Cars!

For the last 10 years or so, I’ve made it a point to go to the annual auto show here in town. It fits in well with my car obsession, and at this point it’s kind of a post-Christmas tradition. For whatever reason, time constraints or a general lack of interest by others, I hadn’t planned on going this year—and to be fair, it seems to have lost something over the last couple of years. But a couple of free tickets turned up, and so last night after a quick stop at Circle Center Mall to eat some delicious (and meat-free) Margherita pizza, we walked over to the Convention Center.
I had planned on taking the camera, since I’m the only person I know who doesn’t have a camera phone, but of course forgot it. Verdict: If you went last year, you really didn’t miss anything this year. Unfortunately, our show falls before the big ones in Detroit, New York, and LA, which is where most of the new cars are introduced. So most of the concept cars and new cars we get to see have been out for a while. Only two real things stick out in my mind as noteworthy:

2007 Saturn Sky
I’m a huge fan of the Solstice, and had big hopes for the Saturn version. I wasn’t disappointed---while the only real difference between the Sky and the Solstice is aesthetic, I think it just looks a lot better. The rounded Pontiac lines are replaced instead with more angular, exciting looking body work (hard to see in this pic) that seems to fit well with the concept. And for $20K, it’s hard to beat.

Concept/Limited Production Chrysler ME-Four Twelve
0-60 ~2.6 seconds, 800+ hp
I was very surprised to see this car there, especially when it was sitting all by itself way over in the corner. Nobody was even really looking at it, so I guess maybe people didn’t know what it was. Ever since the release of the Bugatti Veyron, the ME-Four Twelve has pretty much faded out of the public’s view. It’s still an awesome car, and I read somewhere that although Chrysler isn’t going to “officially” produce them, they will “custom” make you one for somewhere around a $1 million or so. Really not a bad deal, if you’ve got that kind of money and are in the Supercar market.

Caution: Rant Ahead

It’s pretty nice to feel appreciated at work----that’s what I would be saying to you if I felt that way.
For the last couple weeks, (and really for longer than that, but I’ve really been noticing it lately), work has totally been giving me the shaft. Example: Two weeks ago, when we got like 7 inches of snow in 20 minutes or whatever, apparently the boss told everybody to leave early. Everybody, that is, except me---I sat here for probably an hour not knowing people had left, until someone was nice enough to walk through my half of the building and shut the lights off. Realizing what was going on, I then had to race out of the building before said person set the alarm.
Then, company Christmas party the following Saturday---I never even got invited. That doesn’t bother me as much, because I probably wouldn’t have gone anyway. But still......
And then that’s it for Christmas around here---no bonus, no gift, no “kiss my grits”. There’s a rumor of leaving early tomorrow, but it probably won’t happen. And even if it does, I doubt anyone will tell me about it.
Usually I wouldn’t care, whatever floats their boat. And it’s not like I need anything from work for Christmas, I mean sure a bonus or something would be nice…..it’s just that at every other job I’ve had, (and I’ve had some crappy ones..), I’ve been treated better than this. Talking to other people only reaffirms things---almost everyone I know either gets a little time off work, or a bonus, or even a Christmas ham—anything to make you feel remotely appreciated.
But the coup de grace, (and the reason for the ranting post, thanks for sticking with me this far) as the kids say, came just a few minutes ago. I ran into my boss’s boss, company president, down the hall. He was nice enough to tell me that since I didn’t have anything to do next week (what?) that I could work with the guys in the warehouse, outside!
Yeah, ummm…….no?
Whatever, I guess that’s it---I should be happy to have a job I guess, although with the way things are going I’m not gonna have this one for much longer. That’s my rant for the day, thanks for following along. If anyone has any advice, aside from the use of high explosives, let me know. It’s not that I’m ruling out the explosives, mind you, just keeping my options open.

It's Ninja Wheelie Time!!!

Because I'm bored, I've spent the better part of the day surfing the Internet, not unlike gc does every day. As such, I stumbled on a bunch of movies coming out that I really want to see---some of them I had heard about, some I hadn't. I figured I'd throw a few posters up on here to see what other people thought, because going to the movies by yourself isn't all that fun.

1) The Ringer----Starring Johnny Knoxville, I'v been waiting for this movie to come out for over a year now. I don't know what the hold up was, but I'm glad it's finally coming out.

2) V for Vendetta----I had heard about this a while ago, but didn't know what it was. It's apparently an adaptation of a graphic novel, along the lines of Sin City. Look weird, but in a good way---plus it might have Natalie Portman in it, so.........

3) Hostel----Another weird film, along the lines of Saw and Cabin Fever, both of which I really liked. Not a lot of premise, you pretty much know what you're getting with these movies. Throw in Quentin Tarantino, and the fact that this is supposedly the goriest "major release" movie ever in the U.S., (depending on what review your read), and I'm all over it.

4) Underworld: Evolution----I also really liked the first Underworld, so I was glad to see they were making another one. I think any time a movie grosses $100 million dollars like the first one did, Hollywood starts drooling over sequels. Hopefully they don't screw it up, but we'll see. Again, you pretty much know going in what you're gonna get, you don't set your sights too high with some movies.

So that's enough for now I guess, there are others but I should at least pretend to get some work done today. Not that it really matters, mind you. Feel free to throw out anything else that might be upcoming, like I said I really had no idea so many movies were coming out that I wanted to see.

Congrats.......

Just a quick double congratulations to the Cap'n---she'll be graduating from college and getting a job, all in a span of like a week.

I'm not too sure of the specifics, but I believe she will be helping old people. Maybe she said "hunting" old people, which would be waaaay more exciting, although it could get kinda messy.

Whatever the case, congrats--it's awesome that not only do you know what you want to do with your life, you're actually doing it. That's something very few people will ever accomplish, and you should be proud.

Other than that, not much else going on around here. Cold, supposed to start snowing again soon----yeeehaw. I can't believe it's almost Xmas, it seems like this year has flown by.

WWCND ?

So yesterday we get like 7" of snow, and the whole city freaks out. Come on people, it's Indiana---it snows here. I know that's like some radical concept to people, but if you're gonna live in this wretched state you might want to get used to driving in snow. Any by "get used to it", I don't mean buy the biggest SUV or truck you can find and drive like 80 mph, which seems to be the common solution around here. 4 wheel drive is awesome for taking off, but doesn't do much for slowing you down. But I digress......the real reason of this post was to share this pic of Chuck Norris I found, which is awesome.

A day that will live in infamy.....

Just a quick post today--the boss is riding me like a rented mule. But on this 64th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and at the risk of sounding insensitive, I figured I should do something to lighten the mood a little.

Behold the funniest cd cover I have ever seen, stolen from Gaming Age Forum:

I just can't look at this picture and not crack up, I've tried. Resistance is futile---I have to find this cd now, just to hear what "thangs" Big Bear is "doin".

Man, I crack myself up.....

For no reason other than they make me laugh every time I think about them, I’m gonna post a few of my favorite movie quotes. And if you haven’t seen any of these movies, leave your work/school/house immediately and go rent them right now, I'll cover for you.

(All of these were borrowed from IMDB.com)

National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1

Capt. Doyle: Don't be so fast to thank me on this, Luger, because you're going to be naked on this one. It's on the line for you. People are going to be watching. Now you blow it, you're going down. You screw up, you're going to be hung out to dry. You drop the ball, you're going to be left twisting in the wind. If you embarrass this department, your pants will be dancing with figs. Is that clear?
Luger: Everything except for the dancing with figs part.

[Colt and Luger's car blows up]
Colt: Good thing we took valet.
Luger: Taxi!
[The taxi blows up]
Colt: I guess we're making somebody nervous. But I'll tell you this: It's gonna take a helluva lot more than a couple of car bombs to get us off of this case.
Luger: Not a helluva lot more.

Eurotrip

Hooligan: So I tell the swamp donkey to sock it before I give her a trunky in the tradesman's entrance and have her lick me yarbles!
[Laughs]
Cooper: Wow. You guys are on a completely different level of swearing here.

Brain Donors

Roland T. Flakfizer: I didn't know the meaning of the word "no," but he had it down pretty good.

Roland T. Flakfizer: Some day you'll have my children. In fact, they're in the car if you want them.

Roland T. Flakfizer: If there's anything I can ever do for you... forget it, because I don't do those kinds of things.

Jacques: Are you Roland T. Flakfizer?
Flakfizer: That all depends. Do I owe you money?
Jacques: No.
Flakfizer: In a drunken stupor, did I promise to marry you?
Jacques: No.
Flakfizer: Then I'm your man!

Top Secret

General Streck, German High Command: [Talking on the phone] What is the condition of Sergeant Kruger?
[Pause]
General Streck, German High Command: Very well, let me know if there is any change in his condition.
[Hangs up]
General Streck, German High Command: He's dead.

Latrine, Resistance Member: [Throws dead carrier pigeon on table]
Latrine, Resistance Member: We have a traitor in our midst.
Deja Vu: Well done, Latrine. I see that you have taken care of him appropriately.
Du Quois: [Looks at Deja Vu] Not the bird, you fool! This is a carrier pigeon on its way to the German Headquarters.

And I almost forgot....

Get Over It

Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: I'd like you to read this poster and tell me what it says at the bottom.
Kelly: "No food or drink allowed in the auditorium at any time."
Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: It says "Twelve original songs by Dr. Desmond Forest Oates."
Kelly: Oh, that part.
Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Yes, that part. I'll tell you what it doesn't say. It doesn't say "Additional lyrics by little miss sassy pants."

Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Go Del.
Del: Go bid the huntsmen, wake them with their horns.
Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Hold it- yes um- um what can I... You'd tell me if you'd had a stroke

Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Mr. Landers, how nice of you to join us. And thanks for not showering. What a super instinct.

Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: What direction do you think "left" is? See, because if you go with your instinct and reverse it, I think we have something happening. How difficult is this? I'm so alone, I think.
Jessica: I am trying. You are intimidating me.
Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Well you are FRIGHTENING me. You understand that? How do you get dressed in the morning? Do you have people come in, or do you just lie in state?

Dr. Desmond Forest Oates: Keep icing your front bum. Swelling continues if you don't ice. And I need you... not really.

Guess who's back, back again?

Another week down, I can't believe there's only like 3 weeks until Thanksgiving. Don't they make a tofu turkey? I'll have to check that out.....Anyway, not much going on lately here in the Great Midwest, if you can believe that. Oh I did learn that when an 800 pound piece of telephone equipment falls towards me, it takes me about 3 seconds of holding it up to realize I'm not gonna be able to stop it. How do I continue to get roped into moving ultra-heavy objects?

On a different note, here's a pic of the new Bugatti Veyron:

0-255 mph in 55 seconds, and 1000 hp if anybody has a spare $1.25 million laying around. There's a pretty good article about it in the new Automobile magazine, where they drive one on the Autobahn. Driving that fast means you're covering like 367 feet per second, which is just insane. I can't imagine going that fast in a car, or even being passed by a car going that fast. Clearly drivers there are more friendly than here, because the last time I was involved in a high speed passing situation (as a passenger in a certain RSX), this van pulling a trailer whipped over into the left hand lane for no reason, other than to be a jerk and slow us down. I believe D-Noc had to change his pants after that one.

I guess that's about it for now, I'm off to work. Probably have to go move some more insanely heavy crap for no reason, because that's apparently what I do.

Picture Pages, Picture Pages

Man I loved that show.........I even used to have that pen that made noise when you drew with it, remember what I'm talking about? Anyway, no Bill Cosby here, just some long promised pics of the 'vic. These are a little dated, but the newer ones got left at home today so this is all I've got.

This is the hospital-like condition of the car when I got it. Just a few seconds later, a surgery happened right there on the floor. But seriously, check out all that change--I made like $2.00!!

This used to be the back seat and spare tire holder. Note the gas tank is literally what the back seat was sitting right on top of (the silver disc covers the fuel pump relay)---how was that safe?

So anyway, that's all I brought today. I thought there was more, but they got left at home. Maybe tonight I can add some more current pictures.

A Message from Beyond the Cubicle.......

So after many months, my company has finally moved---which is good news for me, since I was the one doing most of the moving. I really don't know how that always happens, but for the most part it seems I always end up with the lion's share of the physical labor at my jobs, which sucks. I need to start faking some old football injury or something, "Sorry guys, but I can't lift that rediculously heavy box because I shattered my spine when we went to State."

On the plus side though, now that we've moved I have my own little cubicle, which happens to be on a corner so I have 3 whole windows behind me. Much better than where I was, which happened to be a concrete block building with no windows, like some sort of bomb shelter.

The Official Wife of PB has been very kind lately when it comes to me working on my "stupid car", so I spent most of last Saturday, and about 6 hours last night working on Project Civic. I have both CRX fenders on, and am working on making the front end fit----sounds confusing, but I'll get some pics as soon as I can make it work. It's going to look pretty sweet though, eventually.

And if you haven't seen it lately, all the kids are talking about DNoc's page, which includes a fabulous story, pics, and link of the Official Sister of PB and her small screen debut...so check that out as well.

As for me, I'm off to stare at the squirrels through my new windows....

Next Stop---5 Speed

Two quick updates for the 'Vic----Spent about 3 hours gutting the interior last night, which was pretty disgusting. I found a whole bunch of old popcorn underneath the passenger seat, and a couple dead spiders in the trim panels. Overall, though, I think it looks pretty sweet right now---I like that stripped out, clean look. On the plus side, I scored 11 cents cleaning up the popcorn, so the car is practically paying for itself already!
I also ordered the clutch pedal assembly today from EBay, which even after shipping still cost less than running down to the junkyard and pulling one off myself. I've read that this is the hardest part of the automatic to manual conversion, and that I should expect to spend 4 or 5 hours just putting the pedals in, so we'll see how it goes. I'll definately get some pics up soon, both of the interior and the pedals.

$2006 Beginning Budget

$350 Car Purchase

$65 Clutch Pedal Assembly

$0.11 FREE MONEY

____________________

$ 1591.11 Budget Left

Project Civic?

Hey hey----contrary to those popular Internet rumors, I wasn't eaten by that creepy statue in Nashville. I've just been incredibly busy lately at work, which makes it hard to spend any time messing around online. But eventually, maybe, that will change. Maybe we'll stop living like the Amish and pony up for a real Internet connection when we move.
In the meantime, I've decided that I want to do this. A fabulous magazine called Grassroots Motorsports holds a contest every year to see what people can do on a very tight budget. That budget is determined by the year--for instance, this year's $2005 challenge allowed people to spend $2005 total, including the cost of the car.
It's pretty amazing what people can come up with for challenges like this. I think things like this really bring out the best in people. Some people spend months on their cars, but most are finishing their cars in the parking lot the night before the contest. I figure with my track record, I better get started now.
They do hand out a bunch of different trophies, free t-shirts, and I think the winner gets a pretty expensive set of tires, but for the most part it's just a laid back, everybody helping everybody, go have fun and see what you can do type thing. Which I think sounds awesome---so this past weekend I drove all the way to Evansville to pick up the project car, a 1991 Honda Civic hatchback, as seen here:

I figure if nothing else, I'll end up with a cool little Civic to drive around, and I'm sure I can sell it to somebody if I want to. So I'll be using this blog from now until the contest to keep a running budget total and post updates on the new Civic, since I'll have to prove how much I spent and on what. If anybody has any ideas or suggestions, including but not limited to a cool name for the car, let me know.

$2006 Starting Budget

-$350.00 Car purchase

__________________________

$1656 Current Budget

Freaky

Most people don't like snakes, some people don't like spiders. But am I the only person that gets creeped out by statues? I don't know what it is, but standing at the foot of a giant statue messes with me. Especially this one. Is that weird?

P.S. For all you arachnophobics out there, I read once that we swallow like 20 spiders a year in our sleep, but how do you think they came up with that number?

Round 1

In a continuous effort to not feel left out by copying those around me, I too have jumped on the blog bandwagon. I figure if DNoc and The Camel can do it, so can I. Only I will probably do it with particularly less insight and flair, and without the cool nicknames. This could be fun, and it gives me something to do at work instead of trying not to fall asleep, which these days is pretty easy to do. Alright, well, I suppose that's enough for today--don't wanna overwhelm people on my first day. Plus I need to think of some more nicknames for DNoc.......