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ralphhosier.bsky.social
Chartered Engineer, instigator of change, teacher, builder of special vehicles, general trouble maker. Quite likes dark chocolate. www.rhel.co.uk www.motor-skills.co.uk www.ZEEbus.co.uk
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Things in my pocket on an average day. What tools do you like to have with you?

Predictions are always perilous. But I think we're in for a long, hot, dry summer. Maybe a real bad one. And if that happens it's going to get more people thinking about the environment, and what we're doing to it. And that means attitudes to cars etc. may change. Are we ready?

Want to know how to change brake discs and calipers? How to change the oil and other car maintenance tasks? Or maybe you know someone else who would benefit from our practical, hands on training? Our next BCM2 course is 26th April, pass it on. motor-skills.co.uk/aohe-courses...

The lies being spread today will infect thoughts and actions for generations. Historically it's been difficult to spread lies to all of us so quickly, but social media does just that. And whilst real journalists work hard to verify and give context, they too are being attacked.

Our fantastic Practical Skills training can be found here, from beginners to experts we can help you, we're happy to share the skills we use daily building amazing vehicles: motor-skills.co.uk

I love just going out for a drive, no particular destination, just exploring. Get to a junction, shall we go left or right? It's hugely enjoyable. Anyone else do this?

Those who agree with you may be wrong. Those who disagree with you may be right. Repeating someone else's narrative in an argument adds nothing. Independent thought doesn't come from reposting without comment. I like the fact that my friends here have different views to me, it helps me learn.

I strongly believe that practical skills are vital. Not just for jobs & independence, but to broaden our understanding. The more we truly understand how the world works the more informed our life choices. So you see, skills matter. And that's why I set up Https://motor-skills.co.uk I'm on a mission

That is not politics of ideology. In fact that's not politics at all. That's rich men ganging together, bullies laughing at those who appear weaker than them. It's serious, and very very dangerous.

Here's a question for you; if someone is worried about what they can do if the world goes properly squiffy what practical skills should they learn now?

If a car advert says 'easy fix' then it isn't. Sometimes we buy cars to fix up and sell on, we have all the tools and facilities plus a very capable team, not once has an essay fix been true.

Are we seeing the answer to the Fermi Paradox unfolding globally?

If you want to be a patriot you'd tell the world the great things about this country, our innovation, industry, arts, quality of life, history etc. If you are trying to convince the world that this country is awful then I don't really see how that's patriotic.

We used AI, it's clearly the most powerful tool ever created. And like any tool, whether it's an angle grinder, hammer, chainsaw etc., it can be used for good or bad. The biggest problem is that governments really don't understand this.

Controversial opinion, I'm an engineer who loves tech but there are some things I feel should be mechanical and not just software driven: Door handles, hand brake, brakes, steering.

Surely if those involved in politics genuinely cared about you and me they'd work together, cross party, to constructively solve our problems, not put huge effort into taking chunks out of each other?

I thought I'd share a little bit of behind the scenes sort of thing, this is my badly edited story of our workshop van and how we turned a poorly vehicle into something just right for our needs. youtu.be/JLf9Ogiu-LM?...

Our insurance agent asked me for an 'updated' CV, I've not really needed a CV for a long time, my linkedin profile mentions 'trouble maker' which raised questions, so I've added 'eternal optimist and incurable dreamer'. Hope that helps.

Happy Christmas from all of us in the shed of dreams.

Throwback Thursday to my old Comp Safari days, so much fun competing in this V8 bucket. I sold it a long time ago but I just searched the number plate and it had an MOT recently. It lives on!

Warning: I'm going to attempt self promotion! Our EV service and repair shop is proving popular. If you have a hybrid or EV then get in touch. rhel.co.uk [email protected]

The Honda Nissan announcement makes sense, both companies need to be in a better place and there are some good technical and manufacturing synergies. It should be no surprise. I expect to see more of this sort of thing over the next few years.

Our shed of dreams, we make amazing vehicles here. If money was no object what would you get us to build?

Science is about doubt, questioning everything, including accepted theories. Our knowledge grows through testing theories, discovering what works and what doesn't. Every theory, even if disproved, is a stepping stone towards enlightenment. I find it fascinating.

AI & new robotics are getting better & cheaper exponentially. Over the next decade it will become increasingly cost effective to replace people with machines. In every single job role. This needs to be managed properly, it's a massive change to society. And it's already started.

Are classic cars doomed? I had a chat with Shahzad: youtu.be/opBCG9f152U?...

Jaguar rebrand. Yes, I think it's a good idea. I love old jags, but the company needs to meet modern customer demands. Cheap cars from china will stress the low price segment, so premium is the way. New audience, new cars, new brand. Makes sense.

For those who need a moment of calm, I took this vid earlier this year in Cornwall.

The old Volvo also looks moody, I was turning the workshop lights off at the end of the day and it started staring at me!

The gift that keeps giving...

Strange things have occurred. Where's the weirdest place you've been this year?

Looking moody. There was a Lotus in this bay not so long ago... Project Slug now has an XJR6 engine and LSD. First project with my son. Means a lot.