Monthly Archives: January 2012

My Return to Joplin, Missouri

Posted on by
2

From Google Maps - Clearly Show the Path of the Tornado

Over my Christmas break, I was able to go home to Missiouri for three weeks. This was my first time back in Missouri since Christmas 2010, and my first time to see Joplin since the May 22, 2011 tornado. The first thing I did when I arrived was drive through Joplin. I did not even go home first! I had to see what had happened to the city I knew so well. I was very surprised by what I saw. The debris had been removed and the rebuilding process was well on its way. Down every street there were new houses, reopened businesses and busy construction workers. It was a far cry from the images and live video I watched last May. It was great to see how the community had come together to clean-up and rebuild.

What is most shocking when visiting Joplin is the clear path of the tornado through town. Despite the rebuilding, the absence of trees and houses down most streets between 26th and 14th Streets is eerie. While in Joplin, I visited a number of the familiar sites: Joplin High School, which is currently being torn down, St. John’s Hospital, which is now being torn down, and the homes built by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (you can watch the Joplin episode here). I visited Cunningham Park and the memorials that have built within the park remember those who died and those who volunteered to clean-up the city.

I took a number of pictures and some of them are in the slide show at the bottom of this post. However, the two images below, I think, are the most important because they best illustrate the devastation. The fist image is from Google Street view showing 20th Street before the tornado. The second image I took looking down 20th Street on January 2, 2012. The difference is astounding.

20th Street from Google Street View

20th Street Today

What was most rewarding about visting Joplin was to see first hand that Joplin is recovering. Everyday there is news of businesses reopening and families returning to new homes. Joplin is not done rebuilding, but after visiting Joplin myself, I am happy to report that the city is well on its way to recovery.

UPDATE: Be sure to read the comment below from one of the volunteers who helped construct the playground equipment pictured in Cunningham Park. He also included a link to a behind-the-scenes video of the construction of this equipment. It is volunteers like him who have helped ensure Joplin’s recovery.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

New Header/Change of Web Address

Posted on by
Reply

Today, NASA released a new high resolution image of the Earth. I really liked the image and thought I would incude it as part of the header for The Whole Earth Blog. The colors on the new image of Earth are more vibrant and true to life. This is one example of how improvements in technology are changing how we view our planet. Below is a previous image of the Earth used in the header for this website.

IMPORTANT: this a brief reminder that on February 7th, the old web address for this website, emwgradstudent.com, will expire. Please update your bookmarks to the new address, wholeearthblog.com, before that date.

Kevin and DeLana Harvick Expecting First Child

Posted on by
Reply

I was surprised, and perhaps a little disappointed, when Kevin and DeLana Harvick announced they were shutting down their race team, Kevin Harvick Inc., at the end of 2011. The rumors were circulating as to why the couple would make such a sudden decision. Some speculated that the couple were planning to start a family, and they were absolutely right. Yesterday, Kevin Harvick announced that his wife was 14 week pregnant, and their baby is due in July.

“There were a lot of factors that went into the KHI decision, but when your wife tells you she’s not starting a family unless you get out of the race team business, that’s a pretty big factor in things that are going on,” Harvick said. ”You go through different phases of your life,” Harvick continued. “You sit down and do your estate planning and it’s just you and her. There’s nobody to carry on the things that we sat there and built. And how important are a bunch of race cars, 15 years down the road? Not really. It put a lot of things into perspective for us. We did a good job at running the race teams, we were competitive. And I think as you move down the road and I’m done driving, I think you can always fire that back up again.”

Part of Kevin’s decision to close KHI was to refocus on his career and driving the 29 Budweiser Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. With the stress of KHI out of thier lives, Kevin and DeLana can focus on being parents as well. Congratulations to them both!

For all the latest updates, you can follow Kevin and DeLana on Twitter. Or follow Kevin on Facebook.

UPDATE: DeLana is keeping a “Baby Blog.” You can follow the blog here.

Source: NASCAR,

2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup Series NASCAR Unveiled

Posted on by
1

Just a few weeks ago, Ford unveiled the 2013 Ford Fusion. The Fusion is the current namesake of Ford Racing in NASCAR and when the redesigned Fusion was unveiled in Detroit on January 9, the new NASCAR could not have been far behind. Today, Ford unveiled the 2013 Ford Fusion Sprint Cup NASCAR. Ford says the 2013 Fusion NASCAR is a return to a true “stock car,” meaning that the car looks like the road version. Currently, NASCAR mandates the shape of the car and the fans are bored with the lack of design, but for 2013, they are allowing the manufactures to incorporate designs that are unique to their individual brand. This is exciting for fans of NASCAR and remember when the cars did look different. Over the next several weeks, we will certainly see the new cars from Dodge, Toyota and Chevrolet.

Ford, being the first, gives us an idea what to expect for the Sprint Cup Series in 2013. The Fusion is unmistakably a Fusion in shape and graphics. The flared fenders, the body lines are all very stylish, but will likely be slightly modified before it hits the track in February 2013. Ford is still testing the car and NASCAR will have to approve all the designs prior to competition. However, this model must be fairly close if they are spending the time to unveil it at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The fact that this is a concept is important to bare in mind, but if the car’s shape largely remains intact, and the other manufacturers take as much care with their design, the 2013 NASCAR season could be an important year for NASCAR and the auto manufacturers.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Source: Ford

Saab: Good News/Bad News

Posted on by
Reply

The Bad: Autoblog revealed that Saab North America will be liquidated as part of the bankruptcy. Although there are bids to save Saab in Sweden, it seems that Saab North America would not be included in the purchase. The dealers will have to decide if they wish to file for bankruptcy as well or wait for Saab’s liquidators to take care of their interests as well.

The Good: SaabsUnited reports that the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden has been saved! The museum was purchased for 28 million SEK by the city of Trollhättan. The collection will remain in tact. The fear was that individual collectors would pick and choose cars from the collection and break it up. If Saab is not able to continue, at least its history will be preserved.

Source: Autoblog, SaabsUnited

The Grounding of the Costa Concordia

Posted on by
Reply

I was surprised to learn of the sinking of a modern cruise ship last weekend, not because it is the second Costa ship to sink in three years, but because with all of today’s modern technology, one man can control a ship containing over 4,000 people. I am not going to crucify Captain Francesco Schettino, because he has done them to himself, but I am going to criticize his actions. First, however, I would like to know how a large cruise line, like Carnival, cannot know what its ships are doing. There have been an number of charges and accusations thrown around since the ship’s grounding last weekend. There are a number of unknowns, but the reason I waited a week to give my opinion was because I knew more information would come out as the week progressed, and I was correct. What we have learned this past week is even more disturbing than what was presented last weekend.

By now we have all heard the audio from the the ship’s captain refusing to reboard his ship. He is certainly no hero like the Captain of the Andrea Doria, in fact, he is the opposite. He is a coward. He did not “slip in to a lifeboat” as he suggests. Most likely he abandoned the sinking ship once he realized it was sinking. He did so without giving orders to his officers or addressing the passengers, in fact, many passengers had no idea of the danger the ship was in. The audio between the Captain and the Italian Coast Guard is disturbing. The audio portrays a coward refusing to return to his sinking ship, then finally lying to the Coast Guard saying that the ship had sunk, and that there was no ship to return to. Abandoning his post will cost him his job, the cruise line will not provide him with legal representation, but he is also responsible for the twelve deaths.

Interestingly, the Captain claimed this past week that the vessel had taken a similar route in August 2011 and not hit any reef. The evidence now suggests that he was correct. Carnival claims the ship never came within 500 yards of shore, but the above map indicates that is not correct. The August 2011 route (in blue) shows the ship did come very close to shore twice. The January 13th route (in red) indicates they followed much the same route. This map shows how close to diaster the Costa Concordia was in August 2011, perhaps within feet of the very same rock now embedded in the side of the ship. How can this happen? Why would Carnival lie? Well, it seems that a ship’s Captain has more control over the route that one might think. With today’s technology, the Carnival should know where its ships are at all times, and should, if necessary, be able to stop a ship remotely if it begins to deviate from the safest possible route.

The ship’s captain has been called a hero for brining the ship closer to shore, however, by keeping the ship moving after the collision, water only poured in faster. If they had immediately stopped the ship and began to evacuate, the situation coud have turned out differently and the Captain may have received accolades for his quick actions. Instead, he opted to ignore the ships damage and abandon the ship when it was clear what was happening.

Rescue Crews Board the Costa Concordia

This incident has revealed weaknesses in the cruise industry. Ones that need to be addressed immediately. At least twelve people have died so that a captain and crew can show off their ship to friends or family on shore. Where is the accountability? The entire bridge crew and Carnival Cruise Line executives should be held responsible for this incident as well.

So, how safe is cruising? Well, I would not cancel my summer cruse just yet. Incidents aboard today’s cruise liners are very rare and, for the most part, cruising is very safe. The sinking of the Costa Concordia, however, should be a wake-up call to the cruise lines themselves. Clearly, things need to change to ensure one man cannot make such a disastrous decision again.

Rescue operations continue amid dangerous movements of the ship. Rescue crews have worked around the clock to trek through the capsized vessel in search of those still missing. As the ship continues to settle, it is unclear how much longer these rescue operations will continue as the ship becomes more dangerous.

Below is a slideshow of images from the Costa Concordia’s grounding. Note the rock embedded in the ships hull.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Source: CNN, BBC

C7 Corvette Mule Caught in the Snow

Posted on by
Reply

We have finally caught a glimpse of the C7 Corvette testing in the snow. The heavily camouflaged mule was spotted by crafty spy photographers this week. While the car’s details are well hidden, there a are a few changes worth noting. The front wheels have been moved further forward, giving the car a longer wheelbase. The rear of the car appears to be higher and a bit longer. The quad exhaust has been modified with larger pipes and they have been placed closer together in the center of the car.

It is hard to tell from these pictures is, of course, if there are any changes under the hood. Rumors of a turbo-charged V6 have swirled for months. We also cannot see interior upgrades, possible suspension upgrades, or if the car is any narrower. Nevertheless, we can tell GM is already working on this car which is not expected to hit showroom floors until Fall 2013.

Another interesting twist in the C7 story is that the website jalopnik.com claimed to have seen a fully uncamouflaged C7 in November of last year. They used computer technology to put together what what they claim to be the C7 Corvette. They claim to have seen a C7 ZR1, and there is no evidence that this mule is the ZR1 trim, but there are some similarities between the drawing and the test mule. For starters, the longer wheelbase seems to match up, the more sweeping front end, the sweeping rear glass, and the mirror. I know it does not seem like much, but the mirror in the drawing matches the test mule’s. I personally believe, especially after seeing the test mule, that jalopnik.com is right, but we will have to wait for the 2013 Detroit Auto Show to find out.

Source: Autoblog, jalopnik.com

Hope for Saab?

Posted on by
Reply

2011 Saab 9-3

The Chinese company, Youngman, has announced that it is still interested in purchasing Saab for approximately 5 billion SEK, and claims it has a way to get around General Motors. The parts used in Saab vehicles are supplied by GM, but Youngman says that it can find other suppliers for the 9-3 and get the production back up and running in fifteen weeks. It is no completely clear how they plan to get around GM since their technology is at the core of every Saab model. However, if they can get this past GM, it could be a new beginning for Saab.

There is still hope for Saab!

Source: SaabsUnited

The End for Saab

Posted on by
Reply

Trollhättan Saab Gathering

As hard as it is for me to admit, Saab seems to be done. This past weekend, Saab supporters met world wide to show their support, and they turned out in droves. But today was the last day of work for the employees of Saab, and it was announced today that all cars still in the Saab factory in Trollhättan, Sweden will be crushed. Instead of selling the cars, they will just be disposed of.

Saab Museum

It has also been announced that all the cars in the Saab museum, also in Trollhättan, will be sold. Offers are due by January 20. Sadly, Saab is breaking up as is its history. There is still some hope, but the doubt is growing.

I hope Saab’s history is preserved, and I want to highlight the work of one website, SaabsUnited. They have been working hard to spread the word, especially about saving Saab’s museum. Preserving the history of Saab is important to me as well. I just hope someone steps up and purchases the entire museum so that all the cars can stay together.

It is hard to believe that all this is happening because General Motors refused to allow Chinese investors to invest in Saab. Unfortunately, the company needed this investment to survive. Saab filed bankruptcy on December 19, 2011 and there are no plans for a new Saab to emerge. I am disgusted with GM’s handling of the whole Saab issue. Just a few years ago they themselves went through bankruptcy and received millions in bailout money from the United States’ government. How quickly they forget what it was like being in the position Saab is in now. Maybe it isn’t right to blame GM, but when they stopped supporting Saab in 2010, it was clear Saab was going to need an investor to survive, but GM would have to approve of the investment because Saab still used GM products. It seems to me, that GM had to have known they held the key to Saab’s future and felt they would be better off ensuring a competitor’s death. I know one thing, I am proud to drive a Ford!

As always, I will update the blog as the story continues to develop.

Detroit Auto Show: Top Picks

Posted on by
Reply

Every year industry leaders choose the best of the Detroit Auto Show. I thought I would beat them to it. I am fairly confident, however, that my top choices will be similar to theirs. I will choose one production car and once concept car as the top of the show.

Top Production Car: 2013 Ford Fusion

2013 Ford Fusion

This really should not be a surprise to anyone. The Fusion’s refresh has been the talk of Detroit. The facts that it comes in three versions (gasoline, hybrid, and electric) surprised a number of people. For the gasoline models, Ford is expecting MPG to range from 33 – 37 on the highway, depending on the engine you choose. The choices of engines for the gasoline models include a 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine (170 HP), a 1.6 litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine (179 HP), and a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine (237 HP). The Fusion Hybrid will offer 47 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway, while the Fusion Energi is expected to achieve over 100 MPGe, better than the Chevrolet Volt.

The other major story about the Fusion is its appearance. The new Fusion has been compared to a Jaguar and an Aston Martin. High praise indeed, but this should come as no surprise to those in the know. After all, Ford owns Jaguar and did own Aston Martin. Inside the Fusion, Ford has updated the seats, carpets, and just about everything possible. The big story is the amount of technology in the car. SYNC, of course, but an optional virtual dashboard, option park assist, and optional lane sensing technology, the Fusion is packed with the latest the 21st Century has to offer.

2013 Ford Fusion

Overall, Ford has delivered a blow to its competition. By comparison the “redesigned” Toyota Camry, the stale Honda Accord, and the over-designed Hyundai Sonata are dull. It even challenges the handsome Kia Optima and Chevrolet’s upcoming 2013 Malibu. The mid-size car market has needed a shot in the arm for some time now, and Ford has delivered.

Top Concept Car: Acura NSX Concept

Acura NSX Concept

I was pleasantly surprised when Honda/Acura announced the NSX concept in Detroit, but was disappointed to learn that the car would be labeled an Acura, and not, as it had originally, a Honda. Disappointment in a name and disappointment in a car are two different things, and there is no way to be disappointed with Acura NSX Concept.

This Italian inspired beauty is mid-engined and promises impressive performance. This does not come as a surprise, but what does is when you learn the engine in this car is only a V6. Not just that, but its a hybrid! What does that mean? Well, Acura uses the V6 power along with the power from not one, but three electric motors. Add in a dual clutch gear box and we have the world’s first hybrid supercar. Acura has yet to say how much horsepower the four engines produce or what the MPG rating will be, but they have said one thing, that the car will be built, strangely, in Ohio. That would be like Lamborghini announcing they were leaving Italy for West Virginia!

Acura NSX Concept

Nevertheless, no matter where the NSX is built, it is going to change the supercar market place. Could the days of v10s and v12s be over? Can a hybrid supercar really compete with the Italian thoroughbreds? The Acura NSX has a chance, but it is not going to be a simple task.

You can see both these cars, and many more, in person by visiting the Detroit Auto Show. The show will be open to the public through January 22.