In Chicago, I've seen a gallon of gasoline go well over $4/gallon, depending on the grade and the location. Fuel prices are really out of hand. Even back home in Los Angeles, it's over $3/gallon.
Some people have gone to ridiculous lengths to save fuel. These people - usually men - are called "hypermilers," and their tactics involve removing side mirrors, covering the grille for better aerodynamics, coasting with the engine off, and other drastic measures. The extreme example: a Honda Insight, rated at 66 MPG, getting 200 MPG (!).
Hypermiling involves many illegal tactics, such as drafting behind an 18-wheeler or driving near the shoulder. Only the most basic hypermiling tactics, such as avoiding jackrabbit start/stops and obeying speed limits, should be used in daily driving.
My BMW is rated at 27 MPG on the highway. I haven't done much to improve the fuel economy, but on flat terrain with some tailwind, I once averaged 35 MPG as indicated by the trip computer, with instantaneous fuel economy probably around 40+ish. Even with lots of hills and 80MPH leadfoot driving, I get at least 30, most likely 32. I'll adjust my driving on my next long road trip, and see how well my car does. On the other hand, my 4-cylinder Honda Accord hasn't done as well, consistently giving me only 25-28 MPG despite being rated at 30, regardless of my driving habits.
MSN Money
31 May 2007
29 May 2007
Chicago...
And yes, I am back from Chicago.
My hotel's business center was closed for the weekend, so I did some minor blogging (for Democracy Cell Project) and emailing from the Apple Store on the Magnificent Mile. But I couldn't touch this blog, and certainly couldn't upload any photos; the photos are still in my camera.
But it was three days of activism, bliss, and fun. Now, back to regular work life I go...
My hotel's business center was closed for the weekend, so I did some minor blogging (for Democracy Cell Project) and emailing from the Apple Store on the Magnificent Mile. But I couldn't touch this blog, and certainly couldn't upload any photos; the photos are still in my camera.
But it was three days of activism, bliss, and fun. Now, back to regular work life I go...
Cindy Sheehan leaves the Democratic Party
After the Democrats passed the new Iraq War funding bill without deadlines, Cindy Sheehan felt so betrayed that she has chosen to leave the party, and resign from the Democrat-led peace activism.
Information Clearinghouse
When I was meeting with activist Marianne Wood in Chicago last weekend, we saw the Democrats' passage of the bill, which did require W to submit progress reports, as an incremental step toward something bigger and more substantial, later on. While I still feel that way, the truth does remain that some Democrats are beholden to the war machine, and are completely gutless.
I will keep watching. The media conglomerates must be overthrown, and the people need to reward good politicians and punish those who don't represent them, in order for American democracy to work again, regardless of political party affiliation.
Information Clearinghouse
When I was meeting with activist Marianne Wood in Chicago last weekend, we saw the Democrats' passage of the bill, which did require W to submit progress reports, as an incremental step toward something bigger and more substantial, later on. While I still feel that way, the truth does remain that some Democrats are beholden to the war machine, and are completely gutless.
I will keep watching. The media conglomerates must be overthrown, and the people need to reward good politicians and punish those who don't represent them, in order for American democracy to work again, regardless of political party affiliation.
24 May 2007
Chicago
I'm traveling to Chicago tomorrow night. This will most likely be my last post before departure.
Not only will I get to meet with activist Marianne Wood (and sing some Dixie Chicks songs together), but I also expect to visit the peace activists in Grant Park, as they lay out empty boots to symbolize the war dead in Iraq.
Blogging in Chicago will be limited due to my lack of a laptop. I can forget about uploading pictures until after I return. However, my hotel will have a business center, so at least I will be able to post a few times.
I hope this trip will be as special as my trips to Seattle and Vancouver last year.
Not only will I get to meet with activist Marianne Wood (and sing some Dixie Chicks songs together), but I also expect to visit the peace activists in Grant Park, as they lay out empty boots to symbolize the war dead in Iraq.
Blogging in Chicago will be limited due to my lack of a laptop. I can forget about uploading pictures until after I return. However, my hotel will have a business center, so at least I will be able to post a few times.
I hope this trip will be as special as my trips to Seattle and Vancouver last year.
23 May 2007
Star Wars trivia
On a lighter note, I'm being reminded that Star Wars' first release was on May 25, 1977. The 30th anniversary is just a couple of days away.
Below is link to a BBC article that has 30 bits of trivia on the original Star Wars film, now known as Episode IV. My favorite: Chewbacca the Wookiee was modeled after an Alaska malamute dog owned by George Lucas. Another one: Harrison Ford was not the first choice for Han Solo. (It now feels so quaint seeing a very young Harrison Ford on the Star Wars movies.)
I've watched the original three episodes - IV, V, and VI - but haven't brought myself to watch the newer prequels - I, II, and III - yet, and may never will.
BBC
Below is link to a BBC article that has 30 bits of trivia on the original Star Wars film, now known as Episode IV. My favorite: Chewbacca the Wookiee was modeled after an Alaska malamute dog owned by George Lucas. Another one: Harrison Ford was not the first choice for Han Solo. (It now feels so quaint seeing a very young Harrison Ford on the Star Wars movies.)
I've watched the original three episodes - IV, V, and VI - but haven't brought myself to watch the newer prequels - I, II, and III - yet, and may never will.
BBC
Democrats chicken out again
The Democrats have decided, once again, to cave in to W's tactics, and withdraw any hint of a deadline on the Iraq bill.
This is despite strong support in favor of withdrawal deadlines from the people of the US and Iraq.
Maybe the Dems smell just as much money in this war as the Republicans. This is NOT what the people asked for, when they voted the Republicans out of Congress last November.
As this disgrace progresses, I will make sure my Democratic Senators will hear on this issue. My Republican Congressman, with no viable opposition, is a lost cause.
BBC
This is despite strong support in favor of withdrawal deadlines from the people of the US and Iraq.
Maybe the Dems smell just as much money in this war as the Republicans. This is NOT what the people asked for, when they voted the Republicans out of Congress last November.
As this disgrace progresses, I will make sure my Democratic Senators will hear on this issue. My Republican Congressman, with no viable opposition, is a lost cause.
BBC
15 May 2007
Airline customer service fails
I've suspected of this all along.
Airlines were getting a bad rap, and justifiably so, at the turn of the millennium. But as other industries, including energy, started fleecing Americans more, and airlines started going bankrupt, people became more sympathetic.
Most airlines are now out of bankruptcy (though Northwest is still Chapter 11), but the cuts they had made in service (both quantity and quality), combined with surging passenger loads, are making for miserable flying experiences once again.
According to the MSNBC article below, the four largest airlines in the US are the four worst offenders. The worst is United. Southwest and Continental are the only two airlines improving their services at this moment.
I'm flying to Chicago on United next week. I better hope for the best, but prepare for anything. I do know that my flights are packed to the limit, and some of my fellow passengers will definitely get stressed out.
MSNBC
Airlines were getting a bad rap, and justifiably so, at the turn of the millennium. But as other industries, including energy, started fleecing Americans more, and airlines started going bankrupt, people became more sympathetic.
Most airlines are now out of bankruptcy (though Northwest is still Chapter 11), but the cuts they had made in service (both quantity and quality), combined with surging passenger loads, are making for miserable flying experiences once again.
According to the MSNBC article below, the four largest airlines in the US are the four worst offenders. The worst is United. Southwest and Continental are the only two airlines improving their services at this moment.
I'm flying to Chicago on United next week. I better hope for the best, but prepare for anything. I do know that my flights are packed to the limit, and some of my fellow passengers will definitely get stressed out.
MSNBC
A study on LGBT Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders
I was one of the 800+ or so people who participated in this study by the Task Force, which just came out today.
The findings are not very surprising to me. There is a lot of homophobia in Asian communities, a lot of racism in white LGBT community, and a severe urgency for spreading LGBT-positive information through Asian organizations.
Based on the frequency of harassment and other negative experiences, it appears that the Korean and Vietnamese communities are the most homophobic, which matches my own experience and observations. (I did identify as Korean-Chinese for the purposes of this survey, so my own experiences did count toward the Korean total.) The death grips on these communities, by conservative politicians, ideologies, and death cults, must stop.
There are many good suggestions being made in this study, both for white LGBT groups and for Asian-American groups. I hope these groups will listen.
One thing I couldn't find: the preponderance of "tranny dykes" among Asian-Americans. My imperial observation has been that "tranny dykes," like me, are much rarer among heteronormative Asian cultures than among whites, but possibly due to small sample sizes, the researchers may not have come to a conclusive result on this.
The Task Force
The findings are not very surprising to me. There is a lot of homophobia in Asian communities, a lot of racism in white LGBT community, and a severe urgency for spreading LGBT-positive information through Asian organizations.
Based on the frequency of harassment and other negative experiences, it appears that the Korean and Vietnamese communities are the most homophobic, which matches my own experience and observations. (I did identify as Korean-Chinese for the purposes of this survey, so my own experiences did count toward the Korean total.) The death grips on these communities, by conservative politicians, ideologies, and death cults, must stop.
There are many good suggestions being made in this study, both for white LGBT groups and for Asian-American groups. I hope these groups will listen.
One thing I couldn't find: the preponderance of "tranny dykes" among Asian-Americans. My imperial observation has been that "tranny dykes," like me, are much rarer among heteronormative Asian cultures than among whites, but possibly due to small sample sizes, the researchers may not have come to a conclusive result on this.
The Task Force
Jerry Falwell dead
He used slush funds from the Unification Church to turn Liberty University into a potent force for the evangelical Christians.
He blamed 9/11 on gays, feminists, abortionists, and non-Christians.
He even denounced the Teletubbies because Tinky Winky was "gay."
He's Jerry Falwell, who died today aged 73.
Although he's gone, his brand of hateful Christianity will endure. For example, his Moonie backers in my area are still blabbering his line about 9/11 being the result of the secularization of America. And that will be something I will never forgive.
Now, I need to hear about Sun Myung Moon's passing. He's well into his 80s.
BBC
He blamed 9/11 on gays, feminists, abortionists, and non-Christians.
He even denounced the Teletubbies because Tinky Winky was "gay."
He's Jerry Falwell, who died today aged 73.
Although he's gone, his brand of hateful Christianity will endure. For example, his Moonie backers in my area are still blabbering his line about 9/11 being the result of the secularization of America. And that will be something I will never forgive.
Now, I need to hear about Sun Myung Moon's passing. He's well into his 80s.
BBC
10 May 2007
W loses his poodle
Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will step down next month.
His rule was welcomed at first thanks to his emulation of Bill Clinton-style moderate liberalism. The UK enjoyed economic growth and decreased crime. But when he started supporting the W regime and its wars, his popularity tanked, both among British voters and in the world community.
It looks like Gordon Brown, another Labour MP, will take over. I don't know much about him, so I don't know what kind of a direction the UK will take after Blair's departure. But I do sincerely hope that Brown's direction will take Blair's best, while taking the UK away from W's misadventures.
The Liberal Democrats, UK's #3 party, wants to have the Queen call a general election. It is unlikely to happen, however. And even with a general election, the Labours are most likely to hold onto their power. I certainly don't look forward to the Tories coming back to power in the UK.
BBC
His rule was welcomed at first thanks to his emulation of Bill Clinton-style moderate liberalism. The UK enjoyed economic growth and decreased crime. But when he started supporting the W regime and its wars, his popularity tanked, both among British voters and in the world community.
It looks like Gordon Brown, another Labour MP, will take over. I don't know much about him, so I don't know what kind of a direction the UK will take after Blair's departure. But I do sincerely hope that Brown's direction will take Blair's best, while taking the UK away from W's misadventures.
The Liberal Democrats, UK's #3 party, wants to have the Queen call a general election. It is unlikely to happen, however. And even with a general election, the Labours are most likely to hold onto their power. I certainly don't look forward to the Tories coming back to power in the UK.
BBC
07 May 2007
Two items
First, Nicolas Sarkozy won the French presidential election. Although the French presidency is relatively weak compared to American-style presidency, French presidents are far from being nobody. I'll see how Sarko leads France, and if he starts chanting the praises of the W regime and its policies (much along the lines of Angela Merkel of Germany), maybe I should start considering my own boycott of France.
Second, Pat Buchanan is NOT grateful to the Korean immigrants (and many other immigrant demographics) who have supported his social conservatism. He uses the VT shooting tragedy to correlate immigration with mass murder (and loss of American identity). Given the special relationship that they have with the Korean community, the reactionary elements of American society are damned whether they defend the Koreans (as did Fox News), or blast them (as did Buchanan).
Second, Pat Buchanan is NOT grateful to the Korean immigrants (and many other immigrant demographics) who have supported his social conservatism. He uses the VT shooting tragedy to correlate immigration with mass murder (and loss of American identity). Given the special relationship that they have with the Korean community, the reactionary elements of American society are damned whether they defend the Koreans (as did Fox News), or blast them (as did Buchanan).
02 May 2007
The Bush-Moon Connection
I was just alerted to this Mother Jones article by Marianne Wood, the Chicago activist I will be meeting with later in the month.
It details the plans for the Washington Times' 25th anniversary gala, and how George H.W. Bush will be delivering the keynote address in support of the Moonie newspaper. And the Bush-Moon friendship goes back much farther than that, including joint appearances and partnerships in various Latin American countries.
Very disgusting reading.
Mother Jones
It details the plans for the Washington Times' 25th anniversary gala, and how George H.W. Bush will be delivering the keynote address in support of the Moonie newspaper. And the Bush-Moon friendship goes back much farther than that, including joint appearances and partnerships in various Latin American countries.
Very disgusting reading.
Mother Jones
01 May 2007
Immigrant rally today
The big news today is the immigrant rallies taking place across the nation.
I am not very sympathetic, given that some conservative nationalities, having come in on Republican favors, have turned the US into a third-world country itself, by voting for the same kind of primitive moral and economic laws that predominate their home countries. They are the reason why Los Angeles is, for example, not quite San Francisco.
I agree that the immigration system is broken. And as long as the Republicans continue to bring in only their favorite reactionary nationalities, and the Democrats turn a blind eye in the name of political correctness, nothing will change.
MSNBC
I am not very sympathetic, given that some conservative nationalities, having come in on Republican favors, have turned the US into a third-world country itself, by voting for the same kind of primitive moral and economic laws that predominate their home countries. They are the reason why Los Angeles is, for example, not quite San Francisco.
I agree that the immigration system is broken. And as long as the Republicans continue to bring in only their favorite reactionary nationalities, and the Democrats turn a blind eye in the name of political correctness, nothing will change.
MSNBC
Rise in gas prices
I'm already paying $3.30+ per gallon for regular unleaded, and $3.50+ for premium, in my neck of woods. And these are Republican sweetheart prices - predominantly Democratic areas in my county pay another 10-20 cents more. At this pace, $4/gallon is a real possibility.
Regardless of what the analysts say, this is pure greed and robbery. If W didn't start a war against Iraq for his personal reasons, and if he didn't write off the greed of the oil companies as "free market forces at work" (the oil industry is an oligopoly and a cartel, NOT a free market), gas prices wouldn't be this high.
The last time I paid $4 per gallon was 1998 - in England. At least, most of the money was in the form of taxes being re-invested in infrastructure and mass transit. Can't say the same of today's prices in the US.
MSNBC "Analysis"
Regardless of what the analysts say, this is pure greed and robbery. If W didn't start a war against Iraq for his personal reasons, and if he didn't write off the greed of the oil companies as "free market forces at work" (the oil industry is an oligopoly and a cartel, NOT a free market), gas prices wouldn't be this high.
The last time I paid $4 per gallon was 1998 - in England. At least, most of the money was in the form of taxes being re-invested in infrastructure and mass transit. Can't say the same of today's prices in the US.
MSNBC "Analysis"
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