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I actually enjoyed forecasting the weather more so in the "good old days" (1970s and 80s) when a lot more interpretation was necessary. Now any "Tom, Dick, and Harry" can go on the Internet and read these forecast models (GFS, European, Canadian, etc.) and come up with a forecast. Everything (precip, temperatures, winds, etc.) you need to know for any spot in the world is shown to you in pretty pictures out to 15 days into the future and updated 4 times daily as in the case of the GFS. I have been telling my customers for several years now that the GFS operational more than 8 days out is less than worthless. Back in the late 1970s to early 1980s, all we had available was the so called Baroclinic Model out to 72 hours into the future and it only showed the upper air (500 millibar surface) forecast and nothing else. There was a Barotropic Model out 48 hours (upper air only) and the LFM (limited fine mesh or as we called it limited fine mess) out to 36 hours (upper air contours and surface isobars). There was a tremendous amount of interpretation back then. To forecast beyond 72 hours we had to extrapolate out to about 5 to 7 days on our own. Those that had the passion and had a feel of how the troughs and ridges would evolve would be the best forecasters. A meteorologist that really knew how to forecast the weather had much more of an advantage back then. Anyway, the bottom line is that it was a lot more fun and challenging in those days. I grew up in the Boston area where there were real TV meteorologists way back in the mid to late 1950s.
Allow me to tell you one final tidbit of how things have changed and I will leave you alone. We use to pay thousands of dollars per month to get the little data that was available back then. Now everything is free on the Internet.
Going back to the topic of luxury cars, as long as they are comfortable to drive and are loaded with the latest, amazing technological features, I will be OK with the future of luxury cars.
Well I believe that economist were created for weatherman to look good.
To be fair to economist I would say that they look at too much data and use to many "statistical models" for prediction(s)..and you all know about data
All the data is just like a bikini...what it shows is suggestive & what it hides is vital..
Cant blame the economist coming to different opinions after looking at the same bikini-clad-data
:-)
Hey BTW, the stock market is the midst of a nice rally today.
Boston has to be the toughest palce in the US to forecast. There are so many things that influence that local micro-climate and no forecast model can capture that well. I'd also say the GFS is worthless 5 days out unless you extrapolate it's patterns and try to decipher it's usuall biasses. The Euro is still a costly model to subscribe to.
As for the universe - comes down to quantum mechanics and how virtual particles pop in and out of existense in billionths of a second or less. We know it happens from particle colliders as the trace mass of the virtual particle is always captured by the super computers. 1+1 never equals 2 in a particle collider. One virtual particle got lucky and inflated before it popped out and the universe was born. Alan Guth calls it the ultimate free lunch. I don't - as of yet - buy into dark energy theories though. I think the proof cited about it is caused by an aberration of our locale in space.
Cars - I think the issue will be all the lux model variants, different engine choices etc will disappear over time. We'll go back to basics because the new economics will not allow a car for every type of buyer. So many niche models will disappear as will niche variants of larger selling models. I have a real hard time understanding BMW's continuing and in fact expanding business logic of niche cars. Maybe this economic retrenchment happened so fast that they couldn't abandon what was already in the works but that business model is not sustainable.
Here's verdict:
Some concept cars are design studies, while others closely preview production models. But as much as we may have hoped, the gorgeous Essence concept unveiled by Infiniti earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show will remain firmly in the former, as company spokesmen have reportedly verified that the show-stopping show car will not be entering production.
Alright, so that may be no big surprise, but we're allowed to dream, aren't we? That doesn't mean elements previewed by the Essence won't be trickling down to production models. We certainly hope some of the breathtaking design will find its way into production sheetmetal, and reports suggest that the quirky kink in the C pillar could appear on future products from the premium Nissan division. The long-awaited successor to the flagship Q45, if produced, is tipped to borrow heavily from the Essence's design, while its concept drivetrain is expected to lead the way for a hybrid M as well. So while the show car itself will remain a glimmering memory, its bits and pieces will, in essence, resurface in future Infiniti products.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-infiniti-wont-produce-show-car-but-its- -essence-will-li/
Universe-Yes, I am pretty certain that quantum mechanics is the probable answer, but what caused this one "lucky particle" to inflate and explode into the known universe? Isn't that mind boggling? It still comes down to what started it all? This is where belief in an omnipotent divine power comes into play. For me anyway, as my knowledge of the universe increases, so does my belief in God. I have a strong feeling that we will one day all find out but the quest for knowledge will continue even after we depart this physical world. Have you ever looked into Near Death Experiences?
Man, I hope Pat is understanding and doesn't get ticked off at this conversation. There is only so much that can be said about cars and occasionally we have to have a diversion.
I'm sure that you're right about the future of luxury cars with the changing world-wide economic climate. Like I said, I am not very fussy. A future luxury hybrid vehicle with all the bells and whistles will suit me fine.
I also recall that there was some discussion about how to interpret the ambiguous wording in the Infiniti press release, regarding the potential production of the Essence. You posted that they wouldn't build it before 201o or 2011, as I recall. Well, now it seems they will never build it at all. Shame.
TM
Gentleman, you are going to scare Tagman away from moving to Boston!
If you don't like the weather, wait a minute...
Six days 'till Opening Day. If I'm going to the game, temp in the upper 30s with rain. If I am not going to the game, sunny with temp in the upper 50s. That is my near term forecast.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
If you live near the coast I know you agree with me about weather in the springtime in Boston. The wind direction makes all the difference in the world. I have seen games at Fenway Park that start out with a mild southwest wind blowing out to center with temperatures in the balmy 70s in late April. All of a sudden, the wind shifts to the east and northeast and the temperature sky-dives to the upper 40s. Yuk! and once the wind shifts blowing in from center field and the temperature drops to the upper 40s, good luck trying to hit a home run.
Tagman is moving to Des Moines
HA! Good one Charlie!
But, they don't have the Red Sox.
TM
TM
I'd have taken it on the spot if I was looking although Gary later pointed out to me the AMG styling would have made the ride harsher, something I'd want no part of in an S-class.
I think you should give Caribou Maine a shot. I was up there in early April once because I had to look at a production facility in Presque Isle. They had a foot and a half of snow on the ground and a 2 foot blizzard was coming in and we couldn't even break 25 degrees. The place makes Boston look like Miami Beach. I barely got out of there in time. Great climate for you.
Len,
As great as this country is, I must go to Southern California. No choice on this.
I've done some exploring already, and my family will be there all next week. I realize our California weather can't compare to NJ... LOL... and it's a shame we don't have those monster-sized mutant NJ Mosquitos.
Seriously, though, I happen to love Maine.
TM
The concept of God and the concept of the Big Bang are almost mirrors of each other and while the Vatican once chastised astronomers it now embraces a lot of cosmology theory. What's more is that the concept of time really doesn't exist in cosmology nor does it exist if you believe in God. So you have two more fascinating comparatives there. But no matter how you slice it cosmology can only bring you back to the big bang and can't ever go further back. So cosmologist can never escape divine intervention no matter how hard they try.
If you haven't read it an interesting novel to read is Blasphemy. It starts great (if you are a cosmology buff you'll get things many won't) and builds up well but ultimately leaves you hanging because no one has the answers.
http://www.amazon.com/Blasphemy-Douglas-Preston/dp/0765311054
And look out for options - this can change a base '07 S550's sticker from about $88K to a tricked out S550 4matic stickered at $108K. Although the difference in used prices won't be near that much, you won't be able to get the latter model for the same price as the base car.
Good call, IMVHO.
TM
I personally wonder if he, or anyone, can rescue a sinking Titanic?
TM
Why we had to add good money to bleeding money I will never know. You become aware that you failed, accept it and move on...not make excuses ad infinitum that you are changing for the good while Rome is burning! Maybe it's me? :confuse:
Regards,
OW
"Tagman is moving to Des Moines"
Des Moines? Where is that, like in Northern Maine?
I'm not sure about the flies in NJ, but in Maine they generally discourage you from trying to saddle up and ride the black flies!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Since the review was very positive, I thought to add a little balance. I made one critical point about the car. This what a posted in their comments section.
Designing the dash's primary display in a position that is more towards the center of the car instead of in front of the driver where it should be, is just plain poor ergonomics and stupid.
This is a significant flaw because it represents a constant dysfunctional and compromised interaction between the driver and the vehicle's primary information display.
Otherwise, I am quite impressed.
Here is the link to the review:
link title
TM
But, even Len will admit that those mosquitos in NJ are huge bloodsuckers. Probably mutants from all the toxic pollution that New Jersey is famous for.
But, then there is also lime disease, right? From those nasty bloodsucking deer ticks. The worst area in the U.S. is the Northeast, from Maryland to Maine. It is also a problem around the Great Lakes, and even in the Northernmost regions of California and Southern Oregon.
Heck, who cares about bugs or weather, as long as there are some good ball teams!
TM
Indeed, if executed correctly, it could've been a good rival to the 6 series and XK. In any case, Infiniti's future at this point seems to be much brighter than both Lexus and Acura's.
This may seem like just another little article, but when you finish reading it and think about it... you will know why I posted this as a must read.
link title
Reminds me of the first articles about nano technology. Those articles seemed like science fiction at the time... but then nano technology became a reality.
TM
I personally wonder if he, or anyone, can rescue a sinking Titanic?
From what I understand, he's a GM lifer from the accounting side, just like slick Rick. If GM is to have any hope of survival for more than a few years, his tenure will need to be short. They need to get somebody in like Mulally, somebody from outside the organization with at least some understanding of product, not just numbers. The poisonous culture there also has to be completely changed.
Probably some deer from NJ visiting Lyme, CT bought this chemical waste related disease, it mixed with the fresh New England air and now infests the lovely lands of the Northeast!
I jest, Len. And don't call me Shirley...
And, please, all root along with me for UConn to beat NC in the NCAA final. I need the $ to pay for the EW new IPod Touch...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
BMW is thinking now. How long before we can get this in the mainstream industry?
Regards,
OW
I think I actually prefer BMW's magnetic tow technology, as it seems much easier to implement. It would certainly be nice to just coast behind another car on those long highway trips. Oh, those Germans and their humor!
And a happy April Fools' Day to you.
I love all the research you do on these things. This is incredible. At first I thought it was an April Fool's joke. I would be willing to bet that about 5-10 years from now, our dependence on foreign oil will be next to nothing. Thanks again!
Yes, Charlie...
It IS an April Fool's joke.
Professor Lirpa Loof, of course, is the giveaway... just Google the name.
:shades:
TM
I did see Jimbres response to you when he said Happy April Fools day, but I really thought that he was just joking.
Oh well. I could think of a LOT WORSE things that could have happened to me today. But Tag, I owe you one. You better be on the lookout
You are just pulling my leg.
I know you knew the whole time.
Your April Fool's joke is to convince us you didn't know. Joke's on us. You are waaaay too clever... the most clever of all.
Psst... Hope that helps your credibility... LOL. Do I still need to be on the lookout?
TM
I went out on a limb last year and proclaimed that Jaguar was dead, and was being kept alive by life-support. Without this money from UK, another nail goes in the Jaguar coffin. And Land Rover is getting hurt. Tata loves Land Rover. They only bought Jaguar because it was packaged with LR, and I'm not sure how all this is going to play out.
I don't predict the death of Land Rover, because I think Tata will work something out, even with limited resources. I think any money they can get will have to focus on LR, and leave Jaguar dead in the dust.
I'll say it again... Jaguar is dead.
TM
I think you should have quit while you were ahead. :shades:
Yeah... I think you're right about that.
TM
LOL.
Anything but THAT! You really know how to hurt a guy. :sick:
Unless it has third-row seating... now, that would change everything.
TM
If they do go now, it will be sad. After almost two decades floundering under Ford, they are finally getting their act together. Their new 3.0L turbo diesel is excellent, very competitive with BMW and Audi's best diesel engines, and ye olde AJ-V8 has finally gotten the competitive upgrades it needs, also matching the German's best V8s pony for pony. The new XFR can go toe-to-toe with the M5 and the E63, something the S-type R could never dream of.
If Jaguar can find their niche as an upper-end, performance focused brand somewhat similar to Porsche, they might have a future. Unlike Chrysler, they actually have some promising cars on the near horizon.
LG... I agree they have some interesting cars ahead... but like Chrysler... there just ain't 'nuff money.
TM
Mini says that one challenge that remains with the PR0401 is how to control it. The speed at which the magnets attract and repel each other is instantaneous allowing for a top speed of 250 mph.
I see some1 was actually tricked and very excited by that article.
The historic first came after the NHTSA awarded the 2009 Acura TL a 5-star rating for side impact for both front and rear passenger seating. In Nov. 2008, the IIHS award the 2009 TL a top safety rating of “Good” for frontal, side and rear crash evaluation.
“No other automotive brand has accomplished what Acura has, nor can make the safety claims that Acura can,” John Mendel, executive vice president of Acura automobile sales said. “When consumers think safety, they really should think Acura.”
So when you guys think safety - what automaker pops up in your head first
Toyota Lexus, better get to work.
Ford... PINTO!! :P
link title
Check out video #2... LOL.
TM
I still can't get past the Parrot-look of the TL :sick:
Regards,
OW
IIRC, Chevy / GMC trucks were also guilty for years, however I think it was a side impact that triggered the explosion.
Yes, I agree the Acura beak is horrible. Frankly, it amazes me that they could even think that kind of look is OK. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
TM