January 31, 2005
Toledo Jeep Gunman paranoid? The
Toledo Jeep Gunman paranoid?
The Toledo Jeep plant use to be one of my plants at my former place of employment. I would visit the plant a couple times a week to check on my parts, which took place usually during 1str shift only.
With details coming out, the shooter sounds he was just plain paranoid and probably had some mental problems that came out with this being the straw that broke the camels back.
Meyers met with Thacker and Toney to talk about some
defects that had passed through the area where Meyers worked.
the meeting ended with handshakes and Meyers told the
group that he would see them the next day.
Meyers didn't show up for work as scheduled the next day
until he walked into the plant with a shotgun under his coat.
He first pointed the gun at a woman and ordered her to summon
three other people. The woman, Yiesha Martin, told reporters on
Friday that Meyers told her she could leave the area after he shot the first victim.
I thought about this over and over and I could act differently if put into that situation but I don't think I could knowing summons 3 people that I knew where going to be shot. I think I would refuse to and try to get away to warn others.
I have worked in a plant for awhile now and have had people that worked on the line that I thought if you pissed them off enough they would come back to shoot people. It's sad to say that I always have at least 2 different ways to get out of any area where I am at, just in case.
Computer Nerds Crack Electronic Key
Computer Nerds Crack Electronic Key
The PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys* that almost all new cars have now a days (that really thick key) have been cracked by some computer nerds at Johns Hopkins University.
JHU is really trying to push that since they cracked it, theves can not be that far behind in cracking it also.
The research team at Johns Hopkins University
said it discovered that the "immobilizer" security
system developed by Texas Instruments could be
cracked using a "relatively inexpensive electronic
device" that acquires information hidden in the
microchips that make the system work.
But Texas Instruments, the developers of the PATS technology says otherwise:
Tony Sabetti, a business manager with Texas
Instruments, said the hardware used to crack the codes is
cumbersome, expensive and not practical for common thieves."I think the way in which it's presented as being inexpensive
to do and quick and all the rest of that is an exaggeration,"
Sabetti said. "And because of that, we believe the technology
still is extremely secure for the applications that it's used in."
So far all of those with a PATS key be prepared for your insurance to go up with insurance companies using the excuse that the PATS key can now be over rode and your car could be stolen.
*The PATS key has a electronic signal in it, when put into the ignition it sends a signal to another part in the ignition that recognizes the signal from the key and allows the car to start, without the correct signal from the key the car will not start. Don't lose your key though, the dealership is the only people that can program a key for you and most charge $15 for it.
Today in Automotive History 1942
Today in Automotive History
1942 Chrysler, Plymouth, And Studebaker Retool For War
The last pre-war automobiles produced by Chrysler, Plymouth, and Studebaker rolled off the assembly lines today. Wartime restrictions had shut down the commercial automobile industry almost completely, and auto manufacturers were racing to retool their factories for military gear.
January 28, 2005
More US Iraqi Election News
More US Iraqi Election News
I will update this periodically as the stories come from the Detroit Area polling place.
Polls Open - 9:30am
Michigan Iraqi's in News Spotlight - 9:40am
Iraqi Election Violence in the
Iraqi Election Violence in the U.S?
Just read this about the Detroit area, which has a huge Mid-East population.
The first votes in Iraq's
Transitional National Assembly Elections are set to take place on Friday, but
some former workers at metro Detroit's polling center have plans to disrupt the
voting, according to Local 4 sources.
Sources said the some of the workers
who were let go are now plotting to destroy all valid registration forms.
Officials have taken the forms to
a secure location, where they are they are under 24-hour watch.
I will have to keep a close eye on the news today to see if anything happens because the elections are taking place today.
Today in Automotive History 1937
Today in Automotive History
1937 Wraith's Maiden Voyage
The prototype of the Rolls-Royce Wraith made its first test run on this day. The first model of the postwar period was called the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, and it became the principal luxury sedan sold by Rolls-Royce in the decades following World War II.
January 27, 2005
Sneak Peek: 2006 Buick Lucerne
Sneak Peek: 2006 Buick Lucerne
Hosting at Imageshack
2006 Lucerne to take Buick's top-of-the-line spot
Scheduled to be unveiled in early February at the Chicago Auto Show, the all-new 2006 Lucerne replaces the long-running LeSabre and Park Avenue as Buick's top-of-the-line full-size sedan.
Although the sheet metal is completely different and the cabin is being extensively overhauled, many of the basic underbody components are being carried over from the current model.
The big front-wheel-drive sedan debuts this fall, with a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines. Insiders say the six-cylinder model will have three portholes on each flank, while the eight-cylinder gets four a side.
The Lucerne will be built at General Motors Corp.'s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, where the Cadillac DeVille, Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville are built.
Hattip: Detroit News
Smoke? You Can't Work Here
Smoke? You Can't Work Here and You Can Do Nothing About It
Grau started this topic over at his blog, I'm updating it. About two years ago, Weyco decided it would no longer hire smokers and told current employees who smoked that they had 15 months to quit. The company offered cessation classes and paid for treatments such as hypnotism and acupuncture, said Climes.
Looks like the ACLU is backing down from the fight and law firms are not going to persue it.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has decided not to challenge the move by Weyco, a medical benefits administrator, because there is no state law prohibiting employers from
controlling behavior outside the workplace, said ACLU spokeswoman Wendy Wagenheim.
Linda Goldberg, a lawyer with the Miller Canfield law firm in Ann Arbor, said state and federal civil rights laws prevent discrimination based on age, race, color, gender, marital status,
national origin, weight, height and religion. "An employer is free to hire
on the basis of what it considers is desirable traits, skills, characteristics
and so forth, provided they don't violate the law," Goldberg said.
The short of the story:
In January 2004, Weyco banned smoking from its property; and began issuing breath tests to see if
employees smoked. If they tested positive, they were charged $50 a month if they
weren't enrolled in a cessation program. This month, the company tested
everyone again. Four people opted out of the test and were let go, Climes said.
While I don't agree with it, the company can set what stands it wants in it's workers and as long as you don't discriminate against the big ones (ie race, age, sex, etc) you can hire and fire who you please in Michigan. I worked for a company that wouldn't allow facial hair on men, they told you this during the interview and it was up to you if you want to work their and comply or not.
Today's Weather Report Current temperature
Today's Weather Report
Current temperature at 8am: -5 (no, that's not a wind chill temp either)
High today: 20 degrees
Have Wonderful Day!
Today in Automotive History 1904
Today in Automotive History
1904 Internal Combustion Strikes Back
American racer William K. Vanderbilt set a new land-speed record of 76.086mph in a gasoline-driven Mors automobile at Ablis, France. It was the first major speed record to be set by an internal-combustion car. All previous records had been set by steam- and battery-powered cars.
January 26, 2005
Did You Know? That Windshield
Did You Know?
That Windshield Wipers were invented by a Woman?
What Do You Think? Kid
What Do You Think?
Kid Shoes (2 inch heel)
Womens shoes (3 inch heel)
Ok, lets say your daughter wears the "kid shoes" to school and has been for the last year. Her teacher calls and says shes been talking to others about her shoes at 4 different times and she is afraid she will fall on the playground because of the heel.
Now lets say your neighbors daughter wears the "womens shoes" to school and has been for the last year and is in the same class as your daughter but the teacher doesn't say anything about those shoes.
Do you think the teacher is harassing your daughter?
Today in Automotive History 1979
Today in Automotive History
1979 Yeeeeeee-Haw!
The Dukes of Hazzard, a prime-time television action/comedy show, aired for the first time on this day. The show starred John Schneider and Tom Wopat as the mischievous Duke cousins, two "good old boys," who tangled with the crooked law enforcement officers of Hazzard County every week. However, the real star of the show was their car, "The General Lee," a 1969 Dodge Charger with a bright orange paint job and a Confederate flag on its roof. The car was a suitable choice: Dodge Chargers won 22 of the 54 major NASCAR races in 1969. The Dukes of Hazzard ran for seven seasons.
January 25, 2005
Did You Know? That the
Did You Know?
That the city with the most Rolls Royce's per capita is Hong Kong?
It's Kind of Scary But
It's Kind of Scary
But this morning I forgone the 3rd layer of clothing because it was warm this morning.
What was the temperature you ask?
27 degrees
Yep, not even to the freezing mark and it feels warm. Now that is scary.
Today in Automotive History 1991
Today in Automotive History
1991 Early Automobile Appears On Stamp
The United States Postal Service issued a four-cent stamp commemorating the Dudgeon Steam Wagon, a steam-powered vehicle built in 1866 by steam pioneer Richard Dudgeon. Scottish-born Dudgeon completed his first steam wagon in 1857, and with the exception of its steering mechanism, the vehicle was essentially a steam locomotive, complete with a smokestack and exposed cylinders at the forward end of its boiler. The vehicle, capable of holding 10 passengers, was exhibited in New York City's Crystal Palace, where it was destroyed in October of 1857 when the Palace was leveled by fire. In 1866, Dudgeon built a second steam-powered vehicle similar to his 1857 prototype. However, unlike the first, this vehicle survived and is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Artist Richard Schlecht commemorated Dudgeon's creation in a 1991 U.S. stamp.
January 24, 2005
Did You Know? That Lamborghini
Did You Know?
That Lamborghini names their cars after master Bulls from the Bull Fighting ring out of respect for the Bulls.
Why Can't These Jackasses Go
Why Can't These Jackasses Go Protect Someone Else?
The group Public Citizen has gotten their panties all in a bunch and are on a crusade to protect the public that they feel are too stupid to weigh benefits verses risks.
U.S. regulators should pull Pfizer Inc.'s arthritis drugs Celebrex and Bextra from the market because they are too risky, U.S. consumer watchdog group Public Citizen said in a letter on Monday.
In a formal petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Public Citizen said the two drugs' potential to cause heart attacks and strokes outweighed any possible benefit.
Guess these jackasses also think fast food places are the main cause of obesity too. One, Celebrex has only the increased risk of heart problems at increased dosages, 400mg and above. The normal person is taking 100 to 200mg once per day, no known increased risks at all. Those people are the ones with minor arthritis pain, those that can safely take other products and even Tylenol for their pain. Most people on Celebrex don't really need to be on it, but since it's being advertised they ask for it. The people I know that are on the highter dosages, like me, know the increased risks but have found the benefits outweigh the increased risks.
In its letter sent Monday, Public Citizen said Pfizer's drugs have not been proven any safer than
older non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory painkillers, known as NSAIDs, like aspirin or naproxen. NSAIDs are known to cause ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems that can sometimes lead to death.
Again I say these people do not know real arthritis pain, real pain is waking up hoping and praying you will be "normal" today. Being able to get out of bed by yourself, dress yourself, go to work and be a normal person. It just gets my panties into a bunch when people say it's not safer. I have my ulcer from all the Motrin I was eating in my youth, a hole in my stomach. I have to take medication every day to keep it in check, something I couldn't do on regular NSAID's. Celebrex doesn't upset my stomach, which means my stomach has had time to heal and I now only have minimal scaring. If forced to go back to NSAID's I will surely get that hole back.
Public Citizen researchers analyzed results from 14 randomized trials involving all drugs in the class that includes Celebrex and Bextra -- known as Cox-2 inhibitors. They concluded they are all
risky because of a class effect that causes cardiovascular troubles.
There researches must being looking through a hole in their ass, because all the trials done to date show only a increased risk at high dosages. Normal dosages show no increased risk, sounds like Public Citizen is fear mongering.
If Public Citizen succeeds in getting Celebrex pulled off the market they are going to be dealing with one pissed off bitch.
The Truth Shall Be Told
The Truth Shall Be Told
I took the 20 Questions to a Better Personality Quiz, found at Snooze Button Dreams and the Cheesemistress, I have been found out:
Wackiness: 36/100
Rationality: 40/100
Constructiveness: 40/100
Leadership: 44/100
You are a SEDF--Sober Emotional Destructive Follower.
This makes you a Evil Genius.
You are extremely focused and difficult to distract from your tasks. With luck, you have learned to channel your energies into improving your intellect, rather than destroying the weak and unsuspecting.Your friends may find you remote and a hard nut to crack. Few of your peers know you very well--even those you have known a long time--because you have expert control of the face you put forth to the world. You prefer to observe, calculate, discern and decide. Your decisions are final, and your desire to be right is impenetrable.You are not to be messed with. You may explode.
Of the 79870 people who have taken this quiz since tracking began (8/17/2004), 14.2 % are this type.
God Help Us. And I think that is why I went into the Quality Field.
Sneak Peak - 2007 Ford
Sneak Peak - 2007 Ford Sport Trac
Click for large views
As Ford introduced the Sport Trac Concept at the recent Detroit auto show, TCC’s spies caught the real thing just a few miles away.
Five inches longer and two inches wider than the current Sport Trac, Ford’s 2007 model will likely be powered with a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6, or by an optional 4.6-liter V-8 as displayed in the concept. The production version will also offer Ford’s roll stability control and likely some surprises in regard to cargo options.
But there is no denying as to what this is. The production version has the same headlamps and taillamps as the concept, as well as identical wheels and glass (although the concept is shown with a fixed rear window). Door handles and a tailgate latch are added to the production version, as well as horizontal bars on the grille, production bumpers, roof-top rack, tie-downs, a bed liner, and a production-styled third brake light.
The Sport Trac will make its production debut in the 2006 calendar year, arriving at dealerships after the reworked Explorer and Mountaineer SUVs arrive in showrooms at the beginning of next year.
Hattip: The Car Connection
Thanks to Imageshack for hosting
Today in Automotive History 1907
Today in Automotive History
1907 136 Miles Per Hour On A Bicycle?
In Ormond Beach, Florida, Glenn Curtiss, an engineer who got his start building motors for bicycles, set an unofficial land-speed record on a self-built V-8 motorcycle on this day: 136.29mph. No automobile surpassed that speed until 1911. In 1907, four years after the Wilbur and Orville Wright accomplished the first successful airplane at Kitty Hawk, Curtiss established the Curtiss Aeroplane Company, the first airplane manufacturing company in the United States. In the next year, the "June Bug," an aircraft powered by a Curtiss engine, won the Scientific American Trophy for the first flight in the U.S. covering one kilometer. In 1909, Curtiss, piloting his own planes, won major flying events in Europe and America. Over the next five years, Curtiss continued to be an innovator in airplane design, and in January of 1911, built and demonstrated the world's first seaplane for the U.S. Navy.
January 21, 2005
Today in Automotive History 1954
Today in Automotive History
1954 Turbine Power Drives GM Car
General Motors introduced the Firebird XP-21 show car, the world's first gas-turbine powered car. It was named in imitation of the U.S. military's experimental jet-powered aircraft, which had code numbers like XP-59A.
January 20, 2005
Did You Know? That 1
Did You Know?
That 1 out of seven new cars and trucks that are sold in the U.S. are sold in California?
A Man After My Own
A Man After My Own Heart!
I found this guy (Johnny Knuckles) from this guy (Scottish Tanker Hooligans).
Johnny is talking about Price, Speed, Quality:
In the first place, allowing your client to decide how you do your job is wrong.
Second, it doesn’t do yours client any good.Rather, it’s up to you to pick two:
Speed and Quality. Price will take care of itself. Can’t attract clients at the price you want?
Then either speed up without lowering quality or raise your quality without slowing the process.
Or do both.
What can I say, a man after my own heart.
Did I Mention How Much
Did I Mention How Much I Hate Taking My Car In For Service?
I finally got my car back yesterday, get half way home and realize I have no interior lights (still). I took it in because the interior lights wouldn't go off, so I had to pull the fuse. I left it on the passenger seat in the fuse puller and let the service guy know this. Turns out the problem was with the key pad on the door, it went bad and when it goes bad it makes the interior lights stay on all the time.
So I get home and search the car for the fuse, it's not there.
I call this morning and ask if they checked to make sure the interior lights went on and off, the guy said yes they double checked. I then asked how they could do that without a fuse? Dead silence and then a "aww crap".
So now it's back to the dealer at lunch so they can put a fuse in my car. Dummy's, and I have a feeling that the someone that repaired my car is going to get an ass chewing by the service writer.
Polk Loyalty Awards Puts GM
Polk Loyalty Awards Puts GM and Ford At the Top
R. L. Polk & Co.'s annual Loyalty Awards are out, and American makes have done well once more in the measure of how many customers return to buy another vehicle from them. The overall leader among automakers was General Motors which, says Polk president Stephen R. Polk, is due in part to the company's broad offerings. "The more vehicle choices an automaker provides a returning customer, the more likely the customer will remain within the manufacturer family." The Ford brand of Ford Motor Company was the single brand luring the highest percentage of buyers back to its fold, an honor the brand has won each year since Polk began handing out the awards in 1996. New brands in the winner's circle include Jaguar and Land Rover, which put their XK coupes and Range Rover SUV at the top of their respective segments. Six category winners repeated in 2004, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Ranger, Ford F-Series, Subaru Forester, Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Expedition.
Loyalty Award Winners - 2004 Model Year
Manufacturer General Motors
Make Ford Division
Small Car Saturn ION
Mid-size car Toyota Camry
Large Car Buick LeSabre
Luxury Car Cadillac DeVille
Prestige Luxury Car Lexus LS 430
Sports Car Ford Mustang
Prestige Sports Car Jaguar XK
Minivan Chrysler Town & Country
Compact Pickup Ford Ranger
Full-Size Pickup Ford F-Series
Compact SUV Subaru Forester
Mid-Size SUV Mercury Mountaineer
Full-Size SUV Ford Expedition
Prestige SUV Land Rover Range Rover
P.S. If you will notice that only 3 "Foreign" Car Makers Inspire Loyalty in their Customers.
Polk Loyalty Awards Puts GM
Polk Loyalty Awards Puts GM and Ford At the Top
R. L. Polk & Co.'s annual Loyalty Awards are out, and American makes have done well once more in the measure of how many customers return to buy another vehicle from them. The overall leader among automakers was General Motors which, says Polk president Stephen R. Polk, is due in part to the company's broad offerings. "The more vehicle choices an automaker provides a returning customer, the more likely the customer will remain within the manufacturer family." The Ford brand of Ford Motor Company was the single brand luring the highest percentage of buyers back to its fold, an honor the brand has won each year since Polk began handing out the awards in 1996. New brands in the winner's circle include Jaguar and Land Rover, which put their XK coupes and Range Rover SUV at the top of their respective segments. Six category winners repeated in 2004, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Ranger, Ford F-Series, Subaru Forester, Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Expedition.
Loyalty Award Winners - 2004 Model Year
Manufacturer General Motors
Make Ford Division
Small Car Saturn ION
Mid-size car Toyota Camry
Large Car Buick LeSabre
Luxury Car Cadillac DeVille
Prestige Luxury Car Lexus LS 430
Sports Car Ford Mustang
Prestige Sports Car Jaguar XK
Minivan Chrysler Town & Country
Compact Pickup Ford Ranger
Full-Size Pickup Ford F-Series
Compact SUV Subaru Forester
Mid-Size SUV Mercury Mountaineer
Full-Size SUV Ford Expedition
Prestige SUV Land Rover Range Rover
P.S. If you will notice that only 3 "Foreign" Car Makers Inspire Loyalty in their Customers.
Today in Automotive History 1946
Today in Automotive History
1946 Kaiser Cars Unveiled
The first Kaiser-Frazer automobiles were introduced at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The Kaiser-Frazer Corporation was formed after World War II by industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph W. Frazer, president of the Graham-Paige Motor Company. They produced several successful cars, most notably the 1951 Kaiser two-door. In 1953, however, the company was renamed the Kaiser Motors Corporation, and soon abandoned the passenger car business in favor of manufacturing commercial and military vehicles.
January 19, 2005
Bad Example Family and Friends
Bad Example Family and Friends Reunion
As most of you have heard about, there is a blogmeet taking place in February. The weekend of the 11th-13th.
Now, I was just looking at the calendar and noticed that on February 9th a little known Religious Holiday takes place, most know it as Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday is the start of the lenten season, which for Catholics means no meat on Fridays (amoung other things). None, nadda, zip, zero. Oh, I'm Catholic. So this means no meat for me on Friday, a day in which (if I make it down for the reunion) happens to fall during the reunion. Which means I will be surrounded by meat of all kinds, oh cruel world.
But, as anyone who has been to a comment party knows, we love chocolate. So yes there will be chocolate in all forms. So what you say? Well another thing about the Lenten season is one is to give-up, sacrifice you could say, something during Lent. Well my sacrifice (and sacrifice it is) is Chocolate of all kinds. Yep, I give up all chocolate during lent. Not a morsale crosses my lips.
So while everyone else is enjoying meat of all kinds and chocolate in all shapes and sizes I will be sitting on the sidelines, drooling. Be gentle attendees.
Somebody shoot me now.
Today in Automotive History 1955
Today in Automotive History
1955 The Height Of Luxury
The Cadillac Park Avenue show car was displayed at the New York Motorama in Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The Park Avenue served as the prototype for the lavish Eldorado Brougham, a costly car boasting every conceivable extra.
January 18, 2005
Did You Know? 135 million
Did You Know?
135 million cars travel the roads and interstates every day?
European leaders hail lead over
European leaders hail lead over US
"Good old Europe has made this possible," German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder told a packed hall. That was a barely-veiled barb recalling the US dismissal of France, Germany and other EU states in 2003 as "Old Europe" because of their opposition to the war on Iraq."The European states -- so easily accused of weakness -- backed this
fantastic challenge 35 years ago and have believedFrench President Jacques Chirac called the project a "big success" and
said: "We can, and we must, go further on this path of European construction so
essential for growth and employment."Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Europe was
"unstoppable" when it pooled its efforts.Zapatero said, "has turned this historic moment into a moment in which
cooperation and globalisation are giving rise to more peace and justice."
So what are all these people talking about. Joining the war on terror? Helping Iraq? Discovering the cure for cancer? Nope
They are talking about a fucking plane. Yep, that's right a plane. The new Airbus. Which looks like will end up in court because:
A bruising dispute over state subsidies between Boeing and Airbus is currently the subject of tense negotiations which, if they fail at the end of a three-month deadline, will blow up into a full-blown arbitration case at the World Trade Organisation.
I guess Europe will take any perceived advantage over the U.S. that they can make-up. Even if it has nothing what so ever to do with the Government. Which makes this even more pathetic, because all those countries have pooled their resources just to compete against one American Company.
It's Past Being Cold It's
It's Past Being Cold
It's even past the point of being f*cking cold, we have moved onto itsnipplehardcold outside.
I have on 2 shirts and a sweater, inside, I'm still cold. Thinking about putting my gloves on, but it's hard to type with them on.
Today in Automotive History 1986
Today in Automotive History
1986 Jeep-Maker Returns To Auto Business
The Willys-Overland Company, the primary contractor that built the Jeep for the U.S. military during World War II, reentered the commercial automobile market on this day. It offered the Willys Aero, a sporty two-seater.
January 17, 2005
Did You Know? That Women
Did You Know?
That Women spend more than $65 million on new cars and trucks, and influence 80% of all new car purchases.
2005 North American International Auto
2005 North American International Auto Show
I went over the weekend, snapped a few pictures. Some prototypes, some new and some that I want.
Click on any picture for a larger view
And thanks to Imageshack for hosting my pictures!
Jeep Hurricane
Ford GR1
Ford Fairlane
Chrysler Firepower
Chrysler Convertable Crossfire
Saturn Sky
Buick Something
GM(?) Something
Corvette
Mustang
Orange County Choppers Mark LT Bike to go with the Mark LT Lincoln Truck
Lincoln Zephyr (probably my next car)
Jaguar XK8 (The I wish it were my next car)
The Oscar Meyer Weener Mobile
Today in Automotive History 1964
Today in Automotive History
1964 Stylish Porsche-Carrera
The first Porsche-Carrera GTS, a lasting favorite in the world of luxury sports cars, was delivered to a Los Angeles customer.
January 14, 2005
Did You Know? That the
Did You Know?
That the mini skirt was named after the Mini-Cooper?
Did You Know? That the
Did You Know?
That the mini skirt was named after the Mini-Cooper?
Today in Automotive History 1954
Today in Automotive History
1954 New Auto Giant: AMC
The Hudson Motor Car Company merged with Nash-Kelvinator, an automaker formed in turn by the merger of the Nash automobile firm and the Kelvinator kitchen-appliance company. The new concern was called the American Motors Corporation.
Today in Automotive History 1954
Today in Automotive History
1954 New Auto Giant: AMC
The Hudson Motor Car Company merged with Nash-Kelvinator, an automaker formed in turn by the merger of the Nash automobile firm and the Kelvinator kitchen-appliance company. The new concern was called the American Motors Corporation.
January 13, 2005
Did You Know? That the
Did You Know?
That the Jaguar was the orginial inspiration for the Corvette?
Did You Know? That the
Did You Know?
That the Jaguar was the orginial inspiration for the Corvette?
The Quality Weenie Family Vacation
The Quality Weenie Family Vacation
It's that time of the year in which I start planning our summer vacation. And yes, I am anul about planning our yearly vacation, so it takes from now until July (when we actually take it) to actually plan it.
So I am soliciting opinions, views, recommendations, etc on our destinations. (ie Places to visit, things to see and places to stay)
This year we will be visiting Seattle and Vancouver, not sure how many days in each city. I have to figure out exactly what we are going to do but I am thinking more time in Seattle because of the National Parks close by.
Oh and pretty much money isn't a issue.
The Quality Weenie Family Vacation
The Quality Weenie Family Vacation
It's that time of the year in which I start planning our summer vacation. And yes, I am anul about planning our yearly vacation, so it takes from now until July (when we actually take it) to actually plan it.
So I am soliciting opinions, views, recommendations, etc on our destinations. (ie Places to visit, things to see and places to stay)
This year we will be visiting Seattle and Vancouver, not sure how many days in each city. I have to figure out exactly what we are going to do but I am thinking more time in Seattle because of the National Parks close by.
Oh and pretty much money isn't a issue.
I'd Rather Visit the Gynocologist
I'd Rather Visit the Gynocologist
Then take my car into the dealer for service. Why you ask? Let me start off by saying I have been banned from two dealership service area's and at another one I am only allowed to deal with the Service Manager. Ya, you didn't know I was a bitch did you.
The problem I have is the way the service people treat women, they treat them like idiots when it comes to cars. Now I know your thinking, but most women don't really know much about cars. But one must remember I live in Michigan, the "birthplace" of the Auto, the freaking Automotive Capital of the World. So in seeing that, one would assume that most women know more than the average women about cars and their workings. But dealerships have not learned this.
Case in point, I owned my 2002 Ranger for 2 weeks when the check engine light came on. Had to take it in to get it checked out. Call and the first thing they ask is did I check and make sure the gas cap was on tight(1), I say I have 75 miles on the vehicle and haven't put gas in yet. They said to double check again I say I have put no gas in. Bring the truck in and the first thing they ask is about the gas cap, I reiterate the no putting gas in thing. The first damn thing they do is go over and check the gas cap, pissed me off and I yell across the service area "I told you it wasn't the gas cap". Another truck pulls in with the check light on, they didn't ask about the gas cap but they did say "hey lets go have a look under the hood". I yell hey shouldn't you check the gas cap on that one since you insist on doing it for any check engine light that comes on as you told me you have to do?
The difference in why they didn't check that trucks gas cap, it was a male that brought it in. I was so pissed when they just assumed that because I was a female that it had to be the gas cap but when a male brings their truck in for the same thing they don't bother to check the gas cap.
(1) if the gas cap is loose there isn't a tight seal and it could trigger the check engine light. This goes for almost any car/truck out there now a days.
I'd Rather Visit the Gynocologist
I'd Rather Visit the Gynocologist
Then take my car into the dealer for service. Why you ask? Let me start off by saying I have been banned from two dealership service area's and at another one I am only allowed to deal with the Service Manager. Ya, you didn't know I was a bitch did you.
The problem I have is the way the service people treat women, they treat them like idiots when it comes to cars. Now I know your thinking, but most women don't really know much about cars. But one must remember I live in Michigan, the "birthplace" of the Auto, the freaking Automotive Capital of the World. So in seeing that, one would assume that most women know more than the average women about cars and their workings. But dealerships have not learned this.
Case in point, I owned my 2002 Ranger for 2 weeks when the check engine light came on. Had to take it in to get it checked out. Call and the first thing they ask is did I check and make sure the gas cap was on tight(1), I say I have 75 miles on the vehicle and haven't put gas in yet. They said to double check again I say I have put no gas in. Bring the truck in and the first thing they ask is about the gas cap, I reiterate the no putting gas in thing. The first damn thing they do is go over and check the gas cap, pissed me off and I yell across the service area "I told you it wasn't the gas cap". Another truck pulls in with the check light on, they didn't ask about the gas cap but they did say "hey lets go have a look under the hood". I yell hey shouldn't you check the gas cap on that one since you insist on doing it for any check engine light that comes on as you told me you have to do?
The difference in why they didn't check that trucks gas cap, it was a male that brought it in. I was so pissed when they just assumed that because I was a female that it had to be the gas cap but when a male brings their truck in for the same thing they don't bother to check the gas cap.
(1) if the gas cap is loose there isn't a tight seal and it could trigger the check engine light. This goes for almost any car/truck out there now a days.
Today in Automotive History 1906
Today in Automotive History
1906 Early Auto Show
The first automobile show of the American Motor Car Manufactureres Association (AMCMA) opened in New York City at the 69th Regiment Armory.
Today in Automotive History 1906
Today in Automotive History
1906 Early Auto Show
The first automobile show of the American Motor Car Manufactureres Association (AMCMA) opened in New York City at the 69th Regiment Armory.
January 12, 2005
Did You Know? That in
Did You Know?
That in it's first year of sales the VW Beetle only sold 330 cars in the U.S.?
Did You Know? That in
Did You Know?
That in it's first year of sales the VW Beetle only sold 330 cars in the U.S.?
New Hallmark Greeting Cards My
New Hallmark Greeting Cards
My tire was thumping. I thought it was flat when I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat. Sorry!
Heard your wife left you, How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it... She moved in with me.
Looking back over the years that we've been together, I can't help but wonder...
"What the hell was I thinking?"
Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband.
How could two people as beautiful as you Have such an ugly baby?
I've always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love.
After having met you . I've changed my mind.
I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me.
Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go... Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Tennessee, Kentucky & West Virginia)
Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
When we were together, you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up, I think it's time you kept your promise.
We have been friends for a very long time ..
let's say we stop?
I'm so miserable without you it's almost like you're here.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
Your friends and I wanted to do something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put to sleep.
So your daughter's a hooker, and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side, it's really good pay.
New Hallmark Greeting Cards My
New Hallmark Greeting Cards
My tire was thumping. I thought it was flat when I looked at the tire...
I noticed your cat. Sorry!
Heard your wife left you, How upset you must be.
But don't fret about it... She moved in with me.
Looking back over the years that we've been together, I can't help but wonder...
"What the hell was I thinking?"
Congratulations on your wedding day!
Too bad no one likes your husband.
How could two people as beautiful as you Have such an ugly baby?
I've always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love.
After having met you . I've changed my mind.
I must admit, you brought Religion into my life.
I never believed in Hell until I met you.
As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am...
That you're not here to ruin it for me.
Congratulations on your promotion.
Before you go... Would you like to take this knife out of my back?
You'll probably need it again.
Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!
(Available only in Tennessee, Kentucky & West Virginia)
Happy birthday! You look great for your age.
Almost Lifelike!
When we were together, you always said you'd die for me.
Now that we've broken up, I think it's time you kept your promise.
We have been friends for a very long time ..
let's say we stop?
I'm so miserable without you it's almost like you're here.
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.
Did you ever find out who the father was?
Your friends and I wanted to do something special for your birthday.
So we're having you put to sleep.
So your daughter's a hooker, and it spoiled your day.
Look at the bright side, it's really good pay.
Today in Automotive History 1900
Today in Automotive History
1900 Ford's Second Automobile
The Detroit Automobile Company finished its first commercial vehicle, a delivery wagon. The wagon was designed by a young engineer named Henry Ford, who had produced his own first motorcar, the quadricycle, before joining the company. Ford soon quit the Detroit Automobile Company, frustrated with his employers, to start his own company.
Today in Automotive History 1900
Today in Automotive History
1900 Ford's Second Automobile
The Detroit Automobile Company finished its first commercial vehicle, a delivery wagon. The wagon was designed by a young engineer named Henry Ford, who had produced his own first motorcar, the quadricycle, before joining the company. Ford soon quit the Detroit Automobile Company, frustrated with his employers, to start his own company.
January 11, 2005
Did You Know . .
Did You Know . . .
That the 1st Automobile Racetrack in the U.S. was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was paved with 3 million cobblestones.
Did You Know . .
Did You Know . . .
That the 1st Automobile Racetrack in the U.S. was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was paved with 3 million cobblestones.
Dilbert Must Know My IT
Dilbert Must Know My IT Guy
Because this is exactly how it is at my workplace. I got yelled at one day for adding a screensaver on to my computer.
Click to enlarge
Hattip: Imageshack for Image hosting
Dilbert Must Know My IT
Dilbert Must Know My IT Guy
Because this is exactly how it is at my workplace. I got yelled at one day for adding a screensaver on to my computer.
Click to enlarge
Hattip: Imageshack for Image hosting
Winter Offically Sucks Snow on
Winter Offically Sucks
Snow on Ground: 20 inches
Snow expected the rest of this morning: 2-4 inches
Time frame of Accumulating snow on ground: 2 1/2 weeks
Gack
Combine that with the fact that when snow is on ground and starts to melt it creates humidity, humidity is an Asthmatics enemy. So what you get is a trip to the ER for a breathing treatment and the eventual horrible headache that follows the large doses of medicine going in your body.
Blech, yesterday wasn't fun.
But on the other hand tomorrow is suppose to be 50, Thursday 47 and the weekend were not suppose to reach 20.
If you don't like the weather in Michigan just wait 5 minutes, it will change.
Winter Offically Sucks Snow on
Winter Offically Sucks
Snow on Ground: 20 inches
Snow expected the rest of this morning: 2-4 inches
Time frame of Accumulating snow on ground: 2 1/2 weeks
Gack
Combine that with the fact that when snow is on ground and starts to melt it creates humidity, humidity is an Asthmatics enemy. So what you get is a trip to the ER for a breathing treatment and the eventual horrible headache that follows the large doses of medicine going in your body.
Blech, yesterday wasn't fun.
But on the other hand tomorrow is suppose to be 50, Thursday 47 and the weekend were not suppose to reach 20.
If you don't like the weather in Michigan just wait 5 minutes, it will change.
Today in Automotive History 1937
Today in Automotive History
1937 Violence Erupts At GM Plant
Twelve days into a general sit-down strike at the General Motors (GM) factory in Flint, Michigan, General Motors security forces and the Flint Police Department moved in to evict the strikers. A pitched battle broke out at Fisher body plant #2, as strikers held off police and GM security with fire hoses and jury-rigged slingshots, and the police responded with bullets and tear gas. The many picketers outside the plant assisted the strikers however they could, breaking windows to ventilate the factory when police filled it with tear gas, and creating barricades with their own vehicles to prevent police from driving past the plant's open doors. Finally, Governor Frank Murphy ordered the National Guard in to stem the violence. The sit-down strike lasted 44 days, and ended in GM's surrender to the demands of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW). GM was the first of the "Big Three" auto makers to make a deal with the UAW. The era of repressive labor practices in the auto industry was ending.
Today in Automotive History 1937
Today in Automotive History
1937 Violence Erupts At GM Plant
Twelve days into a general sit-down strike at the General Motors (GM) factory in Flint, Michigan, General Motors security forces and the Flint Police Department moved in to evict the strikers. A pitched battle broke out at Fisher body plant #2, as strikers held off police and GM security with fire hoses and jury-rigged slingshots, and the police responded with bullets and tear gas. The many picketers outside the plant assisted the strikers however they could, breaking windows to ventilate the factory when police filled it with tear gas, and creating barricades with their own vehicles to prevent police from driving past the plant's open doors. Finally, Governor Frank Murphy ordered the National Guard in to stem the violence. The sit-down strike lasted 44 days, and ended in GM's surrender to the demands of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW). GM was the first of the "Big Three" auto makers to make a deal with the UAW. The era of repressive labor practices in the auto industry was ending.
January 07, 2005
You Know It's Going To
You Know It's Going To Be An Even Worse Day
When you call another Supplier of yours and there phone has been disconnected.
I'm beginning to get a complex (I just took over supplier stuff at the beginning of the year)
You Know It's Going To
You Know It's Going To Be An Even Worse Day
When you call another Supplier of yours and there phone has been disconnected.
I'm beginning to get a complex (I just took over supplier stuff at the beginning of the year)
Who I Would Like To
Who I Would Like To Have A Drink With
I saw this over at blogbrother That 1 Guy of Drunken Wisdom. He lists some Historical figures that he would like to have a drink with. I started thinking and the answers came easily to me. In no paticular order.
1 - Susan B. Anthony
2 - Franklin D. Roosevelt
3 - Barbara Bush
4 - Joseph Juran
5 - Henry Ford
I am a huge history junkie, so having a drink with Roosevelt would be the cat's ass. Of course I have the Quality and Automotive guys in there, but also some women that I look up to. It wasn't really that hard to come up with these names, I've admired them and studied them and try to emulate them.
Who I Would Like To
Who I Would Like To Have A Drink With
I saw this over at blogbrother That 1 Guy of Drunken Wisdom. He lists some Historical figures that he would like to have a drink with. I started thinking and the answers came easily to me. In no paticular order.
1 - Susan B. Anthony
2 - Franklin D. Roosevelt
3 - Barbara Bush
4 - Joseph Juran
5 - Henry Ford
I am a huge history junkie, so having a drink with Roosevelt would be the cat's ass. Of course I have the Quality and Automotive guys in there, but also some women that I look up to. It wasn't really that hard to come up with these names, I've admired them and studied them and try to emulate them.
Today in Automotive History 1989
Today in Automotive History
1989 Viper Has Bite
The Dodge Viper was introduced at the North American International Automobile Show. The Viper, a modernized tribute to the classic Shelby Cobra, won such rave reviews that the company delivered a production version in 1992, just three years later. The production Viper has a V-10 plant that delivers 450 horsepower at 5,200 rpms. The car is capable of a top speed of over 190 mph, and holds numerous production-car performance records.
Today in Automotive History 1989
Today in Automotive History
1989 Viper Has Bite
The Dodge Viper was introduced at the North American International Automobile Show. The Viper, a modernized tribute to the classic Shelby Cobra, won such rave reviews that the company delivered a production version in 1992, just three years later. The production Viper has a V-10 plant that delivers 450 horsepower at 5,200 rpms. The car is capable of a top speed of over 190 mph, and holds numerous production-car performance records.
January 06, 2005
You Know It's Going To
You Know It's Going To Be A Bad Day
When first thing when you walk into work they tell you they will be offlining a couple hundred vehicles at the Assembly Plant you send parts to because one of your suppliers went bankrupt and without notice closed their doors yesterday and your out of those parts and you can't build your parts without them.
Gack
You Know It's Going To
You Know It's Going To Be A Bad Day
When first thing when you walk into work they tell you they will be offlining a couple hundred vehicles at the Assembly Plant you send parts to because one of your suppliers went bankrupt and without notice closed their doors yesterday and your out of those parts and you can't build your parts without them.
Gack
Today in Automotive History 1917
Today in Automotive History
1917 A Car Of Gold
At the New York Automobile Show, Studebaker unveiled a Studebaker touring sedan that had been almost entirely gold-plated. The gold car became legendary.
A picture of the 1917 Studebaker but not gold plated.
Today in Automotive History 1917
Today in Automotive History
1917 A Car Of Gold
At the New York Automobile Show, Studebaker unveiled a Studebaker touring sedan that had been almost entirely gold-plated. The gold car became legendary.
A picture of the 1917 Studebaker but not gold plated.
January 05, 2005
Consumer Anxiety = Increased Sales
Consumer Anxiety = Increased Sales for Chocolate and Tabaco
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) third quater results show customer satisfaction stands at 74.3 down from second quarter, but satisfaction for Chocolate and Tabaco are up.
Customer satisfaction with food products overall has been remarkably stable, according to Jack West , past president of the American Society for Quality , a co-sponsor of the ACSI. "Hershey and Mars showed the greatest improvement from a year ago and remain near the top of the food industry," West said. "Hershey's recent announcement of record third-quarter and nine-month sales figures seems to support this conclusion."
BUT....
The beer industry declined 4 percent this quarter largely due to a drop for industry leader Anheuser-Busch to 79, its lowest score in five years.
Comfort foods are always the main stay during times of stress, this shows that Americans are experiencing more stress during the third quater of 2004. That would coincide with the Presidential Election.
Consumer Anxiety = Increased Sales
Consumer Anxiety = Increased Sales for Chocolate and Tabaco
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) third quater results show customer satisfaction stands at 74.3 down from second quarter, but satisfaction for Chocolate and Tabaco are up.
Customer satisfaction with food products overall has been remarkably stable, according to Jack West , past president of the American Society for Quality , a co-sponsor of the ACSI. "Hershey and Mars showed the greatest improvement from a year ago and remain near the top of the food industry," West said. "Hershey's recent announcement of record third-quarter and nine-month sales figures seems to support this conclusion."
BUT....
The beer industry declined 4 percent this quarter largely due to a drop for industry leader Anheuser-Busch to 79, its lowest score in five years.
Comfort foods are always the main stay during times of stress, this shows that Americans are experiencing more stress during the third quater of 2004. That would coincide with the Presidential Election.
Hey Mother Nature, Christmas is
Hey Mother Nature, Christmas is Over.
Just for Harvey:
We are getting 10 inches put to us over the next 24 hours.
Hey Mother Nature, Christmas is
Hey Mother Nature, Christmas is Over.
Just for Harvey:
We are getting 10 inches put to us over the next 24 hours.
This Isn't Your Father's Station
This Isn't Your Father's Station Wagon
(Click for larger image)
The Dodge Magnum may have revived the station wagon in American minds, and its chopped and channelled look sets a tone for hard-edged performance. But until now, the Magnum has had to wait while the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 sedan has stolen all the big HEMI-charged performance thunder. All that changes when Chrysler shows off the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 at the L.A. Auto Show. Last summer, Trevor Creed, Chrysler's vice president of Design, said that the Magnum begged for a lot of power and SRT handling. It gets it in the form of the 6.1-liter HEMI, a version of the 5.7-liter engine that sports 85 more horsepower than the "base" HEMI. The SRT8 should be able to do 0-60 mph runs in just 5 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet. Chrysler also is showing a new Viper coupe at the L.A. show with a hardtop roof and the same 500-hp V-10.
Hat tip to: The Car Connection and Imageshack for picture hosting
This Isn't Your Father's Station
This Isn't Your Father's Station Wagon
(Click for larger image)
The Dodge Magnum may have revived the station wagon in American minds, and its chopped and channelled look sets a tone for hard-edged performance. But until now, the Magnum has had to wait while the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 sedan has stolen all the big HEMI-charged performance thunder. All that changes when Chrysler shows off the Dodge Magnum SRT-8 at the L.A. Auto Show. Last summer, Trevor Creed, Chrysler's vice president of Design, said that the Magnum begged for a lot of power and SRT handling. It gets it in the form of the 6.1-liter HEMI, a version of the 5.7-liter engine that sports 85 more horsepower than the "base" HEMI. The SRT8 should be able to do 0-60 mph runs in just 5 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet. Chrysler also is showing a new Viper coupe at the L.A. show with a hardtop roof and the same 500-hp V-10.
Hat tip to: The Car Connection and Imageshack for picture hosting
Today in Automotive History 1914
Today in Automotive History
1914 Ford Sets Record Wages
Henry Ford established a minimum wage of $5.00 per day in his automobile factories. These wages were twice what Ford had paid the year before, and much more than Ford's competitors were paying. The lofty minimum wage was made possible by Henry Ford's manufacturing breakthrough: the constant-motion assembly line, which carried moving cars past lines of workers. The first modern assembly line, Ford's process allowed him to build cars faster and cheaper than anyone else could. The profits rolled in, and Ford's workers shared in the wealth: an ironic beginning for an auto company that would go on to be a notorious enemy of labor in the 1930s and 1940s.
Today in Automotive History 1914
Today in Automotive History
1914 Ford Sets Record Wages
Henry Ford established a minimum wage of $5.00 per day in his automobile factories. These wages were twice what Ford had paid the year before, and much more than Ford's competitors were paying. The lofty minimum wage was made possible by Henry Ford's manufacturing breakthrough: the constant-motion assembly line, which carried moving cars past lines of workers. The first modern assembly line, Ford's process allowed him to build cars faster and cheaper than anyone else could. The profits rolled in, and Ford's workers shared in the wealth: an ironic beginning for an auto company that would go on to be a notorious enemy of labor in the 1930s and 1940s.
January 04, 2005
Sneak Peek - 2006 Mercury
Sneak Peek - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
Ford to overhaul Mercury Mountaineer
Click for Larger Image
hattip: Image shack for picture hosting
Ford Motor Co. plans to substantially overhaul its Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles for model year 2006, but it won't be a total ground-up redesign.
Due out in the fall of 2005, the '06 Mountaineer gets a brand-new interior with lots of contemporary styling touches and additional features to further distinguish it from its Ford-badged sibling.
On the outside, the '06 Mountaineer will carry over much of its existing sheet metal, but it will get a fresh face and tail, including restyled grille, hood, bumpers, head and tail lamps.
Sneak Peek - 2006 Mercury
Sneak Peek - 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
Ford to overhaul Mercury Mountaineer
Click for Larger Image
hattip: Image shack for picture hosting
Ford Motor Co. plans to substantially overhaul its Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles for model year 2006, but it won't be a total ground-up redesign.
Due out in the fall of 2005, the '06 Mountaineer gets a brand-new interior with lots of contemporary styling touches and additional features to further distinguish it from its Ford-badged sibling.
On the outside, the '06 Mountaineer will carry over much of its existing sheet metal, but it will get a fresh face and tail, including restyled grille, hood, bumpers, head and tail lamps.
Today in Automotive History 1955
Today in Automotive History
1955 New Packards Roll Out
The 1955 Packards were introduced to the public on this day. Corvettes and Thunderbirds were upping the horsepower ante, and Packard struck back with the Packard Caribbean, the first V-8 Packard and the debut of highly stylized cathedral taillights. The era of the mighty tailfin was beginning.
Today in Automotive History 1955
Today in Automotive History
1955 New Packards Roll Out
The 1955 Packards were introduced to the public on this day. Corvettes and Thunderbirds were upping the horsepower ante, and Packard struck back with the Packard Caribbean, the first V-8 Packard and the debut of highly stylized cathedral taillights. The era of the mighty tailfin was beginning.
January 03, 2005
Today in Automotive History 1926
Today in Automotive History
1926 Pontiac Is Born
General Motors introduced the Pontiac brand name on this day. The new Pontiac line was the descendant of the Oakland Motor Car Company, acquired by General Motors in 1909.
Today in Automotive History 1926
Today in Automotive History
1926 Pontiac Is Born
General Motors introduced the Pontiac brand name on this day. The new Pontiac line was the descendant of the Oakland Motor Car Company, acquired by General Motors in 1909.