Joe Miller

Even though the price of gasoline continues to rise in the United States, the March demand for gasoline helped refineries reach a new production record.

Topping out at 9.3 million barrels per day, with gasoline deliveries at 9.2 million barrels per day, our nation has set a new record for the month of March. And, it's close to the single-day record of 9.6 million barrels of gasoline which were delivered daily in July of 2007.

It is shocking how short our memories are of the near $5-a-gallon gasoline prices in the summer of 2008, when the demand for energy-efficient vehicles skyrocketed.

Sadly, as gas prices crept back down to more moderate levels by the winter of 2008, gas guzzling vehicles once again saw an upswing in sales. It seems the American consumers' experience with record high gas prices quickly faded from memory.

A couple of days ago I blogged about the 100%, all-electric Tesla Roadster and the upcoming Tesla S Sedan, as well as the new Nissan LEAF -- all examples of the perfect way to wean Americans off of gasoline-powered engines and the damage that they are doing to our nation in so many ways.

The attached video is a CNN news report, from Hong Kong, in which Tesla officials and a Tesla customer in Los Angeles are interviewed about this 100%, all-electric, zero-emissions car.

Today marks the first full month that I've been using an iPhone app called Foursquare -- which is kind of fun. I learned about the App while reading a business journal article describing how various businesses along Los Angeles' Sunset Strip have been using Foursquare to help promote their businesses.

A cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide, and a game that rewards you for doing interesting things, Foursquare aims to help you keep up with the places your friends go, while encouraging you to discover new places, and challenging you to explore your neighborhood in new ways. You can use FourSquare from anywhere in the world where you have web access.

Check out this CNN news report about California native, 15-year-old Parker Liautaud, who recently used Foursquare to check-in at the North Pole.

In reviewing the new Tesla Model S Electric Sedan, current.com said "warning, you may wet yourself". I agree!

Two weeks ago the manager of the Los Angeles Tesla store asked me if I'd like to come in and take a sneak peek at the new Model S which was at the dealership in preparation for a photo shoot that Monday. They swore me to secrecy because, apparently, whenever the media finds out there's a Tesla sedan somewhere they converge on it like vultures.

Once I got there, I could see why. It's a gorgeous car! Inside and out, its many features are Starwar-like. (see my photos below)

With a range of up to 300 miles per charge, a top speed of 130 mph, zero to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, a $7500 federal tax credit (along with any other state and/or local credits for electric cars), free parking in some cities, free access to carpool lanes in some states, no more gasoline, no more oil changes, no transmission fluid, no oil filters, no gas filters, no dangerous exhaust fumes, no engine noise -- just a smooth, quiet, fast ride -- the Tesla Model S Electric Sedan is Uber cool!

Thanks to the Los Angeles Tesla store for letting me sit in, and experience this ultra cool electric car.

Since the Tesla Model S. Electric Sedan won't be available for another year or so, I'm very excited about the new Nissan LEAF.  Check out the video below to watch how easy it will be to charge the LEAF, and how you can monitor the LEAF with a smartphone - and even give it instructions (such as to cool down or heat up before you get in)!

While the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 2011 all electric, zero-emission LEAF is about $32,780, with the various federal state and local incentives the actual price may very well be around $25,000. This puts the LEAF in a class all by itself as a truly mass market all-electric vehicle.

I urge my friends and readers to get to know more about the Nissan LEAF and, if you're considering a new car purchase, to think about buying one when they are released later this year.

Finally, for a great history of the cool electric cars sold only in California in the 90s, I highly recommend watching "Who Killed the Electric Car".



Photo above: Standing between my Tesla Roadster and a new Tesla Model S Sedan.

Photos below -- click to enlarge: The Model S Sedan and my Roadster behind the Los Angeles Tesla store. (including my Tesla Roadster in my condo parking spot)

Video 1: Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors, introducing the new Tesla Model S All-Electric Sedan.

Video 2: Amazing new Nissan LEAF!

Yesterday, since the crowds have died down, I decided to go back to the Apple store in Manhattan Beach to play around with an iPad again -- just to see if I'd missed anything since my initial visit the day of the launch, when I could find no compelling reason to buy an iPad.

This time, I was able to sit and play with the iPad for as long as I wanted, and I was there for about an hour. Much of that time was spent on distractions while surfing the web. In addition to surfing the web, I played with every program and App that was installed on the iPad.

There's no doubt that the screen is beautiful and the processor speedy. But, again, I found no compelling reason to buy one. There's just no productivity gain to be had by using an iPad; instead, there is significant productivity loss for various reasons. Given all the kids that were hanging around the iPad station who were playing games and watching movies, and the fact that at least three people came up who, like me, were exploring the iPad as a possible replacement for their Mac Air laptop or for a better experience beyond their touchscreen iPhone and were disappointed, it seems like the iPad is truly a revolutionary device in the sense that you can now more easily play movies, stream television shows and movies, play games, and other similar activities on a device easily held in your hands -- but, beyond that, for various reasons it's use as a serious productivity tool has a long way to go. 

Then, coincidentally, this morning I read a blog post listing 15 reasons why the iPad may just be a better choice over a netbook. The post felt to me like someone trying to convince themselves that they'd made a wise decision to part with their money when they bought their new iPad. Of the 15 reasons, only four had to do with actual programs on the device (E-Reader, comics, gaming, and use as a "photo frame".)

Since I no longer read comic books or play computer games, those two are irrelevant to me. As far as using an expensive iPad as a photo frame, that doesn't appeal to me either. With respect to the iPad being an excellent E-reader, that's probably one of its strongest points, and one that does appeal to me.

The other points the poster listed were relative to hardware quality, touchscreen technology, excellent battery life, portability, and even a point that was described simply as "the indescribable".

Even after the new iPhone/iPad operating system comes out, hopefully in June, which will allow for multitasking, the iPad will still be of marginal appeal to those hoping for a true productivity tool. Multitasking is a big step forward, but as long as typing remains as cumbersome as it is now, and cut, copy and paste remain as complicated as they are now, and there is no ability to use Google docs, among other things, the iPAD will continue to lack productivity. It's ability to read HTML 5 websites is impressive, but the lack of being able to play flash videos is a hindrance in surfing the web.

At this point, I continue to rely on my iPhone to be my E-Reader, iPod, telephone, web browser, productivity tool, and all around amazing device with unparalleled portability and size for such a powerful computer. The iPad sits in a netherworld between the iPhone and the Mac Air laptop -- it truly is just a "bigger iPhone/iPod Touch", too big and heavy to be very useful on the go (try to hold it in one hand without support for very long). It seems perfect, however, for watching a movie or playing games while laying in bed or curled up on your couch -- neither of which I ever do.

I'm confident, however, that as other tablet devices enter the market, and competition heats up, these devices will become more sophisticated to the point that they may indeed become a replacement for a laptop, with genuine productivity tools included.  That would appeal to me!

As TannerVision said in the recent post titled "Calling the iPad a 'productivity tool' is like calling the iPod a musical instrument"; " if you want a really good Kindle replacement that does a whole bunch more stuff, buy an iPad. Just don't fool yourself into thinking that it's going to make you more productive."

From his home in rural central Indiana, Ryan White, perhaps more than anyone else, helped change minds, opinions and the public perception of HIV/AIDS during some of the epidemic's darkest hours. During his amazing life's journey, with its gripping and dramatic story, Ryan attracted many famous friends -- among them Sir Elton John.

When Ryan passed away, he was surrounded by his family as well as Elton John. His funeral was attended by over 1500 people, a clear testament to the countless lives touched by his own short life.

Shortly after his death the United States Congress enacted the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act  (Ryan White CARE Act) -- which is the nation's largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Ryan White care act helps provide treatment for nearly half a million people every year, including right here in Indiana.

In an amazing tribute to his life and legacy, in 2007 the world-renowned Children's Museum of Indianapolis opened "The Power of Children: Making a Difference" gallery, which has continued to introduce new generations to Ryan's quiet heroism in the face of horrendous discrimination. (Click here to learn more about this stunning exhibition featuring Ryan White, Anne Frank and Ruby Bridges.)

Now, 20 years after his passing, we gather to honor Ryan's legacy with an amazing musical tribute by Sir Elton John.

As a proud sponsor of this extraordinary event, I hope you'll join me on April 28th, at Clowes Memorial Hall, located on the NCAA-Champions' Butler University campus, for this special benefit performance. Tickets are on sale now and are available at $150, $250, and $350 price levels. A very special VIP Package is also available for $500 per person (See graphic below for details of this special package). Seating for this event is limited. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or call 1 (800) 982-2787. Tickets are also available in person at the Clowes Memorial Hall Box Office. You can also order from the Children's Museum website, here.

I want to take a moment to personally thank Jeannie White for her courage and perseverance, and for everything she, Andrea and Ryan did to help change the world's perception of HIV/AIDS.

"We owe it to Ryan to make sure that the fear and ignorance that chased him from his home and his school will be eliminated. We owe it to Ryan to open our hearts and our minds to those with AIDS. We owe it to Ryan to be compassionate, caring and tolerant toward those with AIDS, their families and friends. It's the disease that's frightening, not the people who have it." —Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, April 11, 1990

And finally, if you are not able to join us on April 28th for this special benefit performance, I hope you'll consider making a contribution to the Damien Center, Indiana's largest HIV/AIDS service organization, which is widely recognized nationally for its leadership and innovation in care and prevention programs. This can easily and quickly be done on the Damien Center's website, right now, by clicking here. You can specifically help prevent the spread of the virus, by earmarking your contribution for the "Joseph F. Miller Center for HIV Testing & Prevention"--just check the box in the popup window.

I hope to see you at Clowes Hall on April 28th!

Photo above:Taro Yamasaki, which accompanied his powerful essay on Ryan White in PEOPLE Magazine. Click here to read this famous essay.

PEOPLE Magazine Article, April 23, 1990:"The moving and untold story of the final hours of Ryan White, the boy whose battle with AIDS touched America's heart."

PEOPLE Magazine article, May 30, 1988:"The Quiet Victories of Ryan White. Despite contracting AIDS at age 12, Ryan White courageously lives life after finding refuge and friendship in a small town with a heart."

Images below: Click to enlarge. Invitation, Special VIP Package, Ryan's Scrap Book pages, Sir Elton John and Ryan White, Joseph F Miller Center for HIV Testing & Prevention

Video 1 below: History Uncut:In this clip from "History Uncut", Ryan White describes his experience returning to school after being diagnosed with AIDS. The history Channel website. Available from: http://WWW.history.com/videos/history-uncut-Ryan-white-1986

Video 2 below: CBS WISH TV Indianapolis, interview with Jeanne White, Ryan's mother, as she talks about Elton John and the upcoming special tribute to Ryan.

Video 3 below: Press Conference withJeanne White Ginder, Ryan's mother, and Children's Museum president and CEO Dr. Jeff Patchen, speaking to the media about the celebration of Ryan White's life and legacy, which will occur at Clowes Hall on April 28.

My friend, John Herbst, the CEO of the Indiana Historical Society, has been getting a lot of press lately around the remarkable job that he and his team have done to literally transform the presentation of Indiana's history.

Their new programs -- The Indiana Experience -- include "Destination Indiana" and "You Are There", both of which masterfully use existing technology along with stunning new technology to bring history alive in electrifying ways.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I'm a board member of the Indiana Historical Society and am more than a little overwhelmed and excited about how fantastic these new developments have turned out. Without a doubt, the changes that John and his team have brought to the Historical Society building have turned the presentation of history upside down! I urge all my friends and readers to consider spending a morning or afternoon at the History Center, on the Canal in downtown Indianapolis, where you'll literally be blown away by what you find.

Given that I'm obviously more than a little bit biased, I thought I'd post just a tidbit of the recent publicity that these new exhibits have been getting as the media has gotten a peek at the spectacular new programs just unleashed a few weeks ago.

Take a minute to read these news articles and see what has so many people talking. Then bring your friends and family downtown -- and park for free in the History Center lot -- to experience it for yourselves.

And, by the way, after you've experienced what the Indiana Historical Society has done thus far, get ready for even more exciting technological wizardry still to come later this year! You'll be even more blown away! I guarantee it.



NOTE: Visit the History Center's website, here, for complete details, schedules and other useful information to plan your visit.

Images below are recent news reports about the new History Center's exhibits. Just click on them to enlarge and read.

Video is CBS WISH TV report that takes you inside for a quick teaser of what to expect.

Anyone who's been in my Indianapolis home knows that I love art of all kinds, particularly contemporary art. Now, after having been in my Los Angeles condo for two years, I'm finally getting around to buying some art to help spice up the place.

For almost 20 years I've relied on my longtime friend Mark Ruschman to help me find specific pieces, or specific artists who could create commissioned work for me. Over the past few months mark has visited me here in Los Angeles on two occasions, as we've worked together to design a lighting package that will best highlight the art that I plan to install. The process is nearly completed, and we should be about to order all the lighting components and give my electrician the go-ahead to begin installation. (Though, I have to first get approval from the condo Association Board of Directors, which means I have to give them a complete "scope of work" document showing everything I'm doing and every component I'm installing. Fingers crossed approval won't take long.)

In addition to the two pieces that I purchased in Vietnam, I intend to use some Hoosier artists as well. Some of my favorites, who have a number of their pieces hanging in my Indianapolis home, include Barry Gealt and Tamar Kander.

Since I like his work so much, I'm commissioning Barry to create a piece specifically for Los Angeles. So, he and Mark visited me in Los Angeles last week to discuss the commission, as well as go over lighting fixtures, etc.


One of the wonderful things about Barry is that, besides being an amazing artist, he's also a "big kid". Barry and his wife Heidi live on a nearly 200-acre farm in rural Spencer, Indiana, and having never been to Los Angeles until last week, meant that we tried to pack in a lot of tourist activities during the few days he was here. We had a lot of fun, but one of the craziest things we did was to stop into the Bubba Gump store on the Santa Monica pier late one night. Barry couldn't resist buying some kitschy hats (see photos below). We never found time to get down to Venice Beach strand -- where all the vendors are located, and where the freak-shows can be seen -- so that'll have to wait til his next visit. I'm preparing for junk-buying binge that day, too. :-)

"Art" is in the eye of the beholder. So, just for fun, I'll blog about the pieces that I'm buying and/or am having commissioned over the next few months, so that my readers can either appreciate what I see in each piece, or just laugh at my terrible taste.

Either way, when I'm done, it should be a sumptuous and yummy environment -- no matter how you look at it!


Photo above is Barry Gealt in front of a Lifeguard truck on Venice Beach.

Photos below are shots of the ocean at sunset on Venice Beach, Barry and Mark fixing dinner one night, Barry at Bubba Gump's on Santa Monica Pier in his new 'Bernie Madoff' hat, and on his farm in Spencer, Indiana. Click to enlarge and view.

Video below: Mark Ruschman interview in his Indianapolis gallery.

Let's see: research electric cars, purchase expensive all electric Tesla and pay for it based on an understanding that condo Association will allow installation of a charging station at parking spot, requiring 300 feet of wire to be run through the common space of the parking garage, go through almost 3 months of nail-biting suspense waiting to see if condo association board will approve request to install the charging station in the common area (never before done in building), finally get approval and move forward with an electrician who begins installing charging station this week, and who is then stopped today by an inspector.

Electrician scrambles and figures out yet another way to tap into the building's electric source, with inspector observing.

Inspector seems happy with new plan and gives the go-ahead, but then notices Tesla charging station does not have an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval sticker on it and tells electrician that there is no way he'll sign off on the job without that sticker.

And that's where we are at end of day on April 1, 2010. I have a beautiful new all-electric car, with no way to charge it!

So, tomorrow we'll have to deal with Tesla and try to get a UL approved sticker so that the electrician can complete the job before the weekend. If he is successful, the charging station could be fully operational on Monday.

My electrician needed me to move my car in order for him to do some additional work late this afternoon, so I hopped in the Tesla and and drove down the coast, through the beach towns of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and on down to the stunningly beautiful Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The drive along the coast, high above the ocean on a road that follows along the cliffs, is called one of the finest drives in the United States, high atop the list of things to do in Southern California. A seaside "yellow brick road" traces the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, and this afternoon was a stunningly beautiful sunny cool day -- perfect for the drive.

I've had the Tesla for two full days now, and have well over half my charge still in reserve -- so I'm not desperate to recharge the car, yet. However, I'll take it to the dealer tomorrow and plug it in while I'm at the gym (which is just a few blocks away).

Fingers crossed that the inspector will allow things to move forward tomorrow with the installation so that power can be turned on this coming Monday.

Wish me luck!


Note: photo taken as I stopped along the cliffs above Palos Verdes to look down on the Pacific Ocean.

VIdeo is down the cliff to the ocean, panning back to the Tesla.