Author Archives: bfrhodes99

EV Update

Posted in Uncategorized by

As an electric vehicle enthusiast, I’ve been sharing my journey with my Nissan EV since its purchase two years ago, offering insights and real-world experiences to help potential buyers make informed decisions about sustainable transportation.

For electric vehicle enthusiasts considering a purchase, my experience offers valuable insights. The car delivers impressive performance, though its practicality depends on individual driving habits. As a retiree with limited daily mileage, I find the 200-mile range sufficient for local trips. However, potential buyers should carefully evaluate their driving needs. Extended daily commutes or frequent long-distance travel might challenge the vehicle’s battery capacity, especially when climate control systems are in use. Extreme temperatures can notably impact range, so it’s crucial to factor in heating and cooling requirements when assessing the car’s suitability for your lifestyle.

Electric vehicle efficiency varies significantly with temperature. In mild conditions, my car achieves an impressive five miles per kilowatt-hour. However, during a recent cold snap of twenty degrees, the range dropped to just 1.5 miles per kilowatt-hour. Short trips compound this challenge, as the cabin heating system consumes energy before reaching the destination. Personal comfort settings play a crucial role in energy consumption. While I maintain a cozy 75-degree interior, those who can tolerate lower temperatures around 68 degrees will experience improved overall efficiency.

Unexpectedly encountering a nail in my tire revealed a critical flaw in my vehicle’s emergency preparedness. The absence of a spare tire, even a compact temporary one, coupled with the lack of a jack, left me stranded and vulnerable. This realization has prompted me to proactively address these shortcomings before another roadside mishap occurs, ensuring I’m better equipped to handle potential tire emergencies.

The vehicle comes standard with an air pump and liquid sealant, featuring a surprisingly efficient compressor that can rapidly inflate a tire from 37 to 42 psi in just 2-3 minutes. However, a notable drawback is the requirement to have the car running to power the cigarette lighter outlet. During a recent cold spell, I needed to adjust the pressure in all four tires, which unexpectedly drained a significant amount of battery power. The process seemed unnecessarily energy-intensive, potentially consuming double the electricity required. As a result, I plan to purchase a standalone electric pump that can be plugged directly into a wall outlet for more convenient and efficient tire maintenance.

A compromised bead seal renders sealant application futile and prevents the small pump from effectively addressing the problem. I’m seeking recommendations on acquiring a compact spare.

The big joke

Posted in Uncategorized by

I just now heard a big joke, and I use the term “joke” with sarcasm. I heard an ad on TV for AARP, where the man said it was non-partisan. That is the joke, and it’s not funny. They cost my wife and me thirty thousand dollars by backing Obamacare.

That is neither non-partisan nor funny!

Moreover, they have been toeing the line for the Democratic Party since they started. It only makes sense. Are they going to represent a few folks paying a few dollars in dues or the corporations continuing to contribute millions?

That means it’s not so much a joke as a travesty.

How have my political ideas changed over the time?

Posted in Uncategorized by

They’ve become stronger and clearer. I mean, when the Democrats decide to open the borders to a invasion with weapons, When the Democrats decide to put men in women’s locker rooms, when Democrats decide to put law biding citizens in prison and criminals on the street, how can any logical person do otherwise?

Incidentally, the write assist they provide me did not like the above paragraph. It refused to proof read it. Obviously the artificial intelligence behind it, has a bias, and ain’t so intelligent.

Speaking Badly of the Dead?

Posted in Uncategorized by

If I heard it once, I have heard it a thousand times, we should not speak badly of the dead. Recently, I have been thinking this over. Maybe that isn’t so much a cut and dry rule. I mean must we never speak badly of Hitler?

The left loves to compare anyone they disagree with as a Hitler. The dems love to speak badly of Washington and Jefferson. If so, why can’t I speak badly of Jackson, a true racist who indirectly but intentionally killed unknown hundreds of American Indians by ordering them from their homes and onto the Trail of Tears.

I guess Stalin is off limits, though he killed millions, just to solidify his power base. What about Manson, who killed Sharon Tate. You know very well that I can build a list of monsters, living and dead who have caused the death of millions. Then, I guess, once a person steps out into infinity, they are hands off, unless they were patriotic Republicans.

While we must be cautious about posthumous criticism, we cannot allow historical atrocities to be forgotten or absolved simply because their perpetrators have died. Accountability and remembrance serve as crucial tools for understanding human nature and preventing future injustices.

Biblical narratives often candidly expose the moral failings of even its most revered figures, revealing the humanity and imperfections of its central characters through unflinching accounts of their transgressions.

Three Wise Men? Maybe.

Posted in Uncategorized by

It never fails to amaze me how people insist on there being three wise men who visited Jesus on the night of his birth. It shows how tradition can be so misleading.

The biblical narrative of Jesus’s birth reveals nuanced details often misunderstood in popular depictions. Scripture clearly indicates that shepherds were the first to visit the newborn Jesus on the night of his birth, while the wise men arrived later at a house, not the stable. Though traditional nativity scenes frequently portray three wise men, the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their exact number. The actual count could have been two, three, or potentially even twenty travelers who journeyed to pay homage to the child.

Biblical scholars and nativity scene artists often depict an inaccurate representation of the wise men’s visit to Jesus. According to scriptural accounts, the magi did not arrive at the stable where Jesus was born, but rather visited him later in a house, when he was likely a young child. Please read it yourself. Don’t take my word for it.

If we go by the Scripture, which we should, the wise men might have visited as much as two years after Jesus’ birth and likely at least a month later. It may have taken a month or more to move from the manger to a house. Moreover, Matthew calls Jesus a child, not a baby.

Many scholars suggest the visit occurred when Jesus was around one to two years old, based on King Herod’s decree to kill male children under two. While the exact age remains uncertain, it seems most likely that Jesus was slightly older than a toddler. Matthew’s gospel implies he was no longer an infant, as the term “baby” was not used to describe him at this point.

Periodically, I find myself compelled to address this topic, recognizing that not everyone is fully informed. Though some may question its significance, I believe the matter is crucial. Subtle misquotations can be particularly misleading, as even a slight distortion of context or a few misplaced words can fundamentally alter understanding. I’ve often contemplated whether the narrative of the wise men truly belongs within the traditional Christmas narrative, given the potential for misinterpretation.

I Suppose This Is Cheating

Posted in Uncategorized by

I don’t think this is really a direct reply, and I hope you’ll forgive me. You see, it was actually a loaner while my engine was being rebuilt. If I remember correctly, it was a 1970 or 1971 Dodge Sportsman van with a V8.

Over the years, I unsuccessfully sought that specific vehicle. Today’s luxury vans and minivans differ greatly, and the rising prices have made such a model unattainable for me.

Visibility was excellent. Large windows provided clear views at stop signs, making traffic monitoring effortless.

Later, I had a VW van that had many advantages but really lacked power and air conditioning. I could have lived without the power, and while living in California, I could have lived without the AC. However, the small engine came with reliability problems. Also, it didn’t have sufficient heating on cold nights.

I will say this for the VW van: Put chains on it, and it would go through ten inches of snow. I know; I did it.

Now if they would just put a V8 in something like that VW and keep it basic. Somehow, I don’t think that is going to happen.

Things to Remember

Posted in Uncategorized by

It’s never the right time to do the wrong thing

Almost all temporary solutions become permanent

Stuff has a tendency to accumulate, sometimes multiplies

Money does not fix everything, but, sometimes it comes in handy. It might not be such a good idea to give it to casinos.

Perhaps I should remember this one. You can easily find those willing to tell you what to think. It is a little more difficult to find those wanting to hear what you think.

Potato Soup a la Diet Pepsi

Posted in Crazy Nuts, Growing Old, Little known info by

Don’t know if the term is correct. I know it is not a good idea.

As a devoted fan of Campbell’s soups, I’ve always had a soft spot for their cream of potato variety. On this particular occasion, my hunger led me to prepare the soup with my signature touch: crumbling crisp saltine crackers into the steaming bowl and accompanying the meal with a refreshing Diet Pepsi, which I started to poured directly into the creamy mixture.

Now, you might ask why I did that. Well, I’ll tell you, I have not the foggiest idea. I had poured an ounce or two before I realized my blunder.

For those wondering if it improved the taste, let me say this: I would not recommend it. However, it was tolerable. Moreover, I will go well out of my way to make sure I do not repeat it. Not only did it ruin the soup, but I also lost part of my soda.

Oh well. As they say, it all ends up in the same place anyway.

Euphemism

Posted in Uncategorized by

A gentler, more diplomatic term used in place of a direct or potentially offensive phrase, typically employed when discussing sensitive, uncomfortable, or taboo subjects.

For example, use “undocumented migrant” instead of the improper term “illegal alien.” Woe to the news person who uses the incorrect word, or politician. Old Joe made the mistake, and they brought him out in microseconds to make the apology and correction. Can’t have the leader of the dems using such terms.

Democrat rhetoric often employs euphemisms to subtly mislead, presenting distortions as implied truths.