Patriots vs. Colts - Game of the Century?
Not even Cheney can Ruin this one
The Devil went down to Indy, he was looking for some attention to steal . . .
Dick Cheney is here in Indianapolis today, ostensibly to speak before an American Legion gathering, but really, he's here to bask in the attention surrounding the game between the undefeated New England Patriots and undefeated Indianapolis Colts that will be played on Sunday.
Two undefeated teams haven't met this late in the season since 1921. Statistically, the New England Patriots have dominated the teams that they've played by record-setting percentages, and many think the Patriots can go undefeated at 19-0, besting the undefeated 17-0 record of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. To do this, they'll have to get past the Superbowl-champion Colts, the team that rained on the Patriots' parade last year. Add to this a showdown between the two best quarterbacks of the current era, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, and you have the script for the highest-rated regular season televised game in history.
The USA Today article linked here gives an excellent preview of Sunday's game, starting at 4:00 EST.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
From the Something's Rotten in Denmark File:
Band Plays MAMA MIA on Beer Bottles
The Youtube video of the day, a band from Denmark plays Abba's Mama Mia on beer bottles. If there's any reason to quit your day job, this must be it. (Listen to the quality of the applause at the end of the song.)
I'm going to try to embed a picture link.
Band Plays MAMA MIA on Beer Bottles
The Youtube video of the day, a band from Denmark plays Abba's Mama Mia on beer bottles. If there's any reason to quit your day job, this must be it. (Listen to the quality of the applause at the end of the song.)
I'm going to try to embed a picture link.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
More on Cars We Can Drive to Work
Compact Cars and Compact SUVs
I got an e-mail that suggested my last post about cars we could drive to work was ambiguous. In that e-mail I just meant to list the traditional midsized family cars that we could drive to work. There are a few compacts that we can drive. (I'm going from memory here, not the official list. Check the official list before you plunk down your hard-earned dollars.)
Ford Focus - The 2008 Focus was redesigned to mixed reviews. Personally, I'd get a 2-year old used one. Use Yahoo Cars to find a 5-speed stick if you can drive one.
Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix - These cars are twins under the skin. Both are due for a redesign next year. Wait if you can because they'll have the next generation Toyota engine technology. If you can't wait, the existing model is as good a commuter as anything else out there.
Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5 These cars are twins. I haven't driven them but I sat in them at the auto show. I found the cabin narrow and uncomfortable, but if you fit, they aren't bad cars.
Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice - Two seats no waiting. "Honey, I had to buy one to drive to work."
Dodge Caliber/Jeep Compass - Although they're technically compacts, you'll be luck to get 22-23 MPG in the real world or 27-28 on the highway. You'll do as well or better with any of the 4-cylinder midsized cars, with equal or better performance, not to mention better ride and handling.
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner These compact SUVs are not particularly economical when you get the 6 cylinder engine. In fact, with the 6 and 4wd, you'll get about the same gas mileage as a minivan. Try the 4-cylinder FWD with the 5-speed manual transmission, it performs as well as the 6-cylinder with the automatic but you'll save a bunch on gas. If you really want to save on gas, go all the way and buy the Hybrid.
Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent - Not really compact, but light-weight as SUVs go, these vehicles got spruced up for 2008 and deserve a look. They have more backseat legroom than other compact SUVs. The Equinox Sport gets the highpowered 3.6 liter V-6 but matched with the new 6-speed transmission, it should still get better than average MPG. The Equinox is larger than, but 400 lbs lighter than, the redesigned Saturn Vue.
Overall, if I was buying a UAW-Built car to commute to work in, I'd pick either a used 5-speed manual Ford Focus or Pontiac Vibe, or I'd get a two-year-old Chevrolet Malibu or Pontiac G6. If you can wait until early next year, the new Vibe should be a strong contender. The same could be said for the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6 with the 2.4 liter Ecotec engine and 6-speed automatic powertrain, but this combination won't be out until spring 08. Wait a little longer, and there'll be a slick new Mazda6.
For vehicles somewhat larger, check out the Dodge and Chrysler minivans (old or new), the Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Taurus and Taurus X, the Chrysler 300, and the GM Lambda Crossovers (Outlook, Enclave, Acadia). If you have some dough, the Cadillac CTS and the Lincoln MKZ look attractive, but you'll lose money every mile you drive them for work.
Compact Cars and Compact SUVs
I got an e-mail that suggested my last post about cars we could drive to work was ambiguous. In that e-mail I just meant to list the traditional midsized family cars that we could drive to work. There are a few compacts that we can drive. (I'm going from memory here, not the official list. Check the official list before you plunk down your hard-earned dollars.)
Ford Focus - The 2008 Focus was redesigned to mixed reviews. Personally, I'd get a 2-year old used one. Use Yahoo Cars to find a 5-speed stick if you can drive one.
Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix - These cars are twins under the skin. Both are due for a redesign next year. Wait if you can because they'll have the next generation Toyota engine technology. If you can't wait, the existing model is as good a commuter as anything else out there.
Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5 These cars are twins. I haven't driven them but I sat in them at the auto show. I found the cabin narrow and uncomfortable, but if you fit, they aren't bad cars.
Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice - Two seats no waiting. "Honey, I had to buy one to drive to work."
Dodge Caliber/Jeep Compass - Although they're technically compacts, you'll be luck to get 22-23 MPG in the real world or 27-28 on the highway. You'll do as well or better with any of the 4-cylinder midsized cars, with equal or better performance, not to mention better ride and handling.
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner These compact SUVs are not particularly economical when you get the 6 cylinder engine. In fact, with the 6 and 4wd, you'll get about the same gas mileage as a minivan. Try the 4-cylinder FWD with the 5-speed manual transmission, it performs as well as the 6-cylinder with the automatic but you'll save a bunch on gas. If you really want to save on gas, go all the way and buy the Hybrid.
Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent - Not really compact, but light-weight as SUVs go, these vehicles got spruced up for 2008 and deserve a look. They have more backseat legroom than other compact SUVs. The Equinox Sport gets the highpowered 3.6 liter V-6 but matched with the new 6-speed transmission, it should still get better than average MPG. The Equinox is larger than, but 400 lbs lighter than, the redesigned Saturn Vue.
Overall, if I was buying a UAW-Built car to commute to work in, I'd pick either a used 5-speed manual Ford Focus or Pontiac Vibe, or I'd get a two-year-old Chevrolet Malibu or Pontiac G6. If you can wait until early next year, the new Vibe should be a strong contender. The same could be said for the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura and Pontiac G6 with the 2.4 liter Ecotec engine and 6-speed automatic powertrain, but this combination won't be out until spring 08. Wait a little longer, and there'll be a slick new Mazda6.
For vehicles somewhat larger, check out the Dodge and Chrysler minivans (old or new), the Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Taurus and Taurus X, the Chrysler 300, and the GM Lambda Crossovers (Outlook, Enclave, Acadia). If you have some dough, the Cadillac CTS and the Lincoln MKZ look attractive, but you'll lose money every mile you drive them for work.
Chrysler to Cut Three Products - Maybe More
Are the Craptastic Sebring and Avenger Safe For Now?
According to the Detroit News, the Chrysler, LLC board, in its first meeting under CEO Bob Nardelli, plans to cut at least three slow selling models. On the chopping block are the Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Magnum. The Jeep Commander, a mega-SUV, may also be cut. Cutting the Pacifica, Magnum and PT Cruiser won't likely result in shut down of UAW final assembly plants because the Pacifica and Magnum are assembled in Canada, and the PT Cruiser is assembled in Mexico.
It is also expected that the board will spend time on the harsh critical reviews and lackluster public acceptance that greeted the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsized models. How ugly is the Chrysler Sebring? 35,600 Google hits and counting, up from 18,300 in August 2006As to the reviews: Here's what "Pulitzer Prize Winning" auto columnist Dan Neil had to say about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible in the L.A. Times:
The Dodge Avenger has fared a little better, but not much. USA Today's car guy, James Healey found so many flaws in the test Avengers that he was provided, that Dodge was given unprecedented "equal time" to state what they have done to address the problems.
In the short term, it's not clear what can be done to address the Sebring and Avenger. Chrysler can't afford to drop them. They have nothing to replace them, unless they cut a deal with Mitsubishi to private-lable sell the Galant, but the Galant isn't really a class leader itself. What kills me about the Chrysler Sebring is that it's not even a good rental car. It only has a 13.6 cubic foot trunk. The Chrysler Sebring is a near-lock to be the top votegetter in thetruthaboutcars.com's "Ten Worst Automobiles 2008" competition. (The competition used to be the Ten Worst Automobiles Today, but there was big hairy uproar over the acronym, TWAT. Did they intend the controversy? You be the judge.)
IMHO, it was the Chrysler Sebring that convinced Daimler execs that Chrysler had to go at all costs. Daimler did not want to fund new product development at Chrysler, and Chrysler needed a lot of new product. Chrysler has no cars smaller than mid-size. The Dodge Caliber replaced the Neon, but the Caliber is the size and weight of a midsized car, and it needs a trick CVT transmission to get the MPG of a midsized car. For all the talk about selling Chinese Chery small cars as Dodges, there has been no commitment to a final design, and it remains to be seen if a Chinese manufacturer can build a car to American safety and quality standards, and if the cars can be built, whether American consumers will buy enough of them to constitute a profitable business. As far as SUVs and trucks are concerned, Chrysler's once-strong lineup is looking long in the tooth as other carmakers have targeted these areas and now have younger, fresher line-ups.
It's a true shame about the Sebring and Avenger, as UAW-Assembled midsized cars, they are two of a very few models that we can drive to work. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan have a reputation of being two reliable, well-performing midsizers, but both are currently assembled in Mexico. For us, that leaves the Saturn Aura, Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and (surprisingly) the Mitsubishi Galant and Mazda6. I'm thinking about reviewing "cars we can drive to work" since more and more of us are facing extended commuting time as we are transferred to out-of-the way offices and work from multiple locations, and many of us need to shift to more economical transportation.
Are the Craptastic Sebring and Avenger Safe For Now?
According to the Detroit News, the Chrysler, LLC board, in its first meeting under CEO Bob Nardelli, plans to cut at least three slow selling models. On the chopping block are the Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Magnum. The Jeep Commander, a mega-SUV, may also be cut. Cutting the Pacifica, Magnum and PT Cruiser won't likely result in shut down of UAW final assembly plants because the Pacifica and Magnum are assembled in Canada, and the PT Cruiser is assembled in Mexico.
It is also expected that the board will spend time on the harsh critical reviews and lackluster public acceptance that greeted the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsized models. How ugly is the Chrysler Sebring? 35,600 Google hits and counting, up from 18,300 in August 2006As to the reviews: Here's what "Pulitzer Prize Winning" auto columnist Dan Neil had to say about the Chrysler Sebring Convertible in the L.A. Times:
Not just bad, but a veritable chalice of wretchedness, a rattling, thumping, lolling tragedy of a car, a summary indictment of Chrysler's recent management and its self-eradicating product planning, all cast in plastic worthy of a Chinese water pistol. The Sebring drop top does something I thought impossible: It makes me long for the exquisite craftsmanship of the Pontiac flipping G6.
Oh, and the Sebring Convertible is homely, too.
The Dodge Avenger has fared a little better, but not much. USA Today's car guy, James Healey found so many flaws in the test Avengers that he was provided, that Dodge was given unprecedented "equal time" to state what they have done to address the problems.
In the short term, it's not clear what can be done to address the Sebring and Avenger. Chrysler can't afford to drop them. They have nothing to replace them, unless they cut a deal with Mitsubishi to private-lable sell the Galant, but the Galant isn't really a class leader itself. What kills me about the Chrysler Sebring is that it's not even a good rental car. It only has a 13.6 cubic foot trunk. The Chrysler Sebring is a near-lock to be the top votegetter in thetruthaboutcars.com's "Ten Worst Automobiles 2008" competition. (The competition used to be the Ten Worst Automobiles Today, but there was big hairy uproar over the acronym, TWAT. Did they intend the controversy? You be the judge.)
IMHO, it was the Chrysler Sebring that convinced Daimler execs that Chrysler had to go at all costs. Daimler did not want to fund new product development at Chrysler, and Chrysler needed a lot of new product. Chrysler has no cars smaller than mid-size. The Dodge Caliber replaced the Neon, but the Caliber is the size and weight of a midsized car, and it needs a trick CVT transmission to get the MPG of a midsized car. For all the talk about selling Chinese Chery small cars as Dodges, there has been no commitment to a final design, and it remains to be seen if a Chinese manufacturer can build a car to American safety and quality standards, and if the cars can be built, whether American consumers will buy enough of them to constitute a profitable business. As far as SUVs and trucks are concerned, Chrysler's once-strong lineup is looking long in the tooth as other carmakers have targeted these areas and now have younger, fresher line-ups.
It's a true shame about the Sebring and Avenger, as UAW-Assembled midsized cars, they are two of a very few models that we can drive to work. The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan have a reputation of being two reliable, well-performing midsizers, but both are currently assembled in Mexico. For us, that leaves the Saturn Aura, Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and (surprisingly) the Mitsubishi Galant and Mazda6. I'm thinking about reviewing "cars we can drive to work" since more and more of us are facing extended commuting time as we are transferred to out-of-the way offices and work from multiple locations, and many of us need to shift to more economical transportation.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Brocktoon! Chrysler Contract comes down to Belvidere
The fate of the UAW/Chrysler contract comes down to the 3800 UAW employees in the Belvidere, Illinois plants. According to the Detroit News, with 56% of the already-cast votes in favor of the contract, it would take a nearly-unanimous "nay" vote at Belvidere for the contract to not be ratified. Are they underestimating the power of Brocktoon?
The fate of the UAW/Chrysler contract comes down to the 3800 UAW employees in the Belvidere, Illinois plants. According to the Detroit News, with 56% of the already-cast votes in favor of the contract, it would take a nearly-unanimous "nay" vote at Belvidere for the contract to not be ratified. Are they underestimating the power of Brocktoon?
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tide Turns in Favor of Chrysler Pact
3 of 4 locals approved contract yesterday
Large UAW locals in Warren Michigan and Sterling Heights, Illinois voted on the Chrysler/UAW contract, and 3 out of 4 of them approved the contract. According to the Baltimore Sun, results of the 4th local were not available at presstime.
The positive votes came just a day after workers in Kokomo, Indiana voted against the contract at about a 3/1 ratio.
If the trend holds, the contract will be approved by this weekend.
3 of 4 locals approved contract yesterday
Large UAW locals in Warren Michigan and Sterling Heights, Illinois voted on the Chrysler/UAW contract, and 3 out of 4 of them approved the contract. According to the Baltimore Sun, results of the 4th local were not available at presstime.
The positive votes came just a day after workers in Kokomo, Indiana voted against the contract at about a 3/1 ratio.
If the trend holds, the contract will be approved by this weekend.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
What's a "Rock Rental"?
No, it's not Scooby Doo answering the question: Who stared in Smokey and the Bandit? A Rock Rental is loaning out your car in exchange for crack cocaine. I don't know about you, but I've had several strange cases cross my desk over the years that involved bad things that happened when a client loaned his/her car to a person he/she hardly knew. This article about rock rentals from the Birmingham News via Autoblog.com goes a long way towards making sense of these incidents.
No, it's not Scooby Doo answering the question: Who stared in Smokey and the Bandit? A Rock Rental is loaning out your car in exchange for crack cocaine. I don't know about you, but I've had several strange cases cross my desk over the years that involved bad things that happened when a client loaned his/her car to a person he/she hardly knew. This article about rock rentals from the Birmingham News via Autoblog.com goes a long way towards making sense of these incidents.
Ford Update
Ford and UAW are negotiating on their contract. The future of a number of Ford factories are at stake. From the outside looking in, it appears that Ford's future product plans are more firm than Chrysler's, but less firm than General Motors'. Here's a link to the Detroit News article.
Ford and UAW are negotiating on their contract. The future of a number of Ford factories are at stake. From the outside looking in, it appears that Ford's future product plans are more firm than Chrysler's, but less firm than General Motors'. Here's a link to the Detroit News article.
Chrysler Update
Contract Might or Might Not Be Approved
This morning, the Detroit News reports that the member vote on the tentative Chrysler, LLC agreement with the UAW could go either way. Right now the approval folks have a narrow lead. More locals will be voting this week.
Contract Might or Might Not Be Approved
This morning, the Detroit News reports that the member vote on the tentative Chrysler, LLC agreement with the UAW could go either way. Right now the approval folks have a narrow lead. More locals will be voting this week.
Interesting Blog of the Day
Masson's Blog
I stumbled upon an excellent blog by Lafayette attorney Doug Mason. Mason's Blog covers Indiana Law, state and local politics and (like most other blogs) whatever else catches his attention. He posts with amazing frequency, averaging more than a post a day. Despite the frequency of his posting, he doesn't just throw out a link (as I've been known to do), he adds his own insight and opinion. Among other things, his blog contains running commentary on the Indiana Law Update 2-day CLE that was held in September.
Masson's Blog
I stumbled upon an excellent blog by Lafayette attorney Doug Mason. Mason's Blog covers Indiana Law, state and local politics and (like most other blogs) whatever else catches his attention. He posts with amazing frequency, averaging more than a post a day. Despite the frequency of his posting, he doesn't just throw out a link (as I've been known to do), he adds his own insight and opinion. Among other things, his blog contains running commentary on the Indiana Law Update 2-day CLE that was held in September.
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