that I decided to take the scholarship classes. I think it's really going to pay off handsomely. It would be such a relief if I don't need to really worry about money while I'm in school. And maybe even be able to still have some money stashed away in a savings account.
I'm not sure how often I will be able to post while in school. I will try to continue to post at least once a week.
I'm not sure how often I will be able to post while in school. I will try to continue to post at least once a week.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
School starts Monday
My first class of the fall term is on Monday from 11am to 12:50 pm, Tuesday classes run from 11am to 3:20pm, Wednesday is 11am to 12:50pm again, and Thursday is my long day with classes from 11am to 6:50pm, with 40 minute break at 3:20. 5 classes, 16 credits. They say you should allow 2 to 3 hours outside of class for every in class hour for studying and homework. I seem to need 2 to 5 hours, depending on the class. I could potentially be looking at anywhere from 48 to 96 hours a week spent just on school. It will probably be somewhere closer to the middle, like 70-75 hours. That's almost like having two jobs, except I'm paying instead of getting paid. This is so going to be worth it.
I sold my old TI-86 graphing calculator the other day for $35. I bought a lightly used TI-89 Titanium in May for $90 so I didn't need it anymore. Tomorrow I'm selling one of my textbooks that I used last term. Also for $35. I was happy it sold because they have gone to a 2010 edition for the fall term and mine is a 2009 edition. The book cost me nearly $80 used. I tried to sell back all of the textbooks I had from my last two terms. They took one. The cheapest one. I paid about $30 for it new and they gave me $15. And nothing else. I gave my math books to James. I hope it doesn't always go like this. I try to buy used whenever I can and it helps offset the cost of books if I can at least get something for them when I'm done with them. Why does education need to cost so much? And this is just community college. End of minor rant.
I am looking forward to school starting again. Starting new classes always makes me a little anxious though. I keep thinking that part will go away. I'm still hopeful. The classes certainly won't be getting easier any time soon. The classes I plan to take at PCC after this term tentatively include:
CH 221 Chemistry
CH 222 Chemistry
CIS 122 Software Design
CS 161 Computer Science I
CS 133U C Programming
ENGR 211 Statics
ENGR 221 Electrical Circuits
ENGR 222 Electrical Circuits
ENGR 223 Signals & Systems
MTH 251 Calculus I
MTH 252 Calculus II
MTH 253 Calculus III
MTH 254 Vector Calculus
MTH 256 Differential Equations
PHY 211 Physics
PHY 212 Physics
PHY 213 Physics
WR 122 English Composition
WR 227 Technical Writing
General Social Science - 6 credits minimum
General Humanities - 9 credits minimum
This is all in preparation for going to OIT, hopefully starting in the Fall term of 2011. It seems like a lot to do in only 2 years, but I don't think I'll have to take any more in one term than I am doing this time. It will be doable as long as I stay focused on my goals. I can't wait to see what happens!
I sold my old TI-86 graphing calculator the other day for $35. I bought a lightly used TI-89 Titanium in May for $90 so I didn't need it anymore. Tomorrow I'm selling one of my textbooks that I used last term. Also for $35. I was happy it sold because they have gone to a 2010 edition for the fall term and mine is a 2009 edition. The book cost me nearly $80 used. I tried to sell back all of the textbooks I had from my last two terms. They took one. The cheapest one. I paid about $30 for it new and they gave me $15. And nothing else. I gave my math books to James. I hope it doesn't always go like this. I try to buy used whenever I can and it helps offset the cost of books if I can at least get something for them when I'm done with them. Why does education need to cost so much? And this is just community college. End of minor rant.
I am looking forward to school starting again. Starting new classes always makes me a little anxious though. I keep thinking that part will go away. I'm still hopeful. The classes certainly won't be getting easier any time soon. The classes I plan to take at PCC after this term tentatively include:
CH 221 Chemistry
CH 222 Chemistry
CIS 122 Software Design
CS 161 Computer Science I
CS 133U C Programming
ENGR 211 Statics
ENGR 221 Electrical Circuits
ENGR 222 Electrical Circuits
ENGR 223 Signals & Systems
MTH 251 Calculus I
MTH 252 Calculus II
MTH 253 Calculus III
MTH 254 Vector Calculus
MTH 256 Differential Equations
PHY 211 Physics
PHY 212 Physics
PHY 213 Physics
WR 122 English Composition
WR 227 Technical Writing
General Social Science - 6 credits minimum
General Humanities - 9 credits minimum
This is all in preparation for going to OIT, hopefully starting in the Fall term of 2011. It seems like a lot to do in only 2 years, but I don't think I'll have to take any more in one term than I am doing this time. It will be doable as long as I stay focused on my goals. I can't wait to see what happens!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
New EV speed record
This is from the Wired article. Although Killacycle is faster, it can't sustain it's speed for over a mile. Yet.
Mission Motors has always said its electric superbike would do 150 mph, and it appears to have fulfilled that promise with a record-setting run at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Company product manager and test rider Jeremy Cleland set an unofficial record for electric motorcycles when he averaged 150.059 mph during back-to-back runs of one mile each at Bonneville Speedway west of Salt Lake City. The runs, which followed an earlier dash at a claimed 161 mph, came during the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association. The AMA hasn’t ratified Cleland’s speed yet, but Mission says it’s legit.
“We set this record on our first visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats on poor salt conditions and in high crosswinds,” said Edward West, a founder and president of the San Francisco startup. “And to set it with our production prototype vehicle, not a custom Bonneville bike, is truly amazing. It’s a watershed moment for electric vehicles and further proof that the era of the electric superbike has begun.”
Read more here
I wish I had $69,000 just laying around.
Mission Motors has always said its electric superbike would do 150 mph, and it appears to have fulfilled that promise with a record-setting run at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Company product manager and test rider Jeremy Cleland set an unofficial record for electric motorcycles when he averaged 150.059 mph during back-to-back runs of one mile each at Bonneville Speedway west of Salt Lake City. The runs, which followed an earlier dash at a claimed 161 mph, came during the BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association. The AMA hasn’t ratified Cleland’s speed yet, but Mission says it’s legit.
“We set this record on our first visit to the Bonneville Salt Flats on poor salt conditions and in high crosswinds,” said Edward West, a founder and president of the San Francisco startup. “And to set it with our production prototype vehicle, not a custom Bonneville bike, is truly amazing. It’s a watershed moment for electric vehicles and further proof that the era of the electric superbike has begun.”
Read more here
I wish I had $69,000 just laying around.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Stuff I've been watching
I pretty much stopped watching TV. I still haven't even unpacked my digital converter and antenna. The DVD player is hooked up and has been used a few times since my move. I watch shows on the internet. Hulu, Surf the Channel, Comedy Central, You Tube, GUBA, Google Video. The public library has a ton of DVDs. There is a lot of stuff to waste time on. Here are some of the things I've been watching lately.
Who Killed the Electric Car? - documentary, it wasn't Colonel Mustard
Idiocracy - very interesting comedy/sci-fi/adventure statement directed by Mike Judge, "Go 'way, batin'!"
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - classic, probably my second all-time favorite
Weeds - HBO soap opera, this series makes me want to punch the main character in the face, it's actually pretty good but I hate this show and got sucked into it and am now waiting for the next episode.
Dexter - awesome Showtime series about a serial killer who works for the cops, sounds dumb but you'll be rooting for him too
Defying Gravity - interesting ABC sci-fi space travel series, I just heard that it's going to be cancelled. That figures.
Sons of Anarchy - I really wanted to hate this show before I even watched it. Instead, I've been patiently waiting for nearly a year for the second season. Now with Henry Rollins!
These two YouTube videos amuse me. I've had them bookmarked for years now. They never get old for me.
Saigon Traffic amazes me everytime I watch it. At first it seems chaotic and crazy and then you realize how flowing and organic the whole thing is (this link seems to take a while to load - sorry, there are other examples but I like this one best).
Slapping Girls is a whole different thing. I'm not really sure what to say about this.
Who Killed the Electric Car? - documentary, it wasn't Colonel Mustard
Idiocracy - very interesting comedy/sci-fi/adventure statement directed by Mike Judge, "Go 'way, batin'!"
Monty Python and the Holy Grail - classic, probably my second all-time favorite
Weeds - HBO soap opera, this series makes me want to punch the main character in the face, it's actually pretty good but I hate this show and got sucked into it and am now waiting for the next episode.
Dexter - awesome Showtime series about a serial killer who works for the cops, sounds dumb but you'll be rooting for him too
Defying Gravity - interesting ABC sci-fi space travel series, I just heard that it's going to be cancelled. That figures.
Sons of Anarchy - I really wanted to hate this show before I even watched it. Instead, I've been patiently waiting for nearly a year for the second season. Now with Henry Rollins!
These two YouTube videos amuse me. I've had them bookmarked for years now. They never get old for me.
Saigon Traffic amazes me everytime I watch it. At first it seems chaotic and crazy and then you realize how flowing and organic the whole thing is (this link seems to take a while to load - sorry, there are other examples but I like this one best).
Slapping Girls is a whole different thing. I'm not really sure what to say about this.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
DOH!!!
I was very stupid. On Friday, while taking the clutch out of the Sportster I pulled a really bone-headed move and broke one of the clutch hub fingers. I can't explain why I went through with it. I knew before I even tried what I did, that it was a bad idea and could end with broken parts. Knowing this, Why did I continue? This little piece of stupidity will cost me at least $100.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
First EV purchase
I just couldn't help myself. It seemed like a really great price. Tyco Kilovac EV200 Series Contactor for $60.79 on eBay.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Free Money!!!
I just got out of my first meeting for my Free Money!!! Basically, there is a local organization (there are other community-oriented organizations have programs similar to this one) that helps qualified people (generally an income/assets ceiling of less than average for the area you live in) with things like downpayment assistance for a first-time homebuyer, opening a small business, or in my case, education. There are usually required meetings, personal development classes, etc. They are programs that encourage and teach good saving/spending habits. So, I qualified and still need to jump through some hoops to get the money, but I already did some of the things through the Portland Housing Center last year and won't need to repeat them. Anyways, I will save $740 over the next 6 months in a special savings account and they will match it 3:1 and give me an additional $2220 to be used for any school-related expense. And I can reapply again as many times as I want to/qualify for. How can you beat that? Free Money!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
I Love Lists!
I was wondering what it would be and when it would happen. Know I know. And it's already a full blown obsession. Late nights spent searching for some bit of information or drawing up schematics or trying to read every post I can at numerous forums. Another love/hate relationship. It seems to be what I do.
Here is the latest version of "The Plan".
1. Fix the Harley.
2. Sell the complete engine/drive train. Use this money to finance the EV project.
3. Use Sportster chassis for the basis of electric motorcycle.
4. Build a 48V system.
5. Ride and experiment with the 48V system
6. Sell 48V parts to help finance a 72V or 96V system
#2 could be the sale of the complete bike. If so, obviously #3 would be a different bike. I figure it could be a year or more until I hit #6. I still have a lot to learn.
You may not know (or may not care) what these are, but here is a list of the components that I am currently thinking of getting. I want to use quality proven components but I am trying to do it on a budget of $2500. Nothing fancy with the ability to easily change components and use a higher voltage later on. As always, I promise to not necessarily do anything that I say that I might do. Or not.
1. Four - B and B 12V 50Ah AGM batteries (or similar)
2. Four - Supercharger Elite 7A battery charger
3. 400A, 48V main contactor
4. Magura throttle
5.Alltrax AXE4844 400A programmable motor speed controller
6. Mars ME0708 (aka ET-R) permanent magnet DC motor, 6hp cont./15hp peak
7. Cheap import DC-DC converter
8. Unknown meters as of yet. Maybe a Cycle Analyst.
9. Various relays, diodes, resistors, fuses, switches, cables, wires, connectors, tape, heat shrink, zip ties, solder, etc.
Here is the latest version of "The Plan".
1. Fix the Harley.
2. Sell the complete engine/drive train. Use this money to finance the EV project.
3. Use Sportster chassis for the basis of electric motorcycle.
4. Build a 48V system.
5. Ride and experiment with the 48V system
6. Sell 48V parts to help finance a 72V or 96V system
#2 could be the sale of the complete bike. If so, obviously #3 would be a different bike. I figure it could be a year or more until I hit #6. I still have a lot to learn.
You may not know (or may not care) what these are, but here is a list of the components that I am currently thinking of getting. I want to use quality proven components but I am trying to do it on a budget of $2500. Nothing fancy with the ability to easily change components and use a higher voltage later on. As always, I promise to not necessarily do anything that I say that I might do. Or not.
1. Four - B and B 12V 50Ah AGM batteries (or similar)
2. Four - Supercharger Elite 7A battery charger
3. 400A, 48V main contactor
4. Magura throttle
5.Alltrax AXE4844 400A programmable motor speed controller
6. Mars ME0708 (aka ET-R) permanent magnet DC motor, 6hp cont./15hp peak
7. Cheap import DC-DC converter
8. Unknown meters as of yet. Maybe a Cycle Analyst.
9. Various relays, diodes, resistors, fuses, switches, cables, wires, connectors, tape, heat shrink, zip ties, solder, etc.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Getting started
Yesterday I took a bunch of tools and supplies over to the garage. I took a few pictures, but it was raining so I stayed inside and didn't get any really nice ones.
I hadn't planned on doing much but decided that since I was there I should do something. I started by taking the battery out and draining the oil tank. There was next to nothing in the oil tank, so I'm sure the engine has filled up with oil. I kept working and drained the primary case oil and took off the air filter. By the time I finished, I had taken off the gas tank, the carb, the exhaust, the clutch lever, and the rear master cylinder and rear sprocket cover. The "updated" rear pulley nut retainer was in the midst of a failure. It wouldn't have lasted a whole lot longer.
I ordered a clutch spring tool from ebay today. I hope it's not a $42 piece of crap. I'm going to try to find a 1-7/8" socket at one of the local used tool places. I may also have to get an adapter to be able to use it on my 1/2" drive breaker bar. And find an old fork tube or something that will fit over the bar for extra leverage. Once I have all the tools, this should go pretty quickly.
I hadn't planned on doing much but decided that since I was there I should do something. I started by taking the battery out and draining the oil tank. There was next to nothing in the oil tank, so I'm sure the engine has filled up with oil. I kept working and drained the primary case oil and took off the air filter. By the time I finished, I had taken off the gas tank, the carb, the exhaust, the clutch lever, and the rear master cylinder and rear sprocket cover. The "updated" rear pulley nut retainer was in the midst of a failure. It wouldn't have lasted a whole lot longer.
I ordered a clutch spring tool from ebay today. I hope it's not a $42 piece of crap. I'm going to try to find a 1-7/8" socket at one of the local used tool places. I may also have to get an adapter to be able to use it on my 1/2" drive breaker bar. And find an old fork tube or something that will fit over the bar for extra leverage. Once I have all the tools, this should go pretty quickly.
Friday, September 4, 2009
School and stuff
I'll be back in school (Portland Community College) again in 2 weeks. Monday, Sept 21 is my first day. I'm looking forward to it. Thinking is fun. Colege gud. I'll be taking 16 credit hours this term (4 days/week) including Public Speaking (yuck), Trigonometry, and Micro-Economics. This is my heaviest load so far. Last term was 12 credits, but over 8 weeks instead of the usual 12 weeks. I blew my 4.0 GPA this last term. It's now 3.86. It was the B I got in math. I don't really like taking classes like this over the short summer term.
I want to try to start walking to school now. It takes about 35 minutes (1.8 miles). That's about how long it used to take me to drive there from the Village. But I sweat like a porcine, so that's always fun. I need to get into better shape. I gained a bunch of weight since I stopped working last fall. I have started walking again. More interesting neighborhoods around here makes it a little easier to want to do.
I want to try to start walking to school now. It takes about 35 minutes (1.8 miles). That's about how long it used to take me to drive there from the Village. But I sweat like a porcine, so that's always fun. I need to get into better shape. I gained a bunch of weight since I stopped working last fall. I have started walking again. More interesting neighborhoods around here makes it a little easier to want to do.
Soon to be - FOR SALE
Although this is not final, and is a very long and detailed list. I'll put it on craigslist and maybe some of the Harley and Sportster forums.
1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster Deluxe 883cc drive train - $2500 firm
Complete from the carb back to the rear wheel pulley. This is everything you need. Not perfect cosmetically, but not bad either, a little rust and corrosion on a few of the parts
50K+ miles, which is more than most but a lot of parts have been replaced and have a lot fewer miles on them. I will list everything that I can remember.
Includes the following items:
• Engine - cylinders, pistons, rings, wrist pins, cylinder heads – 7000 miles
• 5 –speed transmission – unsure, maybe 20,000 miles, a little bit of wear on 3rd gear faces, pretty typical, works fine
• Barnett clutch plates and discs, new OEM diaphragm spring – 25,000 miles and going strong
• Complete primary drive including cover, new primary drive chain and adjuster – 7000 miles, newer cover with functional Barnett heavy duty clutch cable
• Cam chest and valve train – all stock, works fine
• Some chrome engine hardware – whatever
• S & S Super ‘E’ carb with intake and throttle cables and throttle grip, K & N air filter, high flow modified S & S chrome cover (lightly scratched)
• Complete ignition system – Spyke 50K coil, performance plug wires, Dyna 2000i programmable ignition, Screamin’ Eagle ignition module, works best with Autolite plugs (included).
• Brand new reman starter- 5 miles
• Brand new oil filter – 5 miles
• Super Trapp stainless brushed steel 2-into-1 exhaust with mounting bracket, adjustable backpressure (with plates), repackable , looks great and works even better, still one of the best all-round Sportster exhausts
• Motor mounts and hardware
• Front and rear final drive pulley, front pulley has the fastener upgrade, newer Dayco Panther final drive belt – 7000 miles
• Updated oil tank and battery tray with cables – 7000 miles
• New battery – 5 miles
Will include many stock and/or used but still working parts
Have more higher def pictures and small video available on request
1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster Deluxe 883cc drive train - $2500 firm
Complete from the carb back to the rear wheel pulley. This is everything you need. Not perfect cosmetically, but not bad either, a little rust and corrosion on a few of the parts
50K+ miles, which is more than most but a lot of parts have been replaced and have a lot fewer miles on them. I will list everything that I can remember.
Includes the following items:
• Engine - cylinders, pistons, rings, wrist pins, cylinder heads – 7000 miles
• 5 –speed transmission – unsure, maybe 20,000 miles, a little bit of wear on 3rd gear faces, pretty typical, works fine
• Barnett clutch plates and discs, new OEM diaphragm spring – 25,000 miles and going strong
• Complete primary drive including cover, new primary drive chain and adjuster – 7000 miles, newer cover with functional Barnett heavy duty clutch cable
• Cam chest and valve train – all stock, works fine
• Some chrome engine hardware – whatever
• S & S Super ‘E’ carb with intake and throttle cables and throttle grip, K & N air filter, high flow modified S & S chrome cover (lightly scratched)
• Complete ignition system – Spyke 50K coil, performance plug wires, Dyna 2000i programmable ignition, Screamin’ Eagle ignition module, works best with Autolite plugs (included).
• Brand new reman starter- 5 miles
• Brand new oil filter – 5 miles
• Super Trapp stainless brushed steel 2-into-1 exhaust with mounting bracket, adjustable backpressure (with plates), repackable , looks great and works even better, still one of the best all-round Sportster exhausts
• Motor mounts and hardware
• Front and rear final drive pulley, front pulley has the fastener upgrade, newer Dayco Panther final drive belt – 7000 miles
• Updated oil tank and battery tray with cables – 7000 miles
• New battery – 5 miles
Will include many stock and/or used but still working parts
Have more higher def pictures and small video available on request
Bike moved
Eric and I took the XL over to Bethany's today. It had leaked a lot of oil on the storage floor. I need to get some floor dry from Erik and clean it up. I have a large drip pan under it now. 55,000 hard miles on a 883cc Harley. I guess that's expected. It's coming from between the case halves (vertically split) mostly. I think. I went back to storage to get tools. Need to go back at least once more for stuff. I might take my smaller top tool chest over for my tools.
I have been thinking about using the Harley for the base for the electric bike. I would sell the complete engine, carb, final drive, exhaust, mounts, coil, the whole works. I might get $2500 for everything and still have a rolling chassis that won't need a whole bunch of work. And I would still have the bike that I have so many memories with. An electric Harley. I like it.
I'll take some pictures tomorrow (Saturday).
I have been thinking about using the Harley for the base for the electric bike. I would sell the complete engine, carb, final drive, exhaust, mounts, coil, the whole works. I might get $2500 for everything and still have a rolling chassis that won't need a whole bunch of work. And I would still have the bike that I have so many memories with. An electric Harley. I like it.
I'll take some pictures tomorrow (Saturday).
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