Monday, October 17, 2011

Aliens vs. Superman

I had a very entertaining dream last night that came in two parts:

Part one involved some sort of high rise building or structure.  The only part I can recall clearly was a narrow stairwell and ladder in which the people were escaping from the aliens (or was it zombies?).  There was a part where I had to raise and lock a ladder for someone else to climb to safety.

Part two (the part I remember more clearly) started with a luncheon or something similar where cake and spirits were being served.  I think it was a house (apartment) warming party because I know later on in the dream I was searching for some clothes.  It soon became apparent that I was taking on the role of Clark Kent because I (and I don't remember how I found this out) suddenly had to travel to another planet (where the first dream took place) and fight some xenomorphs (Aliens).  This is where I realized that I was in a new place because I - Kent - couldnt' find my Superman outfit and Lois (I assume) couldn't remember where she had packed it so I would have to do my heroics in regular clothes.  I can't remember exactly what I ended up dressing in, but I think it was black leather pants and jacket (like something out of Smallville).  I then had to look up my destination with a smartphone planetarium ap (LOL) before making my way to an abandoned alleyway to take flight.

The flying part was pretty interesting and very different from my usual flying dreams (because, hey, now I'm Superman!).  I flew up through the clouds and heard the roar of the wind whipping past me and then silence as I left the atmosphere.  Stupid me, I left the smartphone behind, so I had to look around until I figured out which star was the one I needed to head to and that's where this trip really got fun.  Ever wonder how comic book Superman can fly through space to other worlds without breaking the Theory of Relativity?  Well, apparently he can create some sort of wormhole, well at least that's what I did - or so I figure.  I just pointed myself in the right direction and started to fly through space.  After a while space-time distorted and I was halfway there, once more and I had arrived.  Flying through "dream" outerspace is pretty trippy.

The planet turned out to be some sort of mining colony with a sort of biosphere for its inhabitants, and as I approached I found two children playing with and protecting one of the alien creatures (this one the size of a Chihuahua) from two adults that wanted to beat it with a shovel.around the time I was going to step in is where I started to wake up. How disappointing, I would have really like to fight some of the aliens and see how that turned out, but at least I got to fly through SPAAACE!!!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Electric Cars

Carl,


- Matt

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Hello Matt,      Tue.Oct.11,2011
      Thanks for info. I am definitely interested in the Nissan Leaf. I can't see the necessity for 10 minute recharging since the vehicle would be used solely for short distance commutes around town.  A Leaf with 120 mile range would probably go most of the week without any recharge. Either that or a short recharge every night would keep it topped off. I am still wondering what they do for heating the cab during -20 F temps? A propane heater in the cab should defrost the windshield quicker than most gas cars can do it.................................................................73s,Carl

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Carl,
One of the main reaasons we aren't seeing electric cars moving to market faster is due to their limited range due to the time it takes to recharge them.  You can top off your car quickly enough, but recharging an electric car currently takes a looong time.  My idea was to swap batteries at a charging station, but a ten minute recharge is acceptable.
- Matt

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Hello Matt,       Wed.Oct.12,2011
      Yes, definitely, swapping batteries into a standardized battery box built into every car would be the best way to keep gas station employes employed and truckers driving to supply them. Not to mention that it would be the fastest way to get going again. Any type of battery technology could be packed into the standardized box thus giving drivers a wide selection of performances and prices.................................................................73s,Carl