September 30, 2005
Watch Out Frank J because I know Karate also.
Monkeys are intelligent and agile, well-adapted for jungle life as they swing happily from tree to tree. As a monkey, you are a social animal who prefers a warm climate, eats a wide range of food and is quick to learn new things. A monkey's tiny primate features are irresistable, as is her gregarious personality!You were almost a: Kitten or a Puppy
You are least like a: Duck or a ChipmunkDiscover What Cute Animal You Are!
Stolen from blogmomma Tammis World
Today in Automotive History
1901 Regulating chaos around the world
Compulsory car registration for all vehicles driving over 18mph took effect throughout France on this day, as more and more countries began regulating automobile traffic. Early city roads were often a din of crowded chaos, streets mired in mud and shared by horses, cars, and streetcars. However, phenomenal increases in traffic and accidents brought an end to the laissez-faire attitude of the road. Nine years after France began its registration policy, dividing lines appeared, followed by traffic signs, traffic lights, and one-way streets.
September 29, 2005
My Virtual Pet
Since everyone else has one I thought I would add my own virtual pet.
Visit Laggie (combination of Lance and Maggie) on my side bar and feed it a bisket.
Double click above the dog to make it jump for the bisket, clicking on the dog will make it lick your cursor.
National Dog Week - Day Three
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." - Ben Williams
"A dog wags its tail with its heart" - Martin Buxbaum
"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does." - Christopher Morley
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion" - Unknown
Laptop vs. Desktop
Ok all you computer geeks out there, I need some opinions.
We are in the market for a new computer. Our desktop is running Windoz 95, and was one of the first computers with a Pentium 2 in it. Yes it's old, hence the need for a new one.
We also have a laptop and use that one 5 times as much as the desktop.
What I was wondering was are todays laptops just as good and functional as a desktop? Can you do just as much on both? Play video games on both? What about memory capacity?
What I was thinking is that it maybe more functional for us to get another laptop instead of a desktop.
Opinions?
Today in Automotive History
1888 Mercedes-Benz, U.S.A.
Daimler cars managed to make it to New York long before other imports, thanks to William Steinway. Steinway, a car enthusiast, concluded licensing negotiations with Gottlieb Daimler on this day, gaining permission to manufacture Daimler cars in the U.S. He founded the "Daimler Motor Company" and began producing Daimler engines, as well as importing Daimler boats, trucks, and other equipment to the North American market. Still, the U.S. was just a small portion of Daimler's market, and when he introduced a new line in 1901, he christened it Mercedes because he feared the German-sounding Daimler would not sell well in France.
September 28, 2005
National Dog Week - Day Four
Worlds Best Drug Sniffing Dogs.....A US Customs Labrador named "Snag" has made 118 drug seizures worth a canine record $810 million. The greatest number of drug seizures by dogs is 969 in 1988. IN ONE YEAR! The team of "Rocky" and "Barco" patrolled the Texas and Mexico border, alias "Cocaine Alley." They were so good that Mexican drug lords put a price of $30,000 dollars on their heads.
Some authorities estimate that some dogs sense of olfaction (smelling) is as high as 1 million times greater than ours.
Canis Major or The Great Dog:- The great dog follows his master, Orion, as he makes his annual journey through the sky. Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is located on the shoulder of Canis Major. It is the brightest in the heavens, and its name means sparkling and scorching, as it is nearest to the sun during the height of summer.
The hot, summer days - Dog Days - which Sirius was thought to cause, run from July 3 to August 11th. The three stars of Orion's Belt point at the Dog Star, Sirius, in Canus ajor at Orion's heels. It is best seen in the northern hemisphere during winter, between December and March. - first published in the May/June 1994 issue of ZuZu
A dog can hear sounds 250 yards away that most people cannot hear beyond 25 yards. The human ear can detect sound waves vibrating at frequencies up to 20,000 times a second. But dogs can hear sound waves that vibrate at frequencies of more than 30,000 times a second.
The average dog's mouth exerts 150 to 200 pounds of pressure per square inch. Some dogs can apply up to 450 pounds.
Today in Automotive History
1988 Fire Engine, Fire Engine
The Ahrens Fox Model AC fire engine had its 15 minutes of fame when the U.S. Postal Service featured the 1913 fire engine as part of its transportation series. The Ahrens-Fox Company was one of the most successful fire engine manufacturers in the country, thriving on the competition between volunteer fire companies that developed in the early twentieth century. These rivalries spurred ingenuity and innovation, as well as sales of fancy new fire-fighting equipment. The Model AC depicted on the stamp was bought by the town of San Angelo, Texas, for its fire department and featured new technology like the steam pump and chemical tank.
September 27, 2005
National Dog Week - Day Two
Why the World Likes Dogs
By Capt. Will Judy - Editor, Dog World Magazine
The most unselfish living thing in the world is your dog. If you are in danger, your dog needs only to hear your cry of distress to rush to your aid, without thought of his own life, fearless of guns and enemies.
The most patient thing in the world is your dog, waiting for hours at the top of the stairs to hear the sound of your footsteps, never complaining however late you may be.
The most grateful thing in the world is your dog. Whatever you give him, whatever you do for him, he never is guilty of ingratitude. To him you are the most powerful personage in the world and beyond censure; you are your dog's god; you can do no wrong.
The most friendly thing in the world is your dog. Of all the animal kingdom, he alone serves man without whip, without compulsion, glad to be by the side of his master wherever he may be, whatever he may do, and sad in heart when his master is away.
The most forgiving thing in the world is your dog. The one virtue most humans lack is forgiveness. But your dog carries no grudge and no spite. Punish him even undeservedly, and he comes to you, nudges his moist nose into your hand, looks up at you with pleading eyes, and wags his tail hesitatingly as tho to say, "Oh, come on, let's be pals again."
The most loyal thing in the world is your dog. Whether you come home from Congress or from jail, whether you have lost your fortune or made a million, whether you return dressed in fashion's height or in rags, whether you have been hailed a hero or condemned as criminal, your dog is waiting for you with a welcoming bark of delight, a wagging tail and a heart that knows no guile.
The world likes dogs because dogs are nearest to moral perfection of all living things.
Today in Automotive History
1928 A Ford Cornerstone Is Laid
The first cornerstone of the Henry Ford Museum was laid today, the first step in establishing one of the most extensive collections of automotive history in the world. Although the museum is named after Henry Ford, its collection extends well beyond the Ford Motor Company. Its holdings include product literature, advertising and promotional materials, thousands of books, and almost 300 cars. The museum also hosts exhibits on everything from agriculture to industry and is located in Dearborn, Mich.
September 26, 2005
National Dog Week
It's National Dog Week this week, so go find a dog and tell it thanks and give it a scratch under the chin.
What is National Dog Week?
From their website:
At no time in history have dogs been more important than they are today. Seventy-five years ago Capt. Will Judy organized National Dog Week. It was to honor the dog and all the wondrous things that it has done for us. During World War II we saw the brave deeds that dogs did on the land, the sea and in the air. September 11th reinforced those wonderful images of dogs doing the dirty, nitty-gritty work needed to help their human buddies. Finding lost people in the wilderness or under the tons of a collapsed building or a white avalanche of snow the dog is there. Between these major and small wars the dog has helped the blind, the deaf, the lame and the infirmed in so many ways. Sled dogs rushed the serum to Nome and dogs have always been there on the farms and other remote places helping people. Centuries ago the dog helped people put food on the table by assisting the hunter. Today's dogs, much removed and improved from those earlier dogs are still at helping the sportsman and hunter. Even the simple task of companionship to a small child has made the world a better place. They have always been at our sides to comfort and help us. Let us return all those favors bestowed on us by the dog. During the last full week in September celebrate National Dog Week as it has been for the last 75 years
Today in Automotive History
1920 Ford's Texas Ranger
The Ford Ranger, named after the Texas Ranger, was first announced appropriately in Houston, Texas. Although the Ford truck has changed considerably since the first Ranger model, the name still connotes a rugged, tough image. The Ford Ranger 4x4's are especially popular for off-road driving and other hardy pursuits that an actual Texas Ranger might enjoy.
September 22, 2005
Doggie Blogging
You get your doggie goodness a day early as I am on vacation tomorrow and won't be near a computer.
Sleeping puppies
Up close and personnel with a sleeping puppy
The puppies love being under the blanket, here all we see are paws sticking out.
Lance with his new toy
Maggie playing hide and seek
Today in Automotive History
1953 Highway Madness In L.A.
Los Angeles is widely known for its traffic and smog, miles of freeway stretching in every direction--the ultimate automobile city. Indeed, its highway system is one of the most extensive in the nation, famous for its criss-crossing interchanges. The first of these interchanges, the world's first four-level interchange structure, was opened on this day. The massive concrete structure connected the freeways of Hollywood, Harbor, Santa Ana, and Arroyo Seco.
September 21, 2005
Dilemma
Ok I have a huge dilemma and I figure since the answers to my interview questions post were good I would put it to the audience again.
I obviously had an interview, which was today. And unfortuantly for me went great. I am meeting with the President of the company (small company) next week.
Unfortunatly?
While right now they are only located 15 minutes from my house, which is why I applied to this company. Close to home.
In 6-8 months though they are moving the plant closer to their Corporate Offices.
This is where the unfortunatly comes in ...
They will be moving the plant 1 1/2 hour drive away (that would be on a good days drive, winter and snow 2 1/2 hours easy). That is out of the question. I will not drive that far each way, every day for a job.
So do I:
1 - Forget about it now and not go on the 2nd interview
2 - Go on the 2nd interview and see what happens (maybe I won't get hired, problem solved then)
3 - Take job if hired and in 6 months start looking for a new job. This way I would get experience in the management roll.
My current job is a dead-end job, seems the Japanese are not as socially advanced in the job equality rolls as American companies are. I hate being here more and more each day, we are going through some very tough times right now and the future does not look so rosy right now.
Come January I start my Thesis project, which means I have stay where I am for at least a year to complete the project.
So what would you do?
Today in Automotive History
1959 A Car With No Name
The first Plymouth Valiant was produced on this day at a plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, although it was not known by that name until 1961. Originally code named "Falcon" after the 1955 Chrysler Falcon, plans for the new model went awry when the Chrysler marketing team found out at the last minute that Ford had already registered the name "Falcon" for its compact car. The news resulted in a wild scramble, for the logo castings had already been made and marketing plans finalized. A company-wide contest was held for a new name, and "Valiant" emerged the winner. However, there was no time to make new logo castings, so the car was simply introduced as the Valiant, featuring only a mylar sticker on the engine for identification. It wasn't until 1961 that the Valiant became the Plymouth Valiant, new logo castings and all.
September 20, 2005
Today in Automotive History
1945 War Production Halts
Automotive manufacturers had been at the heart of a seamless war machine during World War II, producing trucks, tanks, and planes at astounding rates. But only after the last shots were fired did auto factories begin to produce cars again, focusing their sights on the booming postwar market. A month after the surrender of Japan, Packard followed the lead of every other company and ceased military production, turning out its last wartime Rolls-Royce Merlin engine on this day.
September 16, 2005
Sometimes I Like My Job
You got to love a job in which you can use the sentence:
"The Nipple could break off and then cock to the side"
be talking about work and be totally serious.
That is until someone like me over hears it and starts giggling out of control and now everyone thinks I have a mind that is always in the gutter.
Baby Puppy Zen
I don't have any new pictures of the puppies this week, but I do have their actual puppy pictures to post.
They are around 6-8 weeks old in these pictures.
Lance
Maggie
Its Scaring the Beejezus Out of Me
I think I have mentioned before that I am going to school for my Master's (in Quality, what else). This is my last semester of actual classes, next semester (January) I start my thesis (yes, I picked one of the only Master's programs that has a Thesis requirement, dumbass that I am).
This semester I have a class called "Research Methods". It basically is a class that helps you pick out your project, tells you how to set one up and how to write the final paper. I am only in the 2nd week of classes.
And this thesis project is already scaring the beejezus out of me. I have already started to freak out about being able to do it. By spring I am guessing I will probably be on medication because of my freaking outness.
In January I start setting up the project, working out details, etc. In the Spring I start the project and then write my paper.
I always do this, I start freaking out about a project or paper or class and then when it's over I wonder why I ever really freaked out.
Today in Automotive History
1997 America's Air
America's love affair with the automobile has influenced everything from the designs of our cities to the subjects of our songs. Unfortunately, our automobile-dependent society has also resulted in higher fossil-fuel consumption, smog-filled cities, and other environmental problems. The U.S. government has taken steps to reduce these effects, including a new ozone standard put into effect on this day. The new regulation tightened the standard on the amount of ozone permitted in the air, setting the cap at .08 parts per million. As automobiles are the primary source of emissions that help form ozone, surpassing even industrial sources, consumers are directly affected by the new standard. Cities that do not meet national standards face strict penalties, including mandatory vehicle inspection and costly retrofitting of pumps at gas stations, all of which translate to higher gas prices.
September 15, 2005
I'll Go With the Audience Answer Regis
If you were interviewing with a company for a mangement position what questions would you ask during the interview (um, seriously).
Today in Automotive History
1993 New Dangers On The Road
In response to a wave of carjackings, F.B.I. Director William S. Sessions promised a new national campaign to stem carjacking and other car-related crimes. The relatively new crime of carjacking, classified as everything from armed robbery to vandalism, had been on the rise since the late 1980s. Approximately 35,000 carjackings occurred in 1992, a year prior to the F.B.I. announcement, and although those carjackings accounted for only two percent of the total vehicle thefts, their possibility remained ever present in the public consciousness. Perhaps one reason that Americans found this new crime so alarming was that 77 percent of carjackers carried a weapon, usually a handgun.
September 14, 2005
Today in Automotive History
1982 Death Of A Princess
Princess Grace of Monaco, also known as Grace Kelly, died on this day of injuries sustained in a car crash. The accident was one of the most tragic in modern memory, the car plunged down a 45-foot embankment after the Princess suffered a stroke and lost control of the car. Known as America's princess, Kelly's life had been a true fairy tale. She was born into a rich Irish Catholic family in Philadelphia where she attended private schools before enrolling in the Academy of Dramatic Art in New York. She soon rose to stardom both on Broadway and in Hollywood, winning the public's affection in such films as Rear Window and The Country Girl. However, she abandoned her acting career in order to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco, making her a real-life princess.
September 13, 2005
Today in Automotive History
1977 Diesel Debut
General Motors (GM) introduced the first diesel automobiles in America on this day, the Oldsmobile 88 and 98 models. A major selling point of the two models was their fuel efficiency, which GM claimed to be 40% better than gasoline-powered cars. By compressing air, rather than an air-fuel mixture, the diesel engine achieves higher compression ratios, and consequently higher theoretical cycle efficiencies. In addition, the idling and reduced power efficiency of the diesel engine is much greater than that of its spark engine cousin. However, the diesel engine's greater efficiency is balanced by its higher emission of soot, odor, and air pollutants.
September 12, 2005
What Was The Score
Does anybody happen to know the score of the Lions vs Green Bay Packem up and go home cause we are losers game?
Hee hee hee
FYI - This was the first game in 78 games in which Green Bay did not score a touchdown.
Farve sucks!
Today in Automotive History
1912 Lincoln's Coast-To-Coast Memorial
They called it the Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway - 3,000 and some miles of graveled road that would stretch from New York to San Francisco. Carl G. Fisher and James A. Allison announced their vision to the world on this day, a plan for America's first transcontinental highway. The new highway was to be finished in time for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco at a cost of a mere $10,000,000, collected from private sources. However, Fisher and Allison's plan began to go awry when they failed to win Henry Ford's support for the project, putting their fund-raising efforts in jeopardy. Henry Joy, president of Packard and a supporter of the highway project, came up with the idea of naming the road after Abraham Lincoln - an idea that would garner $1.7 million in federal funds for the project. The highway was eventually completed as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln, paved in concrete rather than gravel, and christened the Lincoln Highway. It was to become an American icon, the predecessor to Route 66.
September 07, 2005
I'm On The Highway to Hell
Well, I'm off again ... to Georgetown, Kentucky. This time I am tagging along with someone else, so it shouldn't be too boring. We have a 11am meeting and a 5:30pm meeting. Which means leaving this afternoon to drive down and not coming back until Friday, blech.
Today in Automotive History
1899 A Beautiful Spectacle
Over a dozen motorcars, decorated with hydrangeas, streamers, lights, and Japanese lanterns, lined up to take part in America's first automobile parade. A throng of spectators showed up in Newport, Rhode Island, to witness the event, arriving in cabs, private carriages, bicycles, and even by foot to witness the spectacle, attracted by the novelty and rumors surrounding the event. The nature of the motorcar decorations had been shrouded in mystery prior to the parade, for each participant had wished to surprise and outdo the others.
September 06, 2005
Today in Automotive History
1900 The Early Promise Of Electricity...
Andrew L. Riker set a new speed record on this day, driving an electric car. His time of 10 minutes, 20 seconds established a new low for the five-mile track in Newport, Rhode Island, proving that the electric car could compete with its noisier petroleum-fueled cousins. In fact, the electric car remained competitive until 1920, often preferred for its low maintenance cost and quiet engine. However, developments in gasoline engine technology, along with the advent of cheaper, mass-produced non-electrics like the Model T, proved to be the death knell of the electric car. However, rising fuel costs in the late 1960s and 1970s renewed interest in the electric car, and several working models have recently been sold in small numbers.
September 04, 2005
Happy Labor Day
Enjoy your day off, grill some steaks or something.
Go here to read about the history of Labor Day and how Labor Day came about.
September 02, 2005
The Smack Down Cometh
I am so going to lay the smack down on this league of minor players.
The Detroit Red Wings are by far the best team in the past couple decades and with a new coach and Ozzy back in the net we are going to kick some major ass.
Be ready, cause the Big Red One is back in Town and ready to play.
See rules at Rocket Jones
Friday Doggie Blogging
It's Friday, that means more pictures of my babies!
I bought them jean jackets, I can't wait for cooler weather so I can take them for a walk!
We got them new bones, a little big we found out. They were to heavy for them to carry around so they did it the lazy way.
Today in Automotive History
1992 Running On Natural Gas
The Southern California Gas Company purchased the first motor vehicles powered by natural gas on this day. Spurred on by a new California law promoting the commercialization of alternative fuel vehicles, the company put 50 of the new vehicles into service and began promoting the natural gas vehicles (NGVs) as a viable option for the future. Compressed natural gas costs 25-30 percent less than gasoline and has an octane rating of 130 - meaning it burns much cleaner than even premium unleaded gasoline. The NGVs can also go 10,000 miles between oil changes, 40,000 miles between tune-ups, and 75,000 miles between spark plugs. However, the most compelling argument for natural gas is its environmental advantages. NGVs reduce NOX emissions and reactive hydrocarbons by as much as 95 percent. The new vehicles also reduce carbon monoxide by 85 percent and carcinogenic particulate emissions by 99 percent.
September 01, 2005
Blogs Across America
The Blogsphere is joining forces for another good cause.
Blogs today will be joining Hugh Hewit and Evil Glen to generate support, for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Alot of support and money is going towards the human victims of Hurricane Katrina, but most have forgotten about man's best friend. The pets.
Even with having our puppies only 4 months I know at this point I could not part with them. They are part of my family, I think of them as my kids.
Most people that evacuated did think of their pets and brought them with them, but with the cost that evacuating and losing eveything they own is having on people they might not be able to keep fido or fluffy with them. Some could not take them with them so they left them home in hopes they would make it. The Humane Society of the United States has set out to make sure the victims are able to feed and care for and help them find their furry family members.
From the Humane Societies page:
More than 30 experienced HSUS rescue staff and volunteers trained in animal rescue from 12 states are coordinating with state officials, federal agencies, and other rescue organizations to start evacuating animals out of the most-affected areas. They'll also begin establishing pet-friendly shelters and delivering supplies, resources and medical assistance.
To read more on what the Humane Society is doing go here
To donate to the Humane Soceity go here
Today in Automotive History
1950 First Porsche
A new chapter in Porsche history began today, with the company's return to Zuffenhausen, Germany, and the completion of the first Porsche. The first car to bear the Porsche name had actually been built two years earlier by Ferry Porsche and his design team, but this Porsche was the first car to boast a Porsche-made engine. Porsche became an independent automobile manufacturer during this year and soon sealed its success with a stunning victory at Le Mans in 1951.
Gas Prices
Updated 9/1/05 - 12:50pm
Sunday: $2.59
Monday: $2.69
Tuesday Morning: $2.79
Tuesday Afternoon: $2.89
Wednesday Morning: $2.99
Wednesday Afternoon: $3.10
Wednesday After Afternoon: $3.15
Thursday Morning: $3.18
Thursday Afternoon: $3.25
How can they raise prices before any extent of damage to oil refineries are even known? Because any damange to oil rigs should have no to little effect on oil quantities. The real problem is the refineries, which turn oil into gas.
Updated: I also just read (I think on Malkins site) that the refineries were fine and they would be able to be up and running within hours of getting power back. So if the refineries are fine why all the panic?