This is a tragic Black Friday. Maybe the whole "black friday" thing should be re-thought.
In New York, a Walmart employee was crushed to death by a crowd that broke down the doors to the store.
And, in an unrelated but equally tragic incident, the hostages that were being held at the Mumbai Chabad House were murdered, along with scores of other innocents. This really hits hard in the Jewish community. Chabad is a charismatic sect of Hassidic Judaism that has as its mission to reach out to Jews all over the world. They set up "Chabad Houses" in cities all over the world, so that Jews that are traveling away from home can find a place to have a kosher meal, study, pray, or just rest. All are welcome, irregardless of affiliation or level of religious observance or knowledge. Killing a Chabad Rabbi and his wife is utterly barbaric, because they are the epitome of kindness and hospitality.
An American art professor and his 13 year old daughter were also killed in one of the hotel attacks. Alan and Naomi Scherr were eating a late dinner together at the Oberoi hotel.
Somehow, the death of innocent people reall puts a damper on my commercial spirit. I don't feel much like shopping at this point, do you?
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Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
To my readers, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday of all, because it is just the right mix of spirituality and patriotism, with awesome comfort food thrown in for good measure. Thanksgiving is a day to take a pause and think about the stuff that really matters, and to be grateful to our Creator for what He has given us. It doesn't matter if you believe in Hashem, the Trinity, or Allah; even if you don't believe in a Creator, and don't like roast turkey, hey, you're still welcome at the table. That's what makes America great, and why we should be thankful for her.
Dark days are looming for Detroit. There are going to be layoffs, plant closings, dislocations, bankrupcies, and foreclosures, at a horrible pace. But we have a lot to be thankful for, nonetheless. And we will pull through, eventually.
This is a generous land, full of generous people, blessed with natural wealth, and a tradition of law and liberty. I thank God for it.
I think Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday of all, because it is just the right mix of spirituality and patriotism, with awesome comfort food thrown in for good measure. Thanksgiving is a day to take a pause and think about the stuff that really matters, and to be grateful to our Creator for what He has given us. It doesn't matter if you believe in Hashem, the Trinity, or Allah; even if you don't believe in a Creator, and don't like roast turkey, hey, you're still welcome at the table. That's what makes America great, and why we should be thankful for her.
Dark days are looming for Detroit. There are going to be layoffs, plant closings, dislocations, bankrupcies, and foreclosures, at a horrible pace. But we have a lot to be thankful for, nonetheless. And we will pull through, eventually.
This is a generous land, full of generous people, blessed with natural wealth, and a tradition of law and liberty. I thank God for it.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Bailout Debate, Part 2a: More On Corporate Jets
A few data points to consider:
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (http://www.opensecrets.org), in the last several years, Rep. Gary "tin cups" Ackerman (D-NY) has accepted $31,131 in lobbyist funded travel.
Since 2006, Nancy Pelosi has accepted $29,361 in lobbyist funded travel.
From 2005-2006 Harry Reid has accepted $43,879 in lobbyist funded travel.
Nancy Pelosi was given a Boeing 757 so she could fly herself and her retinue from San Francisco to Washington D.C. non-stop, "for security reasons".
Will Speaker Pelosi downsize her plane so she will appear more modest to the taxpayer, who is directly funding her travels? Maybe she could fly commercial?
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (http://www.opensecrets.org), in the last several years, Rep. Gary "tin cups" Ackerman (D-NY) has accepted $31,131 in lobbyist funded travel.
Since 2006, Nancy Pelosi has accepted $29,361 in lobbyist funded travel.
From 2005-2006 Harry Reid has accepted $43,879 in lobbyist funded travel.
Nancy Pelosi was given a Boeing 757 so she could fly herself and her retinue from San Francisco to Washington D.C. non-stop, "for security reasons".
Will Speaker Pelosi downsize her plane so she will appear more modest to the taxpayer, who is directly funding her travels? Maybe she could fly commercial?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Beware of the Doghouse- Hilarious!
This is a great video, and comes to rescue us men just in time for the holidays... avoid the dog house at all costs! But check out this video!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The New Mazda 3: Happy Happy Happy
I have always been a fan of the Mazda3, which is a spunky little car that doesn't make you feel like you are an underachiever for driving a compact car.
But when I saw the face of the new design, blech.
From this angle, it looks good:
Image courtesy of Edmunds
But from this angle:
Image courtesy of Autoblog
But when I saw the face of the new design, blech.
From this angle, it looks good:
Image courtesy of Edmunds
Image courtesy of AutoblogIt just looks so damn happy. To me, "zoom zoom" should have a touch of mean, not a huge toothless smile flying down the road. In a way, it reminds of me some Japanese anime critter. Just make the side mirrors into big flowing ears.
For contrast, here is the old one, not quite as happy:
Image courtesy of Edmunds
For contrast, here is the old one, not quite as happy:
Image courtesy of EdmundsBailout Debate, Part 3: Motivations
I think that some of the motivations behind the mostly Republican anti-bailout and mostly Democrat pro-bailout positions are not the ones commonly being discussed.
The Democrats want to loan the Detroit 3 in part because they owe the UAW big for the recent election victories. If the Detroit 3 slide into Chapter 11, the UAW will be hurt very badly, as an oganization. The Democrats, and Obama in particular, have a goal of making unions stronger (card check). Says Newt Gingrich:
The House Democrats have written loan legislatio which has strings attached (you can read it here), which require the Detroit 3 to make "greener" cars:
The Republicans don't want to loan the money outright, but instead keep demanding that the Democrats re-write the already passed (and previously commented on by me) Advanced Technology Vehicle Manfacturers Assistance Plan to remove the environmental requirements, and spend the money as aid right away. This is because they want to jam the environmental lobby, I suspect.
The Democrats want the original $25 Billion ATVMAP left in place, and another $25 Billion carved out of the TARP funds. So, sort of unmentioned in all of this, is that the Democrats are really advocating for $50 Billion in low-cost loans--$25 Billion now, and $25 Billion later.
Some Republicans and conservative commentators are saying that Chapter 11 protection is a smarter choice for the Detroit 3, so they can shed their legacy obligations. What this really means is, "let's stick it to the UAW".
The Democrats want to loan the Detroit 3 in part because they owe the UAW big for the recent election victories. If the Detroit 3 slide into Chapter 11, the UAW will be hurt very badly, as an oganization. The Democrats, and Obama in particular, have a goal of making unions stronger (card check). Says Newt Gingrich:
To reward the unions that helped produce its electoral victory, the newly empowered Democratic Congress is proposing that American taxpayers pony up $25 billion to bail out the Detroit Three automakers, Ford, GM and Chrysler.
The House Democrats have written loan legislatio which has strings attached (you can read it here), which require the Detroit 3 to make "greener" cars:
‘‘(1) achievement of the fuel efficiency require10The House legislation also bans excessive executive compensation and "golden parachutes", which is more populist pandering and soak-the-rich, as usual.
ments and commencement of domestic advanced
technology vehicle manufacturing as authorized in
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007;
The Republicans don't want to loan the money outright, but instead keep demanding that the Democrats re-write the already passed (and previously commented on by me) Advanced Technology Vehicle Manfacturers Assistance Plan to remove the environmental requirements, and spend the money as aid right away. This is because they want to jam the environmental lobby, I suspect.
The Democrats want the original $25 Billion ATVMAP left in place, and another $25 Billion carved out of the TARP funds. So, sort of unmentioned in all of this, is that the Democrats are really advocating for $50 Billion in low-cost loans--$25 Billion now, and $25 Billion later.
Some Republicans and conservative commentators are saying that Chapter 11 protection is a smarter choice for the Detroit 3, so they can shed their legacy obligations. What this really means is, "let's stick it to the UAW".
Bailout Debate, Part 2: Corporate Jets, SO WHAT?
Several of the Representatives brought up the fact that, gasp, CEOs of big companies fly in corporate jets.
Rep Ackerman (D-NY):
How many of the congressmen have accepted free rides in the "private jets" of lobbyists? How many have used taxypayer funded military transport?
And what about this private jet here, the Obama express?
Hitting the CEOs for flying corporate planes is nothing more than grandstanding and class warfare.
That being said, apparently the CEOs don't have anyone with half a brain working for them in PR--surely, some in the business could have predicted that the press and Congress would jump on them if they showed their high status.
Rep Ackerman (D-NY):
"There's a delicious irony in seeing private luxury jets flying into D.C. and people coming off of them with tin cups in their hand. It's almost like seeing guys show up in the soup kitchen in high hat and tuxedo...Couldn’t you all have downgraded to first-class or at least jet-pooled together?"Look, these guys are payed like $5000/hr. I can see how it would be silly to have them waste time going through security pat-downs at Detroit Metro. You want them kept busy.
How many of the congressmen have accepted free rides in the "private jets" of lobbyists? How many have used taxypayer funded military transport?
And what about this private jet here, the Obama express?
Hitting the CEOs for flying corporate planes is nothing more than grandstanding and class warfare.
That being said, apparently the CEOs don't have anyone with half a brain working for them in PR--surely, some in the business could have predicted that the press and Congress would jump on them if they showed their high status.
Bailout Debate, Part 1: GOP is CRAZY
There is so much I'd like to write about the Washington debate over making an emergency loan to the Detroit 3 that I don't have remotely enough time to do so. But I'll throw up a few thoughts over the next day or so.
Part 1: The GOP is CRAZY*.
The Republican party just got kicked to the curb by the American voting public. Not only did Obama win, resoundingly, but the Republican party managed to lose seats in the House and Senate, and is in danger of not even being able to filibuster effectively, because of a very slim 1 or 2 seat bulwark.
The GOP lost partly by losing the closely contested states of Ohio and Indiana. Which happen to be big automotive states.
It is nearly impossible for the GOP to put together a winning electoral map without Ohio.
Forget economics. Even of the Republicans are right (I don't think they are) that Chapter 11 protection is the best road , if the Democrats manage to stick in the voting public's memory that Bush and the Republicans fiddled while GM burned, the future gets dimmer in the midwest for the Republican party.
And if the doomsayers are even half correct, and a collapsing GM takes down suppliers, and other companies with it, if the Midwestern unemployment and home foreclosure rates skyrocket--the Republicans are dead.
DEAD.
Because people will remember who was in power when it started, and they will remember who sat there during the committee hearings and shook their fingers at the CEOs and lectured them that Chapter 11 was the best for everyone. And if people start to forget, the Democrats will gleefully remind them.
If the Republicans want to have a chance at regaining power any time soon, they had better come to the table with better ideas for the Detroit 3 than "let them fail, then we'll sort it out".
*I write this as a registered Republican, and former campaign volunteer (2004).
Part 1: The GOP is CRAZY*.
The Republican party just got kicked to the curb by the American voting public. Not only did Obama win, resoundingly, but the Republican party managed to lose seats in the House and Senate, and is in danger of not even being able to filibuster effectively, because of a very slim 1 or 2 seat bulwark.
The GOP lost partly by losing the closely contested states of Ohio and Indiana. Which happen to be big automotive states.
It is nearly impossible for the GOP to put together a winning electoral map without Ohio.
Forget economics. Even of the Republicans are right (I don't think they are) that Chapter 11 protection is the best road , if the Democrats manage to stick in the voting public's memory that Bush and the Republicans fiddled while GM burned, the future gets dimmer in the midwest for the Republican party.
And if the doomsayers are even half correct, and a collapsing GM takes down suppliers, and other companies with it, if the Midwestern unemployment and home foreclosure rates skyrocket--the Republicans are dead.
DEAD.
Because people will remember who was in power when it started, and they will remember who sat there during the committee hearings and shook their fingers at the CEOs and lectured them that Chapter 11 was the best for everyone. And if people start to forget, the Democrats will gleefully remind them.
If the Republicans want to have a chance at regaining power any time soon, they had better come to the table with better ideas for the Detroit 3 than "let them fail, then we'll sort it out".
*I write this as a registered Republican, and former campaign volunteer (2004).
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Walmart Paradox
I went to my local Walmart today, to grab some assorted stuff. The place was packed, on a Sunday afternoon, with people of all backgrounds.
Interestingly, I saw a few cars with Obama stickers in the parking lot, and this made me wonder. Isn't this ironic? The left in general, including Obama, have long been pounding Walmart for their resistance to labor unions. Walmart has been accused of squeezing suppliers, being stingy with health insurance for its employees, and many other sins. So why are Obama people shopping at Walmart?
Could it be the low prices?
And what will happen those low prices, if Obama and the majority Democrat congress have their way, and make it easier for unions to organize by eliminating secret ballots and instituting card check elections? Aren't Obama's supporters trying to undermine the very thing they are using to save money?
And have you noticed, how some liberals, would-be defenders of the "working people" love to hammer Walmart as being a "white trash" magnet. But isn't it the "working people" who shop at Walmart, to stretch their paychecks further? And the very phrase "white trash" is inherently racist, because of the implied contrast to non-white trash.
Kroger, which is unionized, does not have elderly or disabled folks employed as greeters and return checkers, while my local Walmart does. Kroger's employees have gone on strike, causing inconvenience to their customers.
I am unrepentant Walmart shopper. I don't care if I am seen as downwardly mobile by my high-brow neighbors. I often shop at Target, the darling of the bargain hunting style conscious types, but I will not avoid Walmart if they have something I need.
Where else can you go to buy a wireless G router, and also score a good deal on pickles, pumpkin pie components, 9mm ammunition, toothpaste, and motor oil?
Interestingly, I saw a few cars with Obama stickers in the parking lot, and this made me wonder. Isn't this ironic? The left in general, including Obama, have long been pounding Walmart for their resistance to labor unions. Walmart has been accused of squeezing suppliers, being stingy with health insurance for its employees, and many other sins. So why are Obama people shopping at Walmart?
Could it be the low prices?
And what will happen those low prices, if Obama and the majority Democrat congress have their way, and make it easier for unions to organize by eliminating secret ballots and instituting card check elections? Aren't Obama's supporters trying to undermine the very thing they are using to save money?
And have you noticed, how some liberals, would-be defenders of the "working people" love to hammer Walmart as being a "white trash" magnet. But isn't it the "working people" who shop at Walmart, to stretch their paychecks further? And the very phrase "white trash" is inherently racist, because of the implied contrast to non-white trash.
Kroger, which is unionized, does not have elderly or disabled folks employed as greeters and return checkers, while my local Walmart does. Kroger's employees have gone on strike, causing inconvenience to their customers.
I am unrepentant Walmart shopper. I don't care if I am seen as downwardly mobile by my high-brow neighbors. I often shop at Target, the darling of the bargain hunting style conscious types, but I will not avoid Walmart if they have something I need.
Where else can you go to buy a wireless G router, and also score a good deal on pickles, pumpkin pie components, 9mm ammunition, toothpaste, and motor oil?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Video: Nasty Rollover
Video of a police chase from a Fox news chopper. Guy is fleeing in a white Suburban, goes off the road, rolls it over, and is ejected. There is a moment when it looks like the truck is going to roll over onto the guy, but it stops at the last moment.
Car Chase Ends in Rollover Destruction - Watch more Auto Videos
Car Chase Ends in Rollover Destruction - Watch more Auto Videos
Monday, November 10, 2008
What Syd's Eastside Dugg
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
If you are writing articles to promote your business, create awareness for your cause or to establish your own professional expertise, you will probably want to add Digg to your publishing resource toolbox.
Even if you are not an article writer, Digg.com seems to have caught on because it allows users to list, promote & view each others news, images & videos found anywhere on the net. So it would also come in handy for photographers, graphic artists, videographers and podcasters, as well.
And being able to recommend not only your own works, but the stuff on the internet that you find and want to share with your friends is really what social networks are all about, anyway. And because of its broad range of coverage, Digg is easily a great tool that is intertwined as a news, photo, art and video promotion service by the online community as a whole.
See what Syd's Eastside has Dugg on Digg:
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
If you are writing articles to promote your business, create awareness for your cause or to establish your own professional expertise, you will probably want to add Digg to your publishing resource toolbox.
Even if you are not an article writer, Digg.com seems to have caught on because it allows users to list, promote & view each others news, images & videos found anywhere on the net. So it would also come in handy for photographers, graphic artists, videographers and podcasters, as well.
And being able to recommend not only your own works, but the stuff on the internet that you find and want to share with your friends is really what social networks are all about, anyway. And because of its broad range of coverage, Digg is easily a great tool that is intertwined as a news, photo, art and video promotion service by the online community as a whole.
See what Syd's Eastside has Dugg on Digg:
http://digg.com/users/AutomotiveParts
Our Page on SearchWarp
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
SearchWarp is also a great place to use for article distribution. But please note that we don't simply write an article and upload it for redistribution on other websites, we usually hold onto them for a period of time before we allow them to be redistributed, thus establishing that our website is the original source for such duplicated content.
Our own article directory can be found in our own Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website Articles section. By keeping an archive of our articles here for some time before redistribution, Googlebot will have scanned our website articles and had any particular article available through search long before it shows up on any article site. This can usually be verified by using the WayBackMachine.
Finally, after a period of time on our own website, we may release any articles we have written through article directories such as SearchWarp.
SearchWarp is a unique website though, because it is more than an article directory. It is also a writer community and offers assistance to those who want to learn how to write, or to learn how to write better. This is why SearchWarp is also identified, to me, as a social networking site, because of the existing community and the effects a membership can have on that community. Plus little contests are run for writing articles on certain subjects as are appropriate and relevant to the time.
Our Page on SearchWarp:
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
SearchWarp is also a great place to use for article distribution. But please note that we don't simply write an article and upload it for redistribution on other websites, we usually hold onto them for a period of time before we allow them to be redistributed, thus establishing that our website is the original source for such duplicated content.
Our own article directory can be found in our own Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website Articles section. By keeping an archive of our articles here for some time before redistribution, Googlebot will have scanned our website articles and had any particular article available through search long before it shows up on any article site. This can usually be verified by using the WayBackMachine.
Finally, after a period of time on our own website, we may release any articles we have written through article directories such as SearchWarp.
SearchWarp is a unique website though, because it is more than an article directory. It is also a writer community and offers assistance to those who want to learn how to write, or to learn how to write better. This is why SearchWarp is also identified, to me, as a social networking site, because of the existing community and the effects a membership can have on that community. Plus little contests are run for writing articles on certain subjects as are appropriate and relevant to the time.
Our Page on SearchWarp:
http://searchwarp.com/Author69559.htm
Squidoo
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Squidoo offers great Social Networking Site Integration and Easy Article (Lens) Publishing.
Squidoo offers a great place for those who are interested in articles on any particular subject. Squidoo actually refers to each article as a lens, and their writers as lensmasters. They claim they are doing it just to be difficult, but I gather it has something to do with good old fashioned marketing. It is interesting, though, how they are a popular social networking site without relying so heavily on generic keywords.
Although I found the article editor hard to use because of the lack of good instruction while using it the first time, after posting the lens (article) I easily was able to realize my first time mistakes and will probably get it right the next time. However, if you are using Squidoo to distribute previously written articles, it seems that it might be a little harder to use as simply another distribution outlet because you shouldn't simply copy the article and paste it in as on most article distribution websites such as one of our favorites, SearchWarp.
Our Page on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Squidoo offers great Social Networking Site Integration and Easy Article (Lens) Publishing.
Squidoo offers a great place for those who are interested in articles on any particular subject. Squidoo actually refers to each article as a lens, and their writers as lensmasters. They claim they are doing it just to be difficult, but I gather it has something to do with good old fashioned marketing. It is interesting, though, how they are a popular social networking site without relying so heavily on generic keywords.
Although I found the article editor hard to use because of the lack of good instruction while using it the first time, after posting the lens (article) I easily was able to realize my first time mistakes and will probably get it right the next time. However, if you are using Squidoo to distribute previously written articles, it seems that it might be a little harder to use as simply another distribution outlet because you shouldn't simply copy the article and paste it in as on most article distribution websites such as one of our favorites, SearchWarp.
Our Page on Squidoo:
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/SydsEastside
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
Facebook is actually quite a lot more interesting than I thought it was. It also can act like a homepage for the not-so-geeky oriented who like an easy way to setup a homepage, much like Blogster or CarSpace, but it goes yet further by incorporating many of your other social networking services, too. Its easy to setup groups, as well. It's also easy to upload & share photos and video. Your default public profile page acts as a "wall" that you write on and you can easily communicate with your friends this way.
I suppose some may say that I had cheated, as I had put-up a profile to represent and promote my employer. The name RorK Feimer I used is actually derived from the owners of Syd's Eastside Auto Salvage, Ron & Kathy Feimer. And this may be so, but you have to remember that I am employed to promote the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website, and not to promote my own websites and business interests. In the same manner, I still want a profile on Facebook that reflects me and my own interests, both personal and business related. On top of that, the business and my opinion may differ on a variety of things.
That said, if I am cheating, so are a great deal of other businesses which are doing the same thing on Facebook. All we are looking for is a profile that we can promote as an employee, while maintaing a separate personal profile for ourselves outside of work.
So, I'm actually not worried about it. Heck, this blog entry will appear on Facebook, anyway. Because Facebook is configured to post my blog entries that I post here on that site, as well. So by adding blog entries here, I am also updating Facebook.
Facebook also supports a variety of other social networking websites. Twitter is one, Digg is another. As these services are updated, so is Facebook.
The Syd's Eastside Auto Parts Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
Facebook is actually quite a lot more interesting than I thought it was. It also can act like a homepage for the not-so-geeky oriented who like an easy way to setup a homepage, much like Blogster or CarSpace, but it goes yet further by incorporating many of your other social networking services, too. Its easy to setup groups, as well. It's also easy to upload & share photos and video. Your default public profile page acts as a "wall" that you write on and you can easily communicate with your friends this way.
I suppose some may say that I had cheated, as I had put-up a profile to represent and promote my employer. The name RorK Feimer I used is actually derived from the owners of Syd's Eastside Auto Salvage, Ron & Kathy Feimer. And this may be so, but you have to remember that I am employed to promote the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website, and not to promote my own websites and business interests. In the same manner, I still want a profile on Facebook that reflects me and my own interests, both personal and business related. On top of that, the business and my opinion may differ on a variety of things.
That said, if I am cheating, so are a great deal of other businesses which are doing the same thing on Facebook. All we are looking for is a profile that we can promote as an employee, while maintaing a separate personal profile for ourselves outside of work.
So, I'm actually not worried about it. Heck, this blog entry will appear on Facebook, anyway. Because Facebook is configured to post my blog entries that I post here on that site, as well. So by adding blog entries here, I am also updating Facebook.
Facebook also supports a variety of other social networking websites. Twitter is one, Digg is another. As these services are updated, so is Facebook.
The Syd's Eastside Auto Parts Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rork_Feimer/1625856528
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Twitter is a microblogging system where users can give shout-outs in 140 character chunks. Although I would honestly recommend allowing up to 255 per post myself (and am often ticked off that it isn't), it is an interesting concept that allows some interactivity between friends. Plus, there are a variety of tools for it that I haven't even explored, yet.
Despite its micro limited posting format, Twitter seems to be not only a decent way to communicate, but also to promote your business, your websites, your blog, your portfolio, your groups and even your causes.
In the long run, Twitter works. But I do think 140 characters is too tightly wound and someone else will probably come along and offer the same idea with a more generous 255 character limit. Perhaps someone already does, and I am yet to find it.
But Twitter has also embedded itself into the social networking scene because a few of the social websites actually display your latest Twitter posts within your public profile page (once you have set it up with your username on Twitter). The result is that by using this one service, you could potentially update several other websites, including your own.
Our Page On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Twitter is a microblogging system where users can give shout-outs in 140 character chunks. Although I would honestly recommend allowing up to 255 per post myself (and am often ticked off that it isn't), it is an interesting concept that allows some interactivity between friends. Plus, there are a variety of tools for it that I haven't even explored, yet.
Despite its micro limited posting format, Twitter seems to be not only a decent way to communicate, but also to promote your business, your websites, your blog, your portfolio, your groups and even your causes.
In the long run, Twitter works. But I do think 140 characters is too tightly wound and someone else will probably come along and offer the same idea with a more generous 255 character limit. Perhaps someone already does, and I am yet to find it.
But Twitter has also embedded itself into the social networking scene because a few of the social websites actually display your latest Twitter posts within your public profile page (once you have set it up with your username on Twitter). The result is that by using this one service, you could potentially update several other websites, including your own.
Our Page On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AutomotiveParts
Edmund's CarSpace
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Edmunds sponsors a great automotive community website. Both individuals and businesses are welcome to sign-up for free. Each account has a blog available and automotive community groups are easy to start.
Sure, CarSpace is a way to get you into the Edmunds branded websites and further promote their brand. But if you look around their really isn't anything like this for the automotive community that I have found. There really aren't too many niche sites available that are dedicated to the automotive industries for automotive businesses, car clubs, or racing & auto enthusiasts.
I am just starting at CarSpace, but I'm not going to be giving up our blog here and shifting over to their blog, either. For now that will just compliment this one. So for now I'll kind of post there as I discover the website and figure out how we might best make use of its services. Because there is a whole community of like-minded people and a ready established market there to tap into if you know how to do it. Perhaps Syd's Eastside will eventually take that page over if it becomes important for us.
My Page at CarSpace:
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Edmunds sponsors a great automotive community website. Both individuals and businesses are welcome to sign-up for free. Each account has a blog available and automotive community groups are easy to start.
Sure, CarSpace is a way to get you into the Edmunds branded websites and further promote their brand. But if you look around their really isn't anything like this for the automotive community that I have found. There really aren't too many niche sites available that are dedicated to the automotive industries for automotive businesses, car clubs, or racing & auto enthusiasts.
I am just starting at CarSpace, but I'm not going to be giving up our blog here and shifting over to their blog, either. For now that will just compliment this one. So for now I'll kind of post there as I discover the website and figure out how we might best make use of its services. Because there is a whole community of like-minded people and a ready established market there to tap into if you know how to do it. Perhaps Syd's Eastside will eventually take that page over if it becomes important for us.
My Page at CarSpace:
http://www.carspace.com/blogs/autoparts/
Delicious
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
One of the first social networking sites I signed-up a very long time ago was del.icio.us, a worldwide web bookmark (or shortcut) sharing site. Here I have been trying to keep track of all of our own websites, their pages and our pages on other sites that we belong to, though I now see that I have to update it quite a bit with these new listings for the social networking websites I have been joining.
Google also offers a bookmarking service, so that you can access your bookmarks anywhere. But Delicious goes a little further by allowing you to share your bookmarks with the rest of the world.
This is service is actually a fantastic idea and I think it will go far in the future as it has all sorts of possibilities for expansion. Some are already copying the idea (and even the format).
OUR PAGE:
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
One of the first social networking sites I signed-up a very long time ago was del.icio.us, a worldwide web bookmark (or shortcut) sharing site. Here I have been trying to keep track of all of our own websites, their pages and our pages on other sites that we belong to, though I now see that I have to update it quite a bit with these new listings for the social networking websites I have been joining.
Google also offers a bookmarking service, so that you can access your bookmarks anywhere. But Delicious goes a little further by allowing you to share your bookmarks with the rest of the world.
This is service is actually a fantastic idea and I think it will go far in the future as it has all sorts of possibilities for expansion. Some are already copying the idea (and even the format).
OUR PAGE:
http://delicious.com/SydsEastside
Social Networking Resources
I have honestly been having a bit of fun checking out some of the Social Networking websites and resources that have been appearing in the past couple years. In fact, I've actually been so impressed that I thought that I should post something to the blog about them.
However, I have actually been working on this post for quite a few days, already. There are so many social net websites out there that I was trying to include in this one post that I realized that the only way around this was to split this blog entry into a bunch of little posts that will tell a bit about each site. That way, I don't have to have every single social website pegged in one big post.
Heck, there are still a bunch of these social networking groups out there that I want to check out. Some of these actually have optional tools developed specifically for them, so there are actually little cottage support resource sites for some, built to support them, allowing extra plug-ins or software tools to make them more convenient to use.
What, you may ask, does this have to do with the automotive industry? Well, the truth is that these are often great places for auto enthusiasts, car clubs, as well as neat places to promote auto shops or trade parts. Most allow easy setup, and may support blogging. Some even offer a great place to post news and articles and would be a great way to distribute them to an already large pool of social networking users. Others offer a great place to promote your (auto related) website by allowing the sharing and promotion of bookmarks. Users of these sites that are logged in can sometimes also vote on the materials of the resource(s) in question, making them even more popular or notorious.
One of the very first new trends was the blog and some of these services even allow you to incorporate your current blog.
Remember that as the trends move in the online industry, the automotive industry must adapt, adopt them, and move with them in order to maintain a high profile to the masses or regions that they are targetting as customers and clientel.
So, eat this stuff up guys, because social networking websites utilities, and software applications are not only fun to participate in, but actually strengthen the market and provide new interest.
To most this will be understood, others will have to check it out. But as a webmaster I understand that the security of a managed and constantly updated network is much better than the vulnerability of an open source software based website that is usually chock full of security holes.
And if the security is not an issue, there are other things that should be, like the fact that these social sites already have an established user base, like the fact that your firends and community are probably already online using them.
If nothing else, these are great opportunities to promote your existing website. Yet, they really are so much more.
Anyway, in order to share this information as quickly as possible, I will be spotlighting these social networking websites and tools. Each site or resource will be discussed individually, showcased in their own blog entry. This will also allow me to update them individually, should I need to. And I will always identify each service by through our membership so that you can join us and have a friend on the site.
Look for a bunch of blog entries to follow very shortly.
-Syd's Eastside Auto Parts webmaster
However, I have actually been working on this post for quite a few days, already. There are so many social net websites out there that I was trying to include in this one post that I realized that the only way around this was to split this blog entry into a bunch of little posts that will tell a bit about each site. That way, I don't have to have every single social website pegged in one big post.
Heck, there are still a bunch of these social networking groups out there that I want to check out. Some of these actually have optional tools developed specifically for them, so there are actually little cottage support resource sites for some, built to support them, allowing extra plug-ins or software tools to make them more convenient to use.
What, you may ask, does this have to do with the automotive industry? Well, the truth is that these are often great places for auto enthusiasts, car clubs, as well as neat places to promote auto shops or trade parts. Most allow easy setup, and may support blogging. Some even offer a great place to post news and articles and would be a great way to distribute them to an already large pool of social networking users. Others offer a great place to promote your (auto related) website by allowing the sharing and promotion of bookmarks. Users of these sites that are logged in can sometimes also vote on the materials of the resource(s) in question, making them even more popular or notorious.
One of the very first new trends was the blog and some of these services even allow you to incorporate your current blog.
Remember that as the trends move in the online industry, the automotive industry must adapt, adopt them, and move with them in order to maintain a high profile to the masses or regions that they are targetting as customers and clientel.
So, eat this stuff up guys, because social networking websites utilities, and software applications are not only fun to participate in, but actually strengthen the market and provide new interest.
To most this will be understood, others will have to check it out. But as a webmaster I understand that the security of a managed and constantly updated network is much better than the vulnerability of an open source software based website that is usually chock full of security holes.
And if the security is not an issue, there are other things that should be, like the fact that these social sites already have an established user base, like the fact that your firends and community are probably already online using them.
If nothing else, these are great opportunities to promote your existing website. Yet, they really are so much more.
Anyway, in order to share this information as quickly as possible, I will be spotlighting these social networking websites and tools. Each site or resource will be discussed individually, showcased in their own blog entry. This will also allow me to update them individually, should I need to. And I will always identify each service by through our membership so that you can join us and have a friend on the site.
Look for a bunch of blog entries to follow very shortly.
-Syd's Eastside Auto Parts webmaster
New Used Equipment Section now Online at Diesel Rebuild Parts
I have finally finished putting all the Used Equipment online at our Diesel Rebuild Parts website. This has been a big chore and I am very happy to have it listed in my Mission Accomplished column, now.
If you are interested in any of the heavy equipment, utility trucks or construction vehicles there, we would be glad to help you out with it. Just click on a photo (that isn't marked as sold) in the main Equipment Catalog Index page and you will be presented with more photos and info concerning that item. Our contact information follows the detail page description.
Let me know if you see any spelling errors, or anything that looks strange. I did address a few problems before making that whole section public. But as you know, I'm not perfect.
This section actually comes from a corresponding section on the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website. We thought that since establishing the Diesel Rebuild Parts website back in June of 2007, that we should move this section to that website where the information is more on-topic and relevant to the website content material, since it is already geared at supporting equipment and truck overhauls.
So, now that this has finally been accomplished, I can go back to promoting our websites as my primary webmaster duty for a little bit (until the next big website project comes along).
LINK:
Used Equipment For Sale Catalog Index
If you are interested in any of the heavy equipment, utility trucks or construction vehicles there, we would be glad to help you out with it. Just click on a photo (that isn't marked as sold) in the main Equipment Catalog Index page and you will be presented with more photos and info concerning that item. Our contact information follows the detail page description.
Let me know if you see any spelling errors, or anything that looks strange. I did address a few problems before making that whole section public. But as you know, I'm not perfect.
This section actually comes from a corresponding section on the Syd's Eastside Auto Parts website. We thought that since establishing the Diesel Rebuild Parts website back in June of 2007, that we should move this section to that website where the information is more on-topic and relevant to the website content material, since it is already geared at supporting equipment and truck overhauls.
So, now that this has finally been accomplished, I can go back to promoting our websites as my primary webmaster duty for a little bit (until the next big website project comes along).
LINK:
Used Equipment For Sale Catalog Index
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A Quick Tour Of The $25 Billion ATVMAP
Last night, the Dept. of Energy released a preliminary rule which gives the details of the $25 billion government program offered to automakers to help meet the new CAFE standards. The official name is "Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturer Assistance Program". I spent some time reading the paper over, and thought I'd share some details, many of which are not widely reported. The rule paper is located here.
First, the program has two parts: a direct loan program, and a grant program.
The money in either case is intended only to fund plant upgrades or engineering work for a future product, not ongoing operations. In fact, companies are explicitly prohibited from investing the money, and any investment income from the loans must be returned to the government (611.102, 611.105).
Loan Program:
Here is an excerpt of their examples:
This is the table that shows the fuel economy improvement requirement to be considered an ATV:
So for a Compact Sedan, to qualify as an ATV, the proposed vehicle would have to attain at least 42.2 MPG; a Compact Performance Sedan would have to have fuel economy of at least 29.5 MPG.
Grant Program:
Some observations.
This is not a "bail-out". The money can only be used for specific projects which are tied to fuel economy improvements. There are some significant strings attached to this program, and though the loans are cheap, they are expected to be repaid, or the government will be able to sieze the collateral of the borrowing company.
The program seems to be somewhat targeted towards unionized labor. There is a bias in the program to older plants (20 years), and plants which are shut down. There is a prevailing wage rule. There is also a carve-out for small suppliers.
This is not a quick fix. To apply for a grant or loan, a company has to generate a large amount of application paperwork, including environmental impact studies, economic studies, financial status information. A company also has to show with computer modelling or prototypes that their proposed project will improve fuel economy by a very significant 25%, and flexible fuels get no advantage in this calculation. The application and review process is likely to take many months if not years.
That is why, even with this program in place, the Domestic 3 are asking the government for direct aid right away.
The financial strength requirement could be a deal-killer for some or all of the Domestic 3 auto makers. If the DOE uses more stringent requirements for financial health, such as low debt/equity ratios, neither GM, Ford, nor Chrysler may qualify.
First, the program has two parts: a direct loan program, and a grant program.
The money in either case is intended only to fund plant upgrades or engineering work for a future product, not ongoing operations. In fact, companies are explicitly prohibited from investing the money, and any investment income from the loans must be returned to the government (611.102, 611.105).
Loan Program:
- To qualify for a loan, a company must be working on an Advanced Technology Vehicle. An ATV is defined as a vehicle which has at least EPA Tier II Bin 5 emissions levels, and will have fuel economy that is at least 125% of a "substantially similar" vehicle from 2005. (611.2)
Here is an excerpt of their examples:
This is the table that shows the fuel economy improvement requirement to be considered an ATV:
So for a Compact Sedan, to qualify as an ATV, the proposed vehicle would have to attain at least 42.2 MPG; a Compact Performance Sedan would have to have fuel economy of at least 29.5 MPG.- For purposes of calculating the ATV's fuel economy improvement, if it is a flex fuel vehicle, its fuel economy must be calculated without credit for flexible fuel operation. That means that if burns E85, the ATV fuel economy is miles per gallon of E85, not gasoline equivalent. This would appear to penalize flex fuel vehicles compared to how they are treated currently.
- A loan applicant must be "financially viable", such that it does not require the government ATV loan to survive (611.100).
- Automakers and parts suppliers are eligible, as long as the the plant improvements or engineering is done in the U.S. So domestic arms of foreign based companies such as Honda could qualify.
- To qualify for a loan, an automaker's fleet average fuel economy (volume weighted) from the most recent year of data must be no worse than their fleet fuel economy in 2005. (611.100)
- Applicants must file environmental impact studies and economic impact studies to document how their plant changes will impact the community, both positive and negatively (611.106).
- Projects will be selected for approval based on technical merit, such as amount of fuel economy improvement, as well as other factors such as "economic diversity", and financial health. Older facilities will be given higher priority.
- Applicants must pay any workers that it hires to do the plant renovations a "prevailing wage" in the area the work is being done. This is probably a bone for the unions (611.101).
- A borrower can only borrow up to 80% of a project's projected cost (611.105).
- The loan terms are for 25 years, and the borrower may defer repayment for up to 5 years after the project is complete. The interest rate is to be based on "outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity", which I think means 25 year treasury bonds. (611.107) A 30 year U.S. bond currently pays 4.5%.
- The U.S. government gets a lein on any property which is acquired with loan funds, and any assets which are pledged as collateral for the loans.
Grant Program:
- If a grant is requested, the grant can be for no more than 30% of a project's cost. (611.204)
- Grants will be given preferentially for projects that re-tool facilities that are at least 20 years old. (611.206)
- 10% of the money used for grants (not loans) each year is set aside for small companies of 500 employees or less, or a consortium of such small companies (611.207).
Some observations.
This is not a "bail-out". The money can only be used for specific projects which are tied to fuel economy improvements. There are some significant strings attached to this program, and though the loans are cheap, they are expected to be repaid, or the government will be able to sieze the collateral of the borrowing company.
The program seems to be somewhat targeted towards unionized labor. There is a bias in the program to older plants (20 years), and plants which are shut down. There is a prevailing wage rule. There is also a carve-out for small suppliers.
This is not a quick fix. To apply for a grant or loan, a company has to generate a large amount of application paperwork, including environmental impact studies, economic studies, financial status information. A company also has to show with computer modelling or prototypes that their proposed project will improve fuel economy by a very significant 25%, and flexible fuels get no advantage in this calculation. The application and review process is likely to take many months if not years.
That is why, even with this program in place, the Domestic 3 are asking the government for direct aid right away.
The financial strength requirement could be a deal-killer for some or all of the Domestic 3 auto makers. If the DOE uses more stringent requirements for financial health, such as low debt/equity ratios, neither GM, Ford, nor Chrysler may qualify.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Chrysler's Fuel-less Cars!
More google ads silliness from Chrysler, spotted here. The Chrysler EV minivans aren't "Fuel-less", and they aren't for sale, until about 2011 model year.
Veyron in Birmingham MI
I was strolling in downtown Birmingham (MI) today, after cashing in my voting slip for a free Starbucks coffee, when I saw a crowd forming on the sidewalk up ahead. Parked in front of the Einstien Bagel was a Bugatti Veyron. It was black and red. I didn't have a camera with me (of course), and I didn't catch if it was a dealer car or not.
There were about 20 people crowded around the car, ogling and taking cell phone photos. It was as if some guy was hanging out on the sidewalk with a cocktail dress clad Angelina Jolie on his arm.
I can't think of a way to draw more attention for ~$2,000,000, other than maybe giving it away as $20 bills on the street corner.
There were about 20 people crowded around the car, ogling and taking cell phone photos. It was as if some guy was hanging out on the sidewalk with a cocktail dress clad Angelina Jolie on his arm.
I can't think of a way to draw more attention for ~$2,000,000, other than maybe giving it away as $20 bills on the street corner.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
£1500, fun and 30mpg plus... what would you buy?
It's a good question, isn't it? Particularly if, like me, you happen to have that budget, and those requirements from a car. £1500 gets you a surprising amount these days, anything from tidy superminis, MPVs and third-hand family cars to classic roadsters, hot hatches and sports saloons. Some will make great runarounds or first cars and others fun weekend toys.
But, if you're like me (young, skint, and like a bit of fun from your car now and then) you might find your choice rather more limited. Sure, you can find plenty of old hot hatches at this price, but unfortunately many have been ragged to within an inch of their lives by now, and insurance is still very expensive even with a few years no-claims behind you. Such is the plight of the young driver.
However, hope is in store. There are still choices out there, if you look hard enough, that will provide you with fun and reliable motoring, but importantly, not emptying your wallet come renewal time or at the pumps. With fuel prices as they are, easily doing more than 30mpg is virtually essential nowadays. Below is a selection of cars that meet the above criteria. What would you buy?
The E30 3-series is slowly becoming a collectors' item. Partly due to it being an important model for the marque, and partly to ensure the survival of original cars before they're all snapped up by the tuning brigade. The 316i and 318i aren't the fastest, but they are both cheap to run and the £1500 budget will get a model in very nice condition. A bit of rear-wheel drive fun to start the list.
Having seen the success of Mazda's MX5, Honda decided to make their own sports car based on the Civic. It wasn't as light and loony as the model that preceded it, but it has it's own character and roof-out fun. The ESi has roughly 120bhp, does almost 40mpg and is much cheaper to insure than the screaming VTi.
A choice from way out at left-field here. You might not have expected to see a small 4x4 here - after all, they're not known for their great fuel economy or fun. Yet Honda were singing from a different hymn book with the HR-V - not only does it do at least 33mpg, but it's also supposed to be good fun to throw about.
Mazda's coupe has managed to avoid the general public's consciousness thus far (thanks to more popular choices like Ford's Puma and Renualt's Megane Coupe), making it a great second-hand choice with low prices. The V6 engine sings yet manages mid-thirties mpg, and the cars seem generally well built and reliable.
Another small Mazda, but one you've heard of this time. £1500 is remarkably little to buy a classic, but it's achievable with the MX5, and it's going to buy you a whole bundle of affordable fun. Ignore the hairdresser jibes - anyone who's driven one will tell you it's impossible to have perfect coiffure after five minutes with the hood down...
You what? A Porsche for how much? It was always designed to be affordable and now you can buy one for pocket money. It isn't, as you might have heard, equipped with a van engine - it was an Audi engine that was tuned for use in the 924 and detuned for use in a VW van. Owners report 30mpg, and £1500 should get a nice one.
Turbo lag and torque steer. Right, now the stereotypes are out of the way, we can appreciate the car's unusual styling, great seats, bucketfulls of character and great performance. Not only that, but many insurers consider it a classic now, so you might be able to benefit from cheap classic insurance.
Rumor has it that the MR2 project was initially developed with Lotus, but Mazda took the project on fully when Lotus had financial issues and abandoned their share. So if you squint a bit, you're looking at an 80s Lotus Elise. Maybe. Either way, it's a brilliant drivers car which does mid-30s mpg. You may have to look hard for one untainted by rust, however.
Even less known than the Mazda MX-3, and arguably not as special, but with 40mpg easily achievable it has it's own merit. And of course, being a Toyota, it'll last for ever, and ever, and ever. It enjoys a very low insurance group as well, and should be fun, if not up to Ford Puma levels.
Although a small saloon seems a bit incongruous next to small sports cars, coupes and hatches - especially a diesel one - the Bora represents brilliant value for money. It's cheaper than the equivalent Golf both to buy and insure, yet shares the same great engines and build. The diesels get an easy 50mpg and can be tuned very easily for much more power and torque.
My final suggestion is, undoubtably, a classic. If you want to spend £1500 on one, do it now because they're unlikely to stay at that price as they become more scarce and more popular for restoration. Manages 35mpg and faster to 60mph than the standard mk4 Golf GTI. Cheap to insure on classic insurance, too.
An eclectic mix then, and perhaps a bit more interesting than your average hot hatch, yet likely to provide many miles of reliable, economical and fun motoring. If you're lucky, you may even find a little practicality to add to the mix. £1500 really does get you a lot of car.
But, if you're like me (young, skint, and like a bit of fun from your car now and then) you might find your choice rather more limited. Sure, you can find plenty of old hot hatches at this price, but unfortunately many have been ragged to within an inch of their lives by now, and insurance is still very expensive even with a few years no-claims behind you. Such is the plight of the young driver.
However, hope is in store. There are still choices out there, if you look hard enough, that will provide you with fun and reliable motoring, but importantly, not emptying your wallet come renewal time or at the pumps. With fuel prices as they are, easily doing more than 30mpg is virtually essential nowadays. Below is a selection of cars that meet the above criteria. What would you buy?
BMW 316i/318i (E30)
The E30 3-series is slowly becoming a collectors' item. Partly due to it being an important model for the marque, and partly to ensure the survival of original cars before they're all snapped up by the tuning brigade. The 316i and 318i aren't the fastest, but they are both cheap to run and the £1500 budget will get a model in very nice condition. A bit of rear-wheel drive fun to start the list.Honda CRX ESi (3rd gen)
Having seen the success of Mazda's MX5, Honda decided to make their own sports car based on the Civic. It wasn't as light and loony as the model that preceded it, but it has it's own character and roof-out fun. The ESi has roughly 120bhp, does almost 40mpg and is much cheaper to insure than the screaming VTi.Honda HR-V
A choice from way out at left-field here. You might not have expected to see a small 4x4 here - after all, they're not known for their great fuel economy or fun. Yet Honda were singing from a different hymn book with the HR-V - not only does it do at least 33mpg, but it's also supposed to be good fun to throw about.Mazda MX-3 V6
Mazda's coupe has managed to avoid the general public's consciousness thus far (thanks to more popular choices like Ford's Puma and Renualt's Megane Coupe), making it a great second-hand choice with low prices. The V6 engine sings yet manages mid-thirties mpg, and the cars seem generally well built and reliable.Mazda MX-5 mk1
Another small Mazda, but one you've heard of this time. £1500 is remarkably little to buy a classic, but it's achievable with the MX5, and it's going to buy you a whole bundle of affordable fun. Ignore the hairdresser jibes - anyone who's driven one will tell you it's impossible to have perfect coiffure after five minutes with the hood down...Porsche 924
You what? A Porsche for how much? It was always designed to be affordable and now you can buy one for pocket money. It isn't, as you might have heard, equipped with a van engine - it was an Audi engine that was tuned for use in the 924 and detuned for use in a VW van. Owners report 30mpg, and £1500 should get a nice one.Saab 900 T16
Turbo lag and torque steer. Right, now the stereotypes are out of the way, we can appreciate the car's unusual styling, great seats, bucketfulls of character and great performance. Not only that, but many insurers consider it a classic now, so you might be able to benefit from cheap classic insurance.Toyota MR2 mk1
Rumor has it that the MR2 project was initially developed with Lotus, but Mazda took the project on fully when Lotus had financial issues and abandoned their share. So if you squint a bit, you're looking at an 80s Lotus Elise. Maybe. Either way, it's a brilliant drivers car which does mid-30s mpg. You may have to look hard for one untainted by rust, however.Toyota Paseo
Even less known than the Mazda MX-3, and arguably not as special, but with 40mpg easily achievable it has it's own merit. And of course, being a Toyota, it'll last for ever, and ever, and ever. It enjoys a very low insurance group as well, and should be fun, if not up to Ford Puma levels.Volkswagen Bora Tdi
Although a small saloon seems a bit incongruous next to small sports cars, coupes and hatches - especially a diesel one - the Bora represents brilliant value for money. It's cheaper than the equivalent Golf both to buy and insure, yet shares the same great engines and build. The diesels get an easy 50mpg and can be tuned very easily for much more power and torque.Volkswagen Golf GTI mk1
My final suggestion is, undoubtably, a classic. If you want to spend £1500 on one, do it now because they're unlikely to stay at that price as they become more scarce and more popular for restoration. Manages 35mpg and faster to 60mph than the standard mk4 Golf GTI. Cheap to insure on classic insurance, too.An eclectic mix then, and perhaps a bit more interesting than your average hot hatch, yet likely to provide many miles of reliable, economical and fun motoring. If you're lucky, you may even find a little practicality to add to the mix. £1500 really does get you a lot of car.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Obama: Reading The Signs
This is a photo I took near my neighborhood the other morning. It sums up my position nicely.
(c) TheAutoProphet. Photo may be freely distributed and used as long as attribution is given.
(c) TheAutoProphet. Photo may be freely distributed and used as long as attribution is given.
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