Tinker's Blog

The word "google" has officially been added to Webster's dictionary, with the definition: "to use the Google search engine to obtain information on the World Wide Web." As in, "Let me google that." The problem is, if the word becomes too embedded in everyday speech then Google can lose its trademark protection and other companies can start using the term "google" when referring to their search. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but "cellophane", "aspirin", and even "escalator" used to be trademarks.

Researchers at Akishima Laboratories (Mitsui Zosen), working in conjunction with professor Shigeru Naito of Osaka University, have developed a device that uses waves to draw text and pictures on the surface of water. The device consists of 50 water wave generators encircling a cylindrical tank 1.6 meters in diameter and 30 cm deep (about the size of a backyard kiddie pool). The wave generators move up and down in controlled motions to simultaneously produce a number of cylindrical waves that act as pixels. The pixels, which measure 10 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height, are combined to form lines and shapes. The device is capable of spelling out the entire roman alphabet, as well as some simple kanji characters. Each letter or picture remains on the water surface only for a moment, but they can be produced in succession on the surface every 3 seconds.

Monopoly board game players can now pay for properties with debit cards. Game makers Parker have phased out the standard multi-coloured cash in a new version. Players will instead use a Visa mock debit card to keep track of how much they win or lose. It is inserted into an electronic machine where the banker taps in cardholders' earnings and payments. Parker said replacing of cash with plastic showed the game was moving with the times. Spokesman Chris Weatherhead said: "The new electronic Monopoly reflects the changing nature of society and the advancement of technology."

Great Gas Mileage Going Nowhere Fast

The opening number of "The Muppet Movie"

Kermit: Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

All of us under its spell,
We know that it's probably magic...

... Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
... Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be...
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Laa, da daa dee da daa daa,
La laa la la laa dee daa doo...

Artist/Band: Engvall Bill
Lyrics for Song: Here's Your Sign (Get The Picture)
Lyrics for Album: Here's Your Sign (Get The Picture)

I just hate stupid people.
They should have to wear signs that just say I'm stupid.
That way you wouldn't rely on them, would you?
You wouldn't ask them anything. It would be like, "Excuse me...oops,
never mind"
"I didn't see your sign."

It's like before my wife and I moved from Texas to California our house
was full
of boxes and there was a u-Haul truck in our driveway.
My friend comes over and says, "Hey, You moving?"

"Nope."

"We just pack our stuff up once or twice a week. Just to see how many
boxes it takes."

"Here's your sign."

Why can't they get the picture? Why don't they understand?
We're not dealing with the planet of apes, we're talking about the
modern man.
So you people with them itsy bitsy teensie weensie tiny minds...
Here's your sign. Here's your sign.

A couple of months ago I went fishing with a buddy of mine, we pulled
his boat
into the dock, I lifted up this big 'ol stringer of bass this idiot on
the dock
goes, "Hey, yall catch all them fish?"

Nope.

"Talked 'em into giving up."

"Here's your sign."

I was out in the front yard with my boy the other day and he was
playing with his little friend, and he hit his friend and I went up to
him
and I said "Hey, (smacks his boy), we don't hit." He looked up at me
like, "Here's your sign, dad."

Why can't they get the picture? Why don't they understand?
We're not dealing with the planet of apes, we're talking about the
modern man.
So you people with them itsy bitsy teensie weensie tiny minds...
Here's your sign. Here's your sign.

I was watching one of those animal shows on the Discovery Channel, there
was a guy
inventing a shark bite suit. There's only one way to test that.
"Alright Jimmy, you got that shark suit on, it looks good... They want
you to jump
into this pool of sharks, and you tell us if it hurts when they bite
you."

"Well allright....hold my sign, I don't wanna loose it"

Why can't they get the picture? Why don't they understand?
We're not dealing with the planet of apes, we're talking about the
modern man.
So you people with them itsy bitsy teensie weensie tiny minds...
Here's your sign. Here's your sign.

Last time I was home I was driving around I had a flat tire, I pulled my
truck into one
of these side-of-the-road gas statioons, the attendant walks out, looks
at my truck,
looks at me, I swear to GOD he went, "Tire go flat?"

I couldn't resist.

I said "Nope".

"No I was driving around and those other three just swelled right up on
me."

"Here's your sign."

Why can't they get the picture? Why don't they understand?
We're not dealing with the planet of apes, we're talking about the
modern man.
So you people with them itsy bitsy teensie weensie tiny minds...
People with them little bitty teenie weenie tiny monds...
Here's your sign.

We were trying to sell our car about a year ago, a guy come over to the
house, drove the
car around for about 45 minutes. We get back to the house, he gets out
of the car, reaches down
and grabs the exhaust pipe, then goes, "Damn thats hot!"

See...

If he'd been wearing his sign, I could have stopped him.

Making mistakes simply means you are learning faster.

The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.

Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix. - Dan Quayle

The Internet is a great way to get on the Net. - Bob Dole

Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday 7-26

v243x

Corvette debuted in January of 1953 as a show car in the GM Motorama. It was a stylish two-seat convertible, designed to show the world that GM could create a sports car to compete with European nameplates like Jaguar and MG. All 1953 Corvettes were Polo White with red interiors.

The response to the Motorama show car was overwhelmingly positive, and production began that June in Flint, Michigan. It would change the landscape of the American road forever.

The 1953 Corvettes were built by hand and appeared nearly identical to the Motorama car. They were powered by the existing Chevrolet 235-cu.-in. 6-cylinder engine that was modified with a three-carburetor design and dual exhaust to give it more sports car-like performance. Named the Blue Flame Special, this engine generated 150 horsepower, and it was teamed with a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. This powertrain, however, did not live up to the performance expectations of sports car buyers. Although sales climbed to 3640 units in 1954, they fell off dramatically to just 700 in 1955 setting off rumors that Corvette might be a short-lived automotive experiment. But Zora Arkus-Duntov had different ideas.

Arkus-Duntov, an engineer on the Corvette team since 1953 and a former European road racer, set out to give Corvette the two things it needed most -- better performance and better handling. Corvette's evolution into a true sports car began in 1955 when a 265-cu.-in. V8 that generated 195 horsepower was offered; and by the end of the model year, a 3-speed manual transmission was also available.

In 1955, driving a prototype V8-powered Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov set a new record in the Daytona "Measured Mile" at just over 150 miles per hour.

Corvette received its first major styling update in 1956. Changes included an all-new body with "scooped out" sides, outside door handles, roll-up windows and an optional removable hardtop.

Corvette got a performance boost to go along with its styling in 1957. The 283-cu.-in. V8 was modified with fuel injection to produce an unprecedented 283 horsepower, and a new 4-speed manual transmission was offered as a $188 option -- making Corvette one of the first cars in the world to mate a fuel-injected V8 engine with a 4-speed manual gearbox.

Corvette lit up the streets in 1958 in more ways than one. The fuel-injected 283-cu.-in. V8 was now producing up to 290 horsepower, and Corvette's new body design featured four headlights.

The 1960s -- Gaining Momentum
In 1960, Corvette production topped the 10,000 mark for the first time. It was now carving out a solid niche in the market and becoming a part of American culture.

In each year between 1960 and 1962, performance and styling enhancements made it more and more appealing to a wide variety of buyers. 1961 was the first year for Corvette trademark quad taillights. In 1962, engine displacement was increased to 327 cu. in. and top horsepower was up to 360.

But the most exciting changes were still a year away.

In 1963, Chevrolet unveiled its all-new Corvette Coupe and Convertible models -- the Sting Rays. This was the first time Corvette was available as a hardtop coupe model as well as the traditional convertible. Both cars featured an all-new body design that was significantly trimmer and more stylish than the previous generation. It was also the first year for concealed headlamps. The chassis was all new as well, including an independent rear suspension.

The 1963 Sting Ray Coupe featured a split rear-window design, but it was replaced with a single-piece rear window in 1964 because owners complained about visibility. Today, a 1963 split-window Coupe is a cherished prize among collectors.

The Sting Rays were the automotive success story of the year. Chevrolet had to add a second shift to its St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant to keep up with demand, and dealers reported owners waiting months for their cars to be built. By the end of the model year, Corvette production would surpass the 20,000-unit milestone.

The Sting Rays continued the Corvette evolution through the mid-1960s. In 1965, the 396-cu.-in. "Big Block" V8 was available in Corvette. It was rated at 425 horsepower. Four-wheel disc brakes were also made standard, although buyers could choose drum brakes as a cost-delete option while supplies of parts lasted.

In 1967, the limited-production L88 Corvette was officially rated at 430 horsepower, although some Corvette historians believe that figure was artificially low. Only 20 of the L88 Corvettes were built.

The all-new 1968 Corvette was dramatically different in appearance from any other Corvette. Bearing a striking resemblance to Chevrolet's "Mako Shark II" concept vehicle, it literally changed the way people looked at cars. Along with its bold new look, the 1968 Corvettes introduced hidden windshield wipers and removable T-Tops on Coupe models. In 1968, Corvette production hit a new record of 28,566. Corvette received its most radical styling change in 1968, and this basic body design would continue to evolve for 15 years.



The 1970s -- A Time of Change
The 1970s were a time of great change for Corvette. While a late production start for the 1970 model year prevented the first cars from rolling off the assembly line until January, sales rebounded in 1971 and continued to climb. But at the same time, outside forces, such as the oil embargo and increasing government regulations, were having an impact on Corvette performance.

The original high-performance LT1 engine, a 350-cu.-in. "Small Block," was introduced in 1970. It generated 370 horsepower. That year, the "Big Block" displacement was increased to 454 cu. in., and was rated at 390 horsepower in the LS5 version.

In 1971, a special-purpose "Big Block" V8 was available that produced 425 horsepower. But 1971 was the last year for "gross" horsepower ratings. The industry changed to a "net" rating system that accounted for the exhaust system, vehicle accessories and other components. It provided a truer measure of an engine's performance and is still used today.

The Convertible model was dropped at the end of the 1975 model year. The next Corvette Convertible would not be available until 1986.

In 1977, Corvette hit the 1/2-million milestone as the 500,000th car rolled off the assembly line. Leather seats were standard for the first time, although buyers could choose cloth as a no-cost option. Production reached 49,213 units.

Corvette celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1978 and, in recognition of this event, was selected to be the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. Two special models were produced for public sale -- a Pace Car appearance edition and a special Silver Anniversary paint package.



In 1979, Corvette production hit 53,807 units -- a record that still stands today.

The 1980s -- Anticipation
Sales of Corvette remained strong in the early '80s. It was clearly now a part of the American fabric, attracting buyers with its rich heritage and dramatic styling.

There were no 1983 Corvettes produced for public sale, but 43 pilot models of the new-generation Corvette were built in 1983 for testing purposes. Today, one of those 1983 pilots is on display at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The rest were scrapped.

Chevrolet introduced the first all-new Corvette since 1968. It featured an all-new body design, a double-wishbone front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension teamed with Goodyear Gatorback unidirectional tires. Inside, the pit surrounded the driver and featured advanced electronic instrumentation.The introduction of the 1984 Corvette was one of the most eagerly awaited vehicle announcements in recent history. It was named Motor Trend,s "Car of The Year."

For 1986, the Corvette Convertible was back! To celebrate the convertible's return, Corvette again paced the Indy 500 and all convertibles were designated Pace Car replicas. The evolution of Corvette as a world-class performance car also continued with the addition of new standard 4-wheel ABS, an increase in maximum horsepower to 230 from its 5.7 Liter V8 and continued suspension fine-tuning. The PASS-Key¨ theft-deterrent system was also added as standard equipment on all models.

Corvette handling made great strides in 1989 with the Performance Handling Package becoming standard equipment, along with new 17-inch wheels and tires. The Selective Ride Control adjustable suspension system was also introduced -- allowing drivers to choose between three different operating modes: "Touring," "Sport" and "Performance." A new 6-speed manual transmission was also offered, giving drivers added ability to maximize the Corvette power range.

The 1990s
ZR-1 roared to life in 1990 with an all-new 375 horsepower LT5 engine under its hood. Designed in a cooperative effort between General Motors and Lotus, the LT5's dual overhead cam, 32-valve design made Corvette the talk of the automotive world. To help distinguish the appearance of the ZR-1 from standard Corvette Coupes, it was given an all-new convex rear fascia and quad rectangular taillights. All Corvettes received a new pit design that included digital readouts and analog gauges as well as a driver air bag. The maximum horsepower of the standard L98 engine was increased to 250.

Corvette received styling refinements for 1991 that included wrap-around front parking/cornering lamps, new side-panel louvers and a ZR-1 style convex rear fascia on all models. To help differentiate the look of the ZR-1, its center high-mounted stop lamp remained on the roof, while it was integrated into the rear fascia on both Coupe and Convertible.

Corvette performance continued to grow in 1992 with the introduction of the second-generation LT1 -- putting a 300-horsepower engine back in the standard Corvette. The engine was designated LT1 because it was the first Chevy "Small Block" to surpass the horsepower of the original LT1 in 1970. The Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) system and Goodyear GS-C asymmetrical tires were also introduced as standard equipment. ZR-1 received a ZR-1 badge on the sides of its clam shell hood. The one-millionth Corvette was built on July 2, 1992 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

For 1993, LT5 output was boosted to 405 horsepower, and a special 40th Anniversary package was available on all models. Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) was also added as standard equipment.

The pit of Corvette was transformed for 1994 with a new single-piece instrument panel, a front-passenger air bag, and new door panels. Both the standard and Sport seats were also restyled, and leather seats became standard equipment.

The most noticeable change on the 1995 Corvette was the revised gill panel design. This also marked the last year for the ZR-1. Corvette served as the Official 1995 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car.

Two distinctive Corvettes are part of the 1996 lineup: the Grand Sport and Collector Edition. Both celebrate the rich heritage of the Corvette, and mark the end of the C4 style. The new optional LT4 engine is introduced (required on Grand Sport).

Chevrolet's Corvette has been in production since June 1953. The 1997-Current Corvette is referred to as the C5 or "Fifth Generation" Corvette. This is the first totally new Corvette -- the 1953 Corvette used parts shared with other Chevrolets, but in addition to a totally redesigned body, the 1997 Corvette employed a new frame, engine and rear mounted transmission. The 1997 model year was a short production year.

In 1998 Corvette produced its fourth Indy Pace Car Replica model.

In 1999 Chevrolet brought out a fixed roof coupe they call a "Hardtop" version, the first "fixed roof" model since 1967. Current models include the convertible, the coupe and the hardtop.

The 2000 Corvette employed few external changes. New wheels were introduced, a standard version and a hi-polished version, and the passenger's outside door key lock entry was discontinued. In January another new 2000 standard painted wheel was introduced.

2001 saw the introduction of the Z06 model. Based on the fixed roof coupe model, the Z06 is Chevrolet's race ready model. The Z06 comes with the LS6 engine and functioning front air intake grills and functioning rear brake duct air intake grills directly behind the doors. The 6-speed manual transmission is the only transmission available in the Z06.

In 2002 the Z06's LS6 engine was upped to 405 H.P.

2003 is Corvette's 50th anniversary. A 50th anniversary option is available on the coupe and convertible, but not on the Z06. The 50th anniversary option consists of a special "Anniversary Red" paint, a special "shale" colored interior and special 50th Anniversary badging. The Z06 remained unchanged from the 2002 model. Also new for 2003 is Magnetic Selective Ride Control which replaced the Real Time Damping system.

 

 

This car is the oldest Corvette in existence! It is the first Corvette show car. It was actually built in the latter part of 1952. It is officially known as EX 122. This was the GM Motorama Corvette that was shown at the Waldorf in NY in Dec. 1952. Back then, it was equipped with a 6 cylinder engine, powerglide auto trans, it was white with a red interior and black top, as all the future '53 production Corvette's were. The car was carried , babied and handled very carefully through the various auto shows throughout the USA. It then stood in the lobby of the GM building until the 1953 model came into production and was then used as a engineering department test car.
About that time the new Chevrolet V8 265 cu. in. was being developed for engineering so they removed the 235 CI 6 and installed the V8. The car was taken to the proving grounds where it was run on a 25,000 mile durability test and then completely torn down with each part being inspected for future production purposes. It was then not needed for engineering and it was reassembled using new production pieces wherever the experimental parts showed wear. It was then repainted red ,a new top was installed along with a new interior. it was used as a courtesy car for about 5000 miles and then was sold. Russell Sanders who was ahead of the enginnering dept. bought the car in 1956. He had a rough time trying to register the car because of it's serial # EX 122, which denotes an experimental car. He got the car registered in Michigan then moved to Rochester NY ( Rochester Products of GM) and the car was used by various members of his family, in particular his daughter. The daughter was not able to use the car while attending college, so he sold it. He sold the car to John Engle of Rochester NY for $1000 in 1959. John Engle owned this car until his death in 2001. His family sold it to A private collector for $300,000.

v1234 has been hitting a lot lately.
7-8-06
7-14-06
7-20-06
7-22-06
7-24-06

Tuesday 7-25-06
v1125
v1145
v2215

Just how cold is "cold?" Is "cold" a frosty beverage? A Minnesota February? A winter in the Antarctic? Maybe your idea of "cold" is liquid nitrogen, at (-195.8 degrees Celsius), chilly enough to freeze a rubber ball till it shatters. Maybe you think liquid helium (-270 Celsius) is really cold, and anything warmer is for wimps.

But beyond any of those things, there's something that's still colder. Absolute zero, (-273.15 degrees Celsius), the temperature at which all molecules stop moving entirely, is really, really, cold. Ultimately cold. So cold that, while scientists have been able to reach temperatures within 20 billionths of a degree above absolute zero, they have never been able to get there -- and many think they never will.

It's not for lack of trying, though. Over the years, many scientists and engineers have explored what temperature really means, and have worked on ways to alter things' temperatures. Their research has resulted in more efficient engines, air conditioning, new materials, and even a new form of matter, the Bose-Einstein Condensate.

Researchers made the smallest piece of ice possible - a hexagonal shape built out of just six molecules of water. A normal drop of water contains about 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 water molecules. The research may help the scientists examine how water molecules bond together, information of great interest to biologists, chemists, and pharmaceutical researchers.

 

The Russian Federation is the largest republic of the Commonwealth of Independent States, composed of 21 republics. In fact, it's the largest country in the world! Russia is almost twice the size of the United States and occupies most of eastern Europe and north Asia.

Russia is so large it spans 11 different time zones! In fact, if you take the Trans-Siberian railroad from Moscow in the West to Vladivostok, in the East on the Pacific Coast, the 10,000 km trip would take six days. At its easternmost point, Russia is only about 50 miles away from Alaska across the Bering Strait! Russia's main waterway, the Volga River, is the longest river in Europe at 3,700 km.

The landscape is mostly flat, with the moderate Ural mountains in the center, and some more substantial mountains in the Far East. The capital city is Moscow. St. Petersburg, in the west on the Gulf of Finland, is an important historic and cultural center. In the summer, these cities average a comfortable 24 degrees celsius, but winters are pretty long. Moscow often has snow until April.

Because of its location, Russia also experiences big swings in the length of daylight. In summer, St. Petersburg has hardly any darkness at all, but in winter, has just five hours of dim sunlight each day!

Russian cultural achievements in the fields of architecture, ballet, literature, and music are overwhelming. Several of its ballet companies are world famous, and well-known composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, and Stravinsky all have contributed to a very rich Russian culture. Russian folk culture also includes some beautiful artistic traditions, such as embroidery, woodcarving, and painted "matryoshkka" dolls.

More heat for the West

Although afternoon and evening thunderstorms will dot much of the West again Monday, high temperatures will still be the lead story. Overall, however, the extreme heat of the last few days will tend to ameliorate a bit. Still, a few more records are likely to tumble. High temperatures are forecast to range from the 60s in parts of Yellowstone N. P. and along the north Pacific coast to over 110 in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Triple-digit heat will sear eastern Washington and the Central Valley of California. Readings in the 80s and 90s will be widespread.

The atoms and molecules in a substance do not always travel at the same speed. This means that there is a range of energy (the energy of motion) among the molecules. In a gas, for example, the molecules are traveling in random directions at a variety of speeds - some are fast and some are slow.

Temperature is a measure of the average heat or thermal energy of the particles in a substance. Since it is an average measurement, it does not depend on the number of particles in an object. In that sense it does not depend on the size of it. For example, the temperature of a small cup of boiling water is the same as the temperature of a large pot of boiling water. Even if the large pot is much bigger than the cup and has millions and millions more water molecules.

PCU George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)

Specifications

CVN-77, the 10th and final Nimitz-class carrier, will be a transition ship to the new CVNX project, and will incorporate new technologies and concepts applicable to CVNX (i.e., she will differ considerably from earlier Nimitz-class ships).

 

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Operational and Building Data

Contract awarded on 26 Jan 2001 to Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Va. Named on 9 Dec 2002. Keel laid on 6 Sep 2003. Christening scheduled for October 7, 2006. Delivery to the Fleet is planned for late 2008.

Status:  Under construction.

NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive