Thursday, December 25, 2008
Crashed and Byrned
"Crashed and Byrned" is a good read but not a great book. Recommended to me by Ian Titchmarsh, the racing commentator, over dinner in Macau, it is written for a general audience. About the career of racing driver Tommy Byrne, it didn't quite live up to its billing. The book is maddeningly lightweight if you are a petrolhead. There is a clue on the cover - the strapline being "The Greatest Racing Driver You Never Saw" which of course is nonsense. I well remember seeing Tommy comfortably winning the F3 race at the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in 1982.
Written by Tommy Byrne, with journalist Mark Hughes, it tells of the rise and rapid decline of Byrne, one of the many nearly-men of Formula One racing. His self destructive streak turned a sublime talent into the life of a born loser; only redeemed later when he calmed down. The book makes the case that he was a match for the great Ayrton Senna Da Silva. We shall never know.
There is more than a taste of sour grapes as we rifle through his back pages. The crowning achievement of his career was a stellar F1 test at Silverstone in 1982 for the McLaren team when he was clearly fastest in a 'doctored' car. Ron Dennis, the McLaren boss, could have 'made' Tommy Byrne, but was unimpressed. Dennis himself was dismissed by the F1 snobs as an 'oily rag,' a former mechanic above his station. Perhaps because of this he was the last person likely to be impressed by Byrne, a self-confessed 'tea-leaf' given to drinking, snorting, fighting and debauching. The book is full of scatological language which suddenly seems completely out of fashion.
Byrne is not the sympathetic character he, and his collaborator Hughes, would have you believe. In the words of Paul McCartney: "You took your lucky break and broke it in two." Going to the F3 awards ceremony stoned out of your mind was not the greatest career move, when F1 racing was turning all corporate.
Signing a three-year contract with the Theodore F1 team, against the advice of Ron Dennis, was cited as the start of the spiral. Yet Keke Rosberg drove for the team, winning the International Trophy race in the wet at Silverstone in 1978, and went on to an F1 World Championship with Williams. Racing is often about making the most of the opportunities that come your way. Ayrton Senna won the Macau Grand Prix for Theodore 'Teddy' Yip in 1983, yet Yip is dismissed in the book as a two-dimensional character. Real life is never that simple.
There are interesting insights into Byrne's early career - for example how the various Van Diemen drivers avoided competing against each other to share the spoils. This points to races, and championships, being fixed and only diminishes Tommy Byrne's Curriculum Vitae.
There are mistakes in the book:
Page 175 "Terry Borscheller" should read "Terry Borcheller"
Page 176 refers to a "Nacho" who is an unidentified character, presumably an editing error.
The book is short at 200 pages and easily read at one sitting. There are eight empty pages at the end of the paperback edition which could have been usefully filled with an index. There are no photographs or driver history. A cheap and cheerful production.
Written by Tommy Byrne, with journalist Mark Hughes, it tells of the rise and rapid decline of Byrne, one of the many nearly-men of Formula One racing. His self destructive streak turned a sublime talent into the life of a born loser; only redeemed later when he calmed down. The book makes the case that he was a match for the great Ayrton Senna Da Silva. We shall never know.
There is more than a taste of sour grapes as we rifle through his back pages. The crowning achievement of his career was a stellar F1 test at Silverstone in 1982 for the McLaren team when he was clearly fastest in a 'doctored' car. Ron Dennis, the McLaren boss, could have 'made' Tommy Byrne, but was unimpressed. Dennis himself was dismissed by the F1 snobs as an 'oily rag,' a former mechanic above his station. Perhaps because of this he was the last person likely to be impressed by Byrne, a self-confessed 'tea-leaf' given to drinking, snorting, fighting and debauching. The book is full of scatological language which suddenly seems completely out of fashion.
Byrne is not the sympathetic character he, and his collaborator Hughes, would have you believe. In the words of Paul McCartney: "You took your lucky break and broke it in two." Going to the F3 awards ceremony stoned out of your mind was not the greatest career move, when F1 racing was turning all corporate.
Signing a three-year contract with the Theodore F1 team, against the advice of Ron Dennis, was cited as the start of the spiral. Yet Keke Rosberg drove for the team, winning the International Trophy race in the wet at Silverstone in 1978, and went on to an F1 World Championship with Williams. Racing is often about making the most of the opportunities that come your way. Ayrton Senna won the Macau Grand Prix for Theodore 'Teddy' Yip in 1983, yet Yip is dismissed in the book as a two-dimensional character. Real life is never that simple.
There are interesting insights into Byrne's early career - for example how the various Van Diemen drivers avoided competing against each other to share the spoils. This points to races, and championships, being fixed and only diminishes Tommy Byrne's Curriculum Vitae.
There are mistakes in the book:
Page 175 "Terry Borscheller" should read "Terry Borcheller"
Page 176 refers to a "Nacho" who is an unidentified character, presumably an editing error.
The book is short at 200 pages and easily read at one sitting. There are eight empty pages at the end of the paperback edition which could have been usefully filled with an index. There are no photographs or driver history. A cheap and cheerful production.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Perfidious Albion
The British government sells the Zimbabwe pensioners down the river. They expected Robert Mugabe to pick up the tab. What were they thinking?
Happy Xmas from Punch Buggy
Railcar redux
The UK is a place with an illustrious history of innovation in public transport. The Glasgow subway is a good example from the Victorian era, 6½ miles in a loop, taking half an hour for a circuit, and even now carrying 14½ million passengers a year.
A UK company playing in the same space is now setting up a North American company to market their innovative rail car technology. Is this another British company that has had to go overseas to achieve success? All those years of trying to sell new ideas in the UK, especially to the public sector, are enough to wear anyone down.
The railcars are light in weight and use a Kinetic Energy Storage System, a concept comparable to that being introduced in Formula One racing cars in 2009. These people need all the luck they can get. Previous here.
A UK company playing in the same space is now setting up a North American company to market their innovative rail car technology. Is this another British company that has had to go overseas to achieve success? All those years of trying to sell new ideas in the UK, especially to the public sector, are enough to wear anyone down.
The railcars are light in weight and use a Kinetic Energy Storage System, a concept comparable to that being introduced in Formula One racing cars in 2009. These people need all the luck they can get. Previous here.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Brompton is a UK phenomenon
I received a welcome newsletter from folding bike manufacturer Brompton, the UK firm that didn't know that you can't make things in London:
"Finally, 2008 saw the 20th anniversary of the full-time production of Bromptons in March 1988; having finally secured funding, Andrew Ritchie and two staff began producing a handful of bikes per week in a railway arch about a mile from our current factory. 20 years later, having seen his small project grow to become a globally-recognised brand, Andrew stepped down as Managing Director in April, though he continues to be heavily involved, as Technical Director, in the day-to-day activities of the company, in particular in quality control and training."
The newsletter contained some interesting information about product enhancements for 2009. Not even the collapsing pound is slowing them down:
Will Butler Adams, managing director of Brompton Bicycle, said: “The weakening of the pound against the euro is great. We export 70 percent of our products, 35 percent to Europe. So this makes our bike more competitive.” More here.
"Finally, 2008 saw the 20th anniversary of the full-time production of Bromptons in March 1988; having finally secured funding, Andrew Ritchie and two staff began producing a handful of bikes per week in a railway arch about a mile from our current factory. 20 years later, having seen his small project grow to become a globally-recognised brand, Andrew stepped down as Managing Director in April, though he continues to be heavily involved, as Technical Director, in the day-to-day activities of the company, in particular in quality control and training."
The newsletter contained some interesting information about product enhancements for 2009. Not even the collapsing pound is slowing them down:
Will Butler Adams, managing director of Brompton Bicycle, said: “The weakening of the pound against the euro is great. We export 70 percent of our products, 35 percent to Europe. So this makes our bike more competitive.” More here.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Light shed on Beacon
I am grateful to Ron Stockey for pointing out the code for the Canada Life Building weather-forecasting beacon on University Avenue here in Toronto. Wikipedia explains.
Lewes-Uckfield line in limbo
This article about a disused Sussex railway is by Dick Tyler of Railwatch magazine:
There is disbelief locally at the long-awaited report which has ruled that there is an “insufficient business case” for the reinstatement of the Lewes-Uckfield rail line in East Sussex. The line is in the most crowded part of the country, would give relief to an overcrowded Brighton line, and passengers are returning in droves to the environmentally friendly railways because of the rise in motoring costs.
The negative Network Rail report commissioned by the Central Rail Corridor Board was published on 23 July.
But former transport minister Tom Harris said before the board convened: ‘I would really like to see this go ahead, I think you have a very good case.” He added: “I want this project to succeed.”
Although there are no major obstacles to the reopening and the reinstated line would make a profit, Norman Baker MP, one of the board members, revealed the “business case” flaw. Network Rail is obliged to use current cost benefit analysis models which are loaded against rail. A review of the process is under way and hopefully there will soon be a new approach to analysis.
Currently the Treasury says time saved for the motorist is a benefit and has a monetary value while time saved for train and bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians is unimportant. It does not know the monetary value of landscapes, global warming, accessibility, social inclusion and quality of life.
Comment: People who live in Lewes know only too well the traffic chaos at rush hours and the buses needlessly traversing the town one-way system, at all hours of the day, for the lack of a roundabout. They also know that the town increasingly depends on good rail connections to London and elsewhere. East Sussex has been starved of investment by governments of all stripes. The policy is tax the peasants and give nothing in return.
Under the present NuLabour lot revived railways are sprouting up in Wales and Scotland, as payoffs to their voters, while the rest can go to hell. RLT.
There is disbelief locally at the long-awaited report which has ruled that there is an “insufficient business case” for the reinstatement of the Lewes-Uckfield rail line in East Sussex. The line is in the most crowded part of the country, would give relief to an overcrowded Brighton line, and passengers are returning in droves to the environmentally friendly railways because of the rise in motoring costs.
The negative Network Rail report commissioned by the Central Rail Corridor Board was published on 23 July.
But former transport minister Tom Harris said before the board convened: ‘I would really like to see this go ahead, I think you have a very good case.” He added: “I want this project to succeed.”
Although there are no major obstacles to the reopening and the reinstated line would make a profit, Norman Baker MP, one of the board members, revealed the “business case” flaw. Network Rail is obliged to use current cost benefit analysis models which are loaded against rail. A review of the process is under way and hopefully there will soon be a new approach to analysis.
Currently the Treasury says time saved for the motorist is a benefit and has a monetary value while time saved for train and bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians is unimportant. It does not know the monetary value of landscapes, global warming, accessibility, social inclusion and quality of life.
Comment: People who live in Lewes know only too well the traffic chaos at rush hours and the buses needlessly traversing the town one-way system, at all hours of the day, for the lack of a roundabout. They also know that the town increasingly depends on good rail connections to London and elsewhere. East Sussex has been starved of investment by governments of all stripes. The policy is tax the peasants and give nothing in return.
Under the present NuLabour lot revived railways are sprouting up in Wales and Scotland, as payoffs to their voters, while the rest can go to hell. RLT.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sayonara to British industry
The not so British bullet train in The Daily Mail.
Update: Some good news for travellers on the west coast line.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Picture this
Picture the scene. It is Christmas Day and the turkey is on the table, roast spuds and all the trimmings, crackers to be pulled, party hats all round. You have a large bottle of D'Aquino Pinot Grigio delle Venezie chilling in the fridge, purchased at Ontario's scrooge-like monopoly, the LCBO. Time to pull a cork as the party gets started. What is this? The wine turns out to be water. Some civil servant forgot to check the contents and you've been had. No chance of buying a replacement - a monopoly opens to suit itself - not the customer. Cheers and Happy Christmas everybody!
Downtown train of thought
To downtown on a freezing cold day in Toronto. Take the subway train two stops to Dundas West and switch to the King streetcar #504. After a longish wait I manage to get a seat and the car heads down Roncesvalles which has a light dusting of snow. The crowd thins out on the car as we approach the Queensway. Punters are clutching coffee and mobile phones - "I'm on the streetcar!" I'm reading the free paper "The Metro," a wire-service rag.
We go past an empty Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealers. The graffiti is already taking hold. On past the Palace Arms, weekly rooms, affordable rates. Toronto needs to look after itself for it could go the way of Detroit, although other factors were in play there. The anti-business attitudes of the freeloaders in City Hall do not help. Some time ago I spoke with a businessman from Chicago who said he would never do business in Canada, after, he felt, being insulted on a visit to Montreal. The smug anti-American attitudes of many Canadians does untold damage to trade relations south of the border.
To HSBC bank to change some cash from Sterling to Canadian Dollars. The pound is sinking like a stone under the incompetent government of Gordon Brown. Send for a novice say I, surely better than "bottler", the new Mr. Dithers. He is running up a national overdraft for those yet unborn to pay off.
The girl behind the counter dutifully urges me to open a new savings account that the bank are pushing. I say "at these interest rates who cares? The best thing you can do with your money is spend it." They are so busy propping up failed borrowers that saving is for mugs.
I duck into Starbucks on University Avenue. More jolly Xmas muzak - "I've got my love to keep me warm" - AGAIN. Standby for "Frosty the snowman." Onwards up University Avenue where the Canada Life building is forecasting the weather in lights - if only I knew the code. Past Roy Thomson Hall and the theatre district. My pen is freezing up on the notepad. I duck into the foyer of the Royal Alexandra Theatre and see the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton in the distance. Who will be living in this swish hotel? I guess the real fat cats are immune to the economic troubles, perhaps they will be downsizing.
On to Steve's Music Store at 415 Queen St. W. This is a legendary place for Toronto musos. They don't get up much before midday so the store is quiet, as I purchase a BlueMic SnowFlake - a portable professional USB microphone - $66.67 incl tax. I ask if any tunes are banned as a punter tries out a fuzz box. "No Stairway" is the reply - "I cut the wire to the amp" says a girl. The whole place is like Spinal Tap with endless solid-bodied guitars hanging from the rafters. I walk on to Spadina and ride the streetcar in the sunshine through Chinatown, should be called Vietnam town these days.
I should go out more often.
We go past an empty Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealers. The graffiti is already taking hold. On past the Palace Arms, weekly rooms, affordable rates. Toronto needs to look after itself for it could go the way of Detroit, although other factors were in play there. The anti-business attitudes of the freeloaders in City Hall do not help. Some time ago I spoke with a businessman from Chicago who said he would never do business in Canada, after, he felt, being insulted on a visit to Montreal. The smug anti-American attitudes of many Canadians does untold damage to trade relations south of the border.
To HSBC bank to change some cash from Sterling to Canadian Dollars. The pound is sinking like a stone under the incompetent government of Gordon Brown. Send for a novice say I, surely better than "bottler", the new Mr. Dithers. He is running up a national overdraft for those yet unborn to pay off.
The girl behind the counter dutifully urges me to open a new savings account that the bank are pushing. I say "at these interest rates who cares? The best thing you can do with your money is spend it." They are so busy propping up failed borrowers that saving is for mugs.
I duck into Starbucks on University Avenue. More jolly Xmas muzak - "I've got my love to keep me warm" - AGAIN. Standby for "Frosty the snowman." Onwards up University Avenue where the Canada Life building is forecasting the weather in lights - if only I knew the code. Past Roy Thomson Hall and the theatre district. My pen is freezing up on the notepad. I duck into the foyer of the Royal Alexandra Theatre and see the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton in the distance. Who will be living in this swish hotel? I guess the real fat cats are immune to the economic troubles, perhaps they will be downsizing.
On to Steve's Music Store at 415 Queen St. W. This is a legendary place for Toronto musos. They don't get up much before midday so the store is quiet, as I purchase a BlueMic SnowFlake - a portable professional USB microphone - $66.67 incl tax. I ask if any tunes are banned as a punter tries out a fuzz box. "No Stairway" is the reply - "I cut the wire to the amp" says a girl. The whole place is like Spinal Tap with endless solid-bodied guitars hanging from the rafters. I walk on to Spadina and ride the streetcar in the sunshine through Chinatown, should be called Vietnam town these days.
I should go out more often.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Remains of Detroit
I drove through Detroit earlier in the year, fascinated by the dereliction. Time magazine publishes this set of pictures that show Detroit from the inside looking out.
Hogtown City Limits VII
David Miller, Toronto's "large imperfect" mayor, has blown another gasket over the Toronto City Centre Airport. Plans to purchase a new ferry to take passengers to the thriving airport have coincided with a so-called attempt to pack the Toronto Port Authority committee that controls the airport.
Miller is whomping on about the economy when the airport brings businessmen to town; provides employment for pilots, airport staff and cab drivers; purchases many millions of dollars worth of locally-built Bombardier aircraft and locally-built ferries for that matter! Plans for a new terminal will also bring construction jobs.
Miller goes into victim mode and sulks because his best efforts could not destroy the airport - having killed the bridge to the island airport he wrongly thought it would die on the vine. Thank goodness resilient businessman Robert Deluce, and his Porter Airlines, are made of sterner stuff.
Miller pledges to hold his salary to $163,040 - we weep for him - still time for a round of drinks down at Mackenzie's. Former hack Adam Vaughan is also non-plussed by the end-run by the feds. His discomfort makes my day here at PunchBuggy.
Update: Many thanks to Lloyd Alter, no relation, for his constructive comments. I met Lloyd back in May on a trip to the airport on my bike. I ride a Brompton folding bike and drive a diesel smart for longer trips, sometimes with the Brompton in the back.
Miller is whomping on about the economy when the airport brings businessmen to town; provides employment for pilots, airport staff and cab drivers; purchases many millions of dollars worth of locally-built Bombardier aircraft and locally-built ferries for that matter! Plans for a new terminal will also bring construction jobs.
Miller goes into victim mode and sulks because his best efforts could not destroy the airport - having killed the bridge to the island airport he wrongly thought it would die on the vine. Thank goodness resilient businessman Robert Deluce, and his Porter Airlines, are made of sterner stuff.
Miller pledges to hold his salary to $163,040 - we weep for him - still time for a round of drinks down at Mackenzie's. Former hack Adam Vaughan is also non-plussed by the end-run by the feds. His discomfort makes my day here at PunchBuggy.
Update: Many thanks to Lloyd Alter, no relation, for his constructive comments. I met Lloyd back in May on a trip to the airport on my bike. I ride a Brompton folding bike and drive a diesel smart for longer trips, sometimes with the Brompton in the back.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Last gasp
For a Detroit-centric view of the car biz check out Autoextremist.
Elsewhere something for scooterists too.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Out there
Reb Stevenson, a guest of Rupert Lloyd Thomas on Rocket FM, has directed and starred in this marvelous short film, to bring you the full flavour of bonfire. Watch out for a cameo performance from the Thomas brothers. Note the opinions expressed in the film are those of the individuals concerned.
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<iframe width="425" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Z6C2kZJiTY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
My fridge is coasting
Dynamic demand technology in appliances to reduce the strain on the electricity grid.
Monday, December 1, 2008
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