Blow the Whistle - Get Three Years in Prison - Maybe
Man Pleads Not Guilty in Voting Device Case - Los Angeles Times
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
myFICO - What?s In Your Score
What's in your Fico Credit Score
From the www.myfico.com website, here's a pie chart that gives general information on how different credit information is weighed in your credit score. Note that "new credit" as a group is only rated 10%. While this includes a weighting for the number of new credit inquiries, that's only one item. It generally confirms my impression that the number of credit inquiries only counts for 1-2% of your credit score, therefore if you have an FCRA case wher improper inquiries are part of the actual damages, don't expect to break the bank on damages. You might even have a causation problem.
myFICO - What?s In Your Score
From the www.myfico.com website, here's a pie chart that gives general information on how different credit information is weighed in your credit score. Note that "new credit" as a group is only rated 10%. While this includes a weighting for the number of new credit inquiries, that's only one item. It generally confirms my impression that the number of credit inquiries only counts for 1-2% of your credit score, therefore if you have an FCRA case wher improper inquiries are part of the actual damages, don't expect to break the bank on damages. You might even have a causation problem.
myFICO - What?s In Your Score
Ex-Playmate Smith Faces Supreme Court - Forbes.com
Anna Nicole Smith has a Date with the Supreme Court
In the news today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Anna Nicole Smith's case.
I can just imagine the conversation in chambers when they were deciding to hear the case.
Justice Thomas: Wouldn't you just love to have those two big boobs right here, staring you right in the face?
Justice Scalia: Nah, let Bush and Cheney stay in the White House.
Ex-Playmate Smith Faces Supreme Court - Forbes.com
In the news today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Anna Nicole Smith's case.
I can just imagine the conversation in chambers when they were deciding to hear the case.
Justice Thomas: Wouldn't you just love to have those two big boobs right here, staring you right in the face?
Justice Scalia: Nah, let Bush and Cheney stay in the White House.
Ex-Playmate Smith Faces Supreme Court - Forbes.com
Monday, February 27, 2006
Govt investigating Pacifica fuel tanks
From the 'Take Care of My Baby' File:
Government to Investigate Chrysler Pacifica Fuel Tanks
Govt investigating Pacifica fuel tanks
Government to Investigate Chrysler Pacifica Fuel Tanks
Govt investigating Pacifica fuel tanks
DIE WELT.de Blogs - The Free West
18 Years to fall 25 Miles
Frenchman wants to Break Parachute Altitude Record
Sixty-one year old Michel Fournier has been trying since 1988 to break the record for the highest ever parachute jump. That's not the most interesting thing about this morning's Wall Street Journal article - reprinted at the link below. The most interesting part is the story of the current record-holder, American (Ret.) Col. Joe Kittinger. The minibiography of Col. Kittinger, who set the record in 1960, shows that he's truly a guy with "the right stuff":
Belly-flopping from the edge of space isn't just an incredibly long parachute ride. At that altitude, conditions quickly turn deadly. Above 40,000 feet, the atmosphere is so thin that unprotected people lose consciousness in around 12 seconds. Even with an air supply, nitrogen bubbles may form in the blood and soft tissue if the jumper hasn't prepared by inhaling pure oxygen for several hours. If the jumper is unprotected above 50,000 feet or so, saliva boils off the tongue, and body parts begin swelling painfully. Lungs may hemorrhage as they and the skull fill with liquid.
On Col. Kittinger's ascent to his record leap, his right glove broke, causing his exposed hand to balloon. A Soviet officer died two years later from pressure sickness in a similar attempt when his face mask cracked. An American sky diver died from decompression trying to beat the record in 1966.
Col. Kittinger is a hard act to follow. After breaking more ballooning records, he signed up for active duty in Vietnam, flying 483 missions before getting shot down in 1972. He says that during 11 months in the "Hanoi Hilton" prison, he stayed sane by plotting a balloon journey. In 1984, at age 56, he set a new record by ballooning across the Atlantic solo.
DIE WELT.de Blogs - The Free West
Frenchman wants to Break Parachute Altitude Record
Sixty-one year old Michel Fournier has been trying since 1988 to break the record for the highest ever parachute jump. That's not the most interesting thing about this morning's Wall Street Journal article - reprinted at the link below. The most interesting part is the story of the current record-holder, American (Ret.) Col. Joe Kittinger. The minibiography of Col. Kittinger, who set the record in 1960, shows that he's truly a guy with "the right stuff":
Belly-flopping from the edge of space isn't just an incredibly long parachute ride. At that altitude, conditions quickly turn deadly. Above 40,000 feet, the atmosphere is so thin that unprotected people lose consciousness in around 12 seconds. Even with an air supply, nitrogen bubbles may form in the blood and soft tissue if the jumper hasn't prepared by inhaling pure oxygen for several hours. If the jumper is unprotected above 50,000 feet or so, saliva boils off the tongue, and body parts begin swelling painfully. Lungs may hemorrhage as they and the skull fill with liquid.
On Col. Kittinger's ascent to his record leap, his right glove broke, causing his exposed hand to balloon. A Soviet officer died two years later from pressure sickness in a similar attempt when his face mask cracked. An American sky diver died from decompression trying to beat the record in 1966.
Col. Kittinger is a hard act to follow. After breaking more ballooning records, he signed up for active duty in Vietnam, flying 483 missions before getting shot down in 1972. He says that during 11 months in the "Hanoi Hilton" prison, he stayed sane by plotting a balloon journey. In 1984, at age 56, he set a new record by ballooning across the Atlantic solo.
DIE WELT.de Blogs - The Free West
Retro journey to Chrysler's future - Latest Road tests and Car reviews - CARSguide
Chrysler 300C - Big in Australia
It's outselling the local favorites: the Holden Statesman and the Ford Fairlane. Nevertheless, DaimlerChrysler can't count on the 300C for all its bacon. The Australian market is small. the 300C only sold 133 units there in January.
Retro journey to Chrysler's future - Latest Road tests and Car reviews - CARSguide
It's outselling the local favorites: the Holden Statesman and the Ford Fairlane. Nevertheless, DaimlerChrysler can't count on the 300C for all its bacon. The Australian market is small. the 300C only sold 133 units there in January.
Retro journey to Chrysler's future - Latest Road tests and Car reviews - CARSguide
Microsoft plans to release 6 versions of new Windows
From the 'You can't tell the players without a program' file:
Microsoft to release 6 versions of Vista
Just when you think you got the distinction between Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home, Microsoft announces that its next operating system will have six, count 'em, six versions. This is brought to you by the same marketing genius who came up with the Medicare Part D drug program.
Microsoft plans to release 6 versions of new Windows
Microsoft to release 6 versions of Vista
Just when you think you got the distinction between Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home, Microsoft announces that its next operating system will have six, count 'em, six versions. This is brought to you by the same marketing genius who came up with the Medicare Part D drug program.
Microsoft plans to release 6 versions of new Windows
TheIndyChannel.com - Technology - Jeeves The Butler Gets Canned By Ask.com
Ask Jeeves . . .
. . . and he'll tell you his (former) boss is a no good son of a bitch. You work 24 hours a day for 10 years - and get fired. Ingrates.
TheIndyChannel.com - Technology - Jeeves The Butler Gets Canned By Ask.com
. . . and he'll tell you his (former) boss is a no good son of a bitch. You work 24 hours a day for 10 years - and get fired. Ingrates.
TheIndyChannel.com - Technology - Jeeves The Butler Gets Canned By Ask.com
Dana MediaRoom - News Releases
Dana Corp. News Page
Here's a link to the 'News' Page at the official Dana Corporation site. If your sole source of news was this site, you'd have no idea why Dana's stock has plunged by over 50% in the past week. Last Tuesday, Dana stock traded over $4.00 per share. Today (Monday 2/27) it's hovering just under the $2.00 mark.
Dana MediaRoom - News Releases
Various news stories report that Dana hired a specialized turn around firm, and that caused the stock to slide. Today, Dana announced that it was looking into financing alternatives, "a move seen as reducing the immediate risk of a bankruptcy filing," according to Reuters.
Dana talks
Here's a link to the 'News' Page at the official Dana Corporation site. If your sole source of news was this site, you'd have no idea why Dana's stock has plunged by over 50% in the past week. Last Tuesday, Dana stock traded over $4.00 per share. Today (Monday 2/27) it's hovering just under the $2.00 mark.
Dana MediaRoom - News Releases
Various news stories report that Dana hired a specialized turn around firm, and that caused the stock to slide. Today, Dana announced that it was looking into financing alternatives, "a move seen as reducing the immediate risk of a bankruptcy filing," according to Reuters.
Dana talks
BLUE-COLLAR CRUSADER: Gregg Shotwell rails against Delphi, though only the workers are listening
Meet Greg Shotwell and the Soldiers of Solidarity
No, it's not a one-hit-wonder band from the '60s, it's an ad-hoc labor group that just might end up controlling the future of Delphi, General Motors, UAW Legal Services and a host of other suppliers.
BLUE-COLLAR CRUSADER: Gregg Shotwell rails against Delphi, though only the workers are listening
No, it's not a one-hit-wonder band from the '60s, it's an ad-hoc labor group that just might end up controlling the future of Delphi, General Motors, UAW Legal Services and a host of other suppliers.
BLUE-COLLAR CRUSADER: Gregg Shotwell rails against Delphi, though only the workers are listening
CBS News | Montana's Coal Cowboy | February 26, 2006?21:05:04
Montana's Coal Cowboy
A 'Collapse' Retort
Last night, the CBS show, 60 Minutes had a feature story on Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer whom was described as the "Coal Cowboy". Gov. Schweitzer all but claimed to have the solution to the United State's energy problems with strip-mined Montana "clean coal". Per Schweitzer, coal gasification and liquification can solve the country's energy needs with less pollution. (Although the production of synthetic oil and the burning of the oil and the gasification causes at least twice the carbon dioxide, the leading "greenhouse" gas, per Schweitzer, this isn't a problem because the carbon dioxide will be stored underground.)
CBS News | Montana's Coal Cowboy | February 26, 2006?21:05:04
I have a hunch that author Jarod Diamond would disagree with Governor Schweitzer on just about every count on what's best for Montana, and possibly what's best for the nation and world. For at least six months I've been wrestling with Jared Diamond's book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.
This book is brilliant and vital to the key issues of the day, but it is also unecessarily repetitive and obtuse, and it could have used a heavier hand in the editing department. If any book could use the PBS NOVA treatment, this one could.
Mr. Diamond's central theme is that many human societies have over-used their resources and either collapsed outright (Easter Island) or ended up with systematic poverty and blight (Haiti). Montana is profiled as an area where unchecked mining has reduced the carrying capacity of the land and reduced living standards. This is a vast over-simplification of the book. I'm linking the Amazon.com page for the book.
Collapse
Here's Hof's simplifified version as it relates to Governor Schweitzer:
How do you tell a mining spokesman is lying to you?
His lips are moving.
A 'Collapse' Retort
Last night, the CBS show, 60 Minutes had a feature story on Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer whom was described as the "Coal Cowboy". Gov. Schweitzer all but claimed to have the solution to the United State's energy problems with strip-mined Montana "clean coal". Per Schweitzer, coal gasification and liquification can solve the country's energy needs with less pollution. (Although the production of synthetic oil and the burning of the oil and the gasification causes at least twice the carbon dioxide, the leading "greenhouse" gas, per Schweitzer, this isn't a problem because the carbon dioxide will be stored underground.)
CBS News | Montana's Coal Cowboy | February 26, 2006?21:05:04
I have a hunch that author Jarod Diamond would disagree with Governor Schweitzer on just about every count on what's best for Montana, and possibly what's best for the nation and world. For at least six months I've been wrestling with Jared Diamond's book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.
This book is brilliant and vital to the key issues of the day, but it is also unecessarily repetitive and obtuse, and it could have used a heavier hand in the editing department. If any book could use the PBS NOVA treatment, this one could.
Mr. Diamond's central theme is that many human societies have over-used their resources and either collapsed outright (Easter Island) or ended up with systematic poverty and blight (Haiti). Montana is profiled as an area where unchecked mining has reduced the carrying capacity of the land and reduced living standards. This is a vast over-simplification of the book. I'm linking the Amazon.com page for the book.
Collapse
Here's Hof's simplifified version as it relates to Governor Schweitzer:
How do you tell a mining spokesman is lying to you?
His lips are moving.
List of vehicles sold in Canada but not the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Go North Young Man
Wikipedia Entry of the Day: Cars Available in Canada but not the United States
List of vehicles sold in Canada but not the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wikipedia Entry of the Day: Cars Available in Canada but not the United States
List of vehicles sold in Canada but not the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, February 24, 2006
Apple - iTunes - 1 Billion Songs
The "What-if" 1 Billion iTunes Song Contest
A high school student from Michigan downloaded the billionth song from Apple's iTunes site, and as such won a lot of cool hardware, a computer, a pile of ipods, and 10,000 song downloads. The kid downloaded a Coldplay tune.
I was wondering, what if you won the contest, downloaded the billionth tune, but it was a song that you'd be embarrassed to have people know you paid money to download.
Here's my first user-participation request in a long time, e-mail me your nomination for the song that you'd be most embarrassed to be caught downloading. Just send me the link. The tune has to be available at the iTunes site. I'll publish the links (anonymously if you prefer).
What do you win? Absolutely nothing.
Here's the new e-mail address to send a message to Hof's Blog. FYI I probably won't check it every day, so if you're dying call somebody else.
hofsblogmailNOSPAM@sbcglobal.net
Due to the trolling bad guys, you need to take the "NOSPAM" out before you send me a message.
Apple - iTunes - 1 Billion Songs
A high school student from Michigan downloaded the billionth song from Apple's iTunes site, and as such won a lot of cool hardware, a computer, a pile of ipods, and 10,000 song downloads. The kid downloaded a Coldplay tune.
I was wondering, what if you won the contest, downloaded the billionth tune, but it was a song that you'd be embarrassed to have people know you paid money to download.
Here's my first user-participation request in a long time, e-mail me your nomination for the song that you'd be most embarrassed to be caught downloading. Just send me the link. The tune has to be available at the iTunes site. I'll publish the links (anonymously if you prefer).
What do you win? Absolutely nothing.
Here's the new e-mail address to send a message to Hof's Blog. FYI I probably won't check it every day, so if you're dying call somebody else.
hofsblogmailNOSPAM@sbcglobal.net
Due to the trolling bad guys, you need to take the "NOSPAM" out before you send me a message.
Apple - iTunes - 1 Billion Songs
The Navy?s Swimming Spy Plane - Popular Science
Flying Robot Sub
When I was in first grade, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was my favorite show. I loved the flying sub. I had a model & everything. Ever since then, everything I read said that it's impossible to build a flying sub. Well, Lockheed Martin is doing just that. Read about it on Popsci.com.
The Navy?s Swimming Spy Plane - Popular Science
When I was in first grade, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was my favorite show. I loved the flying sub. I had a model & everything. Ever since then, everything I read said that it's impossible to build a flying sub. Well, Lockheed Martin is doing just that. Read about it on Popsci.com.
The Navy?s Swimming Spy Plane - Popular Science
'Beaver' lived amid dinosaurs | CNET News.com
Animal of the Day: Jurassic Beaver
There are lots of news stories around about prehistoric mammal fossils dating back to the days of the dinosaurs, fossils of a creature that looked a lot like a beaver. The creature was hairy, but it also had scale imprints. Actually it wasn't a beaver but was beaver-like. Moving on . . .
'Beaver' lived amid dinosaurs | CNET News.com
There are lots of news stories around about prehistoric mammal fossils dating back to the days of the dinosaurs, fossils of a creature that looked a lot like a beaver. The creature was hairy, but it also had scale imprints. Actually it wasn't a beaver but was beaver-like. Moving on . . .
'Beaver' lived amid dinosaurs | CNET News.com
asahi.com:Toyota, GM to end fuel-cell alliance?-?ENGLISH
GM & Toyota End Fuel Cell Alliance
Lack of Progress cited.
The most impressive thing that I've seen come from GM in the past 5 years has been its HyWire fuel cell concept cars. GM's official line has been that it's trying to skip hybrids and go directly to fuel cells. According to this article,practical fuel cell cars are 10 years away. That's funny, five years ago, fuel cell cars were ten years away too. Plan B GM?
asahi.com:Toyota, GM to end fuel-cell alliance?-?ENGLISH
Lack of Progress cited.
The most impressive thing that I've seen come from GM in the past 5 years has been its HyWire fuel cell concept cars. GM's official line has been that it's trying to skip hybrids and go directly to fuel cells. According to this article,practical fuel cell cars are 10 years away. That's funny, five years ago, fuel cell cars were ten years away too. Plan B GM?
asahi.com:Toyota, GM to end fuel-cell alliance?-?ENGLISH
Thursday, February 23, 2006
DesMoinesRegister.com
The Right Way to Treat We-Buy-Homes Scammers:
165 Years in prison
In Iowa, Rod Wolford Sr. was sentenced to 165 years in prison for running a foreclosure avoidance scam that also including scamming the would-be purchasers of the home. These scams need to be treated as serious criminal matters. Too often, they're not. Private civil attorneys don't really have the mechanisms to drive these scams out of the market.
DesMoinesRegister.com
165 Years in prison
In Iowa, Rod Wolford Sr. was sentenced to 165 years in prison for running a foreclosure avoidance scam that also including scamming the would-be purchasers of the home. These scams need to be treated as serious criminal matters. Too often, they're not. Private civil attorneys don't really have the mechanisms to drive these scams out of the market.
DesMoinesRegister.com
Million Worker March:?Commentary: March to Irrelevance?
The Cure for Beltway Indifference - A Million Worker March?
George W. Bush has made it clear that he doesn't intend to bail out the auto industry. (He forgets that the auto industry bailed him out after 9/11.) How about sending a million auto (and supplier) workers for a march on Washington? Good idea, except it's been tried before, and it didn't work.
There was a call for a million worker march scheduled for October 17, 2004. According to www.millionworkermarch.org, it only came up about 990,000 workers short. Doh!
Million Worker March:?Commentary: March to Irrelevance?
George W. Bush has made it clear that he doesn't intend to bail out the auto industry. (He forgets that the auto industry bailed him out after 9/11.) How about sending a million auto (and supplier) workers for a march on Washington? Good idea, except it's been tried before, and it didn't work.
There was a call for a million worker march scheduled for October 17, 2004. According to www.millionworkermarch.org, it only came up about 990,000 workers short. Doh!
Million Worker March:?Commentary: March to Irrelevance?
"lift and shift" china - Google Search
The Googleteer: 'Lift and Shift'
The Googleteer may be a superhero, but he can only do so much, so when the call came to solve the evils of globalization, the Googleteer mumbled something about picking up drycleaning and took off. Before he went, he gave me this search:
"lift and shift" china
571 hits (as of 2-23-06)
I'll try to keep an eye on this one. What's "lift and shift". That's the process of moving a complete existing facility to a lower cost country. Most recently the news involved the movement of a Brazilian engine plant to China, but we could still be at the tip-of-the-iceberg stage.
Hypothetical: What would happen if General Motors really did go bankrupt and assets were sold? I think we'd see lift and shift on a massive scale.
"lift and shift" china - Google Search
The Googleteer may be a superhero, but he can only do so much, so when the call came to solve the evils of globalization, the Googleteer mumbled something about picking up drycleaning and took off. Before he went, he gave me this search:
"lift and shift" china
571 hits (as of 2-23-06)
I'll try to keep an eye on this one. What's "lift and shift". That's the process of moving a complete existing facility to a lower cost country. Most recently the news involved the movement of a Brazilian engine plant to China, but we could still be at the tip-of-the-iceberg stage.
Hypothetical: What would happen if General Motors really did go bankrupt and assets were sold? I think we'd see lift and shift on a massive scale.
"lift and shift" china - Google Search
General Watch - GM Shareholders Watching General Motors
Critical GM Blog #2: generalwatch.com
Look at this steady deterioration in market capitalization provided by General Watch:
At this rate $0 is reached around 2008.
General Watch - GM Shareholders Watching General Motors
Look at this steady deterioration in market capitalization provided by General Watch:
MARKET CAPITALIZATION:
2000 - $66,000,000,000
2001 - $48,000,000,000
2004 - $25,000,000,000
2005 - $15,000,000,000
2006 - $10,000,000,000
At this rate $0 is reached around 2008.
General Watch - GM Shareholders Watching General Motors
Fears rise of all-out Iraq civil war - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
Threat of Full-scale Civil War in Iraq rises
Fears rise of all-out Iraq civil war - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
Fears rise of all-out Iraq civil war - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader
Champ Car and Indy Racing League to Merge?
The rumor mill is heating up, but there's no official word.
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader
The rumor mill is heating up, but there's no official word.
TSN.ca - Auto Racing - Canada's Sports Leader
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Toyota's 'Simple Slim' Cuts Engine Manufacturing Cost in Half
Bloomberg.com is reporting on Toyota's new manufacturing process that cuts the cost of manufacturing a V-6 engine from $2000 to $1000. Note: Toyota makes engines for most of its North American assembled products in the USA. GM has taken to importing a good portion of its V-6 engines from China. Ford makes its engines in the USA, but assembles its new mid-sized cars in Mexico.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Bloomberg.com is reporting on Toyota's new manufacturing process that cuts the cost of manufacturing a V-6 engine from $2000 to $1000. Note: Toyota makes engines for most of its North American assembled products in the USA. GM has taken to importing a good portion of its V-6 engines from China. Ford makes its engines in the USA, but assembles its new mid-sized cars in Mexico.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Toyota's 'Simple Slim' Cuts Engine Manufacturing Cost in Half
Bloomberg.com is reporting on Toyota's new manufacturing process that cuts the cost of manufacturing a V-6 engine from $2000 to $1000. Note: Toyota makes engines for most of its North American assembled products in the USA. GM has taken to importing a good portion of its V-6 engines from China. Ford makes its engines in the USA, but assembles its new mid-sized cars in Mexico.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Bloomberg.com is reporting on Toyota's new manufacturing process that cuts the cost of manufacturing a V-6 engine from $2000 to $1000. Note: Toyota makes engines for most of its North American assembled products in the USA. GM has taken to importing a good portion of its V-6 engines from China. Ford makes its engines in the USA, but assembles its new mid-sized cars in Mexico.
Bloomberg.com: U.S.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
GM officially dumps the Pontiac GTO - Autoblog
GTO - RIP
To no one's surprise, Pontiac is killing off the GTO. Sales were never great and they've only gone down since the car's introduction. The last units will come to the US in late summer.
GM officially dumps the Pontiac GTO - Autoblog
To no one's surprise, Pontiac is killing off the GTO. Sales were never great and they've only gone down since the car's introduction. The last units will come to the US in late summer.
GM officially dumps the Pontiac GTO - Autoblog
The Truth About Cars - General Motors Death Watch 56: The Spin Starts Here
Did the Truthaboutcars.com get it wrong?
Incorrect information in GM Deathwatch Story
Writer Robert Farago posts editorials at thetruthaboutcars.com website. I've linked to his stuff before. His writing is quite good, and he's at "Watch 57" in a series on the GM Deathwatch. That being said, he made what looks to be a substantial error in Watch 56 though (linked below). He calls GM Vice President of Global Communications, Steve Harris, Steve "Twisted Sister" Harris.
Everybody knows that Steve Harris is a member of Iron Maiden, not Twisted Sister. The picture that he posts is Twisted Sister's Dee Snider. Now excuse me while I put a new towel under the door. (By the way, he got the rest of the stuff right.)
The Truth About Cars - General Motors Death Watch 56: The Spin Starts Here
Incorrect information in GM Deathwatch Story
Writer Robert Farago posts editorials at thetruthaboutcars.com website. I've linked to his stuff before. His writing is quite good, and he's at "Watch 57" in a series on the GM Deathwatch. That being said, he made what looks to be a substantial error in Watch 56 though (linked below). He calls GM Vice President of Global Communications, Steve Harris, Steve "Twisted Sister" Harris.
Everybody knows that Steve Harris is a member of Iron Maiden, not Twisted Sister. The picture that he posts is Twisted Sister's Dee Snider. Now excuse me while I put a new towel under the door. (By the way, he got the rest of the stuff right.)
The Truth About Cars - General Motors Death Watch 56: The Spin Starts Here
Report: U.S. reclassifying documents - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
From the Sticking the Cat Back in the Bag File: Government RE-Classified 55,000 pages since 1999.
Apparently most of the documents were covered under the presumed declassification standard for documents over 25 years old. If you saw any of these documents, either pretend you didn't see what you saw when you saw it or submit to government mind erasure.
Report: U.S. reclassifying documents - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
Apparently most of the documents were covered under the presumed declassification standard for documents over 25 years old. If you saw any of these documents, either pretend you didn't see what you saw when you saw it or submit to government mind erasure.
Report: U.S. reclassifying documents - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com
FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: Did Houston Officials Learn Too Much from Katrina? The Salience Fallacy and What to do About it
The Salience Fallacy
Professor Michael Dorf of Columbia University regularly rights for Findlaw.com. He puts out some very good stuff. Linked below is an essay from late September 2005 discussing the "Salience Fallacy". The "Salience Fallacy" is the tendency to make policy mistakes by overweighing risks that come to mind due to recent events. The almost-inevitable result of the salience fallacy is poor public policy. In my opinion the Bush administration's entire foreign policy focus on terrorism after 9/11 is the textbook example of the salience fallacy.
FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: Did Houston Officials Learn Too Much from Katrina? The Salience Fallacy and What to do About it
Professor Michael Dorf of Columbia University regularly rights for Findlaw.com. He puts out some very good stuff. Linked below is an essay from late September 2005 discussing the "Salience Fallacy". The "Salience Fallacy" is the tendency to make policy mistakes by overweighing risks that come to mind due to recent events. The almost-inevitable result of the salience fallacy is poor public policy. In my opinion the Bush administration's entire foreign policy focus on terrorism after 9/11 is the textbook example of the salience fallacy.
FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: Did Houston Officials Learn Too Much from Katrina? The Salience Fallacy and What to do About it
ABC News: Lab Jobs Restored Ahead of Bush Speech
What the George W. Bush Visit to the DOE Renewable Energy Lab Proves:
1. George is a weasel - cutting funding for research then transferring money to have warm bodies there when for his visit.
2. George W. Bush knows his alcohol
ABC News: Lab Jobs Restored Ahead of Bush Speech
1. George is a weasel - cutting funding for research then transferring money to have warm bodies there when for his visit.
2. George W. Bush knows his alcohol
At the lab, where Bush was holding a panel discussion of his energy initiatives, the president saw tanks where agricultural waste is fermented into ethanol. He was shown samples of polar, switchgrass and corn stalks material the lab is studying in hopes of developing a cost-effective way to use it to make ethanol.
"You're doing great work here," said Bush, who picked up a bottle of clear-colored ethanol and smelled it.
ABC News: Lab Jobs Restored Ahead of Bush Speech
Rip-off Report.com - badbusinessbureau.com
JD Byrider - CNAC
140 Complaints and Counting
Because I'm one of the few Indiana members of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, I get calls from consumer attorneys all over the country about Indiana-based JD Byrider and its financing arm CNAC. When I get the calls, sometimes I sigh, and sometimes I chuckle under my breath, because I'm amazed that this company keeps at it. The link below is to the great consumer complaint site www.ripoffreport.com. As of this posting, they have 140 complaints about J.D. Byrider and/or CNAC.
A decade and a half ago, I had a long conversation with an insider in the subprime auto trade (not with Byrider). He said that his policy was to get a car with an actual cash value of $2000 and to price the car at twice the actual cash value plus $2,000 or as he put it "2x2+2". In other words, sell a $2000 car for $6000, and charge the highest interest rate allowed by law. Later I heard of another lender that was doing it as "2x2+4". Sometimes companies like Byrider can be legally challenged, but sometimes it's just "buyer beware."
Rip-off Report.com - badbusinessbureau.com
140 Complaints and Counting
Because I'm one of the few Indiana members of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, I get calls from consumer attorneys all over the country about Indiana-based JD Byrider and its financing arm CNAC. When I get the calls, sometimes I sigh, and sometimes I chuckle under my breath, because I'm amazed that this company keeps at it. The link below is to the great consumer complaint site www.ripoffreport.com. As of this posting, they have 140 complaints about J.D. Byrider and/or CNAC.
A decade and a half ago, I had a long conversation with an insider in the subprime auto trade (not with Byrider). He said that his policy was to get a car with an actual cash value of $2000 and to price the car at twice the actual cash value plus $2,000 or as he put it "2x2+2". In other words, sell a $2000 car for $6000, and charge the highest interest rate allowed by law. Later I heard of another lender that was doing it as "2x2+4". Sometimes companies like Byrider can be legally challenged, but sometimes it's just "buyer beware."
Rip-off Report.com - badbusinessbureau.com
AP Entertainment | IndyStar.com
Bono to Donate Guitar for Hunger campaign
And if it's really yummy, guitars will be added to the menu of every MacDonalds.
AP Entertainment | IndyStar.com
And if it's really yummy, guitars will be added to the menu of every MacDonalds.
AP Entertainment | IndyStar.com
Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com
GM: From Russia with Love
OR Niva Say Niva Again
GM has been spatting with its Russian partner AutoVas. The russian manufacture shut down last week over an internal money issue. Apparently production is going to start again on the Niva off-road vehicle. That's nice.
Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com
OR Niva Say Niva Again
GM has been spatting with its Russian partner AutoVas. The russian manufacture shut down last week over an internal money issue. Apparently production is going to start again on the Niva off-road vehicle. That's nice.
Reuters Business Channel | Reuters.com
Bud Hibbs Helps America Hold Debt Collectors to the Law!
Is Bottom-Feeder Asset Acceptance Corporation Scamming the United States Government?
Virtually every UAW-LSP attorney has encountered Asset Acceptance Corporation. Asset Acceptance Corp. buys bad debts for pennies (or less than a penny) on the dollar and tries to collect the whole amount. Because many of these debts are actually past the statute of limitations for a successful suit, companies like Asset Acceptance are collectively termed "bottom feeders" by the consumer bar. Bottom Feeders have been accused of various deceptive practices including re-aging of debts and deceptive statements of what actions can be taken on the debts.
Consumer Advocate Bud Hibbs uncovered what could be a scam of even greater importance to the US Government and US taxpayer. Bud reports that Asset Acceptance has been sending out 1099C tax statements to various consumers for the full amount of the debt (rather than what Asset Acceptance paid), and this could result in a windfall tax write-off to Asset Acceptance. I hope that Bud or someone else files a False Claims Act case against Asset Acceptance lickety-split.
By the way, whenever you encounter a collection agency and you want to know whether the behavior that you encountered is typical or not, there's no better place to go than Bud Hibb's site at www.budhibbs.com.
Bud Hibbs Helps America Hold Debt Collectors to the Law!
Virtually every UAW-LSP attorney has encountered Asset Acceptance Corporation. Asset Acceptance Corp. buys bad debts for pennies (or less than a penny) on the dollar and tries to collect the whole amount. Because many of these debts are actually past the statute of limitations for a successful suit, companies like Asset Acceptance are collectively termed "bottom feeders" by the consumer bar. Bottom Feeders have been accused of various deceptive practices including re-aging of debts and deceptive statements of what actions can be taken on the debts.
Consumer Advocate Bud Hibbs uncovered what could be a scam of even greater importance to the US Government and US taxpayer. Bud reports that Asset Acceptance has been sending out 1099C tax statements to various consumers for the full amount of the debt (rather than what Asset Acceptance paid), and this could result in a windfall tax write-off to Asset Acceptance. I hope that Bud or someone else files a False Claims Act case against Asset Acceptance lickety-split.
By the way, whenever you encounter a collection agency and you want to know whether the behavior that you encountered is typical or not, there's no better place to go than Bud Hibb's site at www.budhibbs.com.
Bud Hibbs Helps America Hold Debt Collectors to the Law!
First pics: Bond's DBS - Autoblog
Jame's Bond's Aston Martin
This is the car that will star in Casino Royale, this summer's Bond picture.
First pics: Bond's DBS - Autoblog
This is the car that will star in Casino Royale, this summer's Bond picture.
First pics: Bond's DBS - Autoblog
Zillow.com - Your Edge in Real Estate
Zillow.com Update
Earlier this month I wrote about a new website zillow.com that provides instant market estimates for any address that you type in. When I initially checked the site out, it had just been written up in the Wall Street Journal. It probably got overloaded and shut down. The site's back up, but it's still in beta form. I checked out my address in Indianapolis, and Zillow only had 1993 property tax assessment. This wasn't completely worthless though, because it also provided the appraised value for all the neighboring houses. If you assume that even if the appraised value is proportional to market value even if it bares no fixed relationship to market value, then if you know the selling price of a neighboring house, you should be able to get a ballpark estimate of the value of your house.
I checked out a relative's house in Florida and got what appeared to be a pretty reasoned estimate. Overall, Zillow shows a lot of promise.
Zillow.com - Your Edge in Real Estate
Earlier this month I wrote about a new website zillow.com that provides instant market estimates for any address that you type in. When I initially checked the site out, it had just been written up in the Wall Street Journal. It probably got overloaded and shut down. The site's back up, but it's still in beta form. I checked out my address in Indianapolis, and Zillow only had 1993 property tax assessment. This wasn't completely worthless though, because it also provided the appraised value for all the neighboring houses. If you assume that even if the appraised value is proportional to market value even if it bares no fixed relationship to market value, then if you know the selling price of a neighboring house, you should be able to get a ballpark estimate of the value of your house.
I checked out a relative's house in Florida and got what appeared to be a pretty reasoned estimate. Overall, Zillow shows a lot of promise.
Zillow.com - Your Edge in Real Estate
Monday, February 20, 2006
Company Town Relies on G.M. Long After Plants Have Closed - New York Times
NYT: Anderson Indiana - GM's Gone but the Checks Keep Coming
The New York Times today has a profile of Anderson,Indiana. This used to be a GM company town, but GM has closed all its facilities. A Delphi plant remains but is on the chopping block. GM retiree checks are currently the backbone of the economy. When the retirees have passed on, Anderson will either be a ghost town or a bedroom community for Indianapolis, 50 miles away.
Company Town Relies on G.M. Long After Plants Have Closed - New York Times
The New York Times today has a profile of Anderson,Indiana. This used to be a GM company town, but GM has closed all its facilities. A Delphi plant remains but is on the chopping block. GM retiree checks are currently the backbone of the economy. When the retirees have passed on, Anderson will either be a ghost town or a bedroom community for Indianapolis, 50 miles away.
Company Town Relies on G.M. Long After Plants Have Closed - New York Times
Friday, February 17, 2006
Delphi Delay's UAW Deadline
New Delphi/UAW Deadline is March 31
Today's deadline for Delphi to ratify its contract with the UAW (and other unions) has come and gone. News reports indicate that Delphi has extended the deadline to March 31.
Delphi Extends Deadline
Today's deadline for Delphi to ratify its contract with the UAW (and other unions) has come and gone. News reports indicate that Delphi has extended the deadline to March 31.
Delphi Extends Deadline
Toyota market Cap $200B
Is Toyota Now the Big 1?
Forget the "Big 3". According to the Automotive news, Toyota's market capitalization is now over $200 billion, exceeding that of Wal-Mart. The market capitalization (aka market cap) is the total value of all outstanding stock in a company. Toyota's market cap now is more than twice as much as that of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler combined.
Forget the "Big 3". According to the Automotive news, Toyota's market capitalization is now over $200 billion, exceeding that of Wal-Mart. The market capitalization (aka market cap) is the total value of all outstanding stock in a company. Toyota's market cap now is more than twice as much as that of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler combined.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Ward's Announces 10 Best Engines Awards for 2006
Ward's Top 10 Engines of 2006
GM scored with two of the ten, both with Saab roots. GM's winners were the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder supercharged engine from the Cobalt SS and the 2.8 liter tubocharged engine from the Saab 9-3 Aero
Ward's Announces 10 Best Engines Awards for 2006
GM scored with two of the ten, both with Saab roots. GM's winners were the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder supercharged engine from the Cobalt SS and the 2.8 liter tubocharged engine from the Saab 9-3 Aero
Ward's Announces 10 Best Engines Awards for 2006
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
Elementary Disaster Preparedness -
A Primer for Mike Brown and Mike Chertoff
See, there are elementary courses in disaster preparedness.
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
A Primer for Mike Brown and Mike Chertoff
See, there are elementary courses in disaster preparedness.
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
Elementary Disaster Preparedness -
A Primer for Mike Brown and Mike Chertoff
See, there are elementary courses in disaster preparedness.
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
A Primer for Mike Brown and Mike Chertoff
See, there are elementary courses in disaster preparedness.
FEMA for KIDS Homepage: Education, Schools, Disasters, Games, Teachers, Art, Hurricane
Ford to build hybrid Edge and Lincoln MKX in Canada by 2010 - Autoblog
Ford to Build Hybrid SUV's by 2010
Ford announced that it is planning to build hybrid versions of its Ford Edge and Lincoln Mkx crossovers in Canada by 2010. That would be four years after Toyota started selling its Lexus RX 400h. In other words, Ford will start selling its first generation hybrid SUV when Toyota is due to come out with its second. Hmmm which do you think will be better?
Ford to build hybrid Edge and Lincoln MKX in Canada by 2010 - Autoblog
Ford announced that it is planning to build hybrid versions of its Ford Edge and Lincoln Mkx crossovers in Canada by 2010. That would be four years after Toyota started selling its Lexus RX 400h. In other words, Ford will start selling its first generation hybrid SUV when Toyota is due to come out with its second. Hmmm which do you think will be better?
Ford to build hybrid Edge and Lincoln MKX in Canada by 2010 - Autoblog
torturous: Top Thirty Facts About Chuck Norris...
More Chuck Norris Legends
The last person to complain about too many Chuck Norris references mysteriously died from a roundhouse kick to the face. How about some more Chuck Norris legends?
torturous: Top Thirty Facts About Chuck Norris...
The last person to complain about too many Chuck Norris references mysteriously died from a roundhouse kick to the face. How about some more Chuck Norris legends?
torturous: Top Thirty Facts About Chuck Norris...
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Pics of Nissan Terranaut reveal vehicle perfect for Picard and his crew - Autoblog
An old Joke Recycled
Dick Cheney is hunting alone in the woods. He comes across a beautiful naked woman sunning herself on a rock in a clearing. He winks at her and asks: "Are you game?"
"Sure" she replies.
So he shoots her.
Nissan Terranaut
Here's a concept car that's perfect for a "five year journey. To explore new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldy go where no one has gone before. . . "
Pics of Nissan Terranaut reveal vehicle perfect for Picard and his crew - Autoblog
Dick Cheney is hunting alone in the woods. He comes across a beautiful naked woman sunning herself on a rock in a clearing. He winks at her and asks: "Are you game?"
"Sure" she replies.
So he shoots her.
Nissan Terranaut
Here's a concept car that's perfect for a "five year journey. To explore new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldy go where no one has gone before. . . "
Pics of Nissan Terranaut reveal vehicle perfect for Picard and his crew - Autoblog
Hot Tahoe fuels GM optimism - 02/15/06 - The Detroit News
New Chevy Tahoe is a hit
Good news for GM: the redesigned Chevy Tahoe is a hit. Sales are up 50% over last year.
Hot Tahoe fuels GM optimism - 02/15/06 - The Detroit News
Good news for GM: the redesigned Chevy Tahoe is a hit. Sales are up 50% over last year.
Hot Tahoe fuels GM optimism - 02/15/06 - The Detroit News
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Shotgun shell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wikipedia Entry of the Day: Shotgun Shells
Everything you've ever wanted to know (at least over the past two days) about shotgun shells.
Shotgun shell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Everything you've ever wanted to know (at least over the past two days) about shotgun shells.
Shotgun shell - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
KB Home warns home-order cancellations up
Does Tom Cruise STILL Love KB Homes?
KB Homes reports cancellations are up. Perhaps the love affair is over.
KB Home warns home-order cancellations up
KB Homes reports cancellations are up. Perhaps the love affair is over.
KB Home warns home-order cancellations up
"Dick Cheney's" "elmer fudd" - Google Search
Dick Cheney & Elmer Fudd
It's not surprising that there are 175 hits linking "Dick Cheney" and "Elmer Fudd". What is surprising is that very few of them have to do with Cheney's shooting of a hunting companion. See for yourself.
"Dick Cheney's" "elmer fudd" - Google Search
It's not surprising that there are 175 hits linking "Dick Cheney" and "Elmer Fudd". What is surprising is that very few of them have to do with Cheney's shooting of a hunting companion. See for yourself.
"Dick Cheney's" "elmer fudd" - Google Search
Monday, February 13, 2006
Mazda3 MPS to debut in Geneva - Autoblog
Mazda3 MPS / Mazdaspeed3
Just what the world needs: a 274 horsepower Mazda3.
Mazda3 MPS to debut in Geneva - Autoblog
Just what the world needs: a 274 horsepower Mazda3.
Mazda3 MPS to debut in Geneva - Autoblog
Kia Multi-S Concept - Automobile Magazine
Kia Crosses Over (at least in concept)
Kia Multi-S Concept
At a press conference in Chicago last week, Kia introduced the Multi-S concept vehicle. This is a 3-row crossover suv. It's thoroughly modern if a little generic-looking, with a multi-pane sunroof much like the Nissan Quest. Its closest competitor appears to be the recently redesigned Toyota Rav-4. The show model is powered by a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder version of the Global engine shared by Hyundai-Kia, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler. In Europe a turbo-diesel will likely be the engine of choice.
If the Multi-S makes it to market in anything close to its current form, its success may be dependent on whether Kia can keep the weight down. Kia has a history of coming to market with vehicles that are about 10% heavier than the closest competition. Recently, though Kia has been improving in this department. (See Kia Sedona post below.) If Kia can keep the weight in the 3000-3200 ballpark, this could be a winner.
Kia Multi-S Concept - Automobile Magazine
Kia Multi-S Concept
At a press conference in Chicago last week, Kia introduced the Multi-S concept vehicle. This is a 3-row crossover suv. It's thoroughly modern if a little generic-looking, with a multi-pane sunroof much like the Nissan Quest. Its closest competitor appears to be the recently redesigned Toyota Rav-4. The show model is powered by a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder version of the Global engine shared by Hyundai-Kia, Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler. In Europe a turbo-diesel will likely be the engine of choice.
If the Multi-S makes it to market in anything close to its current form, its success may be dependent on whether Kia can keep the weight down. Kia has a history of coming to market with vehicles that are about 10% heavier than the closest competition. Recently, though Kia has been improving in this department. (See Kia Sedona post below.) If Kia can keep the weight in the 3000-3200 ballpark, this could be a winner.
Kia Multi-S Concept - Automobile Magazine
Rising Sun at Honda
Honda to Produce Solar Panels
$86 million investment to provide power for 8,000 homes/yr
What Could $200 Billion Accomplish?
Honda has announced that it is investing $86 million in a new factory to produce thin-film photovoltaic solar panels. The factory will produce enough panels each year to outfit 8,000 homes.
Honda recognizes that it's important to get in on the ground floor of emerging technologies. If you don't, you lose the efficiencies of the learning curve. The learning curve is an economic construct that describes the observed phenomenon of reduced unit costs as a function of cumulative units produced. In other words, the more that you've produced, the less each costs. Why does it work that way? You get better at things the more you do them. You learn to do things better.
The US automakers don't have the money to invest in photovoltaics. GM has invested heavily in fuel cells, but it doesn't appear ready to bring the fuel cells to market.
If the United States Government was serious about alternative technologies, it could contract with the automakers to used idled auto plants to produce solar panels, first for use on federal buildings then expanding out from there. If the money would scale up from the Honda investment, an $8.6 billion investment would produce enough power for 800,000 homes and would advance US producers on the critical learning curve.
How many homes could we outfit with solar cells for the $200 billion that we've spent (so far) on the Iraq war? By my calculations: 18.6 million. By the same token, the $100 billion lifetime cost of the International Space station, could fund enough photovoltaic panels to power 9.3 million homes. How much have we spent subsidizing nuclear power? by one estimate, $150 billion, there's another 14 million homes. You can go on and on. We have always subsidized certain technologies, it's a matter of political choice which technologies that we've subsidized. It's just as legitimate to subsidize fuel cells and solar power as it is to subsidize oil, nuclear and defense/space.
Rising Sun at Honda
$86 million investment to provide power for 8,000 homes/yr
What Could $200 Billion Accomplish?
Honda has announced that it is investing $86 million in a new factory to produce thin-film photovoltaic solar panels. The factory will produce enough panels each year to outfit 8,000 homes.
Honda recognizes that it's important to get in on the ground floor of emerging technologies. If you don't, you lose the efficiencies of the learning curve. The learning curve is an economic construct that describes the observed phenomenon of reduced unit costs as a function of cumulative units produced. In other words, the more that you've produced, the less each costs. Why does it work that way? You get better at things the more you do them. You learn to do things better.
The US automakers don't have the money to invest in photovoltaics. GM has invested heavily in fuel cells, but it doesn't appear ready to bring the fuel cells to market.
If the United States Government was serious about alternative technologies, it could contract with the automakers to used idled auto plants to produce solar panels, first for use on federal buildings then expanding out from there. If the money would scale up from the Honda investment, an $8.6 billion investment would produce enough power for 800,000 homes and would advance US producers on the critical learning curve.
How many homes could we outfit with solar cells for the $200 billion that we've spent (so far) on the Iraq war? By my calculations: 18.6 million. By the same token, the $100 billion lifetime cost of the International Space station, could fund enough photovoltaic panels to power 9.3 million homes. How much have we spent subsidizing nuclear power? by one estimate, $150 billion, there's another 14 million homes. You can go on and on. We have always subsidized certain technologies, it's a matter of political choice which technologies that we've subsidized. It's just as legitimate to subsidize fuel cells and solar power as it is to subsidize oil, nuclear and defense/space.
Rising Sun at Honda
David Corn
Some David Corn Quotes
David Corn
That seems to be the principle among Iraq war-backers--in and out of the Bush administration--who refuse to acknowledge what most Americans appear to believe these days: that Bush purposefully guided the nation to war with misrepresenting and exaggerating the intelligence regarding Saddam Hussein's WMD programs and ties to al Qaeda. It's sort of like the Black Knight of Monty Python and the Holy Grail who won't concede that his limbs have been cut off and insists he still can whip his opponent.
CHEAP SHOTS.Right about now, Justice Antonin Scalia must finally be considering the wisdom of going on a hunting trip with Dick Cheney. Not out of ethics, but of safety.
. . . .
And remember, guns don't shoot people, vice presidents do.
David Corn
USNews.com: N&W: Cheney resignation rumors fly
Cheney Resignation Rumors
Choice for New VP - Let's Get Mikey
The rumors are growing that Dick Cheney might have to resign whether or not he is indicted for leaking classified information (not to mention for shooting loyal Republican campaign contributors).
Who should the new vice president be? There are two schools of thought. Bush could pick somebody who would be a leading candidate for the presidency in 2008. On the other hand, he could pick somebody who won't show him up. I think the answer is pretty clear: Mike Brown's the guy. Dan Quayle's been there done that.
USNews.com: N&W: Cheney resignation rumors fly
Choice for New VP - Let's Get Mikey
The rumors are growing that Dick Cheney might have to resign whether or not he is indicted for leaking classified information (not to mention for shooting loyal Republican campaign contributors).
Who should the new vice president be? There are two schools of thought. Bush could pick somebody who would be a leading candidate for the presidency in 2008. On the other hand, he could pick somebody who won't show him up. I think the answer is pretty clear: Mike Brown's the guy. Dan Quayle's been there done that.
USNews.com: N&W: Cheney resignation rumors fly
2006 Kia Sedona - The Car Connection
How to Redesign a Vehicle:
The 2006 Kia Sedona
Linked below is thecarconnection.com's detailed review of the redesigned Kia Sedona minivan. The outgoing Sedona had a few good features, but was 400 lbs heavier than its similarly-powered competition. It also did not have quite as much room as most competitors, and it lacked interior flexibility. On the plus side, it was relatively cheap and came with an outstanding warranty.
According to Thecarconnection.com, Kia has addressed all the shortcomings of the old model, and generally goes toe-to-toe with the class leaders. The new van has 15% more interior volume, but weighs 400 lbs. less than the model it replaces. It now has a fold-flat rear seat and other features including a panoply of airbags and all the electronic safety features under the sun.
Finally, Kia boosted the engine power with a new DOHC 3.8 liter V-6 that makes 244 horsepower and 253 ft.lb. torque. This matches the class-leading Honda Odyssey in horsepower and beats everybody in torque. Kia mached this with a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
Here's where GM Ford and DC dropped the ball. All three of them sold more minivans in the previous generation than Kia, yet none of them invested the money to put a new powertrain in the most recent redesigns. GM and Ford slightly bored out their old engines and used the same tranny. Chrysler tweaked the old engine and used the old tranny. The result: Ford's Freestar is being laughed out of the market. GM's vans soldier on for the loyal faithful but are ignored by everybody else. As a result, GM May also abandon the 1.1 million unit minivan market. Chrysler's vans were saved by Sto-N-Go seats. That might be good enough to make due until a redesign with a new powertrain comes in 2007.
2006 Kia Sedona - The Car Connection
The 2006 Kia Sedona
Linked below is thecarconnection.com's detailed review of the redesigned Kia Sedona minivan. The outgoing Sedona had a few good features, but was 400 lbs heavier than its similarly-powered competition. It also did not have quite as much room as most competitors, and it lacked interior flexibility. On the plus side, it was relatively cheap and came with an outstanding warranty.
According to Thecarconnection.com, Kia has addressed all the shortcomings of the old model, and generally goes toe-to-toe with the class leaders. The new van has 15% more interior volume, but weighs 400 lbs. less than the model it replaces. It now has a fold-flat rear seat and other features including a panoply of airbags and all the electronic safety features under the sun.
Finally, Kia boosted the engine power with a new DOHC 3.8 liter V-6 that makes 244 horsepower and 253 ft.lb. torque. This matches the class-leading Honda Odyssey in horsepower and beats everybody in torque. Kia mached this with a new 5-speed automatic transmission.
Here's where GM Ford and DC dropped the ball. All three of them sold more minivans in the previous generation than Kia, yet none of them invested the money to put a new powertrain in the most recent redesigns. GM and Ford slightly bored out their old engines and used the same tranny. Chrysler tweaked the old engine and used the old tranny. The result: Ford's Freestar is being laughed out of the market. GM's vans soldier on for the loyal faithful but are ignored by everybody else. As a result, GM May also abandon the 1.1 million unit minivan market. Chrysler's vans were saved by Sto-N-Go seats. That might be good enough to make due until a redesign with a new powertrain comes in 2007.
2006 Kia Sedona - The Car Connection
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
Cheney the Poor Little Nimrod
Shhh! Be vewwy vewwy qwiet. I'm hunting wawyers. Heh Heh Heh.
-Dick (Elmer) Cheney 2006
A nimrod is a hunter or a foolish person. In this case, it's both.
Do you think Michael Moore is having fun with Cheney's misfortune? Duh.
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
Shhh! Be vewwy vewwy qwiet. I'm hunting wawyers. Heh Heh Heh.
-Dick (Elmer) Cheney 2006
A nimrod is a hunter or a foolish person. In this case, it's both.
Do you think Michael Moore is having fun with Cheney's misfortune? Duh.
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Ford Territory Turbo
From the Not-Available Here File:
The Ford Territory Turbo
When the Ford Freestyle came out. I criticized its styling, calling it the "Stylefree". Ford Australia is introducing a similarly sized SUV crossover called the Territory. There is a version with a 4.0 liter turbocharged V-6 that is quite sporty looking. It almost looks like a rally car. Linked below is a picture and article on the Worldcarfans.com site. Autoblog.com has a side view.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060210.003/page/1/country/acf/ford/ford-territory-turbo-unveiled-australia
The Ford Territory Turbo
When the Ford Freestyle came out. I criticized its styling, calling it the "Stylefree". Ford Australia is introducing a similarly sized SUV crossover called the Territory. There is a version with a 4.0 liter turbocharged V-6 that is quite sporty looking. It almost looks like a rally car. Linked below is a picture and article on the Worldcarfans.com site. Autoblog.com has a side view.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060210.003/page/1/country/acf/ford/ford-territory-turbo-unveiled-australia
Anecdote - John [born Marion Michael Morrison] Wayne - New Territory?
From the Celebrity Legends File:
Why John Wayne had wet pants
Many years ago I heard a different version of this story, a version that included a cab driver. The differences in stories makes me believe that it's an urban legend.
Anecdote - John [born Marion Michael Morrison] Wayne - New Territory?
Why John Wayne had wet pants
Many years ago I heard a different version of this story, a version that included a cab driver. The differences in stories makes me believe that it's an urban legend.
Anecdote - John [born Marion Michael Morrison] Wayne - New Territory?
Friday, February 10, 2006
Lexus gears new ES to get pulses racing - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
New Lexus ES
Toyota is showing off its new 270 horsepower 350ES entry-level luxury sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. Toyota says that by the end of the year, the entire Lexus line-up would have been completely turned over in the space of two years.
Lexus gears new ES to get pulses racing - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
Toyota is showing off its new 270 horsepower 350ES entry-level luxury sedan at the Chicago Auto Show. Toyota says that by the end of the year, the entire Lexus line-up would have been completely turned over in the space of two years.
Lexus gears new ES to get pulses racing - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
Asians bet on minivan resurgence - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
Asian Minivans Attack!
New Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest models at Chicago
Hyundai and Nissan both showed off their new minivans at the Chicago auto show. This is Hyundai's first minivan, and it is closely related to the redesigned Kia Sedona. It has all the usual features including a rear fold-flat seat. Hyundai's initial sales projections are conservative: just 30,000 units.
Nissan admits it missed the mark with the current Nissan Quest minivan which debuted in 2004. Nissan characterizes this as a mid-model freshening, but one that is fairly extensive. Some of the edgy styling has been toned down, and the instruments have been moved from the center to the left in the US models. Nissan also says that it worked hard to remedy quality control problems that have plagued the Quest. Is this enough to turn a near-miss into a hit? We'll see.
Asians bet on minivan resurgence - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
New Hyundai Entourage and Nissan Quest models at Chicago
Hyundai and Nissan both showed off their new minivans at the Chicago auto show. This is Hyundai's first minivan, and it is closely related to the redesigned Kia Sedona. It has all the usual features including a rear fold-flat seat. Hyundai's initial sales projections are conservative: just 30,000 units.
Nissan admits it missed the mark with the current Nissan Quest minivan which debuted in 2004. Nissan characterizes this as a mid-model freshening, but one that is fairly extensive. Some of the edgy styling has been toned down, and the instruments have been moved from the center to the left in the US models. Nissan also says that it worked hard to remedy quality control problems that have plagued the Quest. Is this enough to turn a near-miss into a hit? We'll see.
Asians bet on minivan resurgence - 02/09/06 - The Detroit News
Inside Line: Chicago Show: 2007 Toyota Tundra Debuts With 5.7-Liter V8 -
2007 Toyota Tundra Debuts in Chicago
Historically, Toyota's "big" pick-up truck has been just a mite smaller than the Chevys Fords and Dodges. Toyota has not been much of a player in the full-size truck market. That all changes in January 2007 when the 2007 Toyota Tundra goes on sale. The wheelbase is stretched 10 inches, and engines range up to a 5.7 liter v-8 in a model that can tow 10,000 lbs.
Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 units per year with production sites in Texas and Indiana.
Inside Line: Chicago Show: 2007 Toyota Tundra Debuts With 5.7-Liter V8 -
Historically, Toyota's "big" pick-up truck has been just a mite smaller than the Chevys Fords and Dodges. Toyota has not been much of a player in the full-size truck market. That all changes in January 2007 when the 2007 Toyota Tundra goes on sale. The wheelbase is stretched 10 inches, and engines range up to a 5.7 liter v-8 in a model that can tow 10,000 lbs.
Toyota hopes to sell 200,000 units per year with production sites in Texas and Indiana.
Inside Line: Chicago Show: 2007 Toyota Tundra Debuts With 5.7-Liter V8 -
How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever. - Jan. 24, 2006
Fortune Magazine: IS Ethanol in our future?
Link courtesy of Paul C.
Everything I know I learned in Kindergarten. From the Beverly Hillbillies I learned that if you put a jug of corn squeezins in the tank, your old truck will beat anything on the road.
From Green Acres, I learned that if your truck blows a head gasket, you could cut out eight of Lisa's pancakes and use the "outline" as a head gasket.
href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/economy/biofuel_fortune_020606/index.htm">How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever. - Jan. 24, 2006
Link courtesy of Paul C.
Everything I know I learned in Kindergarten. From the Beverly Hillbillies I learned that if you put a jug of corn squeezins in the tank, your old truck will beat anything on the road.
From Green Acres, I learned that if your truck blows a head gasket, you could cut out eight of Lisa's pancakes and use the "outline" as a head gasket.
href="http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/news/economy/biofuel_fortune_020606/index.htm">How to beat the high cost of gasoline. Forever. - Jan. 24, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Best new auto prices from Edmunds TMV
Edmunds.com's Deals of the Month
The January 25, 2006 edition of Edmunds.com's Deals of the Month page suggests that the value pricing strategies of the various automakers seem to be working. Rebates and incentives are down except for the outgoing GM fullsize SUVs and pick-ups.
Best new auto prices from Edmunds TMV
The January 25, 2006 edition of Edmunds.com's Deals of the Month page suggests that the value pricing strategies of the various automakers seem to be working. Rebates and incentives are down except for the outgoing GM fullsize SUVs and pick-ups.
Best new auto prices from Edmunds TMV
MONEY: What's your home worth? Get a 'Zestimate' - Feb. 8, 2006
From Zillow to Zestimate - A revolution in the Real Estate Industry?
A firm called Zillow.com is trying to change the real estate industry. From Walt Mossberg's column in the Wall Street Journal this morning the Zillow site (now in beta) allows the user to call up a photographic map of the neighborhood of interest and get quick estimates of the values of the homes there -- not just the homes for sale, but all of them. Users can get a "Zestimate" of homes they are looking for. CEO Richard Barton says that he wants to create tools that make real estate agents less important and make agent fees less expensive.
I tried looking at the Zillow.com site, but the site was down for maintenance when I checked.
MONEY: What's your home worth? Get a 'Zestimate' - Feb. 8, 2006
A firm called Zillow.com is trying to change the real estate industry. From Walt Mossberg's column in the Wall Street Journal this morning the Zillow site (now in beta) allows the user to call up a photographic map of the neighborhood of interest and get quick estimates of the values of the homes there -- not just the homes for sale, but all of them. Users can get a "Zestimate" of homes they are looking for. CEO Richard Barton says that he wants to create tools that make real estate agents less important and make agent fees less expensive.
I tried looking at the Zillow.com site, but the site was down for maintenance when I checked.
MONEY: What's your home worth? Get a 'Zestimate' - Feb. 8, 2006
Renault launches new Espace MPV - Autoblog
From the Not Available Here File
Renault Espace MPV
Renault is showing off its new Espace MPV. For about a decade, the Espace has been the style leader in European MPVs (think 9/10 scale minivans). The new Espace is as stylish as you can get in a monobox van. The interior is progressive with a panoramic sunroof and middle seats that can face the front or the rear.
Mechanically, the Espace features a multitude of diesel and gas engines and a sequential shift six-speed automatic transmission. With the 175 hp. diesel, the Espace is rated at 32 MPG and 0-62 mph at under 10 seconds.
Now that Renault owns a controlling interest in Nissan, might we see an Espace on this side of the pond? We'll see.
Renault launches new Espace MPV - Autoblog
Renault Espace MPV
Renault is showing off its new Espace MPV. For about a decade, the Espace has been the style leader in European MPVs (think 9/10 scale minivans). The new Espace is as stylish as you can get in a monobox van. The interior is progressive with a panoramic sunroof and middle seats that can face the front or the rear.
Mechanically, the Espace features a multitude of diesel and gas engines and a sequential shift six-speed automatic transmission. With the 175 hp. diesel, the Espace is rated at 32 MPG and 0-62 mph at under 10 seconds.
Now that Renault owns a controlling interest in Nissan, might we see an Espace on this side of the pond? We'll see.
Renault launches new Espace MPV - Autoblog
"trent lott" "tort reform" - Google Search
The Googleteer takes on Trent Lott
The Dean of Disjunctive Association himself, the Googleteer(tm), has found a suitable foe: Senator Trent Lott. Sen. Lott is one of the long time advocates (whiners) for tort reform. It just so happens that Sen. Lott didn't have flood insurance on his $750,000 gulf coast home when Hurricane Katrina hit. He's now threatening to sue State Farm for dismissing his claim. Where are sanctions for "frivolous lawsuits" when you need them? The Googleteer(tm) found 31,000 hits on Trent Lott and "Tort Reform" and 9,590 hits with "trent lott" and "frivolous lawsuits". "trent lott" "tort reform" - Google Search
The Dean of Disjunctive Association himself, the Googleteer(tm), has found a suitable foe: Senator Trent Lott. Sen. Lott is one of the long time advocates (whiners) for tort reform. It just so happens that Sen. Lott didn't have flood insurance on his $750,000 gulf coast home when Hurricane Katrina hit. He's now threatening to sue State Farm for dismissing his claim. Where are sanctions for "frivolous lawsuits" when you need them? The Googleteer(tm) found 31,000 hits on Trent Lott and "Tort Reform" and 9,590 hits with "trent lott" and "frivolous lawsuits". "trent lott" "tort reform" - Google Search
Dodge unloads the 300-hp Caliber SRT-4 - Autoblog
300 HP Dodge Caliber SRT
Dodge is unveiling the hotrod version of its new Caliber compact crossover at the Chicago Auto Show. The big news is the Caliber SRT is its turbocharged 2.4 liter engine which delivers a whopping 300 horsepower and 260 ft./lb. of torque. Details are in the autoblog.com write-up linked below
Dodge unloads the 300-hp Caliber SRT-4 - Autoblog
Dodge is unveiling the hotrod version of its new Caliber compact crossover at the Chicago Auto Show. The big news is the Caliber SRT is its turbocharged 2.4 liter engine which delivers a whopping 300 horsepower and 260 ft./lb. of torque. Details are in the autoblog.com write-up linked below
Dodge unloads the 300-hp Caliber SRT-4 - Autoblog
Chicago Auto Show: GM introduces the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche - Autoblog
Live from Chicago: The 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
Chicago Auto Show: GM introduces the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche - Autoblog
Chicago Auto Show: GM introduces the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche - Autoblog
The ULTIMATE Britney Board Joke Corner! [Archive] - liveDaily Community
A Lawyer Joke I'd Never Heard Before . . .
A lawyer and an engineer were fishing in the Caribbean. The lawyer said, "I am here because my house burned down and everything I owned was destroyed. The insurance company paid for everything."
"That's quite a coincidence," said the engineer. "I am here because my house and all my belongings were destroyed by a flood, and my insurance company paid for everything."
The lawyer looked somewhat confused and asked, "How do you start a flood?"
A lawyer and an engineer were fishing in the Caribbean. The lawyer said, "I am here because my house burned down and everything I owned was destroyed. The insurance company paid for everything."
"That's quite a coincidence," said the engineer. "I am here because my house and all my belongings were destroyed by a flood, and my insurance company paid for everything."
The lawyer looked somewhat confused and asked, "How do you start a flood?"
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Engineering, engineering news, Times Online
GM to Cut Dividend in Half
Executive Pay & Pensions Cut
As expected, the GM Board cut the dividend in half. They added Kirk Kerkorian's hand-picked representative, Jerry York, to the board. Executive pay was cut for the top executives, including a 50% paycut for CEO Rick Wagoner. He's only making $1.1 million now.
It's a start.
Engineering, engineering news, Times Online
Executive Pay & Pensions Cut
As expected, the GM Board cut the dividend in half. They added Kirk Kerkorian's hand-picked representative, Jerry York, to the board. Executive pay was cut for the top executives, including a 50% paycut for CEO Rick Wagoner. He's only making $1.1 million now.
It's a start.
Engineering, engineering news, Times Online
Monday, February 06, 2006
FrankCaliendo.com home of the Comedian, Impressionist, and Actor Frank Caliendo
The Frank Caliendo Site
Frank Caliendo is the resident impressionist on Mad TV. He's famous for his John Madden impression. (The real Madden supposedly hates the impression.) I thought I'd post the link to Frank's official site in honor of John Madden's nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There's some funny audio on the site.
FrankCaliendo.com home of the Comedian, Impressionist, and Actor Frank Caliendo
Frank Caliendo is the resident impressionist on Mad TV. He's famous for his John Madden impression. (The real Madden supposedly hates the impression.) I thought I'd post the link to Frank's official site in honor of John Madden's nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There's some funny audio on the site.
FrankCaliendo.com home of the Comedian, Impressionist, and Actor Frank Caliendo
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
Auto News Behind Closed Doors:
GM Board to Meet Today
UAW Political Conference to Begin
There are two separate meetings today that could each have a significant impact on the auto industry. First, the board of directors of General Motors is set to meet. Items to discuss include reducing or eliminating the dividend, Kirk Kirkorian's potential board representation, and a Delphi bailout. Simultaneously, political representatives of the UAW are meeting in a 4-day conference that could result in important policy shifts for the union. Naturally, I will keep all you 3357ers (and guests) posted.
Michael Moore Wants You
Looking for Health Care Horror Stories for Sicko
Filmmaker Michael Moore put out an all-points-bulletin on his website asking people to e-mail him with health care horror stories to put in his next movie, Sicko. Send your stories to michael@michaelmoore.com.
Frankly, I'm surprised that he didn't solicit these stories at least a year ago. As I understood it, Sicko was originally to be released in early 1996. It appears that Moore diverted much of his attention to Katrina flood relief and Cindy Sheehan's anti-war protests. I'm looking forward to Sicko, so I hope he finishes it soon.
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
GM Board to Meet Today
UAW Political Conference to Begin
There are two separate meetings today that could each have a significant impact on the auto industry. First, the board of directors of General Motors is set to meet. Items to discuss include reducing or eliminating the dividend, Kirk Kirkorian's potential board representation, and a Delphi bailout. Simultaneously, political representatives of the UAW are meeting in a 4-day conference that could result in important policy shifts for the union. Naturally, I will keep all you 3357ers (and guests) posted.
Michael Moore Wants You
Looking for Health Care Horror Stories for Sicko
Filmmaker Michael Moore put out an all-points-bulletin on his website asking people to e-mail him with health care horror stories to put in his next movie, Sicko. Send your stories to michael@michaelmoore.com.
Frankly, I'm surprised that he didn't solicit these stories at least a year ago. As I understood it, Sicko was originally to be released in early 1996. It appears that Moore diverted much of his attention to Katrina flood relief and Cindy Sheehan's anti-war protests. I'm looking forward to Sicko, so I hope he finishes it soon.
Welcome to MichaelMoore.com!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Wikipedia: Ethanol
Wikipedia Entry of the Day: Ethanol as a Fuel
Is Ethanol a practical fuel? Does it take more energy to produce than it provides? The answer is yes, no, and maybe. The Wikipedia article linked here discusses the issues in as neutral a tone as I've seen, even though the neutrality of the article is challenged. The article points out that even when, as a pure calculation, ethanol takes more energy input that it provides, by the same measurements, gasoline is even less input-efficient. Secondly, as an industrial commodity, ethanol is immature. One can expect that improvements to process technology will result in more-efficient production.
Is Ethanol a practical fuel? Does it take more energy to produce than it provides? The answer is yes, no, and maybe. The Wikipedia article linked here discusses the issues in as neutral a tone as I've seen, even though the neutrality of the article is challenged. The article points out that even when, as a pure calculation, ethanol takes more energy input that it provides, by the same measurements, gasoline is even less input-efficient. Secondly, as an industrial commodity, ethanol is immature. One can expect that improvements to process technology will result in more-efficient production.
Park the Pope
The Park the Pope Game
From 4 Car, here's a game that lets you drive the Pope around, and when the car stops, you have to Park the Pope. I'm Catholic, I get a dispensation.
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/games/review.jsp?id=1137
From 4 Car, here's a game that lets you drive the Pope around, and when the car stops, you have to Park the Pope. I'm Catholic, I get a dispensation.
http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/games/review.jsp?id=1137
4 Car
From the Not Available Here File: 4 Car
Great Britain's (television) Channel 4 has a very comprehensive car page on its website. If you're interested in what's available "across the pond", here's the link:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/V/volkswagen/fox05-/fox05-.html
Great Britain's (television) Channel 4 has a very comprehensive car page on its website. If you're interested in what's available "across the pond", here's the link:
http://www.channel4.com/4car/road-tests/V/volkswagen/fox05-/fox05-.html
Diet Coke and Mentos - Google Video
Google Videos Timewaste/science lesson of the Day:
Diet Coke and Mentos - two great tasts that go great together
Diet Coke and Mentos - Google Video
Diet Coke and Mentos - two great tasts that go great together
Diet Coke and Mentos - Google Video
GM's Reverse Engineering Lab
Inside GM's Reverse Engineering Lab
Wired Magazine got an exclusive look inside General Motor's reverse engineering laboratory. Here's a link to their story:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.02/teardown.html?pg=1&topic=teardown&topic_set=
Wired Magazine got an exclusive look inside General Motor's reverse engineering laboratory. Here's a link to their story:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.02/teardown.html?pg=1&topic=teardown&topic_set=
Jobs' Apple Faces Lawsuit Over iPod Volume - Forbes.com
Lawsuit of the week:
Earache my iPod
Thanks for the link Sgt. Stadanko.
Jobs' Apple Faces Lawsuit Over iPod Volume - Forbes.com
Earache my iPod
Thanks for the link Sgt. Stadanko.
Jobs' Apple Faces Lawsuit Over iPod Volume - Forbes.com
"gruntled postal worker" - Google Search
The Googleteer(tm)'s Search of the day:
Gruntled Postal worker
After the recent shooting by the disgruntled postal worker, I thought I'd ask our friend the cybersuperhearo to find one that is "gruntled". There are a few.
"gruntled postal worker" - Google Search: "
The Show--August 26, 2000"
Gruntled Postal worker
After the recent shooting by the disgruntled postal worker, I thought I'd ask our friend the cybersuperhearo to find one that is "gruntled". There are a few.
"gruntled postal worker" - Google Search: "
The Show--August 26, 2000"
Friday, February 03, 2006
US counts war cost: $585bn - North America - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Another $160 for the Wars in Afganistan & Iraq.
The day after President George W. Bush exchanged pleasant conversation with Bono regarding world health and world hunger, the new war funding request hit the table. News.com.au put things in perspective:
US counts war cost: $585bn - North America - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
The day after President George W. Bush exchanged pleasant conversation with Bono regarding world health and world hunger, the new war funding request hit the table. News.com.au put things in perspective:
PRESIDENT George W. Bush is about to ask Congress for another $160 billion
($US120 billion) for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, bringing their total cost
so far to $585 billion.That is enough to fully fund global anti-hunger efforts
for more than 13 years and provide every child in the world with basic
immunisation for more than a century.
US counts war cost: $585bn - North America - Breaking News 24/7 - NEWS.com.au
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Bankrupt Delphi loses $1.1 billion in December - 02/01/06 - The Detroit News
Delphi Loses $1.1 Billion in December
According to the Detroit News, Delphi lost $1.13 billion in December 2005.
"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking about real money." [A quote attributed to Everett Dirksen. He denied ever saying it, but was actually kind of proud of the quote anyway.]
Bankrupt Delphi loses $1.1 billion in December - 02/01/06 - The Detroit News
According to the Detroit News, Delphi lost $1.13 billion in December 2005.
"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking about real money." [A quote attributed to Everett Dirksen. He denied ever saying it, but was actually kind of proud of the quote anyway.]
Bankrupt Delphi loses $1.1 billion in December - 02/01/06 - The Detroit News
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