chocolate!

Norwegians love chocolate.  The company 'Freia' has a good lock on the market here and have some yummy varietals.  Kvikk Lunsj (sounds like /quick lunch/) is the official hiking chocolate.  Anyone who's anyone has Kvikk Lunsj on the trail.  It's just like a Kit-Kat bar-

My dear friend, Erin, gave me some Chuao Chocolates as a going away present, and I decided to bring them to Norway to share with my new flatmates.  Chuao is a super crafty artisan chocolatier local to San Diego.  They've come up with some unique mixes such as 'dark chocolate with caramelized honey' ' dark chocolate with chipotle, salt and popping candy' (yes, this on is like pop-rocks in your mouth) and 'dark chocolate with pasilla chile, cayenne pepper and cinnamon'.  

This is what my flatmate, Bjørnar, thinks....

I quite agree.  Check out Chuao here.  Tonight it's coffee, chocolate and some Corporate Finance all set to the soundtrack of Ray LaMontagne and Andrew Bird, two artists my flatmates are unfamiliar with.

Next week is the 75th Anniversary of my school, NHH, and the King will be at school.  Wahoo!

klemmer,

lisa liv

Kreklingsus

/Krekling/ like a blueberry but not a blueberry for that is blåbær in Norwegian.  Google translate is saying 'crow berry'?  Is there such a thing?  Either way, this is krekling-

/sus/ something along the lines of wind

I've just arrived home from a weekend away at Hallingskeid for the BSI hiking group's opening weekend trip, Kreklingsus.  Kreklingsus is a hiking and music festival to kick off the semester and they asked me to play some music.  I was thrilled at the opportunity.  

We took the train out on Friday afternoon and had a mellow evening of grilling dinner and some evening music.  Yesterday, Saturday, was full with a day hike, afternoon games, dinner, evening games, music and 'nattspeil' (after-party).  It was neat to be back at Hallingskeid because it's the same cabin I went to for our Easter trip in April (see an April/May post to see the same place covered in snow).  It's pretty wild to feel familiarity in a place here in Norway.  I often feel like everything is new.  Every new destination is something unexplored.  All of a sudden, I'm becoming a local.

I borrowed these pictures from a lovely new friend from the trip, Marita Fløtre.  Apologies for the facebook business on the lower left hand corner. 

I believe there were about 50 people participating in Kreklingsus, mostly because the event is limited to the amount of people that can fit in the cabin for music at night.  Most were Norwegian with a handful of internationals.  While I spoke mostly English, my Norwegian is coming along and I continue to learn new phrases such as 'helt sykt!'  This most closely translates to 'crazy!' or 'insane!' or, our favorite word of the weekend, 'awesome!'.  My new Norwegian friends liked to point out how much we Americans use the word 'awesome'.  I am the worst, I use the word all the time.  I need to find a new go-to adjective.  I don't know if I will ever use awesome without thinking of Kreklingsus, we had some good laughs at my slip-ups.

There were some different activities planned on Saturday including multiple hiking options, a fishing trip or blueberry picking.  I opted for one of the more mellow hikes.  It was still a good 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and a really nice group of students studying at all different universities around Bergen.

 

And, the music!  Playing music on Saturday evening was very special.  I got to play a mix of originals and covers by candlelight for one of my most attentive audiences ever.  No amplifiers...no electricity for that matter.... just a one room cabin in the middle of nowhere Norway with 50 people.  They sang with me when they knew songs and were engaged with my original material.  One of life's dear memories.

Ida is playing and I'm to the left

Now to prepare for the week ahead.

thankful for a wonderful first week back in Norway,

lisa liv 

jet lagged but good to be back in Bergen

I had the strangest experience yesterday, my first morning waking up in Bergen.  I woke up, and, for a good 2 minutes, I thought I was in San Diego.  It was one of the most bizarre things.  I thought I was downtown and needed to move my car out of a meter so I wouldn't get a parking ticket.  What?!  I was wracking my brain to figure out where I had even parked.  Wow, wow, wow.  Needless to say I had a good laugh at myself when I realized I was in Norway. 

It's good to be back.  How can you not smile upon arriving to this?

True, sun would be better.  But, Bryggen (above) never gets old to me :)  And, I'm now living in 'Sentrum,' or city center, two blocks from it- yea!  Bryggen is also where I catch the bus every morning up to school.

And, the business school kids are so hip here in Norway.  Check out the new street art installation at my school for the program '...... capitalism?'  As the lead line asks 'what happens when you mash an elitist academic institution like the Norwegian School of Economics with the anti-authoritative counter-cultural street art movement?'  Check out more here

Classes are under way and I'm feeling pretty well settled in.  Is it bad I'm already getting stressed about the semester?  I think I'm going to go with some classes that I somehow feel intimidated by (hello Corporate Finance) but really just need to buckle down and make it happen because I'm sure I will learn a lot.  And, you know me, I somehow never like to make it too easy on myself.... 

I've already spent over $50 at the grocery store and feel like that's gotten me nothing more than bananas, nectarines, a few rolls, breakfast cereal, milk, herring (yea to be back in Norge!), cheese, lettuce, almonds and carrots. Mom and Dad, I promise I will put together well balanced and nutritious meals but you know how the prices go.  

And, if you've ever talked to me about food in Norway, you've most likely heard about Norwegian carrots.  I still maintain they are the best carrots I've ever tasted.

my new flat.... working on decorating

Today is typical rainy Bergen.  But, yesterday was lovely and sunny.  I even wore open-toed shoes and a skirt.  This is pretty big deal and rather clearly defines me as 'not being from Norway'.  I reveled in every minutes of my foot freedom.  And, I have to enjoy my golden tanned legs from the summer since in a few months time I will be back to pasty white.  *sigh*

A photo from yesterday as I walked home from the bus stop....

That's the update from Bergen for now.  It's been great to re-connect with friends and meet some new people.  I'm living with 3 Norwegians this semester and they welcomed me warmly upon my arrival.  We are having a flat dinner tomorrow :)

klemmer!

lisa liv

Time's a flyin

This is my last week in San Diego as I head back to Bergen on Sunday, August 21 (arriving August 22).  I'm working surf camp in the mornings because it's just darn fun.... yahoo, I'm back in the water (see last post)!  Then I have time to wrap other things up and see friends and family in the afternoon/evening.

More soon on exciting and positive things that happened this summer.  California is alive with energy... literally, dare I use a surfing term.... there is a exciting 'stoke' here on new technologies and the continued push for renewable energy sources as part of the energy mix.  I love it and I love seeing application for my classroom studies.

Here's to a week more of some lovely sunshine at my favorite beach, I'm savoring every minute.

hugs,

lisa liv

Shark Attack!

Ok, not really, but it was Shark Week last week... and I was attacked..... by another sea creature... the infamous stingray!  It's my first stingray hit ever and I somehow feel I've escalated to a higher echelon of ocean goddess-ness.  Though, I hope I never step on a stingray again.  It's one of the most painful experiences ever...... hot water works wonders in reducing pain.... and, the biggest bummer is one has to stay out of the water until the wound(s) close up.

Being a surf instructor seems glamorous, and it is.  But it's treacherous!   Here's me a few weeks ago with fellow instructor amigos/as Michael and Chelsea-

It's been a great summer back in San Diego.  I feel fortunate to have had this time at home with family and friends.  I'm also excited to head back to Norway in 2 weeks.  There are things I miss and I'm looking forward to more studies.  I totally dig what I'm studying!

And look at this fun little publication my Dad came across while I was home.  Sorry it's backwards (mac camera) but you can see 'Home Power' with articles all about alternative energies for your home.  Cool stuff!  Check them out at homepower.com

Alright, off for a ladies afternoon with Mom even if I must hobble.

cheers!
lisa liv

Dane Days: Ninja Reflexes

I am loving time with my nephew this summer! This is Dane at about 6 and a half months. And check out his ninja reflexes, there is no hope for my braid!

This is a song I wrote for Dane before he joined us in December 2010- enjoy!  Click here to hear 

Also, I feel inclined to give you a 'must do' for the summer:  

Step 1: pack a picnic

Step 2: picnic in Balboa Park (might I suggest by the organ pavilion for some live music or by the big pond for some promenade viewing)

Step 3: attend a Shakespeare play on the outdoor 'festival' stage at the Old Globe Theatre

Step 3.5: get something naughty like a Haagen Dazs ice cream bar at intermission

Step 4: enjoy the quiet of the evening as your stroll back to you car meandering through the plantings at the Alcazar Garden and over the Indiana Jones style plank bridge

I bear a charmed life~ William Shakespeare

Why yes dear Bard, I believe I do.

Charmed,

lisa

I'm a sucker for football

I must admit, college football is my all time favorite and I' always true to my USC Trojans.  But, I enjoy me some good NFL too.

Another cool reason to visit FedEx field:  a week ago the Washington Redskins announced a partnership with NRG Energy to install 8,000 translucent solar panels to cover 850 parking spaces in one of the stadium parking lots.   The Department of Energy blog says this is enough energy to run the entire stadium on non-game days.  I'd say that's as bad a** as going for a two point conversion :)

Well, I suppose they will have plenty of time for installation this fall if the NFL can't get the season in order. 

Ah the fun goings on.

Hope you're staying cool this summer.

hugs,

lisa liv 

One of my Inspirations

Happy Birthday to my Grammie!  Today, she's 97 years young.

Isn't she the cutest?!  I have great memories from when I was little of snuggling in bed as she would tell me stories about horses on the farm.

She's as strong as they come.  A child of the great depression, she worked as a 'Rosie the Riveter', built a house from the ground up with her husband, saved scrupulously and worked hard in partnership with my Papa to provide a better life for their family.

In her later years, we've discovered her secret indulgence of jewelry and scarves.  Loving accessories as I do (perhaps genetic?), I've been the fortunate beneficiary of said baubles.  I love wearing her jewelry!

Gratulerer med dagen and birthday love to my Grammie!
lisa liv

let's talk crude

it's a crude crude world

crude and unusual punishment

crude intentions

.... I was trying to come up with a clever play on words (that has not been used ad nauseam) and that's about all I've got folks.  Regardless, let's talk crude!  I mean crude oil.  This is a PG blog.  There's a little piece in the San Diego Union Tribune this morning about crude oil and it hit me, I don't really know the details of what a barrel contains when people refer to a 'barrel of crude oil'.  Sacre bleu!  Check it out: 

A barrel of crude oil is 42 gallons while the refining process actually increases the volume by about 2 gallons making 44 gallons of end products as seen above.  I think the main interesting things to remember are 1) a barrel of crude oil gives us about 20 gallons of gasoline and 2) 10 gallons of diesel.  But, these quantities are a function of how we choose to refine the barrel of crude.  For example, we could alter refinement to extract more diesel and less gasoline.  

Another important and rather intuitive correlation is the price of a 'barrel of oil' and the price of a gallon at the pump.

Source: US EIA

The blue line references the left axis or the price of gas per gallon.  The red line references the right axis or the price of oil per barrel.  I apologize the timeline only goes through 2008.  But, as you can imagine, the lines are trending up again.  Today, WTI Crude Oil pricing is $97.26 per barrel on the NYMEX (compare to red line/right axis).  And, according to AAA and their fuel gauge report, the nation wide average price for 'regular' gasoline today is $3.67 per gallon (compare to blue line/left axis).  

Ever refining my knowledge and understanding.  I hope it's helpful to you too.

cheers,

lisa liv

funny random goings on... that's my life

I'm at the mid-point.  No, not a mid-life crisis.  The mid-point of summer.  I'm enjoying being home but now can't help but switch into the mode of preparing to head back to Norway.  I'm excited to head back, but there's so much I'd like to do before I go.  Where has the summer gone?!

This summer has been a whole collection of states.  It's fun to see friends and family, spend time at the beach and enjoy moments with my nephew.  My parents are working on a kitchen remodel which provides opportunity for introspection as we go through things and spaces from my childhood.  I have not tried to do one thing musically and amazing opportunities keep coming my way.  I can't help but step back and think 'hmmm, am I ignoring the signs of the universe telling me something?'  I'm also continuing to learn which I love.  San Diego is supporting research and business in renewable energies and it gets me very excited. 

A highlight of the summer was last week getting to play a few songs at the Belly Up (in Solana Beach)- wha wha what?!  Unreal.  I never really imagined getting to play a venue like the Belly Up.  Thank you Barry Rosenbaum for making that happen.  

Lastly, a few fun energy items:

Did you read about the pope-mobile?  The Vatican says a hybrid Popemobile is on the way.  All electric vehicles are not fast enough but the Pope's gas guzzling Mercedes is on the way out.  

According to Google business news, the Chevy Cruze was the most popular car on the market last month (in the US) and Chevy will be coming out with a diesel version.  The diesel version will get up to 50 miles per gallon. Cool!  

Also, in going through things in my room I came across a file folder of clippings and the like on items pertaining to sustainability, energy, conservation, etc.  I tore out an article in 2007 from a Wired magazine on the notion of an 'eco-city' in China being designed called Dongtan (foretelling of my future studying Environmental Econ?).  I re-read the article and it sounds pretty darn neat.... '.. a city powered by local, renewable energy, with sufficient buildings clustered in dense, walkable neighborhoods; a recycling scheme that repurposes 90 percent of all waste; a network of high tech organic farms; and a ban on any vehicle that emits CO2.'  I googled Dongtan to check in on the progress and it seems the project has been stalled.  Stopped?  Who knows.  Might something like this happen in our lifetime?  I hope so!

sandman's a callin,

lisa liv 

Happy 4th of July!

It's noon (PST) on the 4th of July and I'm really grateful to be home today.  I've been down to the beach to help with some party set up.  There's nothing like the beach on 4th of July- it's insane.  Every inch of sand is packed.  Tents, tables, streamers, BBQs and jolly spirits all decked out in red, white and blue.  I'd like to give a shout out to the lifeguards and police men and women on duty today- y'all rock and thank you for keeping us safe on this celebratory day.

It's a beautiful sunny day and I'm heading down to La Jolla Shores beach to celebrate in true American style.  BBQ time!  And, I'm going to try some stand up paddle board for the first time- soooo excited.

I read a great article in the Union Tribune this morning which really resonated.  We, Americans, have a tendency to gripe about all the things wrong with our country, things we don't agree with and things we are not happy about.  But, really, we live in an amazing country and are so fortunate to be born here.  Today, we celebrate the independence and freedoms we are afforded being here.  May God bless America.

Now off to some Stand Up Paddleboarding!  Wishing you and yours a very happy, fun and safe 4th of July.

Sunny love,
lisa liv

take me to your leader

Day one teaching surfing and this?!  Ahhhhh, rookie mistakes.  Watch out for that leash.  Fortunately, it's just bruised.  But, I figured immobilizing it was a good idea.  Dr. Dad to the rescue.  He's the best.

The kiddos are great and super excited to be surfing.  It's really cute.  But, one of the instructors was stung by a sting ray today.  I've resigned myself to the fact it's only a matter of time this summer.  The amount of time I'm in the water is just begging for it.  Another instructor and I made a bet on who would get stung first.  Is that morbid?

Off to slumber dreaming about the stingray shuffle,
lisa liv

Surf's Up....

... and I'm riding a long nice steady wave.

Aloha!  It's been a whirlwind since returning home for the summer and all good things.  I'm stoked on the summer.  Admittedly, I avoid using words like 'stoked' too much in Norway.  I've been told I talk like a movie.  Ha!

Yesterday I completed my lifeguard certification (First Aid, CPR and life saving) so I am ready to teaching surfing.  Novice surfers, here I come.  Let's shuffle our feet and have a grand ol' party.  8:30am tomorrow call time.  I'll be ready with lots and lots of sunscreen in tow.

My office for the summer.....  I'm working on making it permanent, but, must venture away a while longer come late August

I started working in January of this year to line up a summer internship.  Blame it on the economy, the wildcard of a candidate from Norway, the weather, whatever- nothing ended up working out.  Ok.  Plan Q, R, S.  Where am I on the list?  It's funny when things don't go as planned.  Or should I say, as we plan.  It seems that's when the most remarkable events occur.  Things one couldn't possibly 'plan'.  I've had this happen before and retrospect helps one see how letting go and going with the flow of life rewards patience and faith in the future.  It isn't easy or comfortable.

This summer is unraveling to be just so: a total unknown and complete pleasure of activities, encounters and good times together with family and friends, old and new.  It wasn't without plenty of anxieties in the winter/spring.  But, I've been renewed and affirmed.  Such as my job starting tomorrow- teaching surfing.  It's pretty much the summer job I always wanted but never thought was possible.  It was important to have 'business' jobs during undergrad summers.  After a formal 'business' opportunity was off the table for this summer- a local job was the next requirement (I'm trying to limit commandeering my Dad's car from him too much).  Restaurant or surfing?  And you know how the story goes :)

Also, upon arriving home looking at Plan Q, I hit the ground running putting notes out to contacts in renewable energies, energy in general, research, business, etc to start getting a sense of what's going on locally, statewide and then generally in the US.  Fascinating doors seem to be opening.  I'm so thankful for people's time and willingness to meet- I'm loving what I'm learning!  CA, you make me proud.  The US is the butt of many jokes in my program.  But, California is recognized by those in the international energy and natural resource community for drawing a line in the sand.

About a year ago the state upped that goal of electricity generation from renewable sources from 20% to 33% by 2020.  This is ambitious but I love that about the pioneers of the west.  Here's a look at where we are (as of 2008) courtesy of The California Energy Commission

CA's electricity generation supply mix in 2008

Ok, I leave you with something fun and groovy combining my two major focuses for the summer: surfing and natural resource/energy research.  Behold the bamboo surfboard!  I can't say I've seen one but I knew they must exist.  Thank you google search :)

Photo Courtesy of Grain Surfboards

Bamboo is a prolific plant growing at a rate of a meter or more per day.  This makes it a very attractive natural resource to use because it regenerates so quickly.  While we are on the topic of surfboards, you should check out my brothers site too- Breaks Selection.  He custom shapes boards and they are awesome!

Aloha,
lisa liv

how cool are these?!

I just found these 'widgets' while tootling around online reading up on energy, spcifically oil.  What a great simple breakdown of energy consumption and a quanitified detail of where it's coming from.  Indeed, China did pass the US up on total consumption.  But, remember the US is about 5 % of the world population while China is closer to 20%.  Those polpulation estimates are off the top of my head but you get the idea.





Summer in San Diego has been a real treat so far.  Thank you mother nature for providing some nice sunny days.

I hope you're having some lovely sunny days too,
lisa liv

Dane Days

Hello There!

The past few days I've been able to spend some good quality time with my nephew, Dane, and have determined, without a doubt, he is the cutest.  Period.  I am so glad I have this time with him.  I'm loving the chance to be abroad but there's always a little sadness knowing I'm missing big parts of the first year of his life.  So much happens!  So, I'm savoring my time with him this summer.

Goodness this summer is turning out to be crazy and wildly interesting.  This week I met with Greg Mitchell and his team at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) and learned more about what they are working on with algae and biofuels (click here to check out the lab site).... sooooo cool!  This could be really transformational, no joke.  I'm thrilled to have to opportunity to look into some things with them.  Stay tuned.

Tuesday I attended a San Diego Wind Energy Symposium put on by CleanTech San Diego- wow!  Over 200 people involved in the development of the industry and a keynote address from Michael Picker, the Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities.

Also, I just got a summer job with Surf Diva!  I have finally realized my dreams of the ultimate summer job.  I get paid to spend time at La Jolla Shores beach teaching people how to surf.  Yea!

A summer of various and sundry.

hugs,
lisa

sum sums summertime

What a whirlwind of a month.  I wrapped up finals, wrapped up life at Hatelberg (my home for my first year at NHH) and made my way back (taking the long way due to volcanos and hurricanes) to sunny San Diego for the summer time.  And, since returning home, I've been keeping busy.  But, for those of you who know me, I'm sure that's not a big surprise :)  Now that I'm settled back into life in SD, I'm looking forward to blogging much more regularly.  There's so much I want to share! Just so little time to sit down and gather my thoughts.  

Let me start with my super last weekend in Norway.  My birthday was May 20th and my dear friends Bea (Germany), Vale (Italy) and Martha (Norway) organized a fantastic weekend to Stavanger and hiking Preikestolen (or the 'Pulpit' rock.... you will see why below).  We are a little posse (all ENE majors) and have a great time together causing trouble..... but mostly being nerds.  Martha's bday was May 16th and this was our last weekend together until next spring.  It was the perfect wrap up to our year together.

We didn't take this photo but just to give you a different perspective

my BV gals!

Isn't Norway beautiful?!  I really loved all of the outdoor activities this past year and I'm looking forward to more hiking this fall. 

I also wanted to share a neat graphic I came across at the end of the semester.  I think this is a great visual of something one of my classes looked at this semester- potential energy from natural resources.  The amazing thing is how much energy the sun gives us- really enough to cover the energy we consume it's just a matter of harnessing the power (goodness that sounds like a bad movie line).    Check it out:

Some interesting numbers I just saw from the EIA (source EIA) on electricity generation numbers over last year in the US:

solar generation in march 2011 up 37% over march 2010

wind generation in march 2011 up 20% over march 2010

hydro generation in march 2011 up 52.2% over march 2010 (and up 28.9% from Feb 2011)

natural gas generation in march 2011 up 5% over March 2010 (up 0.5% from Feb 2011)

nuclear generation in march 2011 up 1.6% over March 2010 (up 1.3% from Feb 2011)

Next up I'll write a little about what I've been learning about being back in SD.  Hello algal biofuels!  Also, I've been enlisted to help on my parents kitchen remodel and I might end up teaching surfing?  Ahhhh, never a dull moment.  Oh yes, and last Monday I ran up to LA to play a show at The Mint.  All good things.  I'm grateful for my opportunities.

Heading off to the San Diego Wind Energy Symposium tomorrow.

hugs from sunny (with some June gloom popping up) So Cal,
lisa

beeeeeeeveeeeeee

just call me 'au currant'

Today I received an email update about President Obama's plans/thoughts on Jobs & Gas Prices with a super neat-o graphic breaking down some 'Quick Facts' about the Obama Energy Agenda & Gas Prices.  Obama administration, have you been following my blog?  I jest, but I feel like I've been writing about some of these same things so I'm quite proud that I'm trending 'current'.

Take a look at my post 'a, b, c's' to see why it is so important we take a look at our energy consumption (specifically oil in the post).  And, it's really exciting to see our government so dedicated to pursuing this important issue.

As you might imagine, studying energy and natural resources abroad brings a good perspective.  Yes, the US is the butt of many jokes (in the kindest of ways).  And, rightfully so.  We make up 5% of the world population and yet consume 20% of the energy (source).

There's so much more to say but the night grows late and I must get some rest for another full day of studying.  So, I leave you with the graphic below and check out the full thing here

The increasing gas prices has the administration outlining solutions.  Of course, solutions take some time.  First, they talk about increasing domestic oil production. That can help in the short run if we have the appropriate infrastructure (and commitment from oil companies- oil extraction is a whole other study, and, as you can imagine has to do with prices, interest rates and making the most money.  Let's just say it's not a simple as saying 'let's extract more!').  Also, this is not a long term solution being a finite resource.

The administration's next solution is better gas milage for cars- always a good thing. We've got smart engineers, they can make it happen (also, reference my last few posts about the Skoda).  And, they propose improving transportation and investing in cleaning public transport- cool but this will take some time as the technology is coming along but still needs some refining (ha, refining... like oil.. I'm so funny).

Last, but not least, is the 'clean energy future' seen below.  80% of electricity produced from clean sources by 2035?!  I like it!  As they note at the bottom in the fine writing- it sets out an ambitious target.  Truth.  But, by no means impossible.

We are looking at this exact concept in one of my classes right now.  Technically energy is in continuum.  Total energy is constant.  It simply transforms between different forms.  I won't get into the numbers details but if you think about the energy coming at us from the sun and the wind whipping around us- there is plenty of energy to fuel our every day activities.  The real issue is capturing, converting to usable energy and storage.

And with this, I bid you a good night,
lisa liv

P.S. Obama administration, if you would like to hire me for the summer- that would be super.

Dads and cars

My Dad knows a lot about cars.  He loves tinkering and he's mighty good at it.  One of his high school gigs was working at Bethurm's Auto Repair in Corona, CA.  He's always my first call when my car makes a funny noise, or, worse, stops running.  (well, I must admit, I don't have a car anymore since I don't need one in Norway.  And, I'm quite enjoying using public transport.  Old people speak to me in Norwegian all the time.  It's really cute.  I digress)  I remember as a girl I had seen a commercial for an 'Aspire' car and mentioned it to my Dad.  Dad didn't believe said model existed until we saw one not too long after in a parking lot.  I felt victorious.  I knew something about cars Dad didn't.  Ha!

Since then, I concede to his auto prowess and I'm very thankful for his skills.  He's the man.

But, I recently had another little 'Aspire' moment with my a, b, c's blog from a few posts back.  Dad found it hard to believe the Skoda Greenline could get 60+ miles to the gallon.  I pleaded my case noting our Danish friends had said they get 25 kilometers to the liter.  Being a good American living in Europe, I'm doing my best to learn the conversions (we couldn't all possibly work with the same measurement system could we?  oh and cooking has been a real treat too having to get used to milliliters and grams).  So it's approximately 4 liters to a gallon and approximately .62 miles to 1 kilometer.  Here we go with a little math....

25 kilometers/liter x 4 liters/gallon = 100 km/gallon
100km/gallon x .62miles/km = 62 miles to the gallon

And, of course, I double checked myself with a quick internet search on the Skoda before I posted.  I want to make sure this blog is accurate!

In true Dad fashion, he did some of his own research with a few added bonus nuggets about gas vs. diesel I wanted to share.  I believe he broke things down to nice and simple and I hope this is useful to you:

"Good morning Lisa,  

Dad did a little R&D on the Skoda Greenline and it does have some impressive numbers.  First, it is a Diesel and diesel fuel does have more energy content per gallon than does gasoline.  By this alone, it will get better mileage and that is why big trucks here in the US are Diesel.  Europeans drive many more diesel cars than we do here in the US.  Why?  Better fuel economy plus diesel is cheaper than gasoline – in Europe. 

Not so in the US.  Diesel here is more than gas so the attraction of diesel powered cars is less than Europe.  Why is gas cheaper here than in Europe?  Multiple reasons but primarily for two reasons: 

US refineries were designed and built to convert more of the crude oil into gas since this is what American drivers want (diesels in the old days were noisy and smelly and ones garage smelled terrible)

Diesels were heavy and had low performance (acceleration)

Diesels are more expensive to make

These differences have changed today: diesels are quiet now, they don’t emit “smoke” like they used to, and the car does not smell like a truck.  Plus, in Europe they’re “acceptable”.  Anyway, the Skoda (which is owned by VW) is impressive.  The Larsen's car probably has the 1.2 liter 3 cylinder turbo diesel.  With good aerodynamics and a few other tweaks, it’s mileage of 60 mpg+ is the real deal.

Can Americans learn to love such vehicles?

Love The Girl,

Dad, PhD (you can see I just love this stuff)"

Yes, I can see you love this stuff and I love that about you, Dad. And, here's the old car nut professor back in the day. Isn't he cute?!

I suppose this means I should post about my Mom on Father's Day? Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Now I am off for my last very serious week of studying for finals. It's been an intense few weeks but I continue to learn and find everything very interesting. There's sooooo much to learn!

hugs from the land of the midnight sun,

lisa liv

the social network

I'm relatively new to twitter and sometimes feel it's a bit decadent (does every intimate detail of someone's life really need to be broadcast?).  But, it is a fun way to keep up with people while being abroad as well as let people in to funny random things that happen on a daily basis in Norway.  And, a feature I do like is being able to subscribe to what is essentially a news feed from some different sources like Paste Magazine (Music), The Economist, NPR News and the EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration).  Not to long after writing my post a, b, c's, these updates filled my twitter feed.....

Ouch.  Almost $1 up in both gas and diesel from a year ago. People have to be feeling this on their budgets.  Gas is a relatively inelastic good in the short run (I know, I'm getting all economics-y on ya) meaning peoples behavior doesn't change much.  The bigger question will be the effect higher prices have on the long run.  Do we start getting serious about smaller cars?  Or investing better in usable public transportation?    The probability this stimulates important R&D in alternatives is good.  And, the future will remain to be scene.  But, I have an idea.  Instead of moaning about how high gas prices are (which, might I remind us, the rest of the world laughs at because we have some of the lowest gas prices), let's use that good old American ingenuity and figure out some new and better solutions.  We've always been pioneers, why not keep exploring new territory?

And, what the hey... click here if you want to follow me on twitter ;)

socially yours and studying for finals,
lisa liv

Easter 2011

More to come but I had to post a few pictures from the past weekend.  I just got home and must get to school work but these are a few photos from a very special weekend in Hallingskeid, Norway.  Truly an unforgettable Easter 2011.  11 friends from NHH (representing countries- USA, Germany, Italy, Norway, Austria and Peru) went to a true Norwegian cabin (we are talking no running water, etc) and spent time cross country skiing during the day and cooking, laughing, playing charades and drinking some wine/beer together at night.

8 of the 11... 3 left yesterday

Our playground

Me and Bea- so warm we could short-sleeve it!

A perfectly refreshing weekend and now back to the books.

Dreaming of Hallingskeid,

lisa liv