February 28, 2005
This Is Why I Love
This Is Why I Love Kid Rock
KID ROCK has attacked celebrities who offer their opinions on the war in Iraq, because he doesn't think stars are intelligent enough to publicly criticise the US
President.
He rages, "I'm not educated enough to speak about it (the war), and I don't think any of these other motherf**kers are, either.
"Look up CONDI RICE or GEORGE BUSH's education, where they went to school. They've been doing this shit their whole f**king lives, while we've been out dicking around with guitars, entertaining people.
He is outspoken, says what he thinks and doesn't try to be something he knows he isn't. Well and heck he is from Michigan, what isn't there to love about him!
Found over at Instapundit
Today in Automotive History 1903
Today in Automotive History
1903 Ford Hires Dodge
Henry Ford hired John F. and Horace E. Dodge to supply the chassis and running gear for his 650 Ford automobiles. John and Horace, who began their business careers as bicycle manufacturers in 1897, first entered the automobile industry as manufacturers of auto parts in 1901. Manufacturing car bodies for Henry Ford and Ransom Olds, the Dodge Brothers had become the largest parts-manufacturing firm in the U.S. by 1910. In 1914, the brothers founded the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company, and began work on their first automobiles. Dodge vehicles were known for their quality and sturdiness, and by 1919 the Dodge Brothers were among the richest men in America. Their good fortune didn't hold, however. Both brothers died of influenza in 1920. Their company was sold to a New York bank, before eventually being purchased by Chrysler in 1928. Under Chrysler's direction, Dodge became a successful producer of cars and trucks marketed for their ruggedness.
February 25, 2005
Is MSM Pissed Because COX2
Is MSM Pissed Because COX2 Inhibitors Were Not Pulled?
You decide from the tone of this article:
Ten members of the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel who voted that a group of powerful pain killers (ed. note: they are not powerful pain killers, they are anti-inflammatories, a whole different drug from pain killers) should continue to be sold had ties to the drug makers, a new analysis shows.
A study by the Center for Science in the Public interest indicates that 10 of the 32 panel members had ties to either Pfizer Inc., or Merck & Co., ranging from consulting fees and speaking honoraria to receiving research support from the companies.
The transcript, including the votes by the individual members of the panel, has not yet been posted by the FDA. However, a copy obtained by The Associated Press indicated that the 10 panel members in question voted 10-0 in favor of keeping Celebrex and Bextra available and 9-1 in favor of allowing Vioxx to be brought back onto the market.
Without those ballots the vote would have been 13-7 in favor of withdrawing Bextra and 14-8 to keep Vioxx off sale.
Every article that I had read in the MSM during those 3 days of conferences sounded positive for pulling the medications. Guess the MSM is pissed their predications (hopes?) did come true.
Automotive Tips Mouse Repellent If
Automotive Tips
Mouse Repellent
If you store your car for a long period of time and you are worried about rodent damage - here's a tip: Take Bounce dryer sheets and place them in the engine compartment and on top of the tires and it will eliminate any problems with mice!
This tip is just for Bou!
Today in Automotive History 1919
Today in Automotive History
1919 Gas Tax
Oregon became the first state to impose a tax on gasoline. The funds collected from the one percent tax were used for road construction and maintenance.
February 24, 2005
Did You Know That the
Did You Know
That the Camaro was introduced in 1964 in reaction to Ford's Mustang.
The Camaro is said to be an old French words for friend or comrade.
What Kind Of Dog Are
What Kind Of Dog Are You?
I found this quiz, What kind of dog are you, over at Blogmom, Tammi's place. Since I love dogs, I decided to take the quiz.
The results are creepy, cause it's basically me.
Hungarian Puli (ed. note: I'm part Hungarian)
The coat is remarkable and resembles a rag mop. (ed. note: I have a perm and am told quite often that my hair looks like a rag mop) Owners must spend a great deal of time keeping this dog clean. In return for it's high maintanance the Puli is loyal, calm, devoted and obediant but very reserved with people outside of it's own family. (ed. note: This is actually the way I am)
Petty Customers Sometimes the customer
Petty Customers
Sometimes the customer isn't always right but sometimes you may regret proving them wrong.
We have a customer that has resorted to pettyness because we stood up to them and proved them wrong. So now this person is disecting every part we send them looking for defects, no matter how small.
We have sent them parts in which the handle is simply just flipped onto the wrong side of the part, easy to correct just flip it back over. They refuse to do that, saying they feel we installed it incorrectly and that is why it is on the wrong side. So they are sending back all those parts to us. So when the parts get here we will simply flip the handle over and re-send them back to them.
We have decided to put up with the pettyness and stand our ground though, I'm glad about that.
Today in Automotive History 1909
Today in Automotive History
1909 Hudson Motor Incorporated
The Hudson Motor Car Company, founded by Joseph Hudson, in Detroit, Michigan, was incorporated on this day.
Hudson is perhaps most famous for its impact on NASCAR racing, which it accomplished thanks to a revolutionary design innovation. In 1948, Hudson introduced the Monobuilt design. The Monobuilt consisted of a chassis and frame that were combined in a unified passenger compartment, producing a strong, lightweight design with a beneficial lower center of gravity that did not affect road clearance. Hudson called the innovation the "step-down design" because, for the first time, drivers had to step down to get into their cars.
In 1951, Hudson introduced the Hornet. Fitted with a bigger engine than previous Hudson models, the Hudson Hornet became a dominant force on the NASCAR circuit. Because of its lower center of gravity, the Hornet glided around corners with relative ease, leaving its unstable competitors in the dust. For the first time a car not manufactured by the Big Three was winning big. In 1952, Hudson won 29 of 34 events.
Excited by their success on the track, Hudson executives began directly backing their racing teams, providing the team cars with everything they needed to increase success. The Big Three responded, and in doing so brought about the system of industry-backed racing that has become such a prominent marketing tool today. The Hudson Hornet would dominate NASCAR racing until 1955 when rule changes led to an emphasis on horsepower over handling.
February 23, 2005
Did You Know That the
Did You Know
That the first Ford Cars had Dodge engines in them?
Squirrels There were three country
Squirrels
There were three country churches in a small Pennsylvania town: thePresbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Catholic Church. Each church was overrun with pesky squirrels.
One day, the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn't interfere with God's divine will.
The Methodist group got together and decided that they were not in aposition to harm any of God's creations. So, they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back.
It was only the Catholics who were able to come up with the best and most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of their church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.
Today in Automotive History 1893
Today in Automotive History
1893 Diesel Engine
Rudolf Diesel received a German patent for the diesel engine on this day. The diesel engine burns fuel oil rather than gasoline and differs from the gasoline engine in that it uses compressed air in the cylinder rather than a spark to ignite the fuel. Diesel engines were used widely in Europe for their efficiency and power, and are still used today in most heavy industrial machinery.
In 1977, General Motors (GM) became the first American car company to introduce diesel-powered automobiles. The diesel-powered Olds 88 and 98 models were 40 percent more fuel-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.
The idling and reduced power efficiency of the diesel engine is much greater than that of the spark engine. Diesel cars never caught on in the U.S., partly because the diesel engine's greater efficiency is counter-balanced by its higher emissions of soot, odor, and air pollutants.
Today, the argument over which engine is more environmentally friendly is still alive; some environmentalists argue that in spite of the diesel engine's exhaust pollution, its fuel efficiency may make it more environmentally sound than the gasoline engine in the long run.
February 22, 2005
Today in Automotive History 1923
Today in Automotive History
1923 Landmark Chevy
The 1,000,000th Chevy was produced on this day. Chevrolet began when William Durant hired Louis Chevrolet, a Swiss race-car driver and star of the Buick Racing Team, to design a new car. Durant hoped to challenge the success of the Ford Model T with an affordable, reliable car. Chevrolet wanted to design a finer sort of automobile, however. Their product, the Classic Six, was an elegant car with a large price tag. But Durant built two more models, sturdier and cheaper, and Chevy was on its way. Durant eventually made over a million dollars in profits on his Chevrolet marque, money that allowed him to reacquire a majority interest in General Motors (GM) stock. Durant eventually merged the two companies and created GM's current configuration. Louis Chevrolet left the company before the merger, leaving only his name to benefit from the company's success.
February 21, 2005
Huh, Who Would Have Guessed
Huh, Who Would Have Guessed It
Our favorite Llama lover, Ogre, has a quiz up to see what kind of a Llama you are. Turns out he isn't even a Llama, he's just a lunatic.
But Guess What?
You are a friendly llama, protector of sheep and
kind to friends. But if anyone tries to hurt
you or your sheep, you'll spit.
What type of llama are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Again Another New Family Member
Again Another New Family Member
Geez, this family is procreating like some fanatic Catholics.
Another addition to the family, but from the "West Virginia" side.
Welcome Smiling Dynamite or as most know her "Beloved Wife".
Yep, Harvey's wife is blogging now. But the vote is still out on where she is on the tree.
Today in Automotive History 1954
Today in Automotive History
1954 Victory With No Brakes
The 1954 Grand National at Daytona was a microcosm of early NASCAR history. The crowds gathered to see which of the two dominant models of stock car--the fast Olds 88 or the tight handling Hudson Hornet--would take control of the race. However, the first car into the last turn of the first lap wasn't a Hudson or an Olds, but rather Lee Petty's Chrysler New Yorker. Unfortunately, Petty was going faster than his car, and he crashed through the wooden embankment at the back of the turn. Unperturbed, Petty got back in the race. Nineteen laps later his breaks failed. Driving the rest of the race with no breaks, Petty downshifted his way into a competitive position. A late stop for fuel, though, sealed his fate, as he overshot his pit and lost precious seconds. Petty crossed the finish line second to the favored Olds 88 car driven by Tim Flock. The next morning Petty, eating breakfast with his family in a hotel restaurant, learned that Flock's Olds had been disqualified. Petty had won Daytona with no brakes.
February 19, 2005
I've Got A stalker Admirer
I've Got A stalker Admirer
Perusing through my sitemeter (hey, who doesn't) I find like a zagillion hits from Banedad.com
I'm thinking there has got to be something about me over there, so I click and find this:
Don't Know Why......but I love this woman.
She's married, and likes pink...whatevah...
Maybe it's just the title of her blog.
hee hee, I've got a stalker admirer ... eat your heart out ladies!
Funny thing is, I've been reading this blog for awhile, just never commented.
Don't Want To Freak You
Don't Want To Freak You Out
I guess some are probably freaking out reading posts from me on a weekend.
Well I am at work because we have a trail going out today and it wasn't finished until late last night, so into work I come today to complete my portion of it.
Nothing like working for free. blech.
But on the bright side, I am finishing some homework I have in between my work stuff. Yea for me!
Another New Family Member The
Another New Family Member
The Bad Example Family has grown again, this time adding another member to a branch. At least the Bad Example Family is branching out and not just a tree with no limbs!
This family member is the blogdaughter of Boudicca's Voice, so head on over and check out:
Sissy of And What Next
As with all family members she does not disappoint with talks about gas, cookies and a couch.
Welcome to the Family Sissy!
February 18, 2005
Celebrex To Stay On The
Celebrex To Stay On The Market
Just read this on Yahoo news:
Pfizer Inc.'s arthritis medicine Celebrex should stay on the market even though studies show it can raise the risk of heart problems, a U.S. advisory panel said on Friday.
The benefits of the drug outweigh any potential harm, panel members said in their recommendations to the Food and Drug Administration.
*Doing Snoopy Dance*
Celebrex To Stay On The
Celebrex To Stay On The Market
Just read this on Yahoo news:
Pfizer Inc.'s arthritis medicine Celebrex should stay on the market even though studies show it can raise the risk of heart problems, a U.S. advisory panel said on Friday.
The benefits of the drug outweigh any potential harm, panel members said in their recommendations to the Food and Drug Administration.
*Doing Snoopy Dance*
Democrats Don't Buy "Made In
Democrats Don't Buy "Made In America" Cars
Mixed Results from Political Survey of Buyers
CNW Marketing Research, Inc., a West Coast firm headed by old Detroit hand Art Spinella, has published a curious report on the political leanings of new car buyers. Basically, the overall results from some 150,000 respondents over a year's time are hardly surprising:
-The split between Republicans and Democrats is virtually the same as the popular vote outcome of the November 2004 presidential election, 29.7 percent vs. 28.7 percent.
-Generally, Republicans favor domestic brands and Democrats like the imports but this reflects the Red Republican (center and south) geographical division versus the West Coast and New England Blue Democratic states, and the fact imports have always been more popular on the coasts.
-The research firm reports the proportion of car buyers classifying themselves "independent" has nearly doubled since first asked in the late 1980s, from about 22 percent up to nearly 42 percent.
Oddly, among the handful of buyers of high-priced super-luxury model Rolls, Bentley, Maybach, and Maserati, the split between GOP and Dems is about even but few among these few call themselves independent. On the other hand, it is hard to figure why Scion, aimed at the youngest generation buyers, attracts the highest proportion of self-proclaimed independents, 66 percent.
Among volume cars, the one having the largest proportion of Republican buyers is Lincoln (39.3 percent), closely followed by Buick (39.0 percent), Mercury (38.4 percent), Cadillac (37.7 percent), and Chrysler (36.8 percent). More Democrats (42.1 percent) favor Subaru than any other make, followed by VW (39.5 percent), Honda (37.3 percent) and, surprise, Buick (36.9 percent).
Least popular among Republicans are Suzuki, Scion, Saturn, Kia, and Hyundai, probably reflecting youth and entry-level economics. Least favored by Dems are Mercury, Dodge, and, ahem, HUMMER.
Without knowing how the relevant questions were posed and the response rate to the political-leaning question, it's hard to know what to make of all this. But we thought TCC readers would like to gnaw on these results. And please don't blame us for any resulting altercations. -Mike Davis
Hattip: The Car Connection
Today in Automotive History 1898
Today in Automotive History
1898 Birth Of A Legend
Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was born in Modena, Italy, on this day. After fighting in World War I, where he lost both his brother and his father, Ferrari became a professional driver with the Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazional (CMN.) The following year, Ferrari moved to Alpha Romeo, establishing a relationship that would span two decades and take Ferrari from test driver to the director post of the Alpha Racing Division. In 1929, Enzo founded Scuderia Ferrari, an organization that began as a racing club but that by 1933 had absorbed the entire race-engineering division at Alpha. For financial reasons, Alpha took back control of their racing division from Ferrari in 1939. His pride wounded, Ferrari left Alpha Romeo in 1940, transforming the Scuderia into an independent manufacturing company, the Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari. Construction of the first Ferrari vehicle was delayed until the end of World War II. Like Ferdinand Porsche, Enzo Ferrari suffered during the war, as his factory was bombed on numerous occasions. Still, Ferrari persisted with his work. In 1949, Ferrari's 166 won the 24 Hours at Le Mans, Europe's most famous car race. Ferrari would not look back. His passion for racing drove his company to become one of the world's premier race car builders. Ferrari cars would win 25 world titles and over 5,000 individual races during Enzo's 41-year reign. Off the track the company fared just as well. Responding to Ferrari's personal demand that his engineers create the finest sports car in the world, the company produced the F40 in 1987. With a top speed of 201mph and a 0 to 60 time of 3.5 seconds, the F40 may have been Ferrari's crowning achievement. Enzo Anselmo Ferrari died on August 14, 1988.
February 17, 2005
Oh Yea, THAT Is A
Oh Yea, THAT Is A Good Fix
We have been having a problem with one plastic part being undersized and scrapping a plastic part that is inserted into the undersized plastic part.
Someone's brilliant fix for fixing the undersized part, (ed note: you engineering types might want to sit down for this one), pulling on the plastic opening to make it wider.*
I am still trying to find out the Einstein who suggested that one and will promptly take them out back when I do find them.
* - Plastic has a memory, when pulled on litely will go back to it's original shape. Which in our case means it will start scrapping again once at the customers plant instead of finding them at our plant and throwing them out.
Today in Automotive History 1934
Today in Automotive History
1934 Driver's Ed
The first driving course was offered at State College High School in State College, Pennsylvania, giving birth to the American tradition of driver's education. The course, like today's courses, provided both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Students who completed Amos Neyhart's course received State of Pennsylvania driver's licenses.
February 16, 2005
Smoken In The Sandbox Our
Smoken In The Sandbox
Our friend, Smoken, from Scottish Tanker Hooligans has headed off to the Sandbox.
Go over and leave a comment.
It's Gone Done, Finished, Goodbye,
It's Gone
Done, Finished, Goodbye, Hasta La Vesta Baby...
NHL Commissioner Bettman Cancels Season
Excuse me, I have some mourning to do now.
Hippies Are Trying To Outlaw
Hippies Are Trying To Outlaw Vehicles
San Francisco Could Tax Cars Daily
The streets of San Francisco could become even less hospitable to cars if a proposal by one city official takes effect. The San Francisco Examiner says that the chairman of the San Francisco Transportation Authority, Jake McGoldrick, wants his agency to study a toll zone in the city's downtown. Drivers would be charged each day they use the roads in the zone. The goal would be to cut traffic congestion and to provide more funding for the city's transportation system. The tax would be modeled after a similar fee charged in the City of London, where cameras are used for enforcement of the rules.
Tax By The Mile in Oregon, Too?
In Oregon, the plan to reduce congestion and emissions and generate revenue could come from the skies, too - in the form of GPS units that would capture distances driven by cars and tax them by the mile. A team of researchers from Oregon State University, CBS News reports, is testing such a system, which could also be used to weight charges higher during rush hour or on congested freeways. The Oregon Department of Transportation says it's received interest from other states in the study: Jim Whitty of the ODOT says, ironically, "They're watching what we're doing."
Maryland Wants $750 Tax on SUVs
Big sport-utility vehicles would be charged an extra $750 at the registration counter, under a new plan proposed by one Maryland Legislator. Delegate Bill Bronrott (ed note: Democrat) wants the surcharge applied to drivers who register SUVs weighing more than 6000 pounds, which would include vehicles like the Lincoln Navigator and HUMMER H2. "This bill is ... about the largest, heaviest passenger vehicles that are the least fuel efficient and the most toxic to our air, land, and water," Bronrott told the state House, according to the AP. Predictably, auto dealers are against the move, but Maryland citizens already pay a surcharge on vehicles weighing more than 3700 pounds.
Hattip: The Car Connection
Celebrex Goes Before The FDA
Celebrex Goes Before The FDA Today
Today is the start of the 3 days of hearings by the FDA for the COX2 Inhibitors, Celebrex and Bextra.
The Food and Drug Administration promised prompt action Wednesday on recommendations from
advisory committees probing the safety of popular painkillers, but urged the
advisers to balance the risks and benefits of the drugs.
The FDA says it will take action with a couple weeks of the recommendations. So if they pull it I will have 2 weeks to see my doctor and have that unwanted discussion with him. Right now I am not having positive feelings about this whole thing. It does seem that they will take into consideration the benefits of it though.
Galson reminded the group that the drugs in question are important painkillers widely used by people in chronic pain. It is important to balance the risks of drugs with their benefits, he said.
Today in Automotive History 1852
Today in Automotive History
1852 The Studebaker is Born
Henry and Clement Studebaker founded H & C Studebaker, a blacksmith and wagon building business, in South Bend, Indiana. The brothers made their fortune manufacturing during the Civil War, as The Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company became the world's largest manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages.
With the advent of the automobile, Studebaker converted its business to car manufacturing, becoming one of the larger independent automobile manufacturers. During World War II, Studebaker manufactured airplanes for the war effort and emphasized its patriotic role by releasing cars called "The President," "The Champion," and "The Commander." Like many of the independents, Studebaker fared well during the war by producing affordable family cars.
After the war, the Big Three, bolstered by their new government-subsidized production facilities, were too much for many of the independents. Studebaker was no exception. Post World War II competition drove Studebaker to its limits, and the company merged with the Packard Corporation in 1954.
Financial hardship continued however as they continued to lose money over the next several years. Studebaker rebounded in 1959 with the introduction of the compact Lark but it was shortlived. The 1996 Cruiser marked the end of the Studebaker after 114 years.
February 15, 2005
Just For Ogre Neighbors Find
Just For Ogre
Neighbors Find Screaming Llama In Canton Township
Strange noises in a rural Canton Township
neighborhood led residents to discover an
injured llama outside their homes Monday night.
The llama was trying to fend off a German
shepherd and another dog that were attacking her
Where's Hockey? In my email
Where's Hockey?
In my email signature at work I have a "fun" line at the top of all my information, usually something to do with Hockey. Most of the time I will get back a comment from people on my fun line. Hockey is where you find it but it's true spirit
My current fun line says "Where's Hockey?"
This has to be one of the best comments I have gotten back:
can't be found in the stone cold hearts of the
trolls who are cancelling the quest for the Cup.
Today in Automotive History 1902
Today in Automotive History
1902 Olds Ads
Oldsmobile ran its first national automobile advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post. Ransom Olds was no stranger to innovations in the field of publicity. A year earlier, Olds had sent one of his assistants, Roy Chapin, on a voyage from Detroit to New York in a 1901 Olds Runabout. In spite of the absence of proper roads, gas stations, or repair garages, nine days and 800 miles later, Chapin arrived at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel unscathed. Newspaper accounts of the journey boosted publicity for the Runabout. In one year, Olds' company increased its sales of Runabouts from 425 to 2,500. With the help of newspaper advertisements annual sales would jump another 100 percent to 5,000 cars by 1904.
February 14, 2005
Today in Automotive History 1929
Today in Automotive History
1929 Bloody Valentine
The mob hit known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre took place in Chicago on this day. In order to perpetrate the hit, members of Al Capone's gang reportedly fitted a Cadillac touring sedan to the speculations of the Chicago Police Department. Under the guidance of Capone's Lieutenant Ray Nitty, the murderers sought out the garage of one "Bugs" Moran with the intention of killing him. Fearing the possibility of misidentifying Mr. Moran, the henchman killed all seven of the men in the garage. Without the help of their modern-day Trojan Horse--the Cadillac Sedan which gang member Bryan Bolton claimed to have personally purchased from the Cadillac Car Company on Michigan Avenue in Chicago--the gang would not have been able to infiltrate "Bugs" Moran's garage with such veritable ease.
February 11, 2005
Did You Know? That in
Did You Know?
That in the 1970's cars were scrapped almost twice as often as small trucks but in 1999 the scrap rates became about equal.
Sneak Peek - Future Jeep
Sneak Peek - Future Jeep Liberty?
Dodge Nitro Concept Pays Dues to Liberty
Today's press conferences at the Chicago auto show will include this new Dodge SUV concept. Dubbed the Nitro, the sport-ute is derived from the Jeep Liberty, a clear signal that it's intended for production. Riding on 20-inch wheels, the Nitro stretches the Liberty's overall length a few inches beyond the rear wheels for a larger cargo area. Under the hood, the Nitro's stocked with the Liberty's 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission. Inside, a new interior design sports a DVD navi system and metallic trim.
Hattip: The Car Connection
Today in Automotive History 1937
Today in Automotive History
1937 The Battle Of The Running Bulls
After a difficult 44-day sit-down strike at the Fisher Body plant in Flint, Michigan, General Motors (GM) President Alfred P. Sloan signed the first union contract in the history of the U.S. automobile industry. Organized by the Union of Auto Workers (UAW), the strike was intended to force GM to give ground to its workers. GM workers had protested before, and they'd been fired and replaced for it. The UAW decided they needed to achieve the total shutdown of a working plant in order to bring company executives to the negotiating table. On New Year's Eve, 45 minutes after lunch, union leaders ordered the assembly line halted. Executives kept the belts running, but the workers wouldn't work. GM turned to the courts, winning an injunction against the workers on the grounds that the sit-down strike was unconstitutional. The injunction was overturned when it was discovered that the judge who presided in the case owned over $200,000 of GM stock. Twelve days after the strike had begun, with the workers still dug in, Sloan ordered the heat in the building turned off and barred the workers access to food from the outside. Police, armed with tear gas and guns, surrounded the building. The police fired--first tear gas and later bullets--into the plant. Sympathetic picketers outside, many of them family members of the strikers, helped to break all the windows in the plant by hurling rocks from were they stood. Others, braver still, broke the picket line with their automobiles to form a barricade that prevented the police vehicles from overrunning the building the strikers occupied. Finally, days after the Battle of the Running Bulls, as the violent confrontation came to be known, Michigan Governor Frank Murphy called in the National Guard with the intention of quelling any further violence. The presence of the National Guard bolstered the strikers' confidence. Realizing the futility of their position, GM executives came to the bargaining table. After a week of negotiations over which Governor Murphy personally presided, an agreement between GM and the UAW was reached.
February 10, 2005
Today in Automotive History 1989
Today in Automotive History
1989 Ford Sets Record
The Ford Motor Company announced a 1988 net income of $5.3 billion, a world's record for an automotive company. The record served to mark the return to triumph of the U.S. automotive industry after the doldrums of the 1970s and early 1980s.
February 09, 2005
Conversation With My Hubby Me:
Conversation With My Hubby
Me: So do you want Square Fish or Tuna Noodle Cassarole for dinner
Him: Oh shit, I forgot. I was a bad boy. I had chicken for lunch.
Me: You are so going to burn in Hell.
Him: *silence*
Me: You are going to Hell big time buddy, today of all days too.
Him: Well at least I won't have to worry about shoveling snow.
Virginia Plumbers Beware Yesterday Virginia
Virginia Plumbers Beware
Yesterday Virginia legislatures passed a bill that would fine anyone who displays his or her underpants in a "lewd or indecent manner."
They are trying to combat the low riding pants and girls and the baggy pants on boys (which the article states will be an "unconstitutional attack on young blacks" because I guess Virginia politicians believe that only young blacks wear their pants like this)
It seems like this bill should also take in to account all the plumbers and old, fat men that wear their pants below their stomachs, which when they bend over you can see more than you ever wanted to see.
I hope this also cures *ahem* fat girls and women who wear the low riding pants and think they are sexy when in all reality they, well, make me sick. Really honey, visible rolls over your waistline ...
not.attractive.at.all
Of course the media is blowing it out of proportion, the headline to the article reads:
Virginia Bill Sets Fine For Low-Riding Pants
Ash Wednesday In the Western
Ash Wednesday
In the Western Church, the first day of Lent, being the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On this day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of changing their lives. The practice, which dates from the early Middle Ages, is common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and many Lutherans; it was also adopted by some Methodists and Presbyterians in the 1990s.
Today in Automotive History 1909
Today in Automotive History
1909 The Founding Of The Brickyard
On this day, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation incorporated with Carl G. Fisher as president. The speedway was Fisher's brainchild, and he would see his project through its inauspicious beginnings to its ultimate glorious end. The first race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway took place on August 19, 1909, only a few months after the formation of the corporation.
February 08, 2005
Celebrex Goes Before The FDA
Celebrex Goes Before The FDA
Wenesday, February 16th Celebrex will go before the FDA to discuss the safety of COX2 Inhibitors.
Say a little prayer.
TRAVELOCITY = ASSWIPES I had
TRAVELOCITY = ASSWIPES
I had been trying to get a low fare so I could attend the Bad Example Family Reunion, did my morning check when I got to work and saw a fare through Travelocity on Spirit Airline for $231. Great in my price range, I book it through Travelocity and get excited and emailed a bunch of people saying I'm coming.
Go back (5 minutes later) just to double check on my reservation and find a note saying there is a status change and to contact Travelocity. I call, they tell me I don't have a reservation but they have no idea why and I should contact Spirit. I call Spirit and they say I do not have a ticket and they never offered fares at $231, I should call Travelocity. I call Travelocity and tell them what Spirit said and say I want to know now if I have a ticket or not. Travelocity says they will call Spirit and find out, they will put me on hold and then conference me when they get through to Spirit. Well 20 minutes later and me having gotten through to Spirit 3 times with no wait I hang up because I know Travelocity is just screwing with me. I call Travelocity back and demand a Supervisor and want to know why they are selling fares at rates the airline doesn't offer flights at. Travelocity claims that the airlines can change their prices at any time and revoke my ticket if they don't want to accept it at that price. HUH? Why would they offer a ticket at a price and then revoke the price when someone buys it at that price? Travelocity did offer to check prices and offer me a fare at the current going rate. Sounds to me like they publish a price to get you in and then when it's not really offered at that price try to upsell you into the current rate.
Hey, travelocity, bite my big, white, hairy ass.
And to make sure my story gets seen by people searching for travelocity ... travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity, travelocity,
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I tell you, don't f*ck with me.
Today in Automotive History 1964
Today in Automotive History
1964 Black Gold
The Iraqi National Oil Company was incorporated in Baghdad on this day. Oil wealth would make Iraq an important player in the politics of the Middle East for the next three decades. The fear of losing access to Arab oil--a fear that marked all U.S. policy to the Middle East following the 1973 Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) embargo--drove the U.S. government to heavily support Iraq's war effort against Iran during the 1980s. However, America's friendly relationship with Iraq ended in 1990 with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, another oil wealthy Persian Gulf state friendly to the United States.
February 07, 2005
Mr Shit meet Mr Fan
Mr Shit meet Mr Fan
Well, it's going to get interesting around my workplace very very soon. The words "parts being pulled by customer" were wispered very quietly today. That is not a good thing.
I was also just informed that I will traveling a lot very soon. Soothing the customer beast is being called for and when your in Quality that is one expertise one is familiar with. Although I was jokingly told that I won't be sent to the San Fran customer as they are afraid I will, and I quote, "beat the shit of out them". Yes, that customer is actually creating our problems.
On another note, another customer decided last week with only 8 weeks until launch that they wanted to completely re-design the part. Yep, should be an exciting launch.
This is what happens when manufacturing lets quality slide until it's too late. Instead of taking the precaution steps that Quality advised of several months ago, they wait until the words are quietly being wispered before they start getting the hose out to douse the burning pile of tires. And of course, quality are always the people that are sent in to save the manufacturing arse. I will also gloat about it to manufacturing when the day is saved, that is if I don't kill them first.
Yep, should be quite interesting in the next couple weeks.
So The Patriots Won Again
So The Patriots Won Again
See I told you, never bet against a Michigan Boy!
Hybrids Not As Popular As
Hybrids Not As Popular As Expected the market share for the fuel-saving vehicles is expected to
By the information coming out about Hybrids, one would think that they would be rising in popularity and become a major portion of U.S. Car Sales.
Not according to a recent JD Power survey:
peak at about 3 percent by 2010, a new study from the
forecasting arm of J.D. Power and Associates said Thursday.
Research shows this is because Hybrids are costing $3,000-$4,000 more than comparable non-hybrid vehicles. And with new technologies coming out after 2006 There will be more fuel-efficent gas and diesel options on vehicles.
Automakers are also saying:
gas-electric engines largely are a transitional technology
that eventually will be replaced by hydrogen-powered fuel
cells, but experts say a marketable hydrogen vehicle is
at least a decade or two away.
So dispite what the tree-huggers and government is trying to push on us the consumer just isn't buying it and the car.
Today in Automotive History 1942
Today in Automotive History
1942 The War Cause
On this day, the federal government ordered passenger car production stopped and converted to wartime purposes. In spite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's exhortation that the U.S. auto industry should become the "great arsenal of democracy," Detroit's executives were reluctant to join the war cause. However, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the country mobilized behind the U.S. declaration of war. The government offered automakers guaranteed profits regardless of production costs throughout the war years. Furthermore, the Office of Production Management allocated $11 billion to the construction of war manufacturing plants that would be sold to the automobile manufacturers at remarkable discounts after the war. What had at first seemed like a burden on the automotive industry became a boon. The production demands placed on the industry and the resources allocated to the individual automobile manufacturers during the war would revolutionize American car making and bring about the Golden Era of the 1950s.
February 04, 2005
How Do Hybrids Work? Teresa
How Do Hybrids Work?
Teresa wondered in the comments to this post about plugging in Hybrids.
Answer: You don't.
I know your wondering "so how does the battery re-charge itself?
Answer:
The sealed nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack i
n the Escape Hybrid is rated at 330 volts. Its function
is to store electrical energy for starting the gasoline
engine and for added boosts in acceleration performance.
Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries have been used with
excellent success for years. And because of regenerative
braking and the generator motor it's never necessary
(or even possible) to plug the Escape Hybrid into a charger.
And when the gas engine is running, it helps recharge the
battery pack.
During braking in the Escape Hybrid, the electric motor
captures this energy that is normally lost and sends it
back to the battery pack to be stored for later use.
More information on the Escape-Hybrid at Ford
EU Turning Into Big Brother?
EU Turning Into Big Brother?
EU to use new emergency call system
As part of a new safety initiative, the European Union plans to require an automatic emergency call system, using GPS technology, in all new cars by 2009. The plan, called eCall and confirmed by a commission meeting in Brussels Thursday, would report your exact coordinates and any other information it can collect about the crash to a Public Service Answering Point (PSAP), which would report the information in a standardized way to the proper local emergency dispatch crews. The exact coordinates and standardized form will help reduce response times, and direct access to other information will help with EMT preparedness. No such system exists yet for the U.S. Automaker-implemented systems like GM's OnStar and Mercedes-Benz's TeleAid allow accidents to be reported, but the call or signal is first routed through an operator who then relays the information to the appropriate emergency operator. According to a release, studies have suggested that, once fully implemented, eCall could save up to 2000 lives per year in Europe. Implementation specifics are to be decided by the end of this year with field tests beginning next year. -Bengt Halvorson
While this sounds like good idea, it smacks of big brother watching and knowing where you are at all times. Not to mention what that will do to the price of the car. With GM's On-Star you are paying $17 per month for the service. With the EU eCall there is no monthly service but the automakers do not have an option to not install it, which means it's going to cost money, which in turn will be passed onto the consumer.
They don't say what information will be collected, but I'm wondering if it is information that can be used against you in a court case?
Hattip: The Car Connection
Today in Automotive History 1922
Today in Automotive History
1922 Lincoln In Ford's Theater
The Ford Motor accompany acquired the Lincoln Motor Company for $8 million on this day. Henry Ford's son, Edsel, was subsequently named president of Lincoln. The move signaled Henry Ford's first acknowledgement of diversification as a desirable marketing strategy. Throughout the 1920s, Ford Motors suffered from its unwillingness to match the diverse range of automobiles offered by General Motors. Ford regained some of its market share in 1927 when it released the new Model A, a car whose styling leaned heavily on the traditional sleek look of the Lincoln automobile.
February 03, 2005
Life As We Know It
Life As We Know It Is Over
Report: NHL set to cancel season
Really, what is left to look forward to.
*wahhhhhhhhhhhhh*
I'm going to go drown my sorrows now. If you need me I'll be in the corner.
Screw the Ground Hog, Michigan's
Screw the Ground Hog, Michigan's Getting A Early Spring
Ya, that's right. Ground Hogs, who needs them.
We have Woody the Woodchuck and he didn't see his shadow yesterday, so that means Michigan will get an early Spring.
I know your saying, "Hey it's a Woodchuck, why the heck do they know about weather". Well Woody has been Michigan's Ground Hog subsitute for 6 years now and has been right 5 of those years.
So Screw the Ground Hog, we've got Woody the Woodchuck!
Hybrids Don't Really Go The
Hybrids Don't Really Go The Distance
Hybrids, a combination of Gasoline and Electric power, are getting high ratings by the EPA for it's high mileages. But are they really reaching the mileage estimates?
According to the EPA, the Prius, the best-selling hybrid, gets 60
miles per gallon in city driving and 51 m.p.g. on the highway.
The Escape is rated at 36 and 31, the Accord 29 and 37.
NO
The hybrids fell as much as 40 percent below the EPA
mileage figures for combined city and highway driving
during my recent test, which covered a mix of Detroit-area
roads
The Escape, the largest of the three vehicles,
did fairly well, giving me 21.6 m.p.g.
The Accord, got 20.4 m.p.g. The Prius'
fuel economy suffered the most, 22.8 m.p.g.
So why are the hybrids not getting the mpg that are being toted by the auto manufacturers?
Running the front defroster increases their fuel consumption
drastically, as I discovered while driving three of them during
Detroit's typically cold winter. Setting the air-conditioning on
maximum cool has the same effect, so the problem is not
limited to northern regions.
While the Tree Huggers are promoting hybrids as the best thing since sliced bread, it's not really living up to anyones expectations.
All three vehicles I drove probably got somewhat better
fuel economy in my test than if I'd been driving conventional
models, but this is just the latest example of hybrids falling
short of the hype that surrounds them.
Even some very enthusiastic hybrid owners have
becomefrustrated by the cars' failure to delivery fuel
economy matching the EPA numbers.
Today in Automotive History 1948
Today in Automotive History
1948 Tailfins Are Born
The first Cadillac with tailfins was produced on this day, signaling the dawn of the tailfin era. Tailfins served no functional purpose, unless you consider attracting attention functional. General Motors increased the size of the Cadillac's "tailfeathers" every year throughout the 1950s. In 1959, the model's sales slumped dramatically, sounding the death knell for the tailfin. The 1960s, consumers announced, would be a practical decade.
February 02, 2005
I'm It I have been
I'm It
I have been tagged by blogbrother Jeff of Oh-Dark-Thirty for the music meme that has been going around.
My music tastes are wide and varied, depends on my mood as to what I am listening to.
Random Ten Albums:
1 - The Distance by Bob Seger - I'm from Michigan, did you really think I wouldn't include at least one Seger album. I love all his albums, but this is my favorite.
2 - Greatest Hits by Shania Twain
3 - Classics, Greatest Hits - I keep this one at work, it helps me relax during stressful times
4 - Greatest Hits by The Beach Boys - Growing up my friends and I would go see them in concert, the were great in concert. I equate the Beach Boys with summer
5 - Motowns Greatest Hits - Again, Detroit, Cars, Motown, no explaination needed
6 - Greatest Hits by Bon Jovi - I "grew up" in the 80's and 90's, gotta love the hair bands
7 - Greatest Hits 2 by Toby Keith - He sings about america.
8 - Greatest Hits by The Cars - I think you knew this one was coming.
9 - Diver Down by Van Halen - I like the David Lee Roth years
10 - Greatest Hits by The Eagles - Another home grown boy
1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer? Work-None, Home- lots, just got a MP3 player for christmas so I've been downloading albums.
2. The last CD you bought is: Gary Allan - See If I Care
3. What is the song you last listened to before this message: Bon Jovi - Someday I'll Be Saturday Night. Listened to this on my way into work, gets me pumped up to start the day.
4: Five songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you:
1 - Kenny G - "By the time this night is over" - It was our wedding song
2 - Natalie Cole - "Unforgettable" - Our other wedding song
3 - Alice Cooper - "Be My Lover" - College, friends and my favorite song to dance to
4 - AC/DC - "You Shook Me All Night Long" - Sorority song we did during Greek Week
5 - Helen Ready - "I Am Woman" - College, again. When drunk we use to sing this song.
5. Who are you gonna pass this stick to (five persons and why)?
Denise from "A Peek Inside My Mind" - Because she thought she had gotten away with it
Silent Warrior from "Ramblings of an Ordinary" - He is new to the family, a good ice breaker
That is all, because I am pretty sure everyone else has already gotten hit.
Honor The Fallen I found
Honor The Fallen
I found this over at Smokin's STH
A California nonprofit group is promoting a way to honor those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan - and to help the families they left behind. Bracelets made of silicone, inscribed with "Honor The
Fallen," are being sold for $3 by the Honor The Fallen Foundation.
Last year that group conceived the Honor the Fallen Memorial Quilt, which is being created out of 3-by 6-foot panels made by families and friends of the war's dead, including those killed in
the Pentagon in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
The bracelets, which come in black and blue, are available at the group's Web site, www.honorthefallen.org/store.shtml . "The black [bracelet] was created mainly so that
military people could wear it without having a really strong color stand out,"
said Robina Slizeski, administrative assistant to Dave Cruz, a former Air Force
pararescueman and founder of the Honor The Fallen Foundation.
All proceeds will go directly to the foundation to support its missions of creating the quilt and providing
grants to families of those killed in the war on terrorism.
Pope To Stay In Hospital
Pope To Stay In Hospital A Couple More Days
I heard about this through breaking news yesterday. The Pope was taken to the Hosptial, complaining of flu like symptoms and having difficulty breathing.
According to the Vatican, it's just the flu and the Pope is resting comfortably.
I imagine a close watch is being kept on the Pope, because with his Parkinsons he could go down fast.
Today in Automotive History 1923
Today in Automotive History
1923 Leaded Gasoline Goes On Sale
Gasoline mixed with Tetraethyl lead was first sold to the public at a roadside gas station owned by Willard Talbott in Dayton, Ohio. Coined "ethyl gasoline" by Charles Kettering of General Motors, the blend was discovered by General Motors laboratory technician Thomas Midgley to beneficially alter the combustion rate of gasoline. Reportedly, in seven years of research and development General Motors labs tested at least 33,000 compounds for their propensity to reduce knocks. Leaded gasoline would fill the world's gas tanks until emissions concerns lead to the invention of unleaded gasoline.
February 01, 2005
Did You Know? That in
Did You Know?
That in 1916, 55% of the cars sold in the world were Model T's? This is a record that has never been broken by any other automobile manufacturer.
Happy Birthday Happy 38th Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy 38th Birthday to my Wonderful Hubby!
And no need to make any wishes over those candles, I think they were fulfilled over the weekend.
*nudge, nudge, wink, wink*
Today in Automotive History 1898
Today in Automotive History
1898 First Auto Insurance Policy
The Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, extended coverage to an automobile owner, making them the first company to issue an automobile insurance policy to an individual. Dr. Truman J. Martin of Buffalo, New York, paid a premium of $11.25 for the policy that covered $5,000 to $10,000 of liability. In 1925, Massachusetts became the first state to mandate automobile insurance, "requiring owners of certain motor vehicles and trailers to furnish security for their civil liabilities." Today, auto insurance is a fact of life for American drivers as nearly every state requires some insurance for the operator of a motor vehicle. In a country where the driver's license serves as the primary form of identification, the challenge of selecting a coverage policy and paying the car insurance premium has become a rite of passage for many young Americans.