Steve Jobs – Live before you die

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Mike

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The times they are a changing – Bob Dillan

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Mike

Fast Charging
Charging an electric car may soon be as quick and easy as refueling at the pump.

Nissan, in conjunction with Japan’s Kansai University, says it has created the necessary technology to charge the batteries needed by vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi iMiEV in a record time of ten minutes.

The findings, reported by Nikkei news agency last week, could represent a huge leap forward in public acceptance of electric vehicles, hindered to date by sluggish charge times — a full charge of common EVs today can take up to eight hours.

The breakthrough reportedly came by changing the electrode inside a capacitor from carbon to tungsten oxide and vanadium oxide to improve power, reports Asean Automotive News.

Batteries charged using the updated system were complete in ten minutes, with no significant effect on storage capacity or voltage, the reports said.

Although it could take a decade to commercialize the technology, such a significant breakthrough could dramatically boost public perception of electric cars.

Last month, Nissan launched a new fast charger in Japan costing less than Y1 million ($13,015), half the price of its previous charging unit.

The new model is nearly half the size in volume than previous incarnations and can charge electric vehicles from multiple automakers, Nissan said.

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Get Happy!

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Mike

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Win this bike!

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Mike

raffle bikeCool, original Knucklehead style with 21st century performance. That sums up the 2011 National Motorcycle Museum Fundraiser Bike, and you could win it!

The price is through the roof on real antique Harley-Davidson® Knuckleheads, one of HD’s most lasting all-American designs. So why not bring together a forged and TIG-welded V-Twin Manufacturing replica frame and chrome springer front end, a Baker 4-speed and Tech Cycle enclosed belt primary, some authentic tin, removable leather bags and a windshield. Then drop in a 93 cubic inch S&S Knucklehead motor; the best of all worlds! Fit a strong rear disk brake from PM, a hot electronic ignition, add some chrome and a House of Color glossy black with orange paint job by JC Hetz Studios. All that’s left is to jab the electric starter button and take it for a spin, if you win.

John Parham, President of the Board for the Museum offers, “I’m really proud of our fund-raiser bikes over the years, and the great support we’ve had, all the donations our friends have made to win the bike. This new black and orange Knuck may be our best yet, so I hope you enter to win. Thanks again for all your support.” The bike was designed and built by J&P Cycles® Bike Builder Kody Wisner. J&P Cycles sponsored with the build hours and many of the fine parts.

The bike will be featured as a build project in Hot Bike Magazine this summer, so be sure and pick up a copy to follow the process. In a hurry? Parts lists will be available should you want to go to the J&P Cycles catalog and build your own Knucklehead. The drawing is December 30, 2011 and you need not be present to win.

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