Quality Weenie

Fire - Part 3 When

Fire - Part 3

When I came into the plant this morning it smelled really bad, almost like something was burning.

I was close, something did burn it had already been put out.

Yep, we had another fire this morning, early this morning. So I missed out on all the firemen, dammit.

That would be the third time this year we had a fire, that doesn't include the transformer that blew-up earlier this month because that was the whole blocks transformer not just ours.

During compounding our family secret recipe plastic stuff there is a point that it gets near it's flash point and it can just spontainously combust, which it did this morning.

Ahh, the exciting life of working in a plant, yea!

Sneak Peek - 2007 Expedition

Sneak Peek - 2007 Expedition Replacement?

Everest? Expedition Max? We've heard it called several things, but here is the first picture of Ford's extended Expedition.

Longer? You bet. The stretched Expedition is potentially as much as 16 inches longer than the standard model.
The Expedition will be redone for the 2007 model year, and it will once again be riding on a modified F-150 platform. In addition to the standard model, there will be this Suburban/Yukon XL-sized Expedition.

This test vehicle is likely powered by a V-6 diesel, but an optional 6.2-liter V-8 - referred to as the Hurricane - may follow for the 2008 or 2009 model year.

P.S. My Hubby worked on this car last year. Rumor has it they will be getting rid of the Excursion and this will be it's replacement.

Hat tip: The Car Connection

Today in Automotive History 1866

Today in Automotive History

1866 America's First Underwater Highway Tunnel

Work on the first underwater highway tunnel in the United States began on this day in Chicago, Illinois. Over a three-year period, workers and engineers tunneled underneath the Chicago River, finally completing the 1,500-foot tunnel at a cost of over $500,000. The tunnel had two roadways, each 11-feet tall and 13-feet wide, and a separate footway 10-feet wide and 10-feet tall. In 1907, the tunnel was lowered to provide better air circulation, and for the first time it began to allow regular automobile traffic.

Sibling Rivalry I was just

Sibling Rivalry

I was just thinking about this over the Holidays, which I do at every Holiday in which my sister and I are together, in the same room and don't beat the living hell out of each other. You see, I didn't think that day would ever come.

Definition: Sibling Rivalry: See Quality Weenie and Wastebasket (my nickname for sis when we were young)

I'm not kidding, my sister and I defined sibling rivalry, no actually we took it to new heights or is that a new low?

I'm exactly 1 year, 5 months and 27 days older than my sister, that has disaster written all over it and it didn't help that our mother played that rivalry off both of us.

We would fight over everything, anything and nothing. I beat the crap out of my sister one night because I couldn't sleep and she wouldn't stop snoring (yes it didn't help that we had to share a bedroom for the first 16 years of our lives either). She in turn beat the crap out of me because I would not stop making fun of her crush on the guy on Battlestar Galactica. I cut the hair on all her barbies, she pulled the arms off mine. I disowned her at age 14 (I even had it nortorized by a friend), we would wear each others clothes and ruin them, break things, scratch favorite records, pull tapes apart, she was late on purpose to my wedding rehearsal so in turn I was late to her rehersal (we got married 7 months apart) and the list goes on. She told me on my wedding day that my butt was huge in my wedding dress, I in turn made fun of her small boobs on her wedding day. We were evil to each other.

What's even more amazing is we came out with no broken bones, just plenty of scratches and bruises, pulled muscles, missing hair and probably a few less brain cells from the beatings.

It was only recently, only within the last 5 years that I guess we both grew up and looked at how we treated each other and changed that.

So what was your sibling rivalry like?

It's Good to be Back

It's Good to be Back

Because Dial-up is the spawn of Satan. I was going through withdrawls and had no idea what was happening in the world because I couldn't get to too many news stories. Agh!

I also missed a firing at work on Wednesday, I always miss the good stuff. So now that person's responsibilities are the Quality Department's responsibilites. And last week was quite at work, so not a lot to catch up on, quite nice. Another reason I like this company, they are not afraid to fire people, management included.

I tell you, my family puts the Dis in functional. There are quite a few family members that don't appreciate what that have but only what complain about what they don't have and complain that the successful people in the family are just losers and the losers are "successful" and why can't the real successful people be more like the loser "successful" people.

At least it stopped raining here, I could have swore I saw a neighbor building an Ark.

My Christmas cards are mailed, my Christmas shopping is done and my house is decorated. Neener, neener.

And last but not least I just found out this morning that one of my bestest friends from college is moving home! She's coming home on Friday, they will be starting to look for a house on Saturday and her husband will start at his new position January 1st. They have been living in Atlanta for the past 14 years. I am excited!

Today in Automotive History 1996

Today in Automotive History

1996 VW Executive Resigns Under Espionage Charges

Volkswagen executive Jose Ignacio Lopez resigned on this day under charges of industrial espionage from General Motors (GM), his former employer. As part of a major lawsuit against Volkswagen (VW), GM charged that Lopez, its former worldwide chief of purchasing, had stolen trade secrets from the company in 1993 when he defected to Volkswagen along with three other GM managers. Lopez's resignation was likely a result of pressure from the German carmaker, which sought to reach a settlement before the scheduled lawsuit began under U.S. jurisdiction. In January 1997, VW and GM announced a settlement in which Volkswagen would pay General Motors $100 million and agree to buy at least $1 billion in parts from GM. VW also confirmed that the three other former GM managers accused of industrial espionage had all either resigned or were due to take administrative leave. In return, GM agreed to drop all legal action.

Happy Thanksgiving!! It's Thanksgiving and

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's Thanksgiving and I just wanted to wish everyone and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I also wanted to thank all the Military people all over the World today, those that are protecting us so that we can eat, be with our families and watch Football all day without a worry. Thank-you for all you do!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

And Go Lions!!

The Malice at the Palace

The Malice at the Palace

I'm sure everyone has heard, saw or read about the huge Basketball fight between the Pistons and the Pacers on Friday night.

Well here in Detroit it's all we have heard about. I mean in on the news reports that is all they talk about, every channel, every new broadcast, everyday since Friday.

It's like there is nothing else going on in this world except that fight.

I just can't beleive that they can go on for 4 days now without talking about anything else. It's also on the front page of the newspapers, still. In big, bold headlines.

It's getting out of hand and I don't really care about it.

Vacation Musing Vacation, or in

Vacation Musing

Vacation, or in my case time off work, is going pretty good. Except I have finally accepted that I am getting old. I can sleep in and by god if I'm not waking up at 7:30am and unable to go back to sleep.

I have been doing a lot of crockpot cooking. I just love that you can just throw in all the ingredients and wahla 5 hours later you get a meal. It also makes the house smell nice all day.

We picked out our new glasses yesterday, can't wait to get them. My hubby said mine looks like something out of the 50's. Good news is my reading vision hasn't changed, yet.

Started decorating the house with Christmas stuff, but can't put the tree up until this weekend. Were getting our carpets cleaned on Friday. Have all my cards signed, our Christmas letter written and now all I have to do is stuff and put the address labels on.

We had our builder out, by court order, to finally look at our windows today. We have been in our house for 5 years (well ok, 5 years in March) and have had problems with the windows since day one. They were hung crooked but the builder is nortorious for not doing warranty work under warranty. So we have sued and finally after 2 court appearances he was ordered to come check the windows out. Asshole. I mean really, curtains and shades should not blow out from the wall 4 or more inches when the wind blows. Asshole. Agh.

Went to Target the other day and not only was someone wearing their jammies in the store, but they had slippers on as well. I wonder if she knew how stupid she looked.

That's all for now. Hope everyone is enjoying their time at work, hee hee hee.

My Desktop is a Paper

My Desktop is a Paper Weight

We have a 286 Dell for a Desktop, we got it in 96 (and paid $2500 for it, agh). It's running Windoz 95, the virus software is no longer able to be updated and yesterday I find out that it won't let me edit blog postings in blogger. Useless piece of crap.

So I'm on our laptop, which runs Windoz Me, and it won't let me edit the size of the text in blogger, well it will let me use the extra large sized font.

So if posting look a little wierd the next week you know why.

I think it might be about time to update the desktop computer.

That Four Letter Word. SN*W,

That Four Letter Word.

SN*W, yep folks that's right, SN*W. White stuff, comes from the sky, accumulates, causes sore muscels and swear words to come uncontrollably out of your mouth.

We have a "system" moving across the plains and should reach the Great Lakes area by Wednesday night and SN*W off and on Thursday and Friday, looks like about an inch or so.

It's amazing that for people that have lived in SN*W since birth still have trouble every year with what it does to driving conditions. It's like people forget from year to year and drive like it's normal conditions.

Ack, so were starting up the snow blower to make sure it works, finding the shovels, getting the snow scrapers into the cars, dusting off the boots, scarves, hats, mittens, etc and getting ready to settle into another winter. Yuck.

Today in Automotive History 1897

Today in Automotive History

1897 Olds Issued Patent For "Motor Carriage"

On this day, Ransom Eli Olds of Lansing, Michigan, is issued a U.S. patent for his "motor carriage," a gasoline-powered vehicle that he constructed the year before. In 1887, when he was only 18, Olds built his first automobile, a steam-propelled three-wheeled vehicle. However, Olds soon recognized the advantages of an engine powered by gasoline, an abundant fuel source that was safer and more reliable than steam. Two months before receiving his patent, Olds had formed the Olds Motor Vehicle Company, a company that grew into the Olds Motors Works, in 1899, with the assistance of private investor Samuel L. Smith. After designing a number of prototypes, Olds and his company finally settled on the Olds Runabout in 1901. The Runabout was a small, motorized buggy with a curved dashboard and lightweight wheels, and was powered by a one-cylinder engine capable of reaching 20mph. Perhaps out of financial necessity, Olds contracted with other companies to construct various parts for the Runabout, a production technique that differed from the current industry practice of individually handcrafting each vehicle. Olds' new production method, a prototype of assembly line production, proved a great success, and Olds Motor Works sold 425 Oldsmobile Runabouts in the first year of business, 2,500 in the next, and peaked in 1904 with sales in excess of 5,000 vehicles.

Today in Automotive History 1927

Today in Automotive History

1927 Eliason Receives Snowmobile Patent

Carl Eliason of Sayner, Wisconsin, was granted the first patent ever given for a snowmobile design on this day. Eliason had actually completed his first working prototype three years before--a small vehicle with a front-mounted liquid-cooled 2.5 HP Johnson outboard engine, slide rail track guides, wooden cleats, rope-controlled steering skis, and running boards made out of two downhill skis. Eliason built his first snowmobile in a small garage behind his general store over a two-year period, and used everything from bicycle parks to a radiator from a used Model T Ford. During the 1930s, Eliason founded Eliason Motor Toboggan, continued improving on his snowmobiles, and the company was soon known around the world. A major purchaser of Eliason snowmobiles in the early years of the company was the U.S. Army, which ordered 150 all-white Eliason Motor Toboggans for use in the defense of Alaska during World War II.

Vacation? Nahhhh ... Just time

Vacation? Nahhhh ...

Just time off from work. That is me next week. I have vacation days to use up and next week I am taking off the whole darn week, I can only imagine what I will come back too.

So I am letting you all know now that posting maybe a little lite next week because I have not only the dreaded dial-up at home, I have the dreaded free dial-up at home.

(ed note: I get free internet though school and yes I am cheap and why pay for something you don't use a lot at home, I do most of my computer stuff at work).

I will be doing and completing my Christmas shopping next week, eye appointment for the new reading glasses (we get new glasses every other year under our insurance) and plenty of couch potato action to be had.

We Are All Adults That

We Are All Adults

That is a phrase I use way to much at work.

Why is it that people can complain that:

The fan is blowing on them
The fan isn't blowing on them
That person looked at them mean
That person is being mean

But can't complain until after they have produced a half days worth of parts that have a part on them that is too light in color?

*bangs head on desk*

Update on Bextra I guess

Update on Bextra

I guess it depends on who you talk to but half think it needs a closer look and others say it's fine.

I was talking with my doctor yesterday about Celebrex and the chances of it going off the market and discussing others in case that happens. His opinion is that Bextra probably will be taken off the market soon but Celebrex will most likely remain on the market (yea for me).

So if your on Bextra you may want to talk with your doctor about alturnatives in case it does get pulled, better to be prepared then be blind-sided.

Today in Automotive History 1954

Today in Automotive History

1954 Taking A Toll

The first automatic toll collection machine was placed in service at the Union Toll Plaza on New Jersey's Garden State Parkway on this day. In order to pass through the toll area, motorists dropped 25¢ into a wire mesh hopper and then a green light would flash permitting passage through the toll.

The automatic toll collection machine was an important innovation for America's modern toll highway, which first appeared in 1940 with the opening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For a three-hour reduction of travel time between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, the turnpike asked travelers to pay tolls, creating revenues that helped cover the roadway's high construction and maintenance costs. The Pennsylvania Turnpike was a tremendous success, leading to the construction of toll highways across the country, including the Garden State Parkway, which opened its first toll section in early 1954, and was completed in 1955.

However, a non-automotive toll road first appeared in the United States in 1795, when people traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Little River Turnpike found their way blocked by toll gates at Snicker's Gap, where they were asked to pay a toll.

Today in Automotive History 1960

Today in Automotive History

1960 The End Of The DeSoto

The Chrysler DeSoto was a hit even before the first model was built in the summer of 1928. When Walter P. Chrysler announced that his Chrysler Corporation intended to build a mid-priced vehicle boasting six-cylinders, dealerships signed on immediately, and in the first 12 months of production the DeSoto set a sales record that stood for 30 years.

The automobile, named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, was a large and powerful vehicle marketed to the average American car buyer. The innovative designs of the DeSotos of the 1930s were as daring as their namesake--1934 saw the introduction of America's first affordable automobile with aerodynamic styling, and the 1937 DeSoto was hailed for its safety innovations. In the late 1930s, lackluster U.S. sales prompted Chrysler to introduce a more conservative line of DeSotos. The large and gracious 1940 DeSoto was advertised as "America's Family Car," and the American family agreed, giving DeSoto its best sales in the first few years after World War II. During the 1950s, the DeSoto became adventurous again, and the 1955 DeSoto featured power styling to match its powerful engine. By 1956, DeSoto was 11th in the industry, but the dynamics of its demise were already in motion at Chrysler.

Disorganization in the management of the Chrysler Corporation, along with general quality issues in Detroit in the late 1950s, led to several years of popular but flawed DeSotos. In 1958, DeSoto's designers introduced their most flamboyant cars ever, the Firesweeps, Firedomes, and Fireflites, but the public failed to embrace these new models, and all but the Fireflite was dropped in 1959. In 1960, William C. Newberg, the new president at Chrysler, decided to limit the DeSoto program, and the uninspired 1961 DeSoto was doomed for failure. On this day, just two weeks after the 1961 DeSoto was introduced to an uninterested market, Chrysler announced the termination of the DeSoto marque.

Today in Automotive History 1970

Today in Automotive History

1970 First Wheeled-Vehicle On The Moon

An unmanned Soviet lunar probe, Luna 17, soft-landed in the Sea of Rains on the surface of the moon on this day. Hours later, Lunokhod 1, a self-propelled vehicle controlled by Soviet mission control on earth, rolled out of the Luna landing probe, and became the first wheeled vehicle to travel on the surface of the moon. Lunokhod, which explored the Mare Imbrium region of the Sea of Rains, sent back television images and took soil samples. Despite this notable space first, the Soviet space program was trailing considerably behind the U.S. program which, in 1969, had succeeded in putting an American on the moon with the Apollo 11 lunar mission. In August of 1971, during the fourth manned lunar landing, the United States achieved another first: astronauts David R. Scott and James B. Irwin drove the Lunar Rover--the first manned lunar automobile--on the surface of the moon.

Today in Automotive History 1901

Today in Automotive History

1901 A Mile In Under A Minute

On this day, racer A. C. Bostwick became the first American racer to exceed the speed of a mile a minute on the Ocean Parkway racetrack in Brooklyn, New York. During a race sponsored by the Long Island Automobile Club, Bostwick achieved an average speed of 63.83mph along a one-mile straightaway on the course, thus completing the mile in 56.4 seconds. European car manufacturers and drivers dominated early motor racing, a phenomenon reflected in the first seven speed records. However, in 1902, just under a year after Bostwick's historic run, William K. Vanderbilt Jr., a businessman and racing enthusiast, became the first American to enter the land speed record books when he ran a mile in 47.32 seconds, or at an average speed of 76.086mph. The Mors automobile that Vanderbilt drove was also the first vehicle with an internal combustion engine to enter the speed record books.

P.S. - At the start of the previous Century they were astounded by exceeding a mile a minute in a car, today if your not doing at least a mile a minute you should be driving in the slow lane.

New Found Respect for our

New Found Respect for our VP

I found this picture over at Wizbang and it has given me a new look at our Vice President.

Somebody get that man some work boots to put on!!

Sneak Peak - 2006 BMW

Sneak Peak - 2006 BMW 3-Series

German automaker BMW has released official photos of its redesigned 3 Series sedan, which goes on sale in Europe late next summer. But the company is still testing additional variants in its compact range, including a new wagon, coupe and convertible.

The all-new 3 Series cabriolet, disguised as a hard-top here, is based on the coupe and shares virtually all of its new sheet metal from the windshield forward with the 3 Series sedan.

Most underbody pieces, including suspensions and powertrains, will be common on both models as well.

The soft-top will be among the last of the 3 Series variants to reach dealers, probably in fall 2006 as a 2007 model. A high-performance M3 edition could arrive a year later.

While BMW has just released the new 3-Series sedan, the matching 3-Series coupe and convertible are still undergoing tests before their launch in about a year's time from now at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn.

The photos are showing two prototypes undergoing testing, plus one computer-generated image showing the convertible with the top down. BMW has consulted various German specialist companies like Webasto and Edscha to help develop the folding roof's mechanism, ensuring that the car remains a full-trunked four-seater.

Weather Report It was a

Weather Report

It was a balmy 25 degrees this morning at 7:30am on my drive into work. And we only have another 4 months of this stuff, oh happy happy, joy joy.

And before you Florida people comment ... Bite Me

Today in Automotive History 1977

Today in Automotive History

1977 The 100,000,000th U.S.-Built Ford

On this day, at the Mahwah plant in New York, workers completed the 100,000,000th Ford to be built in America: a 1978 Ford Fairmont four-door sedan. The Fairmont series was introduced at the beginning of the 1978 model year, to replace the discontinued Ford Maverick. Several Fairmont models were available in the first year of the series, and the available power ran from a 140 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine to a 302 cubic-inch V-8. The most popular Ford Fairmont was the Sporty Coupe, which was introduced midway through the 1978 model year, and featured styling reminiscent of the Thunderbird. The vehicle was two inches longer than the other Fairmont models, and featured quad headlights and a unique roof design featuring a decorative wrap-over. In the 1979 model year, the Fairmont Sporty Coupe became the Fairmont Futura Sport, and, by 1980, was available as a four-door sedan in addition to the original two-door coupe. By 1981, the Fairmont Futura series was more of a high-trim automobile than its original manifestation as a sporty vehicle, and a Futura station wagon became available. At the end of the 1983 model year, the entire Fairmont line was discontinued.

The Horror, Oh The Horror

The Horror, Oh The Horror

Looks like we need to move the party from Blogpop, Harveys place to Virginia.

Derailed Train Spills 20,000 Gallons of Beer

Animal Plant Salutes Veterans Yesterday

Animal Plant Salutes Veterans

Yesterday on Animal Plant they had a 8 hour marathon salute to Veterans, Canine Veterans that is.

So for the forgotten Veterans:

HAPPY BELATED VETERANS DAY!

A History of Military Working Dogs

Military Dogs working in Iraq

Lackland AFB Military Dog Training Program

Adopting a Retired Military Dog

Today in Automotive History 1946

Today in Automotive History

1946 First Drive-In Banking Service

On this day, the Exchange National Bank of Chicago, Illinois, instituted the first drive-in banking service in America, and anticipated a cultural phenomenon that would sweep across America in the coming decade. In 1946, America's Big Three automobile companies were still engaged in the laborious process of retooling from war production to civilian automobile company. With the influx of returning soldiers, and economic signs pointing to a period of great American prosperity, market demand for automobiles was high. At first, U.S. carmakers responded by offering their old pre-war models, but beginning in 1949, the first completely redesigned postwar cars hit the market, and Americans embraced the automotive industry as never before. By the early 1950s, the U.S. was a nation on wheels. With a seemingly endless reserve of cheap gas available, drive-in culture -- featuring everything from drive-in movie theaters to drive-in grocery stores -- flourished alongside America's highways and main streets. In 1946, the Exchange National Bank of Chicago anticipated the rise of America's drive-in society by several years, featuring such drive-in banking innovations as tellers' windows protected by heavy bullet-proof glass, and sliding drawers that enabled drivers to conduct their business from the comfort of their vehicle.

Bextra Getting Second Look from

Bextra Getting Second Look from American Heart Association

The American Heart Association has taken a second look at Bextra, another COX-2 inhibitor (the same drug class as Vioxx). They are claiming preliminary research indicates that Bextra can double your risk for a Heart Attack, but Pfizer is saying the research is unsubstantiated and not been reviewed by independent scientists.

So looks like the AHA is jumping the gun and causing unneccsary worry in people taking Bextra but also some Health companies are claiming that the COX-2 drugs are no better than taking Motrin. I tell you, only people that are taking COX-2 class drugs know this guy is talking though his ass and probably only saying this because COX-2 class drugs are twice as expensive as the old anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin.

I will be following this closely as I take Celebrex, 200mg, twice daily and if they pull Bextra they probably will pull Celebrex which is made by Pfizer also.

Happy Veteran's Day Today is

Happy Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day, and I just wanted to say Thank-You to all those that have served in the Military, especially Veteran's. Because without you I wouldn't have all that I have or wouldn't have been able to do all that I can.

Thank-You from the bottom of my heart for all the Freedom's you have given me.

I would also like to introduce you to my Favorite Veteran, my Uncle. He retired from the Air Force after being in there for 20 years and two wars. He fought in the Korean and Vietnam War's. He's lived all over the U.S., had children born in California and Alaska, won a medal for Bravery during the Alaskan Earthquake and is one of the greatest men I know.

He's also got a killer Vulcan death grip, never let this man pat you on the shoulder.

Today in Automotive History 1989

Today in Automotive History

1989 Jaguar Becomes A Subsidiary Of Ford

In 1935, British car designer William Lyons introduced the SS Jaguar 100 as a new marque for his Swallow Sidecar Company. Swallow Sidecar had been manufacturing complete luxury cars for four years, but the SS Jaguar 100 was Lyons' first true sports car. During World War II, Lyons dropped the Swallow Sidecar name, and the politically incorrect SS initials, and Jaguar Cars Ltd. was formally established. The first significant postwar Jaguar, the XK 120, was introduced in 1948 at the London Motor Show to great acclaim. Capable of speeds in excess of 120mph, the XK 120 was the fastest production car in the world, and is considered by many to be one of the finest sports cars ever made. Over the next three decades, Jaguar became the epitome of speed coupled with elegance, and the company flourished as its racing division racked up countless trophies. On this day in 1989, Jaguar entered a new era when the company became a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company. The integrity of the Jaguar marque was recognized and maintained, and throughout the 1990s the company continued to produce distinguished automobiles such as the Jaguar XK8 and the luxurious Vanden Plas

Fire = Firemen + No

Fire = Firemen + No Work, Yea!

I'm sitting at my desk at 8:30am when all of a sudden the power goes out. Great, now I'm going to have to reboot the computer. It stays out for a minute and then comes back on, but only partially. Great, it's going to be a crappy, busy day work and I think "Glad I'm leaving at 2pm".

The power goes out again, but this time it stays out. After 10 minutes someone calls our electrical company to find out what is going on and they don't know but estimate it should be back on by 5pm. Then someone comes into work at 9am and says "Um, do you know that the transformer at the front of the office complex blew up?" (Our Plant is in a complex of about 6 small plants).

Yep, the transformer blew-up, was on fire and now we don't have power. The electrical company says it could be tomorrow before the power comes back on because the transformer has to be replaced, not a quick thing to do.

So at 10am they say, go home you can do nothing. So I am leaving earlier for Kentucky so we can make it there by Happy Hour!

So right now I'm at home (yea!), changed and going to get some lunch before heading out to meet my driving mate.

Exciting day or what!

I Can't Drive 55 I

I Can't Drive 55

I will be heading South this afternoon to Erlanger, Kentucky. I have a Launch Kick-Off meeting at the Toyota Plant tomorrow so I will be incommunicato until Thursday.

We are driving down because people here think it's quicker to drive to Cinncinati, Ohio than fly. I don't know why they think a 4 hour drive is quicker than a 1 hour flight. Even adding getting to the airport 1 hour before leaving still doesn't compare to a 4 hour car drive.

Ack!

At least the guy I'm going with is nice.

Today in Automotive History 1960

Today in Automotive History

1960 Robert McNamara Named Ford President

In 1946, Henry Ford II, the president of the Ford Motor Company, hired 10 young former intelligence officers from the Air Force, a group that the press soon dubbed the "Whiz Kids." Part of the genius of Henry Ford II, who was second only to his grandfather in business acumen, was his ability to find the most talented people in the industry and bring them into key positions in his rapidly growing postwar corporation.

Robert McNamara, one of the Air Force "Whiz Kids," was one such individual. In addition to his other talents, McNamara was a financial disciplinarian who brought quantitative analysis and the science of modern management to the Ford Motor Company. Under the guidance of Henry Ford II and employees like Robert McNamara, Ford flourished during the 1950s, yielding such success stories as the Ford Thunderbird in 1954. On this day, Robert S. McNamara was named president of Ford, as Henry Ford II stepped down from the presidency and became chief executive officer. However, McNamara would remain at the reigns of Ford for less than two months--on January 1, 1961, McNamara resigned from Ford to become secretary of defense for the new administration of President John F. Kennedy.

Do I Look Stupid or

Do I Look Stupid or Are my Boobs distracting you?

Chauvinist's are alive and well here in Automotive World.

I have been working here for just over a year and really I would have thought by now that I have proven my worthyness (I have, many times over, they have acknowledged this also) but it still amazes me that my suggestions are not taken seriously the first time.

We had a problem this morning, everyone standing around trying to figure it out I suggested it was how the piece was being placed into the fixture and has anyone made sure both placement spots on both fixtures are in the same exact place.

Many men all said nope it couldn't be that and went into great discussions on what could possible be wrong, with me insisting the whole time it just had to be what I said and giving plenty of facts to back up my theories. Nope, nope, nope said the men.

GUESS WHAT?

I.was.right.

And I did a I told you so dance, stomped my foot and said if you listened to me in the beginning we wouldn't have shut the lines down for 2 hours while you tried to figure it out.

I bet they didn't learn and the next time we have a problem and I throw out a solution they will ignore me again. They just don't learn. Really. It's frusterating. It's 2004 and I still have to put up with the boys club. And it's not "old" boys either, it's men my age or younger.

How Do I Buckle Up

How Do I Buckle Up Correctly

Buckling up can be confusing, where do children sit, how far should I be from the airbag, etc.

Here are pointers from the NHTSA:

For adults: The rules are simple. Always wear your belt, but make sure you leave at least 10 inches between your chest and the airbag, to avoid injury(ed note: the correct way to measure if your a "shorter" women is from your nose to the steering wheel, since the airbags deploy at an angle for shorter women it will hit more center on in that area). Many women and smaller adults have difficulty reaching the pedals at that distance. Fortunately, a few vehicles, such as Ford's Expedition, offer adjustable pedals that eliminate this problem. If you are in the market for a new or different car, make sure it fits you first.

For children older than 12: Your child has graduated to the front seat, and will be safe even if there is a passenger-side airbag. Just make sure your child maintains a safe distance from the airbag (10 inches) (ed note: again use the nose to airbag ratio) and keeps the heavy metal on the radio to a minimum.

For small children or those 12 and younger: Every child riding in a car belongs in the back seat, properly belted, boosted, or seated in a child-safety seat. Make sure you have the proper device for your child's size, then put them in back - preferably in the center position. And keep an eye out for two advances coming in child-seat safety: the federally mandated Universal Child Safety Seat Standard, which uses an easier tether setup to correctly install new seats, and DaimlerChrysler's child-seat check stations, which the automaker plans to open in the coming year. Call your local dealer to see if they participate in this program.

For Infants: All infants MUST face the rear of the car. To protect their still-developing bodies, place your infants in a rear-facing seat in the back. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front passenger side of a vehicle equipped with dual frontal airbags. There is but one exception: some vehicles have a turn-off switch that disables the bag, mostly two-seaters and trucks. Make sure to activate the off switch and buckle in properly.

For any type of child or infant seat if your not sure how to install it take it to your local police station. They know how to install the seats correctly and can teach you how.

And remember NHTSA has estimated that seatbelts have saved 100,000 lives between 1975 and 1997, I'm one of those lives.

Today in Automotive History 1956

Today in Automotive History

1956 What's In A Name

On this day, the Ford Motor Company decided on the name "Edsel" for a new model in development for the 1958 market year. The new addition to the Ford family of automobiles would be a tribute to Edsel Bryant Ford, who served as company president from 1919 until his death in 1943. Edsel Ford was also the oldest son of founder Henry Ford and father to former company President Henry Ford II. The designer of the Edsel, Roy Brown, was instructed to create an automobile that was highly recognizable, and from every angle different than anything else on the road. In the fall of 1957, with great fanfare, the 1958 Edsel was introduced to the public. With its horse collar grill in the front and its regressed side-panels in the rear, the Edsel indeed looked like nothing else on the road. However, despite its appearance, the Ford Edsel was a high-tech affair, featuring state-of-the-art innovations such as the "Tele-Touch" push-button automatic transmission. Nevertheless, buyer appeal was low, and the Ford Edsel earned just a 1.5 percent share of the market in 1958. After two more years, the Edsel marque was abandoned, and its name would forever be synonymous with business failure.

Today in Automotive History 1895

Today in Automotive History

1895 Selden Receives First Automobile Patent

On this day, inventor George B. Selden received a patent for his gasoline-powered automobile, first conceived of when he was an infantryman in the American Civil War. After 16 years of delay, United States Patent No. 549,160 was finally issued to Selden for a machine he originally termed a "road-locomotive" and later would call a "road engine." His design resembled a horse-drawn carriage, with high wheels and a buckboard, and was described by Selden as "light in weight, easy to control and possessed of sufficient power to overcome any ordinary incline." With the granting of the patent, Selden, whose unpractical automotive designs were generally far behind other innovators in the field, nevertheless won a monopoly on the concept of combining an internal combustion engine with a carriage. Although Selden never became an auto manufacturer himself, every other automaker would have to pay Selden and his licensing company a significant percentage of their profits for the right to construct a motor car, even though their automobiles rarely resembled Selden's designs in anything but abstract concept. In 1903, the newly created Ford Motor Company, which refused to pay royalties to Selden's licensing company, was sued for infringement on the patent. Thus began one of the most celebrated litigation cases in the history of the automotive industry, ending in 1909 when a New York court upheld the validity of Selden's patent. Henry Ford and his increasingly powerful company appealed the decision, and in 1911, the New York Court of Appeals again ruled in favor of Selden's patent, but with a twist: the patent was held to be restricted to the particular outdated construction it described. In 1911, every important automaker used a motor significantly different from that described in Selden's patent, and major manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company never paid Selden another dime.

Detroit decided Electorial Vote for

Detroit decided Electorial Vote for Michigan

Over at Captains Quarter there is a map of the U.S. by county showing how each county voted in the Presidential Race.

Looking at Michigan I was very surprised to see that basically all of Michigan, except Detroit voted for Bush (yea!). In doing the calculations if you took out Wayne County (the county that Detroit is in), Bush would have won Michigan, although I might suspect that if you took out just Detroit's vote the rest of Wayne county probably would have gone Bush.

So really, Detroit was the deciding factor in Michigans vote. Because counting Detroit's vote Kerry Won 51% to 47%. If you took Detroit's votes out Bush would have won 52%-48%.

So why is Detroit so Democratic, one reason. Welfare recipiants. 20% of all people in Detroit are on Welfare, that's close to 1 in 4 people. The last time we had a Republican Governor in office he cut Welfare and initiate back to work reforms for Welfare recipiants, they don't like Republicans. They like the nanny like state a Democrat will provide, which Kerry was promising them also.

America's Elections are Fun and

America's Elections are Fun and Exciting

At lunch yesterday we were talking about the Election. To preface this, I work for a Japanese Automotive Supplier and have quite a few Japanese transplants working at our plant. While talking about the Election one of the transplants said "I wish I could vote in your elections, they are so fun and exciting unlike Japanese which are boring".

So there you have it folks, that is why other countries don't like us. Because our elections are fun and exciting and there's are boring.

Best Quote about the Exit

Best Quote about the Exit Polls

The Best Quote I heard all day about why the Exit Polls were different from the results, which during the day were predicting a Kerry landslide.

"That is because Republicans vote before and after work, Democrats vote during the day"

- WRIF listener

Scientists Make Important Finding on

Scientists Make Important Finding on Virus' Role in Autoimmune Diseases

I can point to specific years in which my arthritis got worse, I can also point out that within 6 months before that point I had a severe case of Bronchitis. This could be a big development in arthritis in making a push for prevention of viruses or treatments after having an illness.


La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology Scientists Make Important Finding on Virus' Role in Autoimmune Diseases

BIOWIRE2K SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 2004-- Research Could Lead to Future Treatment Advances for Diabetes and Other Autoimmune Diseases Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have added a significant milestone to scientific understanding of the role viruses play in the development of autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes. Matthias von Herrath,M.D., and a team of scientists found that while viruses alone do not initiate autoimmune diseases, they can accelerate their development when paired with a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.

This discovery, based on controlled laboratory studies of mice, represents the first demonstration in a living organism of the ability of viruses to increase the likelihood of the development of autoimmune diseases. The finding is an important advance and could help in the future development of therapies for the treatment or prevention of diabetes and other autoimmune illnesses.

The finding was published Monday in a scientific paper in the Journal of Clinical Investigation entitled, "A Viral Epitope that Mimics a Self Antigen Can Accelerate But Not Initiate Autoimmune Diabetes." In autoimmune diseases,the immune system, which normally wards off invading viruses and bacteria, instead mistakenly attacks normal body tissues, leading to illness. Dr. vonHerrath's study dealt with the autoimmune form or type I diabetes, but the findings can also be applied to other autoimmune diseases. Examples of other autoimmune diseases include lupus or SLE, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Trashing Blogpop's House Blogpop, Harvey,

Trashing Blogpop's House

Blogpop, Harvey, of Bad Example is away on vacation and left his dog to stand guard duty. Well after drugging, the dog fell asleep we snuck in the back and picked the lock, opened the door.

We found the slip-n-slide, twister game and closet full of Ready Whip and the party is heading into high gear.

So head on over and join the party.

Today in Automotive History 1965

Today in Automotive History

1965 Mrs. Breedlove Breaks 300MPH Barrier

Lee Ann Roberts Breedlove, wife of land speed record-holder Craig Breedlove, became the first female driver to exceed 300mph when she sped to 308.50mph in the Spirit of America - Sonic 1 vehicle over the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The Sonic 1 was a four-wheel vehicle powered by a J79 jet engine. A few hours after Lee Ann jet-powered across the one-mile course, Craig Breedlove shattered his own record from the previous year when he reached 555.49mph in the Spirit of America.

P.S - And right after you could hear Mr Breedlove mumbling "Damn Women Drivers"

The Election I finally stopped

The Election

I finally stopped watching at 9:30, when Bush had a pretty good lead. I went to bed with a little confidence that he would win.

First thing when I woke up this morning I turned on the TV and saw Bush with 269 electorial votes and Kerry with 242 electorial votes. I thought cool Bush won, but just then on the TV they said it's too close to call. HUH? Too close? Even the popular vote Bush is leading by 3 plus million. I just didn't understand why they were saying it's too close to call. Then they said that early on News stations were predicting a Kerry win. Now I don't know what they are calling early, but at 9:30pm EST Bush was leading Kerry by a good margin.

So I get to work on go on some blogs to see whats up and over at Captains Quarters is a good explanation of what is going on.

Over at Fox News that are showing that Bush is claiming victory.

Oh wait, every news station is showing different numbers for the electorial count, how can that be?

I wonder how far Kerry will carry the Ohio issue? I imagine we will not hear anything today, unless the Democratic party forces him to.

Today in Automotive History 1900

Today in Automotive History

1900 America's First Car Show Begins

On this day, the first significant car show in the United States began in New York City. The week-long event, held in Madison Square Garden, was organized by the Automobile Club of America. Fifty-one exhibitors displayed 31 automobiles along with various accessories. Among the fathers of the automobile present at the "Horseless Carriage Show" was automaker James Ward Packard, who had completed his first car the year before, and brought three of his Packards to exhibit to the public. In addition to Packard, the show introduced a number of other fledgling automobile companies that became significant industry players in the coming decades, although none of the makes present would still be in business by 1980. The event also featured automotive demonstrations, such as braking and starting contests, and a specially built ramp to measure the hill-climbing ability of the various automobiles. Spectators paid 50¢ each to attend the event.

Who Said That? Was it

Who Said That?

Was it John Kerry, Osama Bin Ladin or Michael Moore?

Take this quiz and find out if you know "Who Said That?"

I only got 6 right out of 20. I could swear John Kerry said more of those quotes than OBL did.

Stolen from: Free Republic

Happy Election Day! GO VOTE!

Happy Election Day!

GO VOTE!

I already voted two weeks ago, so I am sitting back and enjoying the day. Hopefully it will turn out to be a positive day. I don't know if I will watch election coverage, I will have to wait and see.

Since the unions bargained for the day off, all hourly and salary Big 3 (GM, Ford, DCX) get the day off to vote. With nobody on the roads my drive time was cut by 3 minutes today, yea!

Except my hubby will be calling all day, rubbing it in how he gets the day off and I don't. Dinner had better be on the table when I get home tonight, that's all I'm saying.

Today in Automotive History 1989

Today in Automotive History

1989 In It For The Long Haul

On this day, Carmen Fasanella, a taxicab driver from Princeton, New Jersey, retired after 68 years and 243 days of service. Fasanella, who was continuously licensed as a taxicab owner and driver in the Borough of Princeton, New Jersey, since February 1, 1921, is the most enduring taxi driver on record.

Chrysler - Good or Cheats?

Chrysler - Good or Cheats?

Perusing the automotive news I ran across this article the other day:

"Unlike Rivals, Chrysler turns profit in Sales"

the very next article says this:

"Suit says secret accounts at DCX used for Bribes"

DCX is currently being investigated by the SEC for bribing leaders of foreign government offices. Hmm, could one be related to the other?

Holy Crap, Lion tours! I

Holy Crap, Lion tours! I laughed my Ass off!

Over at Blogmom Tammi's she mentioned that she found a new blog, and ex-Military guy and he was funny.

Funny is not the word for it. I am sitting here crying because I am laughing so hard. I think I came close to peeing my pants.

A little tease: I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, soaking wet, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position. Gracie was standing over me making meowing sounds I had never heard before, licking my face,undoubtedly thinking to herself, “do it again, do it again!”

You have got to go read Koolaid, it's a must.

GO BLUE What a Football

GO BLUE

What a Football game, it's what every fan dreams of.

With 8:43 left in the game, Michigan down 27-10 they came back to tie the game and go into overtime.

In the 3rd overtime, Michigan finally won, winning their 12th straight home game.

Michigan is 6-0 in conference with 8-1 overall, the only lose coming against Notre Dame. Only 2 games left, next week against Northwestern and then the week after "The Game". It's going to be an interesting next couple of weeks.

GO BLUE!!

Today in Automotive History 1927

Today in Automotive History

1927 Ford Model A Production Begins

For the first time since the Model T was introduced in 1908, the Ford Motor Company began production on a significantly redesigned automobile on this day--the Model A. The hugely successful Model T revolutionized the automobile industry, and over 15,000,000 copies of the "Tin Lizzie" were sold in its 19 years of production. By 1927, the popularity of the outdated Model T was rapidly waning. Improved, but basically unchanged for its two-decade reign, it was losing ground to the more stylish and powerful motor cars offered by Ford's competitors. In May of 1927, Ford plants across the country closed, and the company began an intensive development of the more refined and modern Model A. The vastly improved Model A had elegant Lincoln-like styling on a smaller scale, and used a capable 200.5 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine that produced 40hp. With prices starting at $460, nearly 5,000,000 Model As, in several body styles and a variety of colors, rolled onto to America's highways before production ended in early 1932.