Monday, August 15, 2011
Fundamentals of Boundary Layers (Basic Fluid Mechanics)
I like this "old school" format where they do so much of a better job describing the phenomena of viscocity by doing experiments. Our current computer based methods just don't do the job of explaining these phenomena adequately.
In Need of So-Cal Launch Ramp for Hobie 20
Its funny how some things on the web seem very difficult to access. Looking for places to launch a beach-cat has been difficult due to the lack of information about fees, locations and so on. This mirrors the problems that I have had researching schools where even Wikipedia doesn't really provide much light.
I wonder if internet searches are not the "oracle" that they are perceived as. All algorithms have limitations, and I feel that due to the increasingly commercial and sophisticated nature of google's search algorithm, it is creating more marketing opportunities than true valuable searches. I still think google is pretty much the only option unfortunately (as other engines seem to merely mirror their results) but I think there is still much room for improvement in relevance.
I wonder if internet searches are not the "oracle" that they are perceived as. All algorithms have limitations, and I feel that due to the increasingly commercial and sophisticated nature of google's search algorithm, it is creating more marketing opportunities than true valuable searches. I still think google is pretty much the only option unfortunately (as other engines seem to merely mirror their results) but I think there is still much room for improvement in relevance.
Friday, August 12, 2011
On Financial Statments and Human Nature
It occurs to me as I read Babson College's Preparatory Material regarding financial statements, that it is much easier to organize information that is in your favor, that is to say, that doesn't indicate poor performance. Regarding how to present finances, I wonder why there isn't just a single standard to not allow any variation in how these crucial numbers are reported. With a single standard, every company would be on an even playing field and "ethical deviations" would be easier to spot.
Tornado Catamaran
http://yachtpals.com/olympics-sailing-3001
This is a wide boat at 10ft, and the link shows the 2008 Olympic version.
This is a wide boat at 10ft, and the link shows the 2008 Olympic version.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Accepted to University of Edinburgh Business School, Hult International Business School
Both of these schools have some merit despite their lackluster ratings and second-tier status. I have been updating the Wiki articles to reflect my research into ratings and overall structure of these two schools.
Hult has a shorter program (1 year) with a very international student body and good review in both the Economist (#27) and the Financial Times (#84).
The University of Edinburgh is well known, although the business school is in a state of development and appears to be near the bottom of the second tier of U.K. universities. It is ranked lower in the Economist (#75) and the Financial Times (#90).
Finally, I have the offer from Babson to consider. Babson College is ranked 91 by the Financial Times and 52 by US News.
My impression is that the earnings reported from graduates of these schools (Babson leads here), combined with blog reviews of each school will form the basis of my final decision.
Hult has a shorter program (1 year) with a very international student body and good review in both the Economist (#27) and the Financial Times (#84).
The University of Edinburgh is well known, although the business school is in a state of development and appears to be near the bottom of the second tier of U.K. universities. It is ranked lower in the Economist (#75) and the Financial Times (#90).
Finally, I have the offer from Babson to consider. Babson College is ranked 91 by the Financial Times and 52 by US News.
My impression is that the earnings reported from graduates of these schools (Babson leads here), combined with blog reviews of each school will form the basis of my final decision.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Reviewing Halyard Ring and Hook System
The following is from a Hobie Forum Post that was emailed to me by a friend who saw first hand the trouble I've been having with this mysterious and unpredictable halyard restraining system:
Locking the Hobie 17/18/20/21 Halyard:
It is best to simulate the halyard locking with the mast down so you clearly understand the system.
Be sure that the knot tied to the ring is very low profile. A long bowline knot will hit the mast head before the ring gets to the hook.
If the ring has a small loop at the top... The line should be passed through the loop and a small knot tied. The knot (when ring and shackle are affixed to the sail) should be facing the mast. This tilts the ring closer to the mast.
Then (before attaching halyard shackle to the sail) spin the halyard 3 or 4 times clockwise (looking down on the shackle). This "pre-loads" the halyard line and causes the ring to swing back towards the hook. Keep the boat into the wind and hoist. Should lock easily.
Locking the Hobie 17/18/20/21 Halyard:
It is best to simulate the halyard locking with the mast down so you clearly understand the system.
Be sure that the knot tied to the ring is very low profile. A long bowline knot will hit the mast head before the ring gets to the hook.
If the ring has a small loop at the top... The line should be passed through the loop and a small knot tied. The knot (when ring and shackle are affixed to the sail) should be facing the mast. This tilts the ring closer to the mast.
Then (before attaching halyard shackle to the sail) spin the halyard 3 or 4 times clockwise (looking down on the shackle). This "pre-loads" the halyard line and causes the ring to swing back towards the hook. Keep the boat into the wind and hoist. Should lock easily.
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