Quality Weenie

Estatic Doesn't Begin To Describe Me

Bob Seger confirms fall tour rumors --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big News Network.com Thursday 28th September, 2006 (UPI)

Detroit rocker Bob Seger has confirmed he will indeed take to the road with a new tour later this year in support of his recent Face the Promise album.

After months of tour rumors, Seger finally confirmed beginning the second week of November, he will begin his new tour and named Grand Rapids, Mich., as a likely starting point, the Detroit Free Press reports.

According to Nielsen SoundScan figures, the 61-year-old's Face the Promise album has retained its No. 1 spot in the Detroit market for the second straight week while it dropped from fourth to 11th on the organization's national music chart.

The paper said the Night Moves singer also revealed his new tour will feature December appearances at Michigan's Palace of Auburn Hills and Joe Louis Arena.

If I could only listen to one Artist for the rest of my life I wouldn't have any complaints if it was Bob Seger.

God's Earthly Creation

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael, look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth, and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth, "For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Southern Europe is going to be poor. The Middle East over there will be a hot spot. Over there I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people."

God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and arid while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a small, lovely land mass and asked, "What's that one?"

"Michigan," God replied, "the most glorious place on Earth. There's beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and exquisite Forests. The people from Michigan are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous, and they're going to be found traveling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace. They will be admired by all who come in contact with them."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there will be BALANCE!"

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the loudmouth, whiny-ass, arrogant piss ants I've put next to them in Ohio!"

Today in Automotive History

1983 : Hall of Fame addition

Henry Ford II, grandson and namesake of Henry Ford, joined his grandfather today as a member of the Automotive Hall of Fame in Midland, Michigan. When he succeeded his father as president of the Ford Motor Company, the automotive giant was crumbling, losing several million dollars a month and mired in old-fashioned practices. Henry Ford II quickly set about modernizing the company and is often credited with its revitalization.
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Got Flu Shot?

I went and got my flu shot this morning.

It's a must for me because my arthritis meds weaken my immunity and allow me to get anything anyone has. I have been getting them since 1998.

And I love getting my Flu shot because I run a fever, which makes me warm.

So for the next 3 days I will be warm, it's usually the only 3 days until May that I am warm.

I am sitting here in a tank top and shorts, it's 70 in the house and I am toasty!

Yea!

Background Check Reveiled Something

I have to under go a background check for employment, alot of companies do them now a days and I have under gone several background checks for employment since I started working.

Which makes me extremely pissed about this situation.

During this recent background check I get a call from my contract house and they ask if I have ever lived in NY, I said no, lived in Michigan all my life.

So they tell me someone has used my name and social security number twice, once in 1992 and once in 2000, to obtain housing.

Once when I was single and once after I got married and they used he correct name both times.

I am doing all the things necessary for this invasion but am pissed that none of the other times I had a background check did anyone question my supposide NY residency.

Today in Automotive History

1988 : U.S.P.S. unveils fire engine stamp

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.

Must Have Been The Good Vibes

Cause it wasn't anything I said in the interview but

I GOT THE JOB!

The interview was at 1pm, I was out of their at 1:30pm, at 3pm I got a call with the offer, at 3:30 I was at the contract firm signing the contract.

The interview was the strangest one I have been on in which I actually got the job. The interviews similiar to the one I had today was usually a courtesy interview because they already had a candidate and were going through the motions or I was their female interview.

I sat down, asked my usual questions, got their answers and then waited for their questions. You know, the usual interview questions. These are the questions I got:

Them: Do you know Microsoft Office
Me: Yes
Them: What would you say your user level is?
Me: Pretty close to expert, I have taught people how to use some stuff.
Them: Wow, I sure could use some help.
Them: Can you travel?
Me: Yes, I have no problem with travel
Them: Sometimes travel is very last minute
Me: I have no problem with last minute travel
Them: What about overnight, sometimes it's overnight travel
Me: I have no problem with travel
Them: When would be the soonest you could start if we made an offer?
Me: Monday
Them: Well ok, it was nice to meet you. Any last questions
Me: *blink*
Me: Not at this time.

And that was the whole interview, gods honest truth.

I thought for sure it was a token interview and they already had someone else in mind. The furthest thing from my mind was getting an offer 1 1/2 hours later.

So papers are signed, drug screen done. Just waiting on the results of the drug screen and most likely I will be starting on Monday.

The best thing?

I am actually making more money then my last job and it's a 9 minute door to door drive.

Oh and I will be doing my Quality magic on Transmissions. Yes Transmissions, I will be learning something completely new, oh cool is that.

A women with Transmission knowledge? Yea, the opportunities will be endless once I master the Transmission cause it's a very small knowledge base.

Today in Automotive History

1910 : Durant loses control of GM

William C. Durant, carriage maker and entrepreneur, was the original patriarch of the corporate behemoth General Motors (GM). But financial difficulties cost him control of the company on this day. Determined to regain control of his brainchild, Durant joined forces with Louis Chevrolet to establish the Chevrolet Motor Company. Five years later, Durant and Chevrolet acquired control of GM and extended the massive umbrella of the General Motors Corporation, with Durant serving as president. Yet, he would go on to lose control of GM yet again in 1920, this time permanently.

Who's Your Tiger!

Yesterday the Detroit Tigers clinched a playoff spot, the first time in 19 years!

A big Congratulations to the Detroit Tigers!

I love my Tigers and have been a true fan since the late 70's. I even watched every single game of the 119 games lost 3 years ago.

Now we just have to win our Division!

And then the World Series!

Today in Automotive History

1725 : Groundbreaking auto engineer is born

Nicolas Joseph Cugnot, the French engineer who designed and built the world's first automobile, was born in Austrian Lorraine on this day. Cugnot arrived in Paris after the Seven Years War with the hope of tinkering with several inventions he had conceived during the war, including a steam-driven vehicle. After six years, Cugnot succeeded in building two steam-propelled tractors--which were actually huge and heavy tricycles. Although they may not have had power steering or cruise control, these massive tricycles are considered the world's first automobiles.

Travelin Man (and Women and Puppies)

Well we are off on a short road trip later today. We are going to visit Mr Weenie's Aunt / Uncle / Brother / SIL / Nieces and Newfew for a few days. Hey since I have all the time in the world might as well take advantage of it.

We haven't seen one of the Nieces and haven't seen the other Niece and Newfew in 3 years so it's about time. Plus BIL just moved into a new home so we get to see that also.

They live in Maryland, about 30 minutes from DC so I am going to get to see the new WWII memorial also (seen everything else). Shoud be neat.

Oh and we are bringing the puppies with us, now that should be interesting.

We plan on driving halfway tonight (about 4 hours) and spend the night around Pittsburgh and then get up early tomorrow and finish driving, arriving in Maryland around Noon tomorrow. With the puppies it will be easier to do that then driving the 8 hours straight through.

We are coming back Sunday, so no posting until Monday.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Oh and the Interview is Tuesday, I'm excited!

North American Car & Truck Of The Year Nominees

In January is the North American International Auto Show, a very huge show in the auto industry and it is also when they name the Car and Truck of the Year.

The North American Car and Truck of the year finalists have been named. And jurors on the panel-including TCC publisher Paul Eisenstein-will be voting on the following for the January awards, which will be handed out at the Detroit auto show and which were dominated by the Honda Civic and Ridgeline last year:

Car of the Year Nominees

Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Caliber
Honda Fit
Infiniti G35
Jaguar XK/XKR
Lexus LS460
Mercedes S-Class
Nissan Altima
Nissan Versa
Saturn Aura
Toyota Camry

Truck of the Year

Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q7
BMW X5
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Nitro
Ford Edge
GMC Acadia
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Wrangler
Mazda CX-7
Saturn Vue Green Line
Toyota FJ Cruiser

Who I think should get it is Dodge Caliber or Saturn Aura and Dodge Nitro.

But of course it will probably the very vanilla, not much different looking from last years is the all new Toyota Camry and probably something from Toyota or Honda for the trucks.

I can not believe Honda got it last year with the Ridgeline. That thing is selling and always was selling so poorly they cut production 3 times on that thing.

Today in Automotive History

1979 : Iacocca makes a comeback

After being fired from the Ford presidency, Lee Iacocca was elected chairman of the failing Chrysler Corporation. Despite dire predictions from his critics, Iacocca succeeded in rebuilding Chrysler through layoffs, cutbacks, hard-selling advertising, and a government loan guarantee. He became the epitome of the "can-do" executive, famous for his strong work ethic and no-nonsense style. During Chrysler's crisis years, Iacocca reduced his salary to $1 per year to set an example for the rest of the company, explaining that everyone must be willing to sacrifice a little in order for Chrysler to survive. By 1983, Chrysler had moved from the verge of bankruptcy to a competitive force in the automobile market, paying back all of its government loans in less than four years. "We at Chrysler borrow money the old- fashioned way. We pay it back," said Iacocca. His autobiography Iacocca became a best-seller in 1984, breaking all records for a business book.
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Today in Automotive History

1887 : Birth of a ratings man

Dr. Graham Edgar, developer of the octane rating system, was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on this day. Although he may not be a household name, evidence of Edgar's work lines every highway in America. His rating system measures a fuel's ability to resist any form of abnormal combustion, in other words, its ability to burn cleanly. Eighty-eight and 90 are the normal ratings for everyday unleaded gasoline, while racing gasoline will often have a rating as high as 115. Almost every gas pump in America sports an octane rating sticker.
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I GOT AN INTERVIEW

YEP, THAT'S RIGHT

AN INTERVIEW!!!

WOO HOO!!

Still working out the what for' and when's but it will be within the next week.

So I am asking for you to send some good vibes my way.

Today in Automotive History

1904 : Couple crosses the Rockies by car

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Glidden completed the first crossing of the Canadian Rockies by automobile on this day, arriving exhausted from their 3,536-mile trip. The couple had driven from Boston, Massachusetts, to Vancouver, Canada, in their 24hp Napier.

A Through Butt Kicking

On Saturday as some of you may know

played against

.

was handed their

on a

.

is on a tear right now and playing kick

football right now.

Come November is the big game. And with

kicking

and taking names

is probably quaking in their

right about now..

Friday Doggie Blogging

It's Friday, that means Doggie blogging time!

It's also starting to be sweater time for the puppies. When we go for our morning walk it's cool out so they need sweaters, we are the best looking walkers out in the hood in the mornings!

This morning we went for a 45 minute walk, our usual is 30 minutes and by the time we got home they were dragging some serious puppy butt. Hopefully they will sleep alot this afternoon.

Ford To Accelerate "Way Forward" Plan

The basics of the acceleration:

North America “Way Forward” plan accelerated to deliver faster progress through 2008:

Operating costs to be reduced by approximately $5 billion, including:
Salaried-related work force reduced by a third, the equivalent of about 14,000 positions.
Ford, UAW leadership agree on buyout offers for all U.S. Ford and ACH hourly employees.
Further manufacturing capacity reductions planned.
All ACH operations to be sold or closed by the end of 2008.
More products to be delivered faster, including:
70 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products by volume will be new or significantly upgraded between now and the end of 2008.
Ford’s truck leadership is fortified.
Growth segments, including crossovers, are prioritized.
All-new Ford full-size crossover to go on sale in 2008.
Ford Motor Company’s financial outlook is revised:

Full-year automotive profitability in North America not expected before 2009.
South America and Ford of Europe still expected to be solidly profitable in 2006. However, full-year operating losses now expected in 2006 for Asia Pacific and Africa, and the Premier Automotive Group.
Ford Motor Company’s 2006 year-end liquidity is expected to include automotive gross cash of about $20 billion, including the effects of $3.4 billion of VEBA.
Ford Motor Company’s Board indicates that it will suspend payment of the quarterly dividend on its common and Class B Stock beginning in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Well it looks like Ford finally realized that they have to put out vehicles that people want to buy to be profitable. It's good to see they are going to put great emphasis on that, that will be their salvation.

It's F Day

Yep, F day, Ford day

The next installment in Ford Motor Co.'s turnaround plan got a turbocharged boost on Thursday, as the United Auto Workers agreed to a plan that will lead to the company offering buyouts to the company's 75,000 blue-collar workers. The agreement also extends to the Automotive Holding Company, which is made of up former Visteon Corp. plants Ford has been trying with little success to sell for nearly a year.

Yep, you read that right. Every single UAW member will be offered a buyout. Ford is hoping to surpase GM in the number of people who take the buyouts (GM got 35,000)

Workers will be able to choose from eight different packages ranging from straight buyouts for the most junior Ford workers to special retirement packages for workers with more than 28 years of service with the company, union officials said after the agreement was announced. Workers with 28 years service are eligible for two years' leave at 85 percent of their regular wages and then can retire with their full pension and healthcare benefits, union officials said.

Mr Weenie has 16 years in with the company. If they are anything like what GM offered it won't be too attractive for him. GM was something like $100,000 with no benefit extension. It's great for people with side businesses or are going to school or other training.

"The UAW has made a significant contribution to the turnaround plan," said UAW president Ron Gettelfinger. "Now, it's Ford Motor Company's responsibility to lead this company in a positive direction - which means using the skills, experience and dedication to quality that UAW members demonstrate every day in order to deliver quality vehicles to customers," Gettelfinger said. Eligibility for various buyout and incentive packages will depend on length of service and other factors. The deal also asks workers to start signing up for the buyout and retirement packages on Oct. 16. Workers, however, actually have until Nov. 27 to accept the buyout offers, UAW officials said. The deal calls for workers to begin leaving Ford's payroll Jan. 1 and all of the workers accepting to be off Ford's payroll by Sept. 1, 2007.

We will take a serious look at the buyout, especially with me being laid-off and trying to find a job. We have agreed if Mr Weenie ever lost his job we would just up and move south. It would be easy for me to find a job in specific states with alot of automotive sections. It would actually probably be easier for me to find a job in the south then it has been trying to find one here in Michigan.

Hattip: The Car Connection, The Free press, Live Webcast at 9am

Today in Automotive History

1909 : Ford sues Selden

George Selden is rarely mentioned in accounts of automobile history, often lost among names like Ford, Daimler, and Cugnot. However, Selden reigned as the "Father of the Automobile" for almost 20 years, his name engraved on every car from 1895 until 1911. He held the patent on the "Road Engine," which was effectively a patent on the automobile - a claim that went unchallenged for years, despite the many other inventors who had contributed to the development of the automobile and the internal combustion engine. Almost all of the early car manufacturers, unwilling to face the threat of a lawsuit, were forced to buy licenses from Selden, so almost every car on the road sported a small brass plaque reading "Manufactured under Selden Patent." Henry Ford was the only manufacturer willing to challenge Selden in court, and on this day a New York judge ruled that Ford had indeed infringed on Selden's patent. This decision was later overturned when it became plain that Selden had never intended to actually manufacture his "road engine." Selden's own "road engine" prototype, built in the hope of strengthening his case, only managed to stagger along for a few hours before breaking down.

Happy Birthday Harvey

Today is my Blog Fadder's Birthday, Mr Bad Example himself.

He told us he likes the color blue and we all know that he also likes himself some boobies too.

Extended entry shows my gifts to my blogdaddy, hope you like them.

First we have boobies encased in blue:

Then we have Boobies with blue feet:

Today in Automotive History

1916: Super Six ad campaign is launched

The Hudson Motor Car Company's first engine, the "Super Six," was an astounding success. It was the auto industry's first balanced, high-compression L-head motor, and it became so popular that the name "Super Six" became the unofficial brand name of Hudson. Initially, Hudson launched a series of publicity stunts to promote its new engine, including a "Twice Across America" run from San Francisco to New York and back, which began on this day.

NHSTA To Mandate Stability Control?

NHSTA Could Mandate Stability Control

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could propose, as soon as this week, that every passenger vehicle sold in this country be outfitted with stability control. USA Today reports that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a separate research group, estimates 10,000 lives could be saved each year if the systems were made standard equipment. The new NHTSA rules would likely take three years or more to implement. The paper adds automakers aren't likely to balk at the rule but may ask for more time to implement the feature, which is interdependent with anti-lock braking. More than 80 percent of all vehicles now offer anti-lock brakes as standard.

Hattip: The Car Connection

Today in Automotive History

1988: The Minivan cometh

Ford and Nissan announced plans to design and build a new minivan together in the hope of cashing in on an expanding market. The announcement came during the heyday of the minivan craze, when Dodge Caravans dotted the highways and station wagons became a thing of the past. Instantly popular, the spacious minivan replaced the wagon as the family car of choice, putting the old wood-paneled Country Squires to shame. But with the rise of the sport utility vehicle in the '90s, the minivan also began to fade.

Never Forget - Never Surrender

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say, "Good-bye."
I held his fingers steady as he dialed
I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK...I am ready to go.
"I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children.
I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out for Me for help.
"I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!"
I said, "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.

"I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.
He heard my voice and answered.

I was on four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer.
I was with the crew as they were overtaken.
I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Kansas, London.

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?
I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all know Me.
Some met me for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; "Come to Me...this way...take My hand.
" Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.
I did not place you in the tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you.
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go.
"I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
Remember...I love you.

Author: Unknown

Tributes:
http://smokeys-trail.com/9-11-01.html

A Stab In The Heart

Since I don't have to go to work everyday now I sit here in the house listening to the radio all day (need background noise).

So I get to hear all the new songs that have come out (country music) and there is a new one out that just breaks my heart every single time I hear it. A stab in the heart if you will.

It's a song that speaks loudly to the one regret that I have in my life.

Artist: HEARTLAND Song Name: I LOVED HER FIRST

Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each others face
So much in love your alone in this place
Like there’s nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
and she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
and I’m not gonna stand in your way

Chorus:
But I Loved her first and I held her first
and a place in my heart I’ll always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
and I prayed that she'd find you someday
but it still hard to give her away
I loved her first

How could that beautiful women with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
and tucked into bed all those nights
and I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

Chorus:
But I Loved her first and I held her first
and a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
and I prayed that she'd find you someday
but it still hard to give her away
I loved her first

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I’m going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first…

It's a song about a dad looking at his daughter in her first dance with her husband. It's the newest song being played at weddings for the daddy-daughter dance.

Hence the greatest regret that I have in life, not being able to dance with my daddy at my wedding. It was a very crushing moment at my wedding when I realized that my dad wasn't there and I would never be able to dance with him. It's something that every little girl looks forward to all her life.

Even now when we go to a wedding I have to leave the room during that dance as I can't hold it together and just think how unfair it is.

So now, every couple hours I sit hear listening to that song thinking about what I missed out on.

Friday Doggie Blogging

Guess What?

The Puppies got Halloween Costumes!

Lance as Snoopy

Maggie as Woodstock

Lance and Maggie as Snoopy and Woodstock

Today in Automotive History

1953: First U.S. transcontinental bus service is offered

Continental Trailways offered the first transcontinental express bus service in the U.S. The 3,154-mile ride from New York City to San Francisco lasted 88 hours and 50 minutes, of which only 77 hours was riding time. The cost? $56.70. Today, Greyhound will take you on the same trip for $183.

Exerts From The Press Conference

"Strengthening the leadership of Ford Motor Co….was a priority of mine," said Chairman Ford, during a Tuesday afternoon news conference called to provide details of the unexpected announcement. He repeatedly referred to the automaker's new CEO as a "great team-builder," and a "battle-scarred" veteran who will provide insight into the turnaround process Ford now faces.

You can read the rest here.

But this guy is already on the wrong foot with the workers of the company because of this:

One thing apparently isn't going to be transferred from Boeing headquarters to Ford's "Glass House" in the Detroit suburbs. Mulally conceded that he has been driving a Lexus LS430 sedan. "I can't wait to get a Ford," he rushed to add. That's good, said Bill Ford, because if the Lexus were parked in Detroit, it just might get "keyed."

Ford's Offical Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 5 - Ford Motor Company announced today that it has elected Alan Mulally as president and chief executive officer. He has also been elected to the Board of Directors.

Bill Ford will continue his duties as executive chairman of the company.

"One of the three strategic priorities that I've focused on this year is company leadership. While I knew that we were fortunate to have outstanding leaders driving our operations around the world, I also determined that our turnaround effort required the additional skills of an executive who has led a major manufacturing enterprise through such challenges before," Bill Ford wrote in an email to Ford employees today.

"That's why I'm very pleased to announce that Alan Mulally, who turned around the Commercial Airplanes division of The Boeing Company, will become our president and CEO, effective immediately. Alan has deep experience in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, supplier relations and labor relations, all of which have applications to the challenges of Ford. He also has the personality and team-building skills that will help guide our Company in the right direction."

Read the whole thing here

Today in Automotive History

1900: New electric-car speed record is set

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.

Bill Ford Steps Down As CEO Of Ford

We have been expecting this and it has finally happened.

Bill Ford Jr, CEO of Ford has finally stepped down as CEO of Ford Motor Company.

He had no clue of what he was doing, while he had the drive and enthusiasm he was fumbling around in the dark like two virgins having sex for the first time.

Ford Jr has a background in Finance, a bean counter but not much in Engineering and Manufacturing.

The new CEO guy, Alan Mulally has a background in Engineering and Manufacturing with Boeing. He's also had experience with New Model Development at Boeing.

I hope the new guy knows what he is doing and turns this company around.

Articles about the change and the new CEO:

UPDATE -

Jr Ford just came on the news here and said the reason he is stepping down is that he has to much work to do and can not put as much effort into being CEO that he needs to.

I call bullshit

He is in over his head and doesn't want to admit he doesn't really know what he is doing. Ford is in it's 3rd revision of re-building the company in the last 5 years. If the first two revisions didn't work he should have known the 3rd one wasn't going to work.

HEY FORD - your problem is you have no vehicles that anyone wants to buy, there more vanilla then Vanilla Ice was. Give the public something they are excited about, something thrilling to drive, great styling and you will solve your problems.

Today in Automotive History

1930: Cross-country trip completed, backwards

Cross-country trips were no longer considered big news in 1930, but Charles Creighton and James Hargis' unique journey managed to make headlines. The two men from Maplewood, New Jersey, arrived back in New York City on this day, having completed a 42-day round trip to Los Angeles - driving their 1929 Ford Model A the entire 7,180 miles in reverse gear.

M Go Blue!

The boys in blue won, but of course!

They started off a little slow but ended up figuring it out by the end of 4. Instead of whipping on Vanderbelt they just beat them up something good.

So if your counting, that is 1 win, which equals one day on the Rednecks blog in November.

Happy Labor Day!

We will be occupied with houseguests all weekend. Mr Weenie's Aunt and Uncle are coming in from Maryland to go to the Michigan game on saturday (yes tickets were offered but with rain scheduled and my arthritis flare-up just finally going away sitting on little metal stands did thrill me).

We are going to try and get tickets for the Tiger game on Sunday or Monday. That should be a nice way to round out the weekend.

Hope you have a fun Labor Day weekend and be safe!

1 Month

Well here it is, exactly 1 month ago today I was driving up into the driveway now a member of the exclusive group, the unemployed.

I am no closer to getting a job today as I was 1 month ago.

It's getting frusturating and depressing.

I am letting things slide to much in my life right now because of this.

I just heard from a contract firm that I hoped would pan out and they rejected my resume because I didn't have experience in Transmissions. The job was 6 minutes from my house. *sigh*

Not the way I wanted to go into the Holiday weekend as we are having guests ccome in for the weekend. Mr Weenies Aunt and Uncle are coming in from Maryland. At least I can keep myself occupied with playing hostess.

I think once my errands are run for the day and I am home doing my cleaning for our guests I will break open some alcohol and have some real fun cleaning!

Friday Doggie Blogging

The puppies have taken to sleeping in their cages during the day, must mean they miss being in them with me home 24/7 now.

Today in Automotive History

1950: First Porsche is completed

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.