A Tree Falling in the Forest

Economic Experimentation Part Deux

2010-06-08T17:49:00.001-07:00

Exhibit four: "The Charity Case"

This experiment actually began as a repair project for a young man that is entering the Marines in about a month. His name is Joe... I call him Fonzie. So Fonzie was at a stop sign in his Mazda when he did a very teenage thing... he dumped the clutch and caused terminal damage to his transmission. I removed the tranny hoping it was something inexpensive, such as the center of the clutch, but alas the differential in the transmission was shattered. A used transmission was about $500, which is about $300 more than he paid for the car. I offered to buy the car for $250, which is about $100 more than it was worth. He's a good kid in a tough family situation, so I wanted to do what I could to help.

The flywheel and clutch were less than a month old, and are a perfect fit for my Mazda powered Ford Probe. For the sake of the experiment, let's say that is worth about $150. I also removed the CD player and speakers, which included a nice set of Polk Audio rear speakers and tweeters. These may find there way into my Mustang. I sold the wheels for $80 to a very nice, very large man (think bouncer) with a Honda Civic. I saved the radiator as a spare for my Probe (a direct match) and cut off the catalytic converter to add to my growing collection. The remainder of the car went to the shredder where I received $200.

Exhibit five: "The Crossfire Z28"

I bought this car off Craigslist for $250 from a nice young woman and her girlfriend. She was too busy driving cross country in her truck (with her girlfriend) to have the time to restore it as she had planned. (Sidebar: as you may have surmised, she intimidated me more than the bouncer.) She originally wanted $400 for the car. I employed the "keep your mouth shut" strategy and she talked herself down to $250 while I stood staring at the gutted interior of the car. I removed the crossfire injection manifold, throttle bodies, distributor, the t-tops, hood, rear spoiler, and the wheels and tires. The rest of the car went to the shredder for about $200. So far, I have only sold the hood, wheels and tires, for which I received $200.

This is not the Camaro, but it is the Camaro that received the hood, tires and wheels.

Millermatic to the Rescue

2010-05-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a Miller Mig Welder for a few projects I have under way... Things like my Ford Probe race car and some minor repairs to the ramp truck.

Today, was the inaugural project. I had to repair my ATV trailer... one of the welds on the ramp broke, so I did a little repair. I should have taken a picture before I applied the paint, but alas. I was very pleased with the result. Looks much better (and hopefully stronger) than the prior weld.

Economic Experimentation

2010-04-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

As most of my friends know, for most of my life my father was in the junk business. He would tear down buildings, cut up tanks, bale metal, and crush cars - all in the name of earning a living.

Growing up I spent most of my summers working for him. Dad was old school in his approach to the business, no Internet, little if any advertising, just hard work doing the dirty jobs most others wouldn't.

For years, I've wondered how Dad's business would work with an injection of the information age. Partly to satisfy my curiosity, partly to hang on to the special memories I have of my dad, and partly to make some new memories with my own son, I have been conducting some small "economic experiments" with the help of Craigslist and Dad's ramp truck.

Exhibit one: "The Volvo"

More specifically, a 93 Volvo 940 Turbo. Blown head gasket. Purchase price $150. Two of the original wheels sold on eBay for $50 (net). The other two wheels sold for $20 for scrap. The rest of the car sold for $280 at the shredder. The best part was the look on OBB's face when the frontend loader busted out the windows to lift the car off the ramp truck.

Exhibit two: "The Camaro"

More specifically, an 86 IROC Z skeleton. No nose, no doors, no interior. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture. Purchase price $75. There wasn't much left, but I made the best of what remained. The intake plenum and valve body sold on eBay for $50 (net). The instrument cluster sold on eBay for $85 (net). The remainder of the car sold for $200.

Exhibit three: "The Ranger"

More specifically, an 86 Ford Ranger. Bad clutch and some front end damage. Purchase price $200. Really I was interested in this one for the wheels and tires it had on it. The tires fit nicely on my Ford Probe (aka my wanna be racecar.) I felt bad about junking this truck. It was the only Ford Ranger I have ever seen with dual fuel tanks. On the other hand, I found a small portion of a certain controlled substance in the ash tray that smelled like Otto's jacket. So, I didn't waste anytime getting this one to the shredder where I received $270.

I am not making any judgements about my grand experiment yet. A couple more are in the process of being "monitized." An 84 Z28 Camaro and a 93 Mazda Protege. Right now I am in the "hole" on these two. We'll have to wait and see how I do.

Sweet Success

2010-02-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

I realize it's a little sad to be excited about a simple inspection, but I have been working on preparing for this test for the past month and a half. (Except when it was snowing)

In this case, it was a pass/fail examination, and I, err I mean, the ramp truck passed, first try, no caveat or exceptions. I feel like I aced a final exam.

Sorry Gagknee... look at it this way... there is hope.

Whatcha ya been workin on? (Part Deux)

2010-01-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

For the last month or so I have been working on Dad's ramp truck. Working on this truck is a little like working on a jigsaw puzzle, which, as my lovely wife will tell you, brings out the obsessive side of my personality. The complexity of working on a big Diesel truck is enough of a challenge, but it becomes even more interesting when it has been owned (and wired) by my father for about a decade.

First up was changing out a bad brake line. Brake lines are always a pain, but when it wraps around the front of the motor and is more than 8 feet long it turns into an all day project. The truck has "air over hydraulic" brakes... another learning opportunity. All turned out well. To bleed the brakes by myself I made a one man brake bleeder with a cleaned out spaghetti sauce jar. Works great!

Next was the drivers seat replacement. I was surprised to find so few options for black bucket seats at the local salvage yard. If you want tan or light gray, no problem. Went through a few hundred cars... no black. I settled for charcoal gray. I fabricated new seat mounts and installed a new seat belt buckle. Another all day project.

Dad never liked having stereos in his work trucks. "I'm not paying people to sit in the truck and listen to the radio." Part of the process of cleaning up wiring in the dashboard included installing a stereo... and replacing the starter button, and a few other small tasks. Probably a half day project all together.

Finally, I made a new engine shutoff cable. For sometime Dad would just stall the engine when he wanted to shutoff the truck. But this contradicted guidance he had given me as a younger man. "You should never stall a Diesel engine." So I installed a PTO cable to use to actuate the injection pump engine shutoff. It doesn't really need to be as strong as a PTO cable, but I need something about ten feet long, so one worked quite nicely. Works like a charm. Another half day project.

Next I need to do some serious cleaning inside and out. Then some new paint for the ramp body and wheels. Maybe some new paint for the front bumper and front fenders. This is a fun project to work on, I think Dad would like the changes I've made so far. The first attempt at an inspection sticker is coming up... stay tuned.

Death Rattle Exhaust

2010-01-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, the Mustang developed a very annoying rattle in the exhaust. A baffle in the left muffler broke. So for my birthday my lovely wife (MLW) bought me a new set of 409 Stainless Steel JBA mufflers with 4" double walled tips.

To illustrate, I created a brief video for your viewing pleasure. (The smoke from the exhaust is evidence of the cold weather in Richmond today.) The first clip is the death rattle Flowmaster exhaust. The second clip is muffler free... I was just wondering what it would sound like... MLW wouldn't approve of a muffler delete package. The final clip is the new JBA mufflers. Enjoy!

Top 10 Car Moments of the Decade

2009-12-23T12:25:00.001-08:00

10. (2000) Gone in Sixty Seconds arrives in theaters. 75 seconds later it heads for DVD. Robert Duvall, Nick Cage, Angelina Jolie... the real star was Eleanor a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 designed by Chip Foose. Not since the General Lee has a character car been made into so many clones.
9. (2001) The loss of Dale Earnhardt opened the eyes of many to the color and drama of NASCAR. Sadly, since his passing, the sport has become more and more dull.

8. (2002) The death of the mighty Camaro. What killed it? Probably the SUV. It gets blamed for everything in this decade. But seriously, Government Motors was so busy trying to find places to build SUVs they killed off their rear wheel drive cars to make more room on the assembly lines. I think we all know how that worked out.

7. (2003-2007) Ford decides to get into the supercar business with the Ford GT. Internet billionaires and real estate moguls rejoice. Car guys like me get a good chuckle when we read newspaper stories about said weenies driving their 550 hp supercharged racers into guardrails and ditches.

6. (2004) The rise of the Mustang. Restyled for the 2005 model year, the Mustang went back to its roots and its late sixties style. The reborn Challenger and Camaro would follow suit, but the Mustang blazed the way for tasteful retrostyle.
5. (2005) Danica Patrick won Rookie of the Year for IndyCar's 2005 Season. She is to Indy car racing what Tiger Woods is to golf... except all the winning and extra-marital affairs. After Dale Earnhardt Jr., she is probably the biggest brand in racing.

4. (2006) Cars (the Pixar Movie) hits theaters. Each pixel is turned into a diecast vehicle and sold to little kids. In the age of video games and iPods, another generation of kids gets turned on to playing with simple cars. (At about $4 a pop.)

3. (~2007) The Speed Channel finds a winner in the Barrett Jackson Collector Car auctions. Here, the rich guys responsible for the derivatives debacle and hedge funds buy up all the best muscle cars for $100K and up. Hemi Cudas, Shelby Mustangs, and Yenko Camaros are added to collections like vintage wines. The beer and burger crowds are left with 318 Dusters and 4-door Chevelles for $15 grand a piece.

2. (2008) High gas prices decimate the automotive landscape and the economy and what is left of Detroit and Sunday drives. The SUV (killer of the Camaro and Caprice) is effectively dead. Something called a Prius becomes the liberal car of choice. Drill baby, drill.

1. (2009) The ZR-1 Corvette is reborn without the dash (ZR1). What it does have is awesome looks and an LS9 supercharged V8 pumping out something north of 630 HP in a car that weighs less than 3,400 pounds. The headline: "GM does something right." Sadly, it may be too late.

Whatcha been working on?

2009-12-04T08:04:00.001-08:00

For about the last month I have been working on preparing my dad's truck to be sold. Cleaning, fixing, cleaning, replacing, cleaning, tune-up, cleaning, removing, cleaning... you get the idea.

First stop was under the hood for some cleaning, an oil change, and a fresh tune-up with Bosch Platinum plugs. As my dad would say, "you wouldn't believe how nice it runs." It really does running exceptionally smoothly and quietly for a truck. It also received some new front brakes and rotors for smoother stopping.

Next stop was in the cab for some cleaning, CB removal, seat fixing, and some more cleaning. As Dad would say, "you wouldn't believe how nice it came out." To which I would reply, yes I would, because I know how much time I spent on it.

Next stop was the exterior. For one of Dad's trucks, the outside is in pretty decent shape. The one exception was the rear bumper which showed it experienced a few Maine winters.

The replacement bumper from a local salvage yard. Not perfect, but definitely better.

After some additional outside cleaning we have the final product. As dad would say, "you wouldn't believe how nice it looks." If it didn't have the exact same number of miles as my pickup, I would buy it and keep it.

MMMMmmmmmm... Bacony

2009-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

This photo taken Nov. 4, 2009 shows a bacon-wrapped roasted turkey. For anyone looking for a truly indulgent bird for their Thanksgiving feast this bacon-wrapped roasted turkey easily fits the bill. The bacon wrap keeps the bird moist while making the skin nice and crispy. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

Rainy Night... Don't Despair

2009-09-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

I got an idea...Ooooo. It's a good one... First a little cleaning...

Then I'll ride!
Yeah baby, that's how I roll.

Trailer, or not to trailer?

2009-09-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

I bought this trailer... I think I may want something lower, like a dovetail trailer. And maybe a shorter tongue and car like hubs. What say you?

Mustang POV

2009-09-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have a soft spot for Mustangs, but I have to admit getting a little choked up when I watch these videos about a blind man that gets to go for a test drive.

Note to Self...

2009-08-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Self,

The next time you paint inside your home, dont use masking tape... it never turns out well. You get angry everytime you use it, but then the next time you paint you try it again as if the results will be different.

Just don't do it.

Best regards,

Rob

See C-10 Go, Go C-10 Go

2009-08-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

On our way to Wally World, my wife and I often pass a 1972 C-10 pickup resting in someone's driveway. This particular truck is "in the rough," but to me the potential is clear.

A quick search on Craigslist turned up this example for what could be. (Sidebar: mine would be silver, like the one my Uncle Butch had when I was in kindergarten) Maybe someday I'll get the courage to stop in and ask if the owner would consider a sale.

Moto 4 Resuscitation

2009-07-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my doubts, but alas the "little motor" is a trooper. After some extensive cleaning of the ports and head, and the installation of a new intake valve, it's running again. (If you lived in my neighborhood you would know by the test runs up and down the street.)

Working on a small machine can be frustrating. Sometimes it's like building a model. It requires plenty of light and some extra tools for handling the miniature parts. The head bolts require a whopping 8lbs of torque. All in all it went together pretty quick. As usual, having an OEM repair manual is a big help. With the valves and cam chain carefully adjusted, it purrs like a fat kitten.

Next some new brakes may be in order.

Moto 4 Revival Set Back

2009-07-17T17:46:00.001-07:00

After a particularly stressful day, I decided I would take OBB for a ride on what he calls the "little motor." So I rolled the Moto 4 out of the garage and prepared to start it, which usually means giving it a little push in the driveway (the battery needs to be replaced.)

After a few feet, I stopped in shock. The motor, when it started to turn over, sounded like one of those mechanical monkeys clapping his cymbals together. Clack-clack-clack-clack. My heart sank. I knew it was catastrophic. Not willing to face the demons, I rolled it back in the garage and closed the door. OBB's questions followed me back into the house.

A few days later, I decided to have a closer look. The noise seamed to occur on every stroke, and the compression was non-existent... could only be one thing... so I unbolted the head to see which valve it was.

Intake? Exhaust? Any guesses? If you guessed intake, you're right. Unfortunately, the varnish that the previous owner allowed to play havoc in the carburetor seems to have had its way with the intake valve as well. The noise was the rocker arm tapping on an open valve.

I can't tell if it's bent, or just sticking from all the varnishy gunk. I suspect it's both. The piston and jug look fine, so I'll see if I can get the valves working again. We'll see. I'd hate to have to take Ole Yeller out to the shed.

Moto 4 Revival Step Two.

2009-06-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

About 20 years ago, Jeff and I were playing version of tag with ATVs in the snow behind his house. During this entertaining game, we managed to severely damage the rear fenders on the "80". Fast forward 20 years to my efforts to revive it with some much needed TLC.

I picked up a pair of fenders on eBay. Though covered in silver and white spray paint, they are in remarkably good shape. No visible cracks, chips, or rubs.

After an entire can of "GOO OFF" Graffiti Remover and a some cleaning and waxing. I installed them this afternoon.

Next, I am planning to replace the tie rods and spindles to tighten up the front end.

Antique ATV

2009-05-30T03:51:00.001-07:00

A week or so ago, I was reunited with an old friend - my first ATV - a 1985 Yamaha 80 Moto 4. After getting it home, washing off a thick layer of dust, mud and cow manure, I went to work on reviving the old girl. It had good spark, but the carberator was jammed full of sticky varnish. After a good (but difficult) cleaning, some fresh gas, and reassembly it was ready to go.

It's running well. It's actually faster than I remember. I've replaced the handlebars and fixed one of the tires. Next up some new brakes and new(er) front end components. I'll pick up some of the parts when we visit Maine in a few weeks.

I'd like to find a better set of rear fenders, but not much available for 25 year old plastic on eBay. I'll keep an eye out.

Jurassic ATV

2009-05-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

A couple night ride pictures of Gagknee and me after a heavy downpour. Note the lack of goggles. It looks a little like a scene from Jurassic Park.

Incidentally, this year's night ride at VMP is June 6.

Maine Man

2009-04-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious. Ironically, portions were filmed in the restaurant that my wife and dined prior to my marriage proposal. (Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove)

More Fun with the New Camera

2009-04-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Fun at a Car Show

2009-04-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

OBB and I also found time to visit a local car show. OBB got a quick lesson on identifying "shoe box" Chevys.
What is the difference between an El Camino and and Impala? Not much... but they're both cool. You could sleep a family of four in the trunk.
"Daddy, it's a 55."

Fun with the New Camera

2009-04-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

After what seems like a long time of waiting and saving, MLW and I bought a new camera. OBB and I have been giving it a workout this weekend.

Machined Acrylic

2009-01-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I have an affinity to cars including my car in particular. In spite of this affinity, there was one thing that has bugged me about my car. The wheels of a car are arguably one of the most important features that impact its overall appearance. I really like the wheels on my car, but I hate the center caps. Its like having a diamond cocktail ring with a little piece of coal mounted in the middle. (Sidebar: As you can see the center cap has the head of a cobra. It reminds me of a GI Joe toy from the 80s crossed with a Mustang from the late 70s. End Sidebar)

So I went out in search of a suitable alternative. I like the stock Mustang Bullitt wheel center caps, and after getting a lightly used set off Craigslist, I discovered they were a tiny bit big for my aftermarket wheels. With some trepidation, I used a Dremel tool to machine about 1/16 of inch off the face all the way around and about 1/8 of an inch off the back of the face. Hence the end product.

OBB knows you should never smile when posing with car parts.

Gasoline... 60's prices without the lead.

2008-12-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Today, taking advantage of a customer loyalty program from a local grocery chain, my wife and I bought gas for $0.699 a gallon. Quite a change from July.

This thing really blows...

2008-11-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

This is not my machine, it's my neighbor's. But nonetheless, it has changed my life. Typically it takes at least a day or more to rake the leaves from my backyard in the fall. Today, using this hurricane on wheels, I was able to due my entire backyard in less than twenty minutes. It's not high tech, but it does illustrate there is no substitute for horsepower.

2010 Stang... not impressed

2008-11-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

Amidst headlines pronouncing the desperation of Detroit's big three auto makers, today Ford unveiled the redesigned Mustang for 2010.

In other news the word "meh", an expression of indifference, was added to the Collins English dictionary... How appropriate.

Before I lambaste the 2010 steed, I'll mention the two positive comments I can come up with. First, I like the new shape of the re-sculpted pony emblem.

The second new feature I like is the relocated radio antenna, which moved from the front fender to the rear fender.

Now for a couple less than positive comments. The new rearend of the car is heinous. The taillights are ugly and the overall shape is even worse. It's like a Mustang mated with a Ford Probe and this is their unholy spawn. Someone in Ford's marketing department must sense this truth, because there aren't any decent photos of the back of the car.

The interior looks more refined than the current car, but I am left feeling it's a little over done. Like its a Mustang with the interior of a Lincoln MKS. If I wanted granddad's luxoliner I would buy a Lincoln. The popularity of the current Mustang is the nostalgia of the iconic sixties Mustang with the snarling, growling, and ornery attitude to match. This new iteration is loosing sight of what made it successful. I won't be trading in my Stang anytime soon... and if I did it would be for a Challenger, not a 2010 Mustang.

The good news is this new Mustang will help to bring the owners of classic Mustangs and 2005-2008 Mustangs closer together... in their mutual hatred of this revised design.

Trailer 2.4

2008-10-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we woke up to a gray rainy day. So after some Thomas the Tank Engine, we set out to get one of my "new-to-me" trailer tires repaired. The valve stem needed to be replaced so we headed to one of the "used tire" stores on Hull Street near the city of Richmond.

I've never before been a patron of one of these used tire places, but there are several, so I figured one would be open to help me. We stopped at the first one we came to and were greeted by a guy that looked remarkably like Danny Trejo.

I am often interested in learning about unusual small business models. While OBB and watched our tire getting repaired, we saw no less than four other patrons come up with tires that needed to be replaced. One drove in with the front tire riding on the rim. Based on the wad-o'cash "Danny" pulled out of his pocket (including a 50 and 100 dollar bill on the outside for good measure) I think he has found a way to make it work. In the two garage bays, stacked high with used tires, he also had no less than five tire machines and a brand new air compressor. Who new? I suspect the IRS for one doesn't know.

Anyways, the tire is fixed and on the trailer. Still need to test the ramp, but its pretty much a finished project.

Flashback

2008-10-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

The memories come flooding back with a look at this eBay item. $1,000 seems like a bit much. I might consider it for $500. This one looks a little more worn than mine was when I let her go.

Trailer 2.3

2008-10-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

The paint is done and the lights are too. In addition to switching over to LED taillights, I added new clearance lights to the sides and back. All this was accompanied by a new wiring harness.
Next up I need to put on the new wheels and tires and mount the spare tire. First, I need to fix the valve stem of one of the new wheels.

Trailer 2.2

2008-10-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

I started applying some paint today to the beloved trailer. Using a spray can and a roller I painted the sides, gate and fenders. I used a hammered finish Rustoleum. I used a spray can for the tight areas and a roller for the large areas of mesh.
One unexpected side affect of using a roller on the mesh was a cotten candy like web of paint that would form as the breeze blew over the mesh when it was being rolled. It was mostly harmless, but still annoying.

I'll have to pick up some more paint to finish the inside of the new fender and the floor of the trailer, but at least the new welds won't rust and I can move forward with mounting and wiring the new lights.

Junk in the Trunk

2008-10-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

How do you change a toddler's diaper in the back of a Mustang GT? Very carefully.

He actually seemed pretty comfortable, but I was a little tense.

Trailer 2.1

2008-10-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

The fender and the gate are repaired. The welding is complete. I like welding. I wish I were better at it. There is something cool about clamping two pieces of steel together and joining them with an electrical arch and molten metal.

It hurts when you get a burning spark or ten on your skin. Especially when it lands on your scalp. I am supposed to give blood this week. I wonder what they are going to do when they see my forearms.

Next up... paint. I think I'm going try to use a roller on the mesh parts.

Trailer 2.0

2008-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

After 8 or more years of dutiful service hauling ATVs all around Virginia and the east coast, it is time for a little refresh of the old trailer. This became all the more urgent after last year's trip to West Virginia when it blew a tire doing about 75mph down a monster hill on I64 west of I81. As a reminder, the fender got bent up like a pretzel and the right taillight bid us adieu never to be seen again.

Starting during the summer, I began collecting parts from Craigslist, yard sales, Northern Tool, and Tractor Supply to facilitate the restoration process.

So far, I have: two Ford Ranger wheels and tires (freshly painted); new LED taillights; new corner and rear clearance lights (also LED); a new wiring harness; a new fender and fender mount; and new hardware for the rear gate.

Today, the disassembling process began. Surprisingly the steel in the fender broke and my novice weld stayed solid. I am as shocked as you are.

Nothing was lost on OBB who commented, "ahhh boo-boo tire."

It's often relative

2008-10-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today we got gas for $2.99 a gallon.

Boo Boo Truck.. or rejected again.

2008-10-09T19:27:00.001-07:00

For the last couple days, my truck has been up on jack stands in the driveway. "Why?" you ask. Well, it was time for an inspection sticker and that is the way it goes when you have a truck with 150k miles.

So, to get the essential little square sticker on my windshield. I had to 1. replace a power steering line and 2. replace the inner tie rod ends. It was also suggested that I change the transmission filter and change the brake fluid. In the process I also found the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

All this wasn't going to happen in a couple hours. So for a few days it sat while I made progress during nap times.

Each time OBB came outside he would look at the truck and in a sad tone say, "boo boo truck. Ah, boo boo truck." It was funny, but after a while I think he was mocking me.

Well, after today's nap time he came and yelled "done, yaaaa!" He made up for making fun of me.

What's Slang for Stang?

2008-10-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ford is preparing to release images of the 2010 Mustang soon. Based on the sneak peaks Ford isn't going to be content with letting the Camaro and Challenger get all the press.

It'll be interesting to see what they put together under the hood ala the HP.

Trash and Treasures on the local Craigslist

2008-10-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

Some rust? I need a tetnus shot just looking at it:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/867101904.html

Gagknee could take a ride down memory lane in this bad boy:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/867682919.html

The Big A mobile:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/866866415.html

Okay... finally the treasure part:
http://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/857144329.html

What did Della Wear? A New Jersey

2008-08-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Our Commonwealth's Governor on a Sunday Morning Talk Show:

KAINE: Well, first, Joe [Biden] comes from a state, Delaware, that borders Virginia. The eastern shore part of Virginia and Delaware are not only bordering but very, very similar. And I think there's a lot in common, and Joe understands that.

Umm, Governor, your state borders Maryland, not Delaware. Maybe you need to spend some time on Google Maps.

I built my own...

2008-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Six speed manual, 5.7l Hemi...

Now I just need a $32,000 dollar windfall. You can build your own here.

I would need a few more grand for some different wheels, exhaust, and sound system.

OBB's Cup Holder

2008-07-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

"I ain't gonna fall for no sippy cup in the tailpipe."

96 MPG in a Dodge Dakota V8 4x4

2008-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been leaving my beloved car in the garage for the last week. The weather has been nice, but I have found a better way to work... or at least a cheaper way. $4 a gallon gasoline has pushed me to join a car pool.

I have officially become a cliche. I work in a cubicle, live in the suburbs, and ride to work in a car pool. If I count EDD as .3 kids, the circle will be complete.

As much as I enjoy driving my car, riding to work and doing the math on how much money I am saving is quite a delight. 96 MPG out of a pickup is better than any hybrid. If I wanted to leave my Mustang at the park and ride (which I don't) I could stretch my mileage to 144 MPG. A guy has to have his limits.

More Lamps

2008-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

One of My Lovely Wife's mommy groups is having an auction of donated goods.

My contribution was a Hot Wheels floor lamp like I made for when OBB was born.

I had some extra material, so I also made a "Cars" table lamp.

Escher in Lego Form

2008-05-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

This guy is good... See more here.

Cars, Cars, Cars

2008-05-13T14:19:00.001-07:00

I'm going to have to sell something on eBay so OBB and I can get this...

Top 10 Things I am Enjoying About the New Car

2008-05-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

10. On ramps and off ramps.
9. Better gas mileage than my truck.
8. Comments from complete strangers.
7. Driving a stick again.
6. Contemplating aftermarket opportunities.
5. Car alarms going off when I drive by in the parking garage.
4. The way it rumbles to 1200 rpms briefly when it is started.
3. Driving with the windows down.
2. OBB pointing for the windows to be rolled down.
1. OBB's engine noises when he gets in... GGGRRRRR.

Mustang Blog

2008-05-01T19:50:00.001-07:00

A Mustang Blog my lovely wife will enjoy. Mustang Rolling. Primarily because the Mustang is Rolling through her beloved South Carolina.

License Pl8

2008-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

I am trying to come up with a license plate appropriate for the new car... Many of my first round of ideas are taken.

I was surprised to find this one is still available.

But why?

2008-03-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Jessie Vigil's vehicle is seen at his home in Las Vegas, N.M. in March 2007. Vigil's black-and-white car sports a red-and-blue emergency bar across the top and the word 'police' painted on the doors. Law enforcement agencies say what he's done with his car isn't illegal as long as he doesn't act like a police officer.(AP photo/Las Vegas Optic, David Giuliani)

It may not be illegal, but it is a little weird. When I thought it was a real cop car I thought it was cool. Oh well.

Crocks

2008-02-24T05:02:00.001-08:00

GM exec stands by calling global warming a "crock"

It takes courage to say something so politically incorrect. Good for him for not backing down.

1 in a million

2008-02-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

So this guy drove his 91 Chevy Silverado 1,000,000 miles.

Okay, I hate car payments as much as the next guy, but seriously. That's crazy. On NPR he talked about his documentation to support his claim including detailed repair and oil change receipts. How many water pumps and brake pads does it take to go 1 million miles? If a crate motor is on this list, I think that is cheating.

My Dakota is approaching the 150K mark. It still runs and starts like it did when I got it about 8 years ago, but some days I can't image driving it to 200K. It's never left me stranded and it has never been on a tow truck. It did run out of gas on two occasions, once with MLW in the cab, but obviously that is just operator error. If I keep it to 200K, I will probably keep it forever. No sense trading it or trying to sell it.

I wonder if Frank's truck still has the original seat. That would be impressive.

My New ATV...

2008-01-31T19:45:00.001-08:00

... Would be here if I hadn't let my lovely wife talk me into new hardwood floors.

So you can appreciate what 600 sq feet of brazilian cherry 3/4 inch flooring does to the rear suspension of a Dodge Dakota, I will post loaded and unloaded pictures. That's about 2100 pounds according to the invoice.

ZR1

2008-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Road and Track has an article and slide show on the new ZR1 Corvette. They say it's going to cost about 100 grand. The see-through hood is interesting.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=6349

An inheritance...

2008-01-07T19:48:00.001-08:00

My dad has recently become the proud owner of a 59 Edsel. It's a two door like the one pictured. I am a bit jealous. With some cool wheels, a decent stereo, and the right exhaust it could be a fun driver. This may be the coolest car he has owned since he sold his El Camino. I can almost here Chrissy making fun of me now.

You'll shoot your eye out.

2007-12-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

MLW, OBB and I went by the local Honda House after a visit to the Chat and Play Cafe.

I was surprised to find they are selling 2007 450r Hondas for $5499. The MSRP is $6899. Seemed like a good deal for a local dealership.

By comparison, I checked a couple dealerships known for steep discounts on Hondas.
Southern Powersports: $5233
Ritchie Power Sports: $5133

Not bad, not bad at all. Assuming they don't have a $500 dealer prep and document fee.

My New Unicorn

2007-12-20T11:51:00.001-08:00

The 2009 ZR1 Corvette, the fastest, most powerful car ever produced by General Motors. The ZR1 features an all-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine with 620 horsepower and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Corvette's chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, says the 2009 Corvette ZR1 may be the last in a long tradition of Detroit performance cars, endangered by stronger federal fuel economy regulations and limits on carbon dioxide emissions.

Thanks a lot Al Gore.

KITT

2007-12-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

Do you remember what KITT stands for?

Well one thing it no longer represents is the Pontiac Trans-Am.

The new talking car is going to be a Ford Shelby Mustang.

I like the subtle flat black rally stripes.

Back in the mid-eighties, KITT stood for Knight Industries Two Thousand. One wonders if the acronym will be updated for the new century. One might also wonder if KITT's nemesis KARR (Knight Automated Roving Robot) will make a reappearance... possibly as a new Camaro.

I guess we will see. Well, maybe, if anyone actually watches.

Glowing deer

2007-12-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

When did white lighted deer become a ubiquitous symbol of the holidays? Our neighborhood is rotten with them. One house has more than thirty on its otherwise sparsely landscaped lot.

I don't get it... but I will say that I think white lighted deer look better than most of the inflatable displays I see.

Too bad I don't have a few strings of red lights hanging around. I could have some fun.

Chubbs!

2007-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Credit: REUTERS/Frank Lin (TAIWAN)

More from Chuck

2007-11-19T13:46:00.000-08:00

Click it, if you dare...

Un-thankful

2007-11-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

Put this in the category of things that ticked me off this week.

Yesterday, I was watching Clifford’s Puppy Days with OBB (it’s on PBS after Curious George.)

In this episode, Clifford, Emily and her family are preparing to celebrate something called “Fall Feast.” What?!?!

This is the e-mail I sent to Clifford’s web site at PBS.org:

“Fall Feast? What is Fall Feast? Is Clifford so over run by political correctness that he can't celebrate Thanksgiving like Snoopy, Garfield, or Arthur?

Someone should let Emily know that Clifford has been a part of the Macy's "Thanksgiving Day" Parade for more than a decade.”

I hope Emily chokes on her Fall Feast turkey and stuffing.

Who cares about Pat Robertson? I vote with Chuck!

2007-11-14T11:21:00.000-08:00

From Chuck Norris:

Fact: Mike Huckabee is my choice for President of the United States.

While I like and know many of the Republicans running for President, Mike Huckabee is the best person for the job.

Mike hasn't lived an isolated, out-of-touch life like so many politicians. He was raised by his Dad who was a firefighter and always had a second job to make ends meet. Mike and his sister grew up poor, not privileged. Mike worked two jobs in college and graduated in two-and-a-half years. He is an outdoorsman too – an avid fisherman, hunter and a long-time member of the NRA.
Mike is a committed husband and father. He has always prioritized his family before politics. His wife, two sons and daughter speak his highest praise.

Mike has a heart for helping others and will fight for the causes of the citizens of this country. He is known for having a compassionate heart, such as helping! a young wife endure the trials of spinal cancer to aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina as the governor of Arkansas. Mike genuinely cares for all people and I mean ALL!

Mike doesn't abandon his values for what's expedient. Like our Founding Fathers, he's not afraid to stand up for a Creator and against secularist beliefs. At the same time, he doesn't fear offending Christian leaders who give up their values in pursuit of electing their "team leader" just like everyone else.

Fact: Mike Huckabee needs our help.

The first thing I need you to do today is make a contribution in support of Mike Huckabee's campaign. Whether you contribute $1(a buck for Huck!), $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, $100, $500, $1,000 or the maximum contribution of $2,300, Mike's campaign has a proven track record of investing it wisely.

The second thing I need you to do today is ask at least one friend to make a contribution to Mike's campaign. If everyone reading this email picked up the phone or s! ent out an email to their friends and asked them to make a contribution to Mike's campaign and then followed up with them to make certain they had, Mike Huckabee will have enough money to win. Mike has already proven that he doesn't need to raise a lot of money to be successful but we need to make certain we help him hit his fundraising goals. Everyone needs to dig deeper in support of Mike.

The third and final thing I need you to do today is to tell your friends and family members that aren't able to contribute at this time to Mike's campaign to at least sign up for his email updates. Mike's stand on the issues is thoughtful and considered. He is truly the best candidate running for President and someone I think everyone should support.

Fact: Working together on Mike's behalf we can make a great difference.

Make your contribution in support of Mike's campaign today, ask at least one friend to do so also and then encourage your friends and family to sign up for Mike's email updates.

Let me close by saying I recently had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Governor Huckabee and I can say with complete certainty that Mike is mentally and physically up to the challenge. Over the next two months he is going to need our help to win this race. I will check back with you again in a few weeks to tell you a little more about why I am supporting Mike Huckabee. In the meantime, help me support him today with a contribution of whatever amount you can afford. I am doing the three things I am asking you to do, so please do the same.
Thank you for your time and your support of Mike Huckabee.

Chuck Norris

No-Car Guy... or Why I must stop living a lie.

2007-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I test drove a Black 2005 Mustang GT 5-Speed with Black Leather. It was a nice little romp even with the sales guy in the passenger seat. He encouraged me to keep driving around, but my lovely wife (MLW) and our brilliant boy (OBB) were waiting back at the dealership so I didn't venture far.

That 3 mile romp is as close as I am going to get to a rumbling, tire chewing, gas guzzler for quite a while. Which brings me to my point... I may have to resign my official commission as a "car guy." Why? Well, as MLW jokingly pointed out, I am a car guy who doesn't have a car.

Sad, but true. Given my over thirty status, I am finding it too tough to keep hope alive. Maybe I can find a twelve step program.

Happy Birthday Wierd Al

2007-10-23T18:48:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe he is 48 years old.

180 degrees... aka: Pride cometh before a fall.

2007-10-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon Gagknee and his family stopped by for some coffee and pie. As MLW and Gagknee's Wifey descended into wife related conversation, Gagknee and I went out to the garage to visit with our respective ATVs. Earlier in the day, I had my machine apart to adjust the valves. Proud of my efforts, I decided to test start it to demonstrate my mechanical prowess. My delusions of grandeur were shattered as soon as the engine fired. CLICKETY, CLICKETY, CLICKETY. It sounded like a bunch of marbles in a blender. Embarrassed, I shut the machine off and started to wonder what I did wrong.

Later, after the Gagknee's went home to watch the BoSox beat the Injins, I went back out to the garage and tore my machine back apart. It didn't take long to realize that I had adjusted the valves with the cam between the exhaust and intake stroke rather than between the compression and power stroke. Or, as they say... the cam was 180 degrees out.

Oh well. Sometimes you learn valuable lessons by making mistakes.

The ninety and nine

2007-10-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about parables, partly because our Sunday School class is studying the book of Matthew, partly because I just like thinking about parables. I use analogies a lot to help me understand stuff.

Tonight OBB reminded me of the truth of one of Jesus' parables. He was sitting in his highchair as MLW and I enjoyed small talk and dinner. He had already eaten a ton of food... including his new found favorite... smoked sausage, so he was playing with three Hot Wheels fire trucks. He accidentally rolled one off the edge and onto the floor. I said, "Well, that's it for that one, but you still have two."

OBB was not content with the two that remained. He stretched and groaned seeking the one that was lost. So, I had to stop eating and gabbing long enough to crawl under the table, past the dog, to retrieve it. When it was safely returned, he went on herding his little trucks.

Such an old man.

2007-10-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last went to a concert. If memory serves it's been about 8 years since I saw the Dave Matthews Band in Virginia Beach. I remember it well. I also remember leaving my work cellphone in my truck because it wouldn't fit in my pocket. When it comes to cellphones a lot has changed.

This weekend I served as an announcer for an evening show at a Boy Scout Encampment. Picture about 7000 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, parents, and such sitting in the dark in a field watching singers and dancers and comedians. In spite of my contributions, the show was pretty professional and well done. Anyways... I should get to the point. Apparently, nowadays, instead of waving a lighter in the air in the darkness to show your appreciation to a performer you wave your open cellphone in the air. Even with the rather young audience, there were hundreds of cellphones waving in the darkness. It was pretty cool looking, more so than a bunch of lighters. But I couldn't help feeling a bit like an old man. The only thing I use my cellphone light for is to check on my sleeping child before I go to bed.

Unfair

2007-10-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

MLW, OBB and I went to the State Fair of Virginia yesterday. Growing up I frequented fairs with my family. Fryburg, ME; Acton, ME; Rochester, NH... those were the three I remember going to the most. And I have been going to the State Fair of Virginia for the last half dozen years or so.

First, I am not sure why they call it the State Fair of Virginia. True Virginians only refer to Virginia as a Commonwealth, never a state.

Setting that aside, it should have to earn the title of State Fair. As fairs go, it does not live up to its "State" moniker. I would put it on par with the aforementioned Rochester Fair, which is to say it is the Ford Escort of fairs.

There is just not enough to do and see. Not enough competitions, not enough giant vegetables, not enough demonstrations of tractors and agricultural what-not, and not enough interactive activities. Even the Rochester Fair had horse and tractor pulls, but not the "State Fair of Virginia."

There were plenty of food vendors and lots of crazy crap to buy, but really how many wooden roses or airbrushed tattoos do you really need. I am little bitter because my once-a-year fried dough tasted like an old pizza box. The whole deal is too commercial and generic.

But, I am not giving up hope nor I am giving up on my adopted Commonwealth's State Fair. My solution to the State Fair doldrums? An ATV rodeo. Not a race per se, but rather a test of riding skills in timed competitions for everyday riders with everyday machines. It would be a start.

They have to do something, otherwise its just going to devolve into a crappy flea market.

Unseemly Denouement

2007-09-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Reassembled, tested, and resting quietly in the garage. She is back together again, ready for an early autumn ride in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

This time I tried something new during the bearing housing assembly process.

I put the new bearings in the freezer for about an hour and left the housing out in the 80 degree heat. Hard to know if the temperature differential really made a difference, but it was worth a try.

Next, I need to do the same thing to the Lakota. Preferably, before it is time to start cleaning up leaves.

Covet Not

2007-09-23T12:39:00.001-07:00

My neighbor is selling his '72 Camaro RS. This picture is not his car, but it could be.

It's a solid car with some rust but nothing bad. Decent drivetrain. He drives it occasionally. Sounds good and sits nicely.

He wants $4,800. Spend another 3k on bodywork and paint, a grand on the interior, and another grand on wheels and tires... and you would have a pretty sweet driver for under 10 grand.

Come on Big A... the skippy car needs a brother.

Chunky

2007-09-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Riddle me this... what is the worst possible thing to eat at 7:30 if you are going to vomit at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30 and 4:00? Give up? How about a cup full of mix nuts. That Planters peaunut man better not show up at my door any time soon.

How about this one... What is the worst possible movie to watch two days before you and your son come down with the rotavirus?

A good movie, but not the one you want in your head as your digestion system turns evil on you.

Congrats

2007-09-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jaime Pressly for her Emmy win as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for portraying a character based on Shannon F for the show My Name is Earl.

Unseemly update

2007-09-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

The bearing carrier has been disassembled and the bearings have been removed. The right side bearing came out in one piece (with some coaxing from a large hammer.) The remains of the left side came out in two pieces with some coaxing from a Dremel and a grinding wheel.

The left side showed some scoring, but it cleaned up fairly well and should be able to take a new bearing without any issues.

Next I will order the parts from Boss Bearing to begin the reassembly.

Wanna race?

2007-09-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

I enjoy racing games. It all started with Atari's Pole Position. Nowadays, its sophisticated racing games like Gran Tursimo. But I do have a complaint about these modern marvels of digital racing. I don't get to play that often, so I don't like having to spend a bunch of time racing to unlock the cool cars and the cool tracks. I paid for the game system, I paid for the game... Let me play with the cars and tracks I want to try. With Gran Turimo 3, I had to start racing with a Volkswagon Bug and work my way up. I haven't been able to convince myself to work my way up with Gran Turismo 4. It's just not worth the hassle.

Regardless, I am always up for a good rally race if you get the urge.

So sad...

2007-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

There is something abhorrent, or at least unseemly about seeing your machine apart and spread out across the garage. It makes my heart sad.

The left bearing in the rear end disintegrated into dust and fragments of hardened steel. Thankfully, the bearing housing came out relatively unscathed.

It doesn't take much...

2007-09-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

I like this show... Burn Notice on the USA Network. Thursday night at 10.

It has a certain MacGyver/Mission Impossible/A-Team thing going for it. The main character (Michael) is a former CIA agent who uses spy craft to solve Magnum PI like problems. The show includes some voice over narration of Michael explaining the spy craft as he goes along. Like I said, it has certain MacGyver like qualities.

There are only two more episodes in this season. But thankfully USA chose to renew it for another season...

"USA has given the thumbs up to 13 more episodes of secret agent drama “Burn Notice,” Meanwhile, “Burn” has blazed new trails for USA on Thursday nights, winning its timeslot among basic cable nets every week since its June 28 premiere. Ratings for the skein have been on the rise, with last week’s seg notching a series-high 4.4 million viewers (2.3 million among adults 25-54, USA’s target demo). -Variety

Mark my words... he is going to make early seventies Dodge Chargers cool again. Not Hemi Barracuda cool (a la Nash Bridges), but at least old Mustang cool (a la Spencer for Hire.)

New Machines! (Honda Rocks)

2007-09-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

A few updates for the 400EX...

And a new Model! The TRX700XX !!!!!!

Telemarketing is a Job Too.

2007-09-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

A reminder for those who have enjoyed life free from telemarketers the last few years. If you submitted your information to the "Do Not Call" Registry back in 2002, you may soon be getting calls from telemarketers again unless you renew your registration. Registrations expire after five years. Register here.

I was at an event a few years ago where the government employees that came up with and implemented the do not call registry received an award. They received a standing ovation. I was among the first to stand.

That being said, when I get a call from a telemarketer I try to be pleasant. They are just trying to make some scratch to cover their gambling debts and eBay addictions. I understand eBay addictions.

Evil Clip-Art

2007-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

I was browsing Microsoft's Clip-Art for a picture when I came across this picture of a kid on an ATV. At first I thought it was cool. Then I realized the kid was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Why is Bill Gates so evil?

TV Carma

2007-09-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have three TVs in our home. One was built in 1982, one in 1987, and one in 2006. Guess which one has a remote control that no longer works... that's right the only one built in this century.

I thought it might be just a bad remote, after all, Charlie likes to play with them. Baby drool + being thrown to the floor = broken remote. No such luck. We bought a universal remote... no deal...still junko. So our only TV built in this decade works like one built in the 1970s. How appropriate.

Honesty is the Best Policy

2007-09-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

"You have a better chance of being hit by lightning at the same place and time every day for a week" than winning Mega Millions, Roogow said.

Probably true. Is Roogow an anti-lottery crusader? Not exactly... he is Maryland's state lottery commissioner. D'oh!

Rejection my old friend.

2007-09-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I felt the familiar sting of rejection.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has rectified that situation.

The little mower that could.

2007-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

10 things I love about my Honda powered lawn mower.

1. It starts on the first pull every time.

2. It is quieter than a typical mower.

3. It vibrates less than a typical mower.

4. It never stalls.

5. It smells like a new Honda.

6. It has a gas shut off valve so I can empty the carb when I finish using it.

7. It mulches like a gang of hungry earthworms.

8. It is lighter than a typical mower.

9. It never doesn't smoke like a typical mower.

10. It is red. Hondas are supposed to be red.

Geeks Galore

2007-08-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

What happens when you get some of the biggest geeks on the planet talking about Simpsons Quotes?

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/15494/page/1

Hilarity ensues.

I like #157.

Say it ain't so...

2007-07-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

(A picture of my 400ex the day I bought it so many years ago.)

Honda recently announced several of their 2008 models. Noticeably absent from the list was the venerable 400ex. Could it be? The company that has been building the 300ex for about 20 years is killing off one of its mainstays after a mere 8 years?

Maybe they are giving it a refresh and waiting for fall to make a splash with a timely announcement. A few extra cc's to compete with some of the newer designs. My heart wants to believe, but my mind says no. Now that the 450r has electric start, I guess there is no room in the Honda family for the older, overweight machine that helped jump start the sport ATV market out of hibernation.

Good Luck - Bad Luck

2007-07-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Gagknee and I went fishing on Saturday. It was a beautiful day to be on (and in) the water. We didn't have much luck catching bait fish, but Gagknee still caught two huge catfish and a giant carp. I, on the other hand, slipped on a rock and got a giant bruise.

Cosmic...

2007-07-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend at Daytona, Clint Boyer drove the No. 07 car on 7/7/07 and working from pit stall No. 7 finished seventh.

Maybe he should have bought 7 lottery tickets.

Red Sox Car

2007-06-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Lumber Liquidators and the Red Sox will share sponsorship of Carl Edward's Ford at New Hampshire International Speedway this weekend. Sadly, the paint scheme can only be used at NHIS because Major League Baseball only allows MLB Teams to market within their home markets.

From the "It Stinks to Be You" File:

2007-06-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press is running a story about street racers getting their cars crushed in California.

Maybe they should torture the cars a little first.

A simple crushing is a little too sterile. Maybe drive the forks of the front end loader through the doors or rev the engines until the fly apart.

Still though, it is a little sad.

Furious EDD

2007-06-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

CONNERSVILLE, Ind. — A one-year-old chow mix apparently turned on its owner, killing her with bites to her throat and arm, authorities said. Phyllis G. Carroll, 63, was mauled by one of her two black chow mix dogs around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, said Fayette County Coroner Joe Todd.

Everyone knows how ferocious chow mix dogs can be. That is why nobody messes with EDD.

On a less serious note...

2007-06-15T07:16:00.001-07:00

Twinkies gone bananas.

You may have heard that Hostess is marketing banana flavored Twinkies. Apparently, the original Twinkies were filled with banana cream, not vanilla creme, until World War II came along and caused a banana shortage.

I will likely buy a box sometime soon to give them a try. I like Twinkies and I like banana creme so it seems like a win-win. But, I also hope that my conspicuous consumption will not encourage Hostess to start offering random flavored Twinkies to boost sales. Next thing you know we will have a whole aisle at Wal-Mart of different flavored Twinkies... chocolate, raspberry, coconut, strawberry, coffee... if it gets started it may never stop. Let's hope banana is as far as it goes.

On a serious note...

2007-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

I think Joe Lieberman provides one of the best commentaries I have heard on the war in Iraq.

What I Saw in Iraq

Smart Frog

2007-05-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, my dad told me to work smart not hard. This little frog was working hard, but he was being smart too. When our porch light is on the bugs gather and get annoying. I guess this frog decided he wanted a piece of the action, because he was only about a foot from the light when I headed in from the garage tonight. I usually shut the light off when I come in, but tonight I decided to leave it on a little while longer.

Dare Devil Squirrels

2007-05-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

The two lane road from our neighborhood to the main road is home to a large number of dare devil squirrels that routinely run around and in front of cars. A couple weeks ago, I even saw one jump up and jump off the side of a moving car. Well, this morning one of them didn't make it. Score one for the Dodge Dakota.

My White Whale

2007-05-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

As I strive to live vicariously through OBB, I have been assembling a small fleet of Mighty Tonka Construction Vehicles. In this quest, I have set out after my white whale... an affordable T-9 Bulldozer in decent condition. The one picture went for nearly $130 on EBay. This may take awhile.

No Accountability

2007-05-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! has decided to eliminate the storage constraints in their free e-mail service. Unlimited storage... any remaining incentive I had to delete old e-mail is now gone. Too bad most of the e-mail I received is from Nigerian businessmen in need of a business partner and my bank account.

Prophetic

2007-05-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

Today's Pearls Before Swine sums up the sad evolution of this blog.

CTU Headquarters?

2007-05-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Because of construction around the building I work in, this week I had to start parking several blocks away in a parking garage and walk in. The parking garage elevator opens into an attached office building lobby. The building is relatively new and the lobby is quite nice with granite and brass and the like. As I walked through I decided I would try the building’s café for my morning coffee.

“Could I have some coffee?” I asked. “Sure,” replied the helpful café worker, “you want decaf or regular?” “Regular,” I responded. “I’ll make you some right now.”

“WHAT?!? It’s 8:20 in the morning and you don’t have any coffee made?” Maybe that building is just a façade for some kind of super secret government program or a bunch of lawyers that don’t start work until around noon and play golf in the afternoon.

Adjective Inflation

2007-04-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

My Lovely Wife and I enjoy visiting yard sales in search of treasures and bargains. We rarely find either, but we go on undeterred in our regular quests.

Since moving to Richmond, I have noticed an unhealthy trend in yard sale marketing. Signs for yard sales are using words like “Huge” and “XXL.” Unfortunately, when it comes to yard sales, these adjectives are subjective and easily exaggerated. There are no standards or accountability in place for yard sale sign adjectives. It’s quickly becoming the road side equivalent of SPAM. So in spite of the temptation, I am going to have to ignore adjectives of this type until yard sale patrons develop methods to validate and attest to yard sale size and quality. But, I won't hold my breath.

Superflous Capitals

2007-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Who decided technology related brand names should have capital letters in the middle of their names? BlackBerry, WordPerfect, QuickPlace, JavaScript, BigFix, and so on and so on... I think it may be one more subtle way that geeks illustrate their inflated sense of self-importance.