Quality Weenie

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Just wanted to

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

I happy I was bugged and motivated to start blogging. I am also grateful for all the new friends I have made and I am looking forward to making many more next year.

Stay safe, be careful and remember friends don't let friends blog drunk.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Just wanted to

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday!

I happy I was bugged and motivated to start blogging. I am also grateful for all the new friends I have made and I am looking forward to making many more next year.

Stay safe, be careful and remember friends don't let friends blog drunk.

USA Today Article Picture Harvey

USA Today Article Picture

Harvey requested, so I obliged!

My scanner at home can not scan large items so I took a picture of it. I wasn't sure if I should smile or not (hey it was a story about pain) so I did a little smile.

Thanks to Imageshack for picture hosting!

USA Today Article Picture Harvey

USA Today Article Picture

Harvey requested, so I obliged!

My scanner at home can not scan large items so I took a picture of it. I wasn't sure if I should smile or not (hey it was a story about pain) so I did a little smile.

Thanks to Imageshack for picture hosting!

Snow Storm Pictures I took

Snow Storm Pictures

I took these this morning:

This one is from the front of the house

This one is from the back of the house, note the patio peeking out. It is a good foot from the top of the patio to the grass

This picture is of the frost on the bushes, it's really really cold here

Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting

Snow Storm Pictures I took

Snow Storm Pictures

I took these this morning:

This one is from the front of the house

This one is from the back of the house, note the patio peeking out. It is a good foot from the top of the patio to the grass

This picture is of the frost on the bushes, it's really really cold here

Thanks to ImageShack for Free Image Hosting

I'm Famous! The post I

I'm Famous!

The post I wrote last week about the new Celebrex findings was found by a reporter while searching for peoples reaction to the news. They contacted me via email and asked if I minded answering some questions for an article they were doing.

The results are this article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-12-22-celebrex-risk_x.htm

The actually sent someone out to my house to take my picture, but that didn't end up in the article.

So you never know who really is reading what you write and it seems that MSM is paying more attention to what bloggers say then we know.

I'm Famous! The post I

I'm Famous!

The post I wrote last week about the new Celebrex findings was found by a reporter while searching for peoples reaction to the news. They contacted me via email and asked if I minded answering some questions for an article they were doing.

The results are this article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-12-22-celebrex-risk_x.htm

The actually sent someone out to my house to take my picture, but that didn't end up in the article.

So you never know who really is reading what you write and it seems that MSM is paying more attention to what bloggers say then we know.

Snow Storm Update I'm sitting

Snow Storm Update

I'm sitting here with my cup of cocoa getting ready to put in a movie and snuggle up in the blanket. Looking outside the snow is still coming down hard and is expected to continue for another 5 hours or so.

The wind is blowing creating drifts but estimating we already have around 4 inches outside with another 6 inches expected. Yikes!

At least we will get a White Christmas this year because temps through Monday won't exceed 20.

Sure glad I didn't have to get up this morning and go to work, hee hee hee.

Update:
The snow stopped early, yea! The Noon news says the offical total for my area is 7 inches.
I'll take some pictures and post tomorrow.

Snow Storm Update I'm sitting

Snow Storm Update

I'm sitting here with my cup of cocoa getting ready to put in a movie and snuggle up in the blanket. Looking outside the snow is still coming down hard and is expected to continue for another 5 hours or so.

The wind is blowing creating drifts but estimating we already have around 4 inches outside with another 6 inches expected. Yikes!

At least we will get a White Christmas this year because temps through Monday won't exceed 20.

Sure glad I didn't have to get up this morning and go to work, hee hee hee.

Update:
The snow stopped early, yea! The Noon news says the offical total for my area is 7 inches.
I'll take some pictures and post tomorrow.

Today in Automotive History 1982

Today in Automotive History

1982 Gas Tax Hike

The U.S. Congress raised the federal fuel tax on gasoline and other petroleum-based fuels by 5¢ a gallon. This tax hike was expected to raise $5.5 billion annually. The additional money was destined for road and bridge repairs.

Today in Automotive History 1982

Today in Automotive History

1982 Gas Tax Hike

The U.S. Congress raised the federal fuel tax on gasoline and other petroleum-based fuels by 5¢ a gallon. This tax hike was expected to raise $5.5 billion annually. The additional money was destined for road and bridge repairs.

I Won't Have to Dream

I Won't Have to Dream About A White Christmas

Yikes, from the weather channel:

SNOW ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD INTO THE AREA TONIGHT AND WILL LIKELY BECOME HEAVY AFTER MIDNIGHT. HEAVY SNOW WILLPERSIST INTO THURSDAY MORNING... BEFORE TAPERING OFF TO LIGHT SNOWSHOWERS DURING THE AFTERNOON. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 INCHES ORGREATER WILL BE POSSIBLE.IN ADDITION TO THE SNOW ACCUMULATION...NORTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30MPH OR MORE ON THURSDAY AND PRODUCE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...ASWELL AS WIND CHILLS BELOW ZERO BY AFTERNOON.

I Won't Have to Dream

I Won't Have to Dream About A White Christmas

Yikes, from the weather channel:

SNOW ASSOCIATED WITH THIS STORM SYSTEM WILL SPREAD INTO THE AREA TONIGHT AND WILL LIKELY BECOME HEAVY AFTER MIDNIGHT. HEAVY SNOW WILLPERSIST INTO THURSDAY MORNING... BEFORE TAPERING OFF TO LIGHT SNOWSHOWERS DURING THE AFTERNOON. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 INCHES ORGREATER WILL BE POSSIBLE.IN ADDITION TO THE SNOW ACCUMULATION...NORTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30MPH OR MORE ON THURSDAY AND PRODUCE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...ASWELL AS WIND CHILLS BELOW ZERO BY AFTERNOON.

Grocery Store Rummble I just

Grocery Store Rummble

I just got back from the grocery store, I had to pick-up the stuff for my Au Gratin potatos that I am tasked with for Christmas.

I only had 20 items so I decided it would be faster to use the U-Scan lanes, so in I go. I'm scanning my stuff and this lady gets in behind me.

The conversation:
Rude lady: Did you know this is the express land, that means 12 items or less
Me: Umm, no
Rude lady: Well you have more
Me: Umm, I didn't see any signs saying 12 items or less
Rude lady: It's express, that means 12 items or less
Me: *thinking: so your bitching about my couple more items, it's not like I have a basket full*
Me: well excuse me
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *slows down*
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *slows down even more*
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *paying*
Rude lady: hrump *trying to push my basket up*
Me: *taking my damn sweet time paying and getting my basket out*

I mean really, a couple more items in a line that doesn't specifically say 12 or less and this lady becomes scrouge.
So upon leaving I turn to her and gave her that don't screw with me look, smiled and went on my merry way.

Grocery Store Rummble I just

Grocery Store Rummble

I just got back from the grocery store, I had to pick-up the stuff for my Au Gratin potatos that I am tasked with for Christmas.

I only had 20 items so I decided it would be faster to use the U-Scan lanes, so in I go. I'm scanning my stuff and this lady gets in behind me.

The conversation:
Rude lady: Did you know this is the express land, that means 12 items or less
Me: Umm, no
Rude lady: Well you have more
Me: Umm, I didn't see any signs saying 12 items or less
Rude lady: It's express, that means 12 items or less
Me: *thinking: so your bitching about my couple more items, it's not like I have a basket full*
Me: well excuse me
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *slows down*
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *slows down even more*
Rude lady: hrump
Me: *paying*
Rude lady: hrump *trying to push my basket up*
Me: *taking my damn sweet time paying and getting my basket out*

I mean really, a couple more items in a line that doesn't specifically say 12 or less and this lady becomes scrouge.
So upon leaving I turn to her and gave her that don't screw with me look, smiled and went on my merry way.

Today in Automotive History 1973

Today in Automotive History

1973 Americans Must Drive 55

A federal speed limit of 55mph was imposed across the United States. The new limit was intended to increase safety and fuel economy, and studies show that it succeeded. It also made speed-happy drivers cranky, and led to widespread speeding.

P.S. - Today in a lot of states the speed limit is set at 70mph, like in Michigan. But my theory as alwasy, the speed limit is just a suggestion.

Today in Automotive History 1973

Today in Automotive History

1973 Americans Must Drive 55

A federal speed limit of 55mph was imposed across the United States. The new limit was intended to increase safety and fuel economy, and studies show that it succeeded. It also made speed-happy drivers cranky, and led to widespread speeding.

P.S. - Today in a lot of states the speed limit is set at 70mph, like in Michigan. But my theory as alwasy, the speed limit is just a suggestion.

Willow Run Airport I live

Willow Run Airport

I live within a 4 mile drive of this airport and the landing pattern for the airport is right over our house. It's very easy to actually hear the planes reving up their engines to take off and the engines winding down on landing. (Actually since I have been 11 years old I have lived within 6 miles of the airport, but now I'm just closer)

Willow Run is one of the largest Cargo Air Freight airports in the U.S. They are also a general aviation (Red Wings sometimes land here) and Corporate aviation airport. You can also learn how to fly out of this airport, so everything from Props to International 747 Cargo jets land and take off from there. And also during Michigan Troop movements the big ol' Military Cargo jets take off and land from there (don't ask why because Selfridge Air National Guard Base is an hours ride away).

So anyway what I am getting at is I have been sitting in the house for almost 2 hours now and the planes are constantly taking off and landing, I'm talking every 5 minutes. You know Christmas is close with all those Cargo's coming and going.

As for the Military Cargo's they only take off and land during the night, when there is dead silence out. I'm talking between 1am and 4am only. Try sleeping with a huge Military Cargo plane reving it's engines up and taking off or having one landing with the landing pattern right over your house.

During the summer they have a huge Air Show, and in the past the Blue Angels and even once or twice the Thunderbirds have flown in the show. We could actually sit on our patio and watch the shows. Last year the old fighter Bi-Planes flew over the house and they were so low you could actually see the people in them.

Beyond that Willow Run has a very rich history with WWII. The worlds largest Bomber making factory built by Henry Ford and Lindburg is on the same property. That's right, the B24 "Liberator" was built at Willow Run. Also housed on the grounds is the Yankee Air Museum.

Willow Run Airport I live

Willow Run Airport

I live within a 4 mile drive of this airport and the landing pattern for the airport is right over our house. It's very easy to actually hear the planes reving up their engines to take off and the engines winding down on landing. (Actually since I have been 11 years old I have lived within 6 miles of the airport, but now I'm just closer)

Willow Run is one of the largest Cargo Air Freight airports in the U.S. They are also a general aviation (Red Wings sometimes land here) and Corporate aviation airport. You can also learn how to fly out of this airport, so everything from Props to International 747 Cargo jets land and take off from there. And also during Michigan Troop movements the big ol' Military Cargo jets take off and land from there (don't ask why because Selfridge Air National Guard Base is an hours ride away).

So anyway what I am getting at is I have been sitting in the house for almost 2 hours now and the planes are constantly taking off and landing, I'm talking every 5 minutes. You know Christmas is close with all those Cargo's coming and going.

As for the Military Cargo's they only take off and land during the night, when there is dead silence out. I'm talking between 1am and 4am only. Try sleeping with a huge Military Cargo plane reving it's engines up and taking off or having one landing with the landing pattern right over your house.

During the summer they have a huge Air Show, and in the past the Blue Angels and even once or twice the Thunderbirds have flown in the show. We could actually sit on our patio and watch the shows. Last year the old fighter Bi-Planes flew over the house and they were so low you could actually see the people in them.

Beyond that Willow Run has a very rich history with WWII. The worlds largest Bomber making factory built by Henry Ford and Lindburg is on the same property. That's right, the B24 "Liberator" was built at Willow Run. Also housed on the grounds is the Yankee Air Museum.

Today in Automotive History 1979

Today in Automotive History

1979 U.S. Government Rescues Chrysler

The U.S. Congress approved $1.5 billion in loans to the financially threatened Chrysler Corporation in an effort to save the battered automotive giant. President Jimmy Carter signed the bill on January 7, 1980. Under the stewardship of Lee Iacocca, Chysler rebounded quickly. By the late 1980s, the automaker was posting record profits.

P.S. - I remember seeing the commericals with Iacocoa in them during this time. He starred in commericals to reassure everyone that they would pay off their debts. Iacocoa talks heavily about this time in his 1st autobiography. It's probably the most interesting chapters of the whole book and he describes in detail the very scary times that they were.

Today in Automotive History 1979

Today in Automotive History

1979 U.S. Government Rescues Chrysler

The U.S. Congress approved $1.5 billion in loans to the financially threatened Chrysler Corporation in an effort to save the battered automotive giant. President Jimmy Carter signed the bill on January 7, 1980. Under the stewardship of Lee Iacocca, Chysler rebounded quickly. By the late 1980s, the automaker was posting record profits.

P.S. - I remember seeing the commericals with Iacocoa in them during this time. He starred in commericals to reassure everyone that they would pay off their debts. Iacocoa talks heavily about this time in his 1st autobiography. It's probably the most interesting chapters of the whole book and he describes in detail the very scary times that they were.

Sing a Song of Link

Sing a Song of Link Fest

Over at Straight White Guy, Eric did a feat of feats and took a Billy Joel song, one of my favorites and linked bloggers to the lyrics.

And I actually got a line link! Wow, I'm flattered!

Go over and give it a read to see how great of a job he did!

Sing a Song of Link

Sing a Song of Link Fest

Over at Straight White Guy, Eric did a feat of feats and took a Billy Joel song, one of my favorites and linked bloggers to the lyrics.

And I actually got a line link! Wow, I'm flattered!

Go over and give it a read to see how great of a job he did!

I'm a Princess Well I

I'm a Princess

Well I always knew that but now I have written, factual proof of it.

Over at King BlogDad, Harvey for you mere mortals, he writes of Shiney Armor, Princesses, Shrek, Dragons, Code, Guns and Boobies (naturally).

"RARRRR!" roared Haloscan.
"HELP! HELP!", cried Quality Weenie.
"WTF?", growled Ogre.

I'm a Princess Well I

I'm a Princess

Well I always knew that but now I have written, factual proof of it.

Over at King BlogDad, Harvey for you mere mortals, he writes of Shiney Armor, Princesses, Shrek, Dragons, Code, Guns and Boobies (naturally).

"RARRRR!" roared Haloscan.
"HELP! HELP!", cried Quality Weenie.
"WTF?", growled Ogre.

Warm State People Don't Know

Warm State People Don't Know What They Are Missing

Really. I mean how can you really enjoy a good cuddle when your both sweating? And true love is allowing your significant other to warm their frozen toes on your leg.

Yesterdays high: 5 degrees
Yesterdays high with wind chill factor: -16 degrees

Current weather: 2 degrees
Current weather with wind chill factor: -8 degrees
Expected High: 18 degrees

Warm State People Don't Know

Warm State People Don't Know What They Are Missing

Really. I mean how can you really enjoy a good cuddle when your both sweating? And true love is allowing your significant other to warm their frozen toes on your leg.

Yesterdays high: 5 degrees
Yesterdays high with wind chill factor: -16 degrees

Current weather: 2 degrees
Current weather with wind chill factor: -8 degrees
Expected High: 18 degrees

Rubbing It In Get your

Rubbing It In

Get your mind out of the gutter, especially you Harvey.

I would just like to rub it in that today is my last working day of the year. Yep, at 5pm today I will not have to go back to work until January 3rd.

You see, the advantage to working in the Automotive Industry is that the entire Industry shuts down from Christmas Eve until the day after New Years Day and they pay employees during that time also.

Add a few extra days of vacation that one hadn't taken yet and waa laa, instint 2 weeks of vacation.

So if posting looks wierd or non-existant it's because we have free dial-up at home and it sucks worse then dial-up you pay for.

NaNaNaNa

Rubbing It In Get your

Rubbing It In

Get your mind out of the gutter, especially you Harvey.

I would just like to rub it in that today is my last working day of the year. Yep, at 5pm today I will not have to go back to work until January 3rd.

You see, the advantage to working in the Automotive Industry is that the entire Industry shuts down from Christmas Eve until the day after New Years Day and they pay employees during that time also.

Add a few extra days of vacation that one hadn't taken yet and waa laa, instint 2 weeks of vacation.

So if posting looks wierd or non-existant it's because we have free dial-up at home and it sucks worse then dial-up you pay for.

NaNaNaNa

Today In Automotive History 1892

Today In Automotive History

1892 Inflatable Wheels

Alexander Brown and George Stillman of Syracuse, New York, patented an inflatable automobile tire. Before the pneumatic tire, wheels were often made of solid rubber. This made travel a bumpy experience. After all, the streets of 1892 were made of dirt or cobblestone. Some horse-drawn carriages had been made with inflatable tires, but Brown and Stillman got the first patent for pneumatic automobile tires.

Today In Automotive History 1892

Today In Automotive History

1892 Inflatable Wheels

Alexander Brown and George Stillman of Syracuse, New York, patented an inflatable automobile tire. Before the pneumatic tire, wheels were often made of solid rubber. This made travel a bumpy experience. After all, the streets of 1892 were made of dirt or cobblestone. Some horse-drawn carriages had been made with inflatable tires, but Brown and Stillman got the first patent for pneumatic automobile tires.

AGH! Not Celebrex Too Really,

AGH! Not Celebrex Too

Really, could my week get any worse?

Two new studies of Celebrex came out and one of the studies shows a 2.5 increase for a heart attack for patients taking Celebrex, but the study may be flawed since the dosages were 400-600mg which they are saying is 4 times the normal dosage. And the other study at 400mg per day show no increase in heart attack risk.

Well, I am on 200mg twice per day. That is 400mg per day, so now it's back to the doctor to see what he has to say.

AGH! Not Celebrex Too Really,

AGH! Not Celebrex Too

Really, could my week get any worse?

Two new studies of Celebrex came out and one of the studies shows a 2.5 increase for a heart attack for patients taking Celebrex, but the study may be flawed since the dosages were 400-600mg which they are saying is 4 times the normal dosage. And the other study at 400mg per day show no increase in heart attack risk.

Well, I am on 200mg twice per day. That is 400mg per day, so now it's back to the doctor to see what he has to say.

Pride Growing up it was

Pride

Growing up it was instilled in me that you should take pride in anything you do because it reflects back on you as a person.

My job ethics are grounded in that theory, which probably is part of the reason I am in Quality. I also expect that out of people, pride in what they do. Taking responsibility for the job they do, making sure it gets done right.

If you have ever been in Manufacturing you know that there is a love-hate relationship between Quality and Production.

I feel that most people on the line have a basic responsibility to question things and when things are not right they should be responsible enough to let someone know. Production feels otherwise, so I found out in a meeting yesterday. I am pissed.

So I started looking at things and have come to the conclusion that I have set my expectations way to high. I shouldn't assume that people really care or take pride in what they do. It's a job, just a way to earn money. I feel dis-allusioned, like maybe I take my job to seriously. Maybe I do, maybe I shouldn't worry so much about people not doing things the way they should be.

I'm confused.

Pride Growing up it was

Pride

Growing up it was instilled in me that you should take pride in anything you do because it reflects back on you as a person.

My job ethics are grounded in that theory, which probably is part of the reason I am in Quality. I also expect that out of people, pride in what they do. Taking responsibility for the job they do, making sure it gets done right.

If you have ever been in Manufacturing you know that there is a love-hate relationship between Quality and Production.

I feel that most people on the line have a basic responsibility to question things and when things are not right they should be responsible enough to let someone know. Production feels otherwise, so I found out in a meeting yesterday. I am pissed.

So I started looking at things and have come to the conclusion that I have set my expectations way to high. I shouldn't assume that people really care or take pride in what they do. It's a job, just a way to earn money. I feel dis-allusioned, like maybe I take my job to seriously. Maybe I do, maybe I shouldn't worry so much about people not doing things the way they should be.

I'm confused.

Today in Automotive History 1963

Today in Automotive History

1963 Clean Air Act Passes Congress

On this day in 1963, the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Air Act, a sweeping set of laws designed to protect the environment from air pollution. It was the first legislation to place pollution controls on the automobile industry.

Today in Automotive History 1963

Today in Automotive History

1963 Clean Air Act Passes Congress

On this day in 1963, the U.S. Congress passed the Clean Air Act, a sweeping set of laws designed to protect the environment from air pollution. It was the first legislation to place pollution controls on the automobile industry.

World Sales Expected to Spike

World Sales Expected to Spike by 2009

Worldwide auto sales will escalate by 27 percent to 75 million between now and 2009, according to a report from J.D. Power & Associates. A total of 59 million vehicles were sold last year, of which 32.8 percent were in North America; 32.4 percent in Europe; 25.1 percent in Asia; and 3 percent in South America.

Powered by China, Asia will enjoy the largest growth rate over the next five years, representing 6 million to 7 million vehicles in growth a year, says J.D. Power chief forecaster Jeff Schuster. China will help boost Asia to a 31.6 percent piece of the global market. Europe will drop to 30.5 percent and North America to 27.6 percent. Another growing area, however, will be South America, expected to rise to 4.1 percent.

Further, J.D. Power's predictors expect sales of four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles to mushroom from 24 percent of the market currently to 38 percent by 2011. Slow growth for U.S. sales is expected, with this year's 16.7 million rising to 16.9 million next year, 17.1 million in 2006, 17.2 million in 2007 and 17.4 million in 2008. J.D. Power also sees the worldwide capacity utilization rate advancing from 73 percent currently to about 80 percent in 2009. -- Mac Gordon

Via The Car Connection

World Sales Expected to Spike

World Sales Expected to Spike by 2009

Worldwide auto sales will escalate by 27 percent to 75 million between now and 2009, according to a report from J.D. Power & Associates. A total of 59 million vehicles were sold last year, of which 32.8 percent were in North America; 32.4 percent in Europe; 25.1 percent in Asia; and 3 percent in South America.

Powered by China, Asia will enjoy the largest growth rate over the next five years, representing 6 million to 7 million vehicles in growth a year, says J.D. Power chief forecaster Jeff Schuster. China will help boost Asia to a 31.6 percent piece of the global market. Europe will drop to 30.5 percent and North America to 27.6 percent. Another growing area, however, will be South America, expected to rise to 4.1 percent.

Further, J.D. Power's predictors expect sales of four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles to mushroom from 24 percent of the market currently to 38 percent by 2011. Slow growth for U.S. sales is expected, with this year's 16.7 million rising to 16.9 million next year, 17.1 million in 2006, 17.2 million in 2007 and 17.4 million in 2008. J.D. Power also sees the worldwide capacity utilization rate advancing from 73 percent currently to about 80 percent in 2009. -- Mac Gordon

Via The Car Connection

Today in Automotive Histo

Today in Automotive Histo