I know I asked you guys for advice as to what I should write... then promptly ignored your advice and did nothing (heh, reminds me of a quote). Well, right after (I mean within 60 seconds of hitting publish post) I've been super busy with work. I might get around to writing about the auto show, but not yet.
Anywho... yes Mark, it was Kung Fu Panda. That was a surprisingly good movie.
And the Diesel engine was originally designed to run on peanut oil.
The quote I thought of:
"She will beg you for advice. Your reply will be concise. She'll listen very nicely then go out and do precisely what she wants."
And a bit harder quote:
"The doors welded, just throw a leg over."
(This is a bit obscure... I don't know if either of you has seen it.)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Hey everyone.
I need some feedback... I went to the Sacramento International Auto Show and took a ton of crappy photos (I mean they're all sorts of fuzzy and dark). Do you guys want to see my crappy pics and read my long winded thoughts about the different cars there (seriously, I could easily write 1,000 words on every car there) or would you rather let me leave it at "It was rad"?
Also, here's a trivia question:
The first Diesel engine was designed to be fueled by what?
and here is a quote:
"Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend"
Also, here's a trivia question:
The first Diesel engine was designed to be fueled by what?
and here is a quote:
"Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend"
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Been a while 'eh?
So, the person I voted for didn't become president.
Keep at it dude! The law of averages has got to catch up with you some time.
Anyway, that's really not what I wanted to write about. Far too many words have been wasted in politics.
=========================================================
I'm proud of myself. I've thought for a long time that I would hate all of those documentaries that are basically propaganda. For example "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Who Killed the Electric Car." I've actually been secretly terrified that if someone made one of these documentaries about a topic that I agree with, I'd give it high praise just like all of the other sheep that love the others. This is not the case. Last night I watched "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" and it was gut wrenchingly terrible. It's presented by Ben Stein ("Anyone? Anyone?") who I admire a great deal, and it was dealing with intelligent design, which I do agree with. I saw Ben Stein on The Late Late show with Craig Ferguson several weeks back and it showed the only part in the film that showed the complexities of a cell to which point one must ask his/herself "Seriously, how can all that happened by accident?" and I was rather excited by it. That kind of documentary I would love. But sadly it was not the case. Maybe I should have just read the title of the movie and analyzed it. It's called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," which should tell me that it's only about people in academics who either publish or teach stuff about ID and get fired for it. The whole film was a goddamn rant. Nearly the entire was about how Darwinists are so dumb... and evil. I mean, the Nazi's were Darwinists. Yep. He brought up the point that Hitler's Reich was partly brought about by the ideas ofDarwin
Boy, I've really worked myself into a frenzy by writing about this. Anyway, instead of making you read even more of my tedious ranting about a film I don't even like, I'll wrap this up. So, my fear that I would succumb to propaganda if it fit my views is in fact unwarranted. Phew! Now I don't have to worry about having to eat my words any more.
Take it easy everyone.
"You found Jesus yet?"
"I didn't know I was s'posed to be lookin' for him, sir."
Keep at it dude! The law of averages has got to catch up with you some time.
Anyway, that's really not what I wanted to write about. Far too many words have been wasted in politics.
=========================================================
I'm proud of myself. I've thought for a long time that I would hate all of those documentaries that are basically propaganda. For example "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Who Killed the Electric Car." I've actually been secretly terrified that if someone made one of these documentaries about a topic that I agree with, I'd give it high praise just like all of the other sheep that love the others. This is not the case. Last night I watched "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" and it was gut wrenchingly terrible. It's presented by Ben Stein ("Anyone? Anyone?") who I admire a great deal, and it was dealing with intelligent design, which I do agree with. I saw Ben Stein on The Late Late show with Craig Ferguson several weeks back and it showed the only part in the film that showed the complexities of a cell to which point one must ask his/herself "Seriously, how can all that happened by accident?" and I was rather excited by it. That kind of documentary I would love. But sadly it was not the case. Maybe I should have just read the title of the movie and analyzed it. It's called "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," which should tell me that it's only about people in academics who either publish or teach stuff about ID and get fired for it. The whole film was a goddamn rant. Nearly the entire was about how Darwinists are so dumb... and evil. I mean, the Nazi's were Darwinists. Yep. He brought up the point that Hitler's Reich was partly brought about by the ideas of
Boy, I've really worked myself into a frenzy by writing about this. Anyway, instead of making you read even more of my tedious ranting about a film I don't even like, I'll wrap this up. So, my fear that I would succumb to propaganda if it fit my views is in fact unwarranted. Phew! Now I don't have to worry about having to eat my words any more.
Take it easy everyone.
"You found Jesus yet?"
"I didn't know I was s'posed to be lookin' for him, sir."
Friday, October 10, 2008
Part 2 of the Paris Motor Show.
The boring part.
Well, when I say "boring" I just mean they're not super cars with 200+ mph capabilities. These are cars you might actually see on the road.
First off is the Mini Cooper Crossover. I don't even know where to begin with this one. The pure contradiction of terms of "Mini" and "SUV" makes me want to harm someone. But on the other hand, I think they did an alright job of it. Here's a photo:
It doesn't much look like a mini, but more of a BMW X3 with Mini parts bolted on. I really want to hate this car, because I pretty much hate all "Soft-Roaders." In my mind, those small SUV's or Crossovers are completely pointless; they can't do the off road bit, and a station wagon (like the BMW M5 touring that's on my top 10 garage) do just as good a job at the rest of the stuff. There are a few off roaders that I like though. The one that comes to mind is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It has a funky design that just pets me in the right way. And y'know, this Mini Crossover does the same thing. I'd never dream of thinking about considering buying one, but it looks pretty good. Soon enough however, the roads with filled with these things and perhaps then I'll start to hate them like I want to.
____________________________________________________________
The next car is quite probably the next car I buy, and the first one I'll buy new. It's the Mark VI VW Golf GTi. Another obligatory photo.
If you can tell the difference between this Mark VI and the previous Mark V, then you've got a keen eye and an unhealthy love of cars on par with mine. The front grill has been slightly altered so it looks a bit more "squinty" and angry. The wheels have been move slightly closer to the corners of the car, and the intake has been widened to improve aerodynamics. At the back, the tail pipes have been moved further to the outside to give it a wider and lower appearance, and as for aesthetics, that's about it. So why on earth would I buy a Mark VI instead of a Mark V. I think you all know that I don't necessarily need the newest thing to get my jollies. Well, it's because of the engine and suspension. That's where the most changes have happened. The suspension has been redesigned from the ground up and is now electronically controlled. This is not new technology (hit a button get stiffer suspension, hit it again get a more supple ride), Mercedes has been doing that for some fifty years, but this is the first time in a small hatchback like this Golf. And then there's the re-mapping of the engine. 35%. That's how much more powerful the Mark VI is than it's predecessor. A staggering 270 bHp from a 2.oL inline 4 cylinder engine. I cannot wait to get in one of these for a test drive. The craziest thing is that it's only going to cost 2% more money. It's absolutely fantastic and I've fallen in love with the Golf for the 3rd time now.
______________________________________________
Anyway, this was my last post about the Paris Motor Show. I know it has been simply thrilling, but alas, I have run out of things to say. I could ramble, or blather, but I would actually say anything about the other cars. Perhaps, if the next motor show (which I believe is the Geneva Motor Show) has some really cool cars I'll write about them.
So until my next post,
"Eddie, if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now."
Well, when I say "boring" I just mean they're not super cars with 200+ mph capabilities. These are cars you might actually see on the road.
First off is the Mini Cooper Crossover. I don't even know where to begin with this one. The pure contradiction of terms of "Mini" and "SUV" makes me want to harm someone. But on the other hand, I think they did an alright job of it. Here's a photo:
It doesn't much look like a mini, but more of a BMW X3 with Mini parts bolted on. I really want to hate this car, because I pretty much hate all "Soft-Roaders." In my mind, those small SUV's or Crossovers are completely pointless; they can't do the off road bit, and a station wagon (like the BMW M5 touring that's on my top 10 garage) do just as good a job at the rest of the stuff. There are a few off roaders that I like though. The one that comes to mind is the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It has a funky design that just pets me in the right way. And y'know, this Mini Crossover does the same thing. I'd never dream of thinking about considering buying one, but it looks pretty good. Soon enough however, the roads with filled with these things and perhaps then I'll start to hate them like I want to.
____________________________________________________________
The next car is quite probably the next car I buy, and the first one I'll buy new. It's the Mark VI VW Golf GTi. Another obligatory photo.
If you can tell the difference between this Mark VI and the previous Mark V, then you've got a keen eye and an unhealthy love of cars on par with mine. The front grill has been slightly altered so it looks a bit more "squinty" and angry. The wheels have been move slightly closer to the corners of the car, and the intake has been widened to improve aerodynamics. At the back, the tail pipes have been moved further to the outside to give it a wider and lower appearance, and as for aesthetics, that's about it. So why on earth would I buy a Mark VI instead of a Mark V. I think you all know that I don't necessarily need the newest thing to get my jollies. Well, it's because of the engine and suspension. That's where the most changes have happened. The suspension has been redesigned from the ground up and is now electronically controlled. This is not new technology (hit a button get stiffer suspension, hit it again get a more supple ride), Mercedes has been doing that for some fifty years, but this is the first time in a small hatchback like this Golf. And then there's the re-mapping of the engine. 35%. That's how much more powerful the Mark VI is than it's predecessor. A staggering 270 bHp from a 2.oL inline 4 cylinder engine. I cannot wait to get in one of these for a test drive. The craziest thing is that it's only going to cost 2% more money. It's absolutely fantastic and I've fallen in love with the Golf for the 3rd time now.
______________________________________________
Anyway, this was my last post about the Paris Motor Show. I know it has been simply thrilling, but alas, I have run out of things to say. I could ramble, or blather, but I would actually say anything about the other cars. Perhaps, if the next motor show (which I believe is the Geneva Motor Show) has some really cool cars I'll write about them.
So until my next post,
"Eddie, if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now."
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Paris Motor Show.
There was some really neat cars to be shown at the recent Paris Motor Show.
The first car that I mention completely stole the show. It's the most anticipated and I think the most controversial car there. It's the new Lamborghini Estoque. Well, it's a front engined, four door sedan, and a Lamborghini. Go figure! I guess it's for the super rich who want a Lambo, but also have kids or something. Anyway, here's a picture.
I dunno. Lambo's have always supposed to be super over the top and "Woweeie!" more than anything else, but this one seems a little sedate don't you think? Power train details for now include their 5.2L V10 that produces a little over 550 bHp. But, there are rumors that their 6.2L V12 can fit in the engine bay and that produces a little over 630 bHp. Those both would go great in this car. There is however, one more rumor about the power train, and this is the controversial part: a 4L V8 with an electric motor. That's right, Lamborghini is thinking about going Hybrid with this car. This is stunning to me because if it's one thing that Lambo isn't, it's "green." They've always been about turning heads and going fast no matter the cost. Proof of this point is the Gas Consumption of their Murcielago LP640; it get 8 mpg in the city and 13 on the highway. These are worse consumption numbers than even the Bugatti Veyron when has a larger engine, more cylinders, and 4 turbos... oh, and 1,001 horse power. That's freaking nuts. So, I think that if Lamborghini of all manufactures is thinking that the environment is more important than going fast, then I think we've hit the peak of automotive design. In a very short amount of time, I think the car that can drive in excess of 200 mph will be extinct. Well, that's me on a soap box, and I truly hope I'm wrong.
_______________________________________________________
The next car that I'll write about is a new Citroen: the Citroen GT Concept. Here's a picture (well, a couple of them so you can get a sense of the insanity.)
So this car will never be made. Everyone understands that and truth be told I'm glad of that, I think it's uglier than sin. This car cannot even move under it's own power for it has none. They haven't specified what kind of engine it could possibly have... or even where the engine would go. It could fit up front, but it does look like it would be a mid engined car. Hell, it might have 2 engines who knows? But the reason for building it is what intrigues me the most. The badge on the car looks like this:
Mark might know what this is, but for those of you who aren't a fan of video games, that's the logo for the "Gran Turismo" video game/driving simulator that's available on the Playstation 3. This car was designed specifically to be in this game. I find that very interesting. Car manufactures know that the people who play video games are now growing up and they're the people who are buying cars now. Now instead of Polyphony (the developer of the Gran Turismo) having to spend millions of dollars to licence all of the cars for their video games like they had to got GT1, now some car manufactures are paying Polyphony to get their cars into their game. Frankly, I think that's awesome. Even though the Citroen GT Concept will never be made, millions of Americans will now know the Citroen name which could possibly conjure up enough demand for the French company to sell cars here in America, and it could certainly sell more cars in Europe.
_______________________________________________________
Well, tune in next week when I look at another two cars from the Paris Motor Show. Those cars won't be as exciting as these, but you are certainly more likely to see these cars on the road in the near future.
The first car that I mention completely stole the show. It's the most anticipated and I think the most controversial car there. It's the new Lamborghini Estoque. Well, it's a front engined, four door sedan, and a Lamborghini. Go figure! I guess it's for the super rich who want a Lambo, but also have kids or something. Anyway, here's a picture.
I dunno. Lambo's have always supposed to be super over the top and "Woweeie!" more than anything else, but this one seems a little sedate don't you think? Power train details for now include their 5.2L V10 that produces a little over 550 bHp. But, there are rumors that their 6.2L V12 can fit in the engine bay and that produces a little over 630 bHp. Those both would go great in this car. There is however, one more rumor about the power train, and this is the controversial part: a 4L V8 with an electric motor. That's right, Lamborghini is thinking about going Hybrid with this car. This is stunning to me because if it's one thing that Lambo isn't, it's "green." They've always been about turning heads and going fast no matter the cost. Proof of this point is the Gas Consumption of their Murcielago LP640; it get 8 mpg in the city and 13 on the highway. These are worse consumption numbers than even the Bugatti Veyron when has a larger engine, more cylinders, and 4 turbos... oh, and 1,001 horse power. That's freaking nuts. So, I think that if Lamborghini of all manufactures is thinking that the environment is more important than going fast, then I think we've hit the peak of automotive design. In a very short amount of time, I think the car that can drive in excess of 200 mph will be extinct. Well, that's me on a soap box, and I truly hope I'm wrong.
_______________________________________________________
The next car that I'll write about is a new Citroen: the Citroen GT Concept. Here's a picture (well, a couple of them so you can get a sense of the insanity.)
So this car will never be made. Everyone understands that and truth be told I'm glad of that, I think it's uglier than sin. This car cannot even move under it's own power for it has none. They haven't specified what kind of engine it could possibly have... or even where the engine would go. It could fit up front, but it does look like it would be a mid engined car. Hell, it might have 2 engines who knows? But the reason for building it is what intrigues me the most. The badge on the car looks like this:
Mark might know what this is, but for those of you who aren't a fan of video games, that's the logo for the "Gran Turismo" video game/driving simulator that's available on the Playstation 3. This car was designed specifically to be in this game. I find that very interesting. Car manufactures know that the people who play video games are now growing up and they're the people who are buying cars now. Now instead of Polyphony (the developer of the Gran Turismo) having to spend millions of dollars to licence all of the cars for their video games like they had to got GT1, now some car manufactures are paying Polyphony to get their cars into their game. Frankly, I think that's awesome. Even though the Citroen GT Concept will never be made, millions of Americans will now know the Citroen name which could possibly conjure up enough demand for the French company to sell cars here in America, and it could certainly sell more cars in Europe.
_______________________________________________________
Well, tune in next week when I look at another two cars from the Paris Motor Show. Those cars won't be as exciting as these, but you are certainly more likely to see these cars on the road in the near future.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Simple, yet intriguing post title.
So, it's been 2 weeks since my last post and I have nothing really to report... maybe a small story or two, but nothing serious because I have have exactly 0 days off since my last post. I have to look into the legality of the bosses making me work 20 straight days which it will be by the time I finally get a day off. I know I won't be getting paid for Saturday either because I'm not actually going to be working. No no, it's better, I'm going to be moving my office. I'm really not looking forward to it. I mean, the office is going to be pretty awesome, but the moving is going to suck. Maybe I'll fake a heart attack or something to get out of moving. God I hate this job... I'm going to look in the Classifieds when I'm in Virginia.
Anywho, a slightly entertaining story. My intimate knowledge of cars, especially my own, has finally done something for me. It saved me 25 bucks. It started out typical enough, I just needed to go to Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed. Every time I do this it ends up costing me about $60 because I always get Full Synthetic oil because I like to baby my car (or save it because I like to rev the piss out of it). I'm sitting down waiting for the guy to call my name so I can tell him what I want. When he finally does I go up there and there's an air filter sitting on the counter and the Jiffy Lube attendant informs me that my air filter needs replacing (what he showed me was rather gunked up) and that if I'd like it done it's going to cost an extra $19.99.
I looked at him quizzically and asked, "You got that filter out of my car? The blue Ford Focus right? The one right there?" and I motioned to my car. He assured me that the air filter on the counter did indeed come from my car.
I then said to him, "Okay, you're going to fill my car with fully synthetic oil, but you're going to charge me for conventional."
The attendant replied, "Why would I do that?"
"Because if you don't, I'm going to report you for trying to cheat me."
"But, look at it sir, it's completely clogged, I don't see how that is trying to cheat you."
"You didn't pull that out of my car. My car doesn't have an air filter, it has an air cleaner and it's good for 100,000 miles. If I'm wrong, please let me watch you put it back in and I'll buy three of them."
"Ah, I'll go ahead and fill your car with Synthetic and charge you for Conventional."
That really made my day. So far as I know, no mechanic has ever tried to cheat me like that. I've had a lot of moments lately where I thought to myself that I know entirely way too much about cars, and perhaps I should cool it, but it finally worked out in my favor! Yay! I am super awesome.
Rilla grabbed the last quote even though she didn't know who Slider was, that was pretty sweet.
New Quote: "You move your left leg, then your right. Your body will follow. They call it walking".
Anywho, a slightly entertaining story. My intimate knowledge of cars, especially my own, has finally done something for me. It saved me 25 bucks. It started out typical enough, I just needed to go to Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed. Every time I do this it ends up costing me about $60 because I always get Full Synthetic oil because I like to baby my car (or save it because I like to rev the piss out of it). I'm sitting down waiting for the guy to call my name so I can tell him what I want. When he finally does I go up there and there's an air filter sitting on the counter and the Jiffy Lube attendant informs me that my air filter needs replacing (what he showed me was rather gunked up) and that if I'd like it done it's going to cost an extra $19.99.
I looked at him quizzically and asked, "You got that filter out of my car? The blue Ford Focus right? The one right there?" and I motioned to my car. He assured me that the air filter on the counter did indeed come from my car.
I then said to him, "Okay, you're going to fill my car with fully synthetic oil, but you're going to charge me for conventional."
The attendant replied, "Why would I do that?"
"Because if you don't, I'm going to report you for trying to cheat me."
"But, look at it sir, it's completely clogged, I don't see how that is trying to cheat you."
"You didn't pull that out of my car. My car doesn't have an air filter, it has an air cleaner and it's good for 100,000 miles. If I'm wrong, please let me watch you put it back in and I'll buy three of them."
"Ah, I'll go ahead and fill your car with Synthetic and charge you for Conventional."
That really made my day. So far as I know, no mechanic has ever tried to cheat me like that. I've had a lot of moments lately where I thought to myself that I know entirely way too much about cars, and perhaps I should cool it, but it finally worked out in my favor! Yay! I am super awesome.
Rilla grabbed the last quote even though she didn't know who Slider was, that was pretty sweet.
New Quote: "You move your left leg, then your right. Your body will follow. They call it walking".
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hello Everyone.
So, how's everyone doing? Me, well, I'm doing pretty OK. I've had some troubles at work, but those are clearing up nicely. We're going to be moving into a new office this month and I'm getting my own office so that's going to be nice. I'm going down there tomorrow to paint it. I'm thinking a light blue. It'll be pretty and quiet.
Here is a basic layout as to what my new office will look like.
I know that looking at someone else's new office is hardly exciting, but it is the most fascinating thing in my life right at this moment.
Other news:
I'm finally taking a proper vacation from work in a little less than a month. I'm going to be flying to Virginia to visit Rilla. I got a ticket via southwest and I rented a car for that week too. I was a little bit worried about the car because I can't stand bad cars. A while back I rented a car when I brought Rebecca's car in for it's 60k tune up. It was a Pontiac G6 and it ruined my whole day. So I dropped some Ducats this time; I rented myself a Ford Mustang. It's nothing super, but it's a lot better than any other Eco-Box I'd rent. Dad knows what I'm talking about; remember that Dodge Caliber you rented a while back? So with the Mustang I at least know what I'm getting myself into and I know what it's limitations are. While Rilla, Derek, Ethan, and Bennett are all out of the house during the week, I think I'm going to take this fantastic drive.
View Larger Map
Whoo doggy that looks like fun. Those poor Hertz people are gonna need to throw on some new tires and brake pads when I return their car.
It is going to be great to get away from work for a while. I'm lookin' forward.
Movie Quote:
"Slider, *sniff* you stink."
Here is a basic layout as to what my new office will look like.
I know that looking at someone else's new office is hardly exciting, but it is the most fascinating thing in my life right at this moment.
Other news:
I'm finally taking a proper vacation from work in a little less than a month. I'm going to be flying to Virginia to visit Rilla. I got a ticket via southwest and I rented a car for that week too. I was a little bit worried about the car because I can't stand bad cars. A while back I rented a car when I brought Rebecca's car in for it's 60k tune up. It was a Pontiac G6 and it ruined my whole day. So I dropped some Ducats this time; I rented myself a Ford Mustang. It's nothing super, but it's a lot better than any other Eco-Box I'd rent. Dad knows what I'm talking about; remember that Dodge Caliber you rented a while back? So with the Mustang I at least know what I'm getting myself into and I know what it's limitations are. While Rilla, Derek, Ethan, and Bennett are all out of the house during the week, I think I'm going to take this fantastic drive.
View Larger Map
Whoo doggy that looks like fun. Those poor Hertz people are gonna need to throw on some new tires and brake pads when I return their car.
It is going to be great to get away from work for a while. I'm lookin' forward.
Movie Quote:
"Slider, *sniff* you stink."
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