Monday, November 30, 2009
What I love about "Winding Road"
http://www.nextautos.com/channel/classics its alphabetically the last website in my recommended list
Utah tests 80mph limit on particular stretches of I-15
It's a success, and that means nothing changed, most everyone was already speeding, and not having accidents, and they are still going about the same speed without accidents.
Ergo, we're going to drive the way we drive regardless of posted speed limits, duh. Put more cops on the road and watch us slow down though.
For the full article: http://www.nextautos.com/utah%E2%80%99s-experimental-speed-limit-increase-deemed-successful
Ergo, we're going to drive the way we drive regardless of posted speed limits, duh. Put more cops on the road and watch us slow down though.
For the full article: http://www.nextautos.com/utah%E2%80%99s-experimental-speed-limit-increase-deemed-successful
Nunzi's Ram Air VII GTO
Nunzi kept Pontiac's tuned in the 70's and 80's, he was the guy to go to according to Hemmings Nov 2009 page 43. A racer, tuner, engine builder and restorer. Read about him and the
Ram Air VII in http://www.highperformancepontiac.com/features/hppp_0905_1965_pontiac_gto_ram_air_vii/index.html
Boss 429 trivia
The carb on the Boss 302 was bigger than the Boss 429 carb. December 2009 Musclecar Review, page 32
Reason? Lowering the performance of the 429 to fool the insurance companies, because more people would buy the Boss 429 if they felt the insurance would be affordable, and then take the Boss 429 to a speed shop and have it rebuilt for maximum power.
Reason? Lowering the performance of the 429 to fool the insurance companies, because more people would buy the Boss 429 if they felt the insurance would be affordable, and then take the Boss 429 to a speed shop and have it rebuilt for maximum power.
Gale Banks gearhead invitational, will it be held in 2010?
Every two years they converge at the Banks Gearhead Invitational at his Bradbury, California ranch. http://bankspower.com/magazines/show/564-power-guru
http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/02/reason-i-dig-mr-jalopy.html
http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/02/reason-i-dig-mr-jalopy.html
Jay's tank car trivia
You probably already knew the Blastolene brothers put in an engine from a M47 patton tank, but I just read in the Nov. 2009 Mens Journal that it's first public debut was as a hidden driveable vehicle in Gran Turismo 4
A Pontiac might be the rarest muscle car in existence
a one-of-one Canadian built Pontiac Parisienne Safari six-passenger station wagon powered by a 425-horsepower dual quad 409. I read about it in the Dec 2009 Musclecar Enthusiast magazine, but the same info from that author is here: http://www.automotivetraveler.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=821&Itemid=345
Great movie line
"and now my friend, the firsta rule of Italian driving. Whatsa behind me, is not important" Raul Julia's character in Gumball Rally
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Michelin enters indian tyre market
Michelin Group has signed a MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to set up its tyre manufacturing unit near Chennai. The MoU was signed by state industries secretary MF Farooqui and Prashant Prabhu, president, Michelin Africa-India-Middle East.
An investment of Rs 4,000crore, the project will come up on 290 acres at the Thervoy Kandigai, 50km north of Chennai in Thiruvallur district and will bring with it an employment opportunity for 1,500 local workers.
The plant will produce heavy commercial vehicles tyres, off-road heavy tyres fitted in construction equipment made by JCB, Caterpillar and others.
“The manufacturing facility will focus on a range of radial\bus tyres. The plant will start operations in 2012 and will focus on the growing Indian market,” the company said in a statement.
Tags: Michelin Tyres,Michelin Tyre,Michelin india,Michelin,Tyres,Tyre
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thematic Photographic 77 - Buildings
Facade. Reflected.
New York, NY, November 2009
I returned from our quick trip to New York* earlier this month with a newfound respect for architecture. While most of us are too busy moving through the day-to-day challenges of life to stop and appreciate the impact of an unseen architect on our not-so-routine journeys, it doesn't hurt to slow things down and look around every once in a while.
Which is what I did when we were in New York. For a few minutes, anyway. And what I saw inspired me to select buildings as this week's Thematic Photographic theme.
This particular photo, taken on 5th Avenue in the shadows of the Empire State Building, has a neat backstory: I noticed an immaculately clean Cadillac Escalade parked illegally on the corner. So clean was its hood that the building above it reflected almost hypnotically in the pristine black paint. So I lined up and grabbed the shot. Only after I had the lens cap back on did I realize the driver was sitting inside, watching my every move. Oops.
Your turn: If it's got a foundation and takes up a slice of the sky, we want to see it. Over the next week, feel free to share as many building-themed photos as you wish on your blog, then leave a link to them here in a comment. For more on how Thematic Photographic works, please click here. And thank you for making it as much fun as it is.
*For more photos from this journey, please see my Facebook album here.
Others
Sorry for the long-lack update, I think everybody have boring-time on blog, or just me? HA! Nevermind.
Terbang dulu ke Surabaya, kita bisa melihat adanya band bergenre ambient, rock, dan experimental. Yeah, now we talk bout OTHERS. Jika kita membuka myspace mereka, kita bakalan disambut sama lagu "Tokyo Hot", yah lumayanlah buat pemanasan. Meskipun agak bosan sih dengan riff-riff gitarnya, tetapi mulai menit ke-5 wuish bolehlah permainan gitarnya, mantap!
Next, second song, theres "Fire For Freedom" dibuka dengan permainan gitar, bass, dan drum yang halus semakin jauh lagu ini berjalan semakin terdengar keajaiban nada-nada atau melodi-melodi (atau entah apalah itu terserah anda sebut apa) yang mereka ciptakan, awesome.
And the last, I Live At The Messy World. Ya sama sih seperti lagu-lagu sebelumnya, tapi ini lebih kalem dan adem, cocok deh buat nemenin santai-santai bahkan mau tidur.
Erwin (gitar), Gerdi (gitar), Anton (bass) dan Hendro (drum) adalah sekian orang Indonesia yang bisa membuktikan bahwa musik ambient di Indonesia ini nggak perlu ditanyakan lagi kebolehannya, good job guys!
Psssttt, mereka baik loh, kita boleh download secara cuma-cuma lagu mereka! Mau? Langsung ke TKP (myspace maksudnya) gan! HAHAHAHAHA.
Terbang dulu ke Surabaya, kita bisa melihat adanya band bergenre ambient, rock, dan experimental. Yeah, now we talk bout OTHERS. Jika kita membuka myspace mereka, kita bakalan disambut sama lagu "Tokyo Hot", yah lumayanlah buat pemanasan. Meskipun agak bosan sih dengan riff-riff gitarnya, tetapi mulai menit ke-5 wuish bolehlah permainan gitarnya, mantap!
Next, second song, theres "Fire For Freedom" dibuka dengan permainan gitar, bass, dan drum yang halus semakin jauh lagu ini berjalan semakin terdengar keajaiban nada-nada atau melodi-melodi (atau entah apalah itu terserah anda sebut apa) yang mereka ciptakan, awesome.
And the last, I Live At The Messy World. Ya sama sih seperti lagu-lagu sebelumnya, tapi ini lebih kalem dan adem, cocok deh buat nemenin santai-santai bahkan mau tidur.
Erwin (gitar), Gerdi (gitar), Anton (bass) dan Hendro (drum) adalah sekian orang Indonesia yang bisa membuktikan bahwa musik ambient di Indonesia ini nggak perlu ditanyakan lagi kebolehannya, good job guys!
Psssttt, mereka baik loh, kita boleh download secara cuma-cuma lagu mereka! Mau? Langsung ke TKP (myspace maksudnya) gan! HAHAHAHAHA.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Volkswagen Beetle to be Launched Soon in India
Volkswagen is all set to roll out the Volkswagen Beetle on the Indian roads, in the beginning of December this year. As per information provided by a senior company official, Volkswagen Beetle was meant to be a People’s car, but its very high prices fail to live up to that. Volkswagen would import the Beetle as ‘Completely Built Unit (CBU)’ with a 110 per cent import duty from its Mexican plant, for sale in Indian markets.
Volkswagen is Europe’s largest carmaker which already sells the Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Passat sedans and the Touareg SUV in India. The Volkswagen owns Skoda and Porsche vehicles which have already done good sales in India.
The Volkswagen Beetle is amongst the most successful models ever produced by the German carmaker. According to the critics, the car is a complete failure due to its peculiar styling, underpowered motor, rough ride and noisy engine. Despite these claims, the car has bucked all trends and made history.
The company as a whole is also expanding in India, by increasing its target. The group earlier announced a target of 8-10 per cent share of the Indian passenger car market in the next 6 years. In the meanwhile, the new Volkswagen Polo is expected to hit the market early next year, with a more affordable price.
Engine :
Capacity: 1500cc
Type: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Thermostatically controlled air cooling by fan.
Configuration: Rear mounted, flat four
Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
Fuel System: Single downdraft type carburettor with automatic choke, accelerator and oil bath air cleaner. Mixture pre-heating and automatically regulated air-intake pre-heating. Pressure lubricating with oil cooler.
Bore and Stroke: 83mm x 69mm (3.27" x 2.72")
Power: 53 bhp @ 4200 rpm
Torque: 78 ft. lb. @ 2,600rpm
Compression Ratio: 7.5:1
Clutch: Single cushion disc, dry plate clutch
Rear Axle Ratio: Hypoid bevel differential, final drive n/a
Maximum Speed: 78 mph
Performance: 0 - 50mph: 13 seconds
Ignition and Electrical: 12 volt,Coil and alternator
Exhaust: Single tail-pipe
Suspension: Front: Independent type with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Rear: Independent type with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Price:Rs 19 lakhs
Related Topics:
Volkswagen Polo
Fiat 500
Fiat Grande Punto
Tags:Volkswagen Beetle ,Beetle,Volkswagen ,Volkswagen 2010,Beetle 2010,Volkswagen Beetle 2010,New Beetle
Animated thirst
Pop goes the world
London, ON, July 2009
Every time I look at this photo, I think back to the episode of The Simpsons where Principal Skinner implores Groundskeeper Willie to keep watering down the orange drink as a means of maximizing profits. The quote that comes back, in his inimitable Scottish accent, will probably resonate in my head forever:
I have watered her down as far as she'll go. I cannot water no moreNote: Yes, I quote Simpsons. Prolifically. Hope this doesn't disappoint you. Next...
(Sound bite here. Others here.)
So as we continue our exploration of all things orange (see here for more) I offer this rather neon-ish take on the color that can make even the curmudgeonly among us happy, if only for a moment.
Your turn: Color as a catalyst for happiness. Please discuss.
Talking on the radio about Facebook
The story of a Quebec woman, Natalie Blanchard, whose insurance company cut off her disability payments after seeing pictures of her on Facebook, is getting a lot of headlines this week. That's likely because it illustrates, rather starkly, the perils of social media, and our seeming inability to understand them.
I've gotten a few phone calls from journalists about this. The Canadian Press published this piece by Sidhartha Banerjee, Quebec woman's Facebook insurance battle highlights need for online prudence. Precis published here as well.
I'm busy on the radio front, too, with an interview scheduled with 4fm, an Irish (!) radio station at about 1:15 p.m. EST today (Update: bumped to tomorrow...more details as I know 'em. Update 2: Interview airs WEDNESDAY at 1:15 p.m.) I'll be speaking with Tom McGurk, host of McGurk on 4. The station doesn't live stream over the Internet, but its shows are archived here. (Update 3: The producer has confirmed that they do, in fact have a live stream...I seem to have lost my vaunted ability to find resources like this online! To listen live, click here.)
In other news, I'll also be on-air with 570 News Kitchener's Jeff Allan at 11:05 a.m. EST to talk about new Canadian legislation that could require Internet service providers to spy on customers and snitch to police if they detect activity related to child porn. The Canadian Press also quoted me in a piece by David Friend and Diana Mehta, Ciena wins bid for Nortel's optical unit, offers jobs to 2,000 employees.
Facebook, porn and optical networking...should be a fascinating day indeed!
Your turn: Do you worry about Facebook, Twitter, blog and other social media postings coming back to bite you?
I've gotten a few phone calls from journalists about this. The Canadian Press published this piece by Sidhartha Banerjee, Quebec woman's Facebook insurance battle highlights need for online prudence. Precis published here as well.
I'm busy on the radio front, too, with an interview scheduled with 4fm, an Irish (!) radio station at about 1:15 p.m. EST today (Update: bumped to tomorrow...more details as I know 'em. Update 2: Interview airs WEDNESDAY at 1:15 p.m.) I'll be speaking with Tom McGurk, host of McGurk on 4. The station doesn't live stream over the Internet, but its shows are archived here. (Update 3: The producer has confirmed that they do, in fact have a live stream...I seem to have lost my vaunted ability to find resources like this online! To listen live, click here.)
In other news, I'll also be on-air with 570 News Kitchener's Jeff Allan at 11:05 a.m. EST to talk about new Canadian legislation that could require Internet service providers to spy on customers and snitch to police if they detect activity related to child porn. The Canadian Press also quoted me in a piece by David Friend and Diana Mehta, Ciena wins bid for Nortel's optical unit, offers jobs to 2,000 employees.
Facebook, porn and optical networking...should be a fascinating day indeed!
Your turn: Do you worry about Facebook, Twitter, blog and other social media postings coming back to bite you?
Monday, November 23, 2009
We didn't start the fire
DanceLondon, ON
October 2009
[Click photo to embiggen]
About this photo: It's all orange, all the time. Well, at least until this Wednesday, when I toss a new theme at ya. Suggestions welcome if you've got 'em. Orange-themed sharing welcome here otherwise. Captioning going on here, too.First things first: I'm not a pyromaniac, an arsonist, or someone who is otherwise obsessed with fire. Still, as a photographer, it's a subject I've explored off and on (see here, here and here for previous examples) and it's one of the few subjects that eludes me insofar as bringing home The Ideal Photo.
But I keep trying, as evidenced by today's pic. Our son, Zach, inspired it, as we had all gone to a local restaurant to celebrate his birthday. As we waited for the server to arrive, he noticed the fireplace beside our table and we immediately began discussing whether it was wood, natural gas or electric. We concluded it was gas, because the thought of servers taking time out from running between guests and the kitchen to throw another log on the fire just didn't seem to fit.
It was a quiet night - Mondays are off-peak in the food services biz...who knew? - so before we headed home, we went over to the fireplace and took a bunch of pictures. It's the kind of thing where you don't compose as much as you meter, shoot a bunch, meter again, shoot a bunch, and repeat the process until you think you've got a reasonable chance of bringing one salvageable picture home. Even if the pictures were meh, the moment of curiosity and insight from a relentlessly growing almost-man was anything but.
Your turn: What does this picture remind you of? (To my high school English teacher, yes, I ended the sentence with a preposition. I know...I'm so busted.)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)