Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Auto Pilot for Trucks


AUTOPILOT FOR TRUCKS

Anyone who has looked at this blog over time is well aware that I have no understanding of the inflated valuation of Tesla stock. The battery technology may be the important part, but beyond that, the car biz is pretty iffy. For instance, there was another autopilot crash yesterday—into a parked police car.

I just returned from six days on the road and over 4,000 miles. If I were a NYT reporter, that would qualify me as an expert. The only expertise I have is accurately predicting that I will be amazed at the way other drivers try to kill me.

FACTOID: The message board in Missouri said over 300 people have been killed in auto accidents so far this year. SIXTY PERCENT (60%) OF THEM WERE UNBUCKLED!!

Back to the subject of the title. All those trucks driving individually. Why not take the existing technology (computer regulated speed, cameras, proximity sensors and controls, and lots of others that exist now) and create a system that allows trucks to “convoy.” (Again with the songs…convoy, 6 days on the road…)

Imagine the fuel savings if two, three or more trucks were able to convoy down the freeway at 70 miles per hour spaced at 6 inches from each other. Maybe the drafting drivers (actually, not driving at that point) could get a break from the new Electronic Log Device mandates. Watch for the ELD rules to cause higher prices on goods that need to be transported…which is just about everything.

Seems like the infatuation with autopilot for cars could be put to nearly immediate, economically advantageous use in the trucking industry.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

JUGGLING


Jerry confessed his fascination with juggling, said he went so far as to get the book, “Juggling for Dummies.” It didn’t work.

We watched a short video of a juggler riding a bicycle, juggling bowling pins and doing tricks with the bike. Amazing.

I remember learning to juggle when I was young, but couldn’t master anything beyond 3 items at once. Brings back a memory of two “losers” (guys who didn’t have dates on a Saturday night) in the house practicing juggling three baseballs and trying to perfect the art of sharing them back and forth. The other participant, Jim Stevenson, was at Nebraska on a baseball scholarship, so he was pretty handy.

Along comes Frank Solich and says, “Hey, I always wanted to learn how to juggle.” “Really, Frank, it takes a lot of practice, years.” “Well, just let me try.”

At that time, Frank held the single-game rushing record for Nebraska at something like 250 yards. I think it was against Air Force. He and another guy would strap weights under their shorts so they were listed at around 165 pounds.

The reason he was able to do things on the athletic field was brought home to me that night. Frank was “different.” In minutes he was juggling as well or better than either Jim or me. His brain and body worked in a way that ours didn’t.

Thinking of you, coach, as you lead the Ohio University Bobcats. Thinking of you, Jim Stevenson, killed in action, Viet Nam, 1969 (a member of Army Reserves, activated).

Jim and I shared a branch of the Army, Armor. It was reported he died in a vehicle very common in the day, the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Designed for a different war on the other side of the world, but what they were using in 1969. Glad we didn't get called up, as he did. All honor to him for his service and sacrifice.