Diesel - I have waited a long time for this moment

Recently I had the great pleasure of an extended test drive of an Audi A6 3.0 TDI. In a word: Wow. As a diesel fan for years this is the sort of drive I have been waiting for. The A6 TDI has awesome bottom end torque and an amazing amount of surge from 2000 rpm to 3500 rpm. Acceleration is very good, particularly compared to the diesels of old. The car handles quite well and the Quattro system certainly enhances its ability on twisty roads.

But what excites me most is the willing performance from the diesel engine. For years I have copped it from people who thought diesels were slow, smelly and noisy; perhaps true in part years ago. But the A6 TDI proves diesel has come of age, smooth, quiet and quick could be the subtitle for the A6. Sure there are faster cars, but for me this was an exciting and affirming experience. It is DIESEL for me, all the way.

Religious Taoism

Even though I would identify with being a Quaker, I cannot help but be captivated by the beauty of religious Taoism. The pantheon of deities is fascinating and the concept of the Tao is one that has always interested me. I am but a humble seeker and not fully read on Taoism, but I now know enough to know that Taoism is more than simply looking at the Tao Te Ching or Chuang Tzu. It is a detailed and complex faith, which many in the West fail to truly understand.

I suggest you have a look the Taoist Restoration Society (http://www.taorestore.org/trs/), there is a lot of interesting information there.

The Second Degree

I am excited, because yesterday I received notification that I will be passed to my second degree in Co-Freemasonry. This is an exciting occasion for me and one I am truly looking forward to.