http://youtube.com/watch?v=HloR2FQpS8s&mode=related&search=
One word: loud!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
What Teachers Make
By Taylor Mali
He says the problem with teachers is, “What’s a kid going to learnfrom someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?”He reminds the other dinner guests that it’s true what they say aboutteachers:
Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.
I decide to bite my tongue instead of hisand resist the temptation to remind the dinner gueststhat it’s also true what they say about lawyers.
Because we’re eating, after all, and this is polite company.
“I mean, you¹re a teacher, Taylor,” he says.“Be honest. What do you make?”
And I wish he hadn’t done that(asked me to be honest)because, you see, I have a policyabout honesty and ass-kicking:if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honorand an A- feel like a slap in the face.How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hallin absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.No, you may not ask a question.Why won’t I let you get a drink of water?Because you’re not thirsty, you’re bored, that’s why.
I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:I hope I haven’t called at a bad time,I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.Billy said, “Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don’t you?”And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.
I make parents see their children for who they areand what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,I make them question.I make them criticize.I make them apologize and mean it.I make them write.I make them read, read, read.I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitelybeautifulover and over and over again until they will never misspelleither one of those words again.I make them show all their work in math.And hide it on their final drafts in English.I make them understand that if you got this (brains)then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge youby what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:I make a goddamn difference! What about you?
He says the problem with teachers is, “What’s a kid going to learnfrom someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?”He reminds the other dinner guests that it’s true what they say aboutteachers:
Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.
I decide to bite my tongue instead of hisand resist the temptation to remind the dinner gueststhat it’s also true what they say about lawyers.
Because we’re eating, after all, and this is polite company.
“I mean, you¹re a teacher, Taylor,” he says.“Be honest. What do you make?”
And I wish he hadn’t done that(asked me to be honest)because, you see, I have a policyabout honesty and ass-kicking:if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honorand an A- feel like a slap in the face.How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hallin absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.No, you may not ask a question.Why won’t I let you get a drink of water?Because you’re not thirsty, you’re bored, that’s why.
I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:I hope I haven’t called at a bad time,I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.Billy said, “Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don’t you?”And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.
I make parents see their children for who they areand what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,I make them question.I make them criticize.I make them apologize and mean it.I make them write.I make them read, read, read.I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitelybeautifulover and over and over again until they will never misspelleither one of those words again.I make them show all their work in math.And hide it on their final drafts in English.I make them understand that if you got this (brains)then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge youby what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:I make a goddamn difference! What about you?
XY Falcon 1970-2
The XY Falcon saw a bigger, all Australian range of six cylinders. The 3.1L engine was boosted to 3.3L, with power rising from 118 to 130bhp. The 3.6L was increased to 4.1L, and power rose from 140 to 155bhp. More pulling power with greater torque at lower revs resulted, suiting people who wanted to tow. The 4.1L 250 could also be ordered as a higher performance version. Known as the 2V (twin venturi), it was available a few months after the XY range was launched. 2V was suited to enthusiast drivers because of its greater willingness to breathe, and therefore, rev.
The 302 V8 had a slight increase in power and torque, and the 351 V8 could now be had in ordinary Falcons, however it wasn’t as highly tuned as the GT version.
Standard transmission on the sixes was a fully synchromesh three speed manual, with a four-on-the-floor optional on the 4.1. The old Fordomatic was dumped with the introduction of the XY, when the Cruisomatic became the sole auto.A safety plastic grille with wrap around indicators was added, as well as re-styled tail lights and new wheel trims.
A unique 4WD ute was offered. It was a good idea, but not a very good vehicle. Ground clearance was very high, the leaf-sprung suspension was uncomfortable, and it had a massive turning circle. The ute sold briefly alongside the new XA range and only 432 were built.
The XY Falcon is one of the all time favourite Australian cars.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Change
“I can change. I can live out my imagination instead of my memory. I can tie myself to my limitless potential instead of my limiting past.” -- Stephen Covey
Hang on!
Patient: Doctor, doctor I have only 58 seconds to live!!!!!!
Doctor: I’ll be with you in a minute
Doctor: I’ll be with you in a minute
XW Falcon 1969-70
So different was the appearance of the XW, that some people thought it was an all new Falcon. The Managing Director wanted the XW to be a more aggressive, macho car, and this was certainly achieved. Every exterior panel was restyled, except for the doors.
The bold looking front featured a grille which sat between the headlights. The Ford badge in the grille was moved to the side, and the parking and indicator lights were wrap around. For the first time, the tail lights were square shaped. Also new was a fashionable recessed rear windscreen.Ford boasted 1966 changes to the XW, and the interior wasn’t forgotten. A striking new square dash kept the traditional instruments and added rubberised controls. Safety wise, the dash crash padding was thicker, and the new interior was described as resembling the cockpit of a jet airliner.Slight increases in power were developed. The 3.1L went from 114 to 118bhp, the 3.6L went from 135 to 140bhp, and the 302 V8 went from 210 to 220bhp. The three speed column shift manual remained, however 3.6 buyers could now have a floor shift four speed manual.The Futura model was brought back to life. And the GS (Grand Sport) options package was introduced. It was like a build-it-yourself GT and was offered on everyday Falcons. The GS pack comprised of orange rally stripes, chrome wheel covers, and GT wood-grained steering wheel and full instrumentation.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Miracles
"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, The other is as though everything is a miracle. I believe in the latter." -- Albert Einstein
Work changes
SICK DAYS:We will no longer accept a doctor statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
SURGERY:Operations are now banned. As long as you are an employee here, you need all your organs. You should not consider removing anything. We hired you intact. To have something removed constitutes a breach of employment.
PERSONAL DAYS:Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.
VACATION DAYS:All employees will take their vacation at the same time every year. The vacation days are as follows: Jan. 1, July 4 & Dec. 25
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE:This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or coworkers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early, provided your share of the work is done enough.
OUT FROM YOUR OWN DEATH:This will be accepted as an excuse. However, we require at least two weeks notice, as it is your duty to train your own replacement. RESTROOM USE:Entirely too much time is being spent in the restroom. In the future, we will follow the practice of going in alphabetical order. For instance, all employees whose names begin with 'A' will go from 8:00 to 8:20, employees whose names begin with 'B' will go from 8:20 to 8:40 and so on. If you're unable to go at your allotted time, it will be necessary to wait until the next day when your turn comes again. In extreme emergencies employees may swap their time with a coworker. Both employees' supervisors in writing must approve this exchange. In addition, there is now a strict 3-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, and the stall door will open.
LUNCH BREAK:Skinny people get an hour for lunch as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy, normal size people get 30 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain the average figure. Fat people get 5 minutes for lunch because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast and take a diet pill. Sondra gets none.
DRESS CODE:It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary, if we see you wearing $350 Prada sneakers and carrying a $600 Gucci bag we assume you are doing well financially and therefore you do not need a raise.
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternations or input should be directed elsewhere. Have a nice week.
-- Management
SURGERY:Operations are now banned. As long as you are an employee here, you need all your organs. You should not consider removing anything. We hired you intact. To have something removed constitutes a breach of employment.
PERSONAL DAYS:Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.
VACATION DAYS:All employees will take their vacation at the same time every year. The vacation days are as follows: Jan. 1, July 4 & Dec. 25
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE:This is no excuse for missing work. There is nothing you can do for dead friends, relatives or coworkers. Every effort should be made to have non-employees attend to the arrangements. In rare cases where employee involvement is necessary, the funeral should be scheduled in the late afternoon. We will be glad to allow you to work through your lunch hour and subsequently leave one hour early, provided your share of the work is done enough.
OUT FROM YOUR OWN DEATH:This will be accepted as an excuse. However, we require at least two weeks notice, as it is your duty to train your own replacement. RESTROOM USE:Entirely too much time is being spent in the restroom. In the future, we will follow the practice of going in alphabetical order. For instance, all employees whose names begin with 'A' will go from 8:00 to 8:20, employees whose names begin with 'B' will go from 8:20 to 8:40 and so on. If you're unable to go at your allotted time, it will be necessary to wait until the next day when your turn comes again. In extreme emergencies employees may swap their time with a coworker. Both employees' supervisors in writing must approve this exchange. In addition, there is now a strict 3-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, and the stall door will open.
LUNCH BREAK:Skinny people get an hour for lunch as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy, normal size people get 30 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain the average figure. Fat people get 5 minutes for lunch because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast and take a diet pill. Sondra gets none.
DRESS CODE:It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary, if we see you wearing $350 Prada sneakers and carrying a $600 Gucci bag we assume you are doing well financially and therefore you do not need a raise.
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternations or input should be directed elsewhere. Have a nice week.
-- Management
XT Falcon 1968-9
All the big changes to the XT model were under the skin. The engine range was overhauled, the choices now being 3.1L and 3.6L six cylinders, and a new 302 4.9 litre V8. Ford began referring to their engine capacities in litres, instead of cubic inches. The 3.1 was capable of 114bhp at 4400rpm; the 3.6 developed 135bhp at 4400rpm, and the V8 produced 210bhp at 4600rpm.
The engines were refined so that they were more reliable, quieter and improved fuel economy. They were well received, because the engines which powered the XR lacked the grunt needed to haul around the larger car. The camshaft was given a different profile for more efficient breathing at higher revs, and the 3.6 could reach 0-50mph in 9.3 seconds.The three speed manual, now with synchromesh on first gear standard, joined the other transmissions. Handling was improved, with the car doing well on dirt roads. A host of new safety features were added, including split system brakes, larger tyres, a knockout rear view mirror, an external mirror, windscreen washers and reversing lights.Cosmetic changes were minor, but consisted of a plain, flat grille with Ford badge, removal of a waistline chrome strip, and chrome strips on the tail. The tail lights remained circular, but the indicators were now horizontal rectangles, instead of the XR’s circles.Front bench seats were standard inside, but the bucket seat option was often specified.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The Innovation Leader
by Bob Rosenfeld: Making the Invisible Visible
Thirty-five years ago, Bob Rosenfeld was a young, energetic, impatient chemist — brimming with ideas and working at Eastman Kodak. Today, he is a leading authority on innovation, founder of Idea Connection Systems and Innovator in Residence at the Center for Creative Leadership. Along the way, he founded the first Office of Innovation for Eastman Kodak and worked with numerous organizations to foster the ideas and enthusiasm needed for sustaining innovation. The key to innovation, according to Rosenfeld, is to "make the invisible visible."
Rosenfeld's first foray into intentionally grooming organizational innovation came while working at Eastman Kodak. He writes in his book, Making the Invisible Visible: The Human Principles for Sustaining Innovation, "I noticed that people at all levels within the company had ideas that could benefit both themselves and the company ... a few of these ideas found a supportive ear, but most of them did not ... I was convinced that if there were some way to infuse these ideas into the organization, they would be of value to the company."
Rosenfeld saw that his company wanted ideas, and employees had ideas they wanted to share, but that there were no effective mechanisms to connect individuals' ideas to the larger organization. The barriers to innovation at Eastman Kodak at that time are still common in organizations today:
Lack of language. Organizations don't have effective ways to talk about the innovation process.
Limited scope. Existing innovation processes often encourage small, incremental changes rather than new products, breakthrough ideas or unusual concepts.
Isolation. Departments and groups may be isolated, creating subcultures that are different from the rest of the organization and limiting exchange of ideas and information.
Comfort with the status quo. People are often dependent on the familiar, leaving little room or tolerance for anyone with wildly different ideas and behaviors.
A deficit of trust. Innovation requires structures that are supported by bonds of trust, confidence and respect for those involved.
To address these problems Rosenfeld, along with others at Eastman Kodak, set up the first Office of Innovation. Later, Rosenfeld was asked to help other companies establish similar systems for innovation. Over time, he began to see that the measure of success was tied less to the mechanics of innovation and more to the human dynamic.
"All new products and services come from ideas, and all ideas come from people," says Rosenfeld. "That sounds simple, but it requires innovation leaders to stimulate, motivate and encourage people in specific ways."
Another crucial element for innovation is the need for sustained commitment at a high level within the company. "A high-ranking officer needs to understand the difficulties involved and be committed to the ongoing and long-term success of the program," Rosenfeld explains. "Lacking that, it will fail no matter how much compelling evidence is produced to show its value." Finally, leaders must look beyond the mechanics, techniques and even results of innovation to the underlying — and usually unseen — principles of sustained innovation. "The most important aspects of innovation are not readily apparent," says Rosenfeld. "To become successful, the invisible must be made visible."
8 Principles of Innovation
Bob Rosenfeld describes eight principles that underlie the human aspect of innovation:
Innovation starts when people convert problems into ideas.
Innovation needs a system.
Passion is the fuel, and pain is the hidden ingredient.
Co-locating drives effective exchange.
Differences should be leveraged.
The elements of destruction are present at creation.
Soft values drive the organization.
Trust is the means and love the unspoken word.
Thirty-five years ago, Bob Rosenfeld was a young, energetic, impatient chemist — brimming with ideas and working at Eastman Kodak. Today, he is a leading authority on innovation, founder of Idea Connection Systems and Innovator in Residence at the Center for Creative Leadership. Along the way, he founded the first Office of Innovation for Eastman Kodak and worked with numerous organizations to foster the ideas and enthusiasm needed for sustaining innovation. The key to innovation, according to Rosenfeld, is to "make the invisible visible."
Rosenfeld's first foray into intentionally grooming organizational innovation came while working at Eastman Kodak. He writes in his book, Making the Invisible Visible: The Human Principles for Sustaining Innovation, "I noticed that people at all levels within the company had ideas that could benefit both themselves and the company ... a few of these ideas found a supportive ear, but most of them did not ... I was convinced that if there were some way to infuse these ideas into the organization, they would be of value to the company."
Rosenfeld saw that his company wanted ideas, and employees had ideas they wanted to share, but that there were no effective mechanisms to connect individuals' ideas to the larger organization. The barriers to innovation at Eastman Kodak at that time are still common in organizations today:
Lack of language. Organizations don't have effective ways to talk about the innovation process.
Limited scope. Existing innovation processes often encourage small, incremental changes rather than new products, breakthrough ideas or unusual concepts.
Isolation. Departments and groups may be isolated, creating subcultures that are different from the rest of the organization and limiting exchange of ideas and information.
Comfort with the status quo. People are often dependent on the familiar, leaving little room or tolerance for anyone with wildly different ideas and behaviors.
A deficit of trust. Innovation requires structures that are supported by bonds of trust, confidence and respect for those involved.
To address these problems Rosenfeld, along with others at Eastman Kodak, set up the first Office of Innovation. Later, Rosenfeld was asked to help other companies establish similar systems for innovation. Over time, he began to see that the measure of success was tied less to the mechanics of innovation and more to the human dynamic.
"All new products and services come from ideas, and all ideas come from people," says Rosenfeld. "That sounds simple, but it requires innovation leaders to stimulate, motivate and encourage people in specific ways."
Another crucial element for innovation is the need for sustained commitment at a high level within the company. "A high-ranking officer needs to understand the difficulties involved and be committed to the ongoing and long-term success of the program," Rosenfeld explains. "Lacking that, it will fail no matter how much compelling evidence is produced to show its value." Finally, leaders must look beyond the mechanics, techniques and even results of innovation to the underlying — and usually unseen — principles of sustained innovation. "The most important aspects of innovation are not readily apparent," says Rosenfeld. "To become successful, the invisible must be made visible."
8 Principles of Innovation
Bob Rosenfeld describes eight principles that underlie the human aspect of innovation:
Innovation starts when people convert problems into ideas.
Innovation needs a system.
Passion is the fuel, and pain is the hidden ingredient.
Co-locating drives effective exchange.
Differences should be leveraged.
The elements of destruction are present at creation.
Soft values drive the organization.
Trust is the means and love the unspoken word.
Bar
There was this little guy sitting in a bar, drinking his beer, minding his own business when all of a sudden this great big dude comes in and -- WHACK!! -- knocks him off the bar stool and onto the floor. The big dude says, "That was a karate chop from Korea." The little guy thinks "GEEZ," but he gets back up on the stool and starts drinking again when all of a sudden -- WHACK!! -- the big dude knocks him down AGAIN and says, "That was a judo chop from Japan." So the little guy has had enough of this... He gets up, brushes himself off and quietly leaves. The little guy is gone for an hour or so when he returned. Without saying a word, he walks up behind the big dude and -- WHAM!!!" -- knocks the big dude off his stool, knocking him out cold!!! The little guy looks at the bartender and says, "When he gets up, tell him that's a crowbar from Supercheap."
Ford Unveils World's First Drivable Fuel Cell Hybrid Electrical Vehicle With Plug in Capability
* The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive™ is the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability.* Ford's flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle and its control systems.
* The HySeries Drive technology is able to operate using a fuel cell, small gasoline or diesel engine connected to an electric generator to make electricity.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 23, 2007 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today unveiled the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.
"This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology," said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. "We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now."
The new HySeries Drive™ powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg.
"We wanted to take what was in a 'gee whiz' vehicle like the Airstream and connect it with something people are driving on the road today, something that wasn't just a futuristic concept vehicle," Schmidt said.
The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.
The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid.
When the battery pack is depleted to approximately 40 percent, the hydrogen fuel cell – supplied by Ford partner Ballard – automatically turns on and begins generating electricity to recharge the batteries. Like a conventional automobile, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive will go until it runs out of fuel – in this case via a 350-bar hydrogen tank that supplies 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.
The HySeries Drive name is derived from the powertrain's structure: a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drivetrain. This highly innovative approach reduces the size, weight, cost and complexity of a conventional fuel cell system by more than 50 percent. It also promises to more than double the lifetime of the fuel cell stack.
This flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop and become available without the need to redesign the vehicle and its control systems.
Certainly, many significant technical hurdles need to be overcome before a vehicle such as the Edge with HySeries Drive can become a reality. Fuel cell vehicles remain expensive, costing millions of dollars each. And the single biggest hurdle to plug-ins remains the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Much work also needs to be done to make fuel cells more durable and to create a hydrogen infrastructure.
Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort At Ford
Research into hydrogen, including the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, is part of Ford's overall effort to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence. Ford is moving ahead with a range of technology solutions simultaneously, including vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions. Some of the technology, such as that seen in Ford's lineup of hybrid vehicles, represents near-term approaches. Other technology, including hydrogen fell cells, must be viewed as a long-term option.
Ford began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. Ford's first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company's first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.
The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles since its inception. With this fleet on the road, a great deal of information that can be integrated into future fuel cell vehicle propulsion systems is being generated in different local environmental conditions.
Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to ensure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Winning
For me, winning isn't something that happens suddenly on the field when the whistle blows and the crowds roar. Winning is something that builds physically and mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream." --Emmitt Smith, professional football player
The bells! The bells!
A man who was born with no arms wished to seek employment. Fearing nobody would want to hire him with his obvious disability, he thought he'd answer a help wanted sign he saw posted at his church. He rang the bell at the rectory and when the pastor opened the door he was moved with pity. He asked, "What can I do for you, my son?" The man said I've come to answer your help wanted ad. The pastor became concerned and said that ad is for a bell ringer. He stammered that he didn't think he'd be able to handle the job. The man pleaded and said won't you give me a chance so I can show you what I'm capable of? The pastor relented and hired him. The time came when the church bell had to be rung. The man made his way under the bell, took a running start and threw his body against the bell which resulted in a booming "BONNGGGG" as soon as the vibrations subsided, he took another running start and threw his body into the other side of the bell with the expected result of "BONNNGG" . . . and so it went. Now our armless friend was at the job for several months to the delight of the pastor. One day the guy was running late and in his haste he ran up to the belfry and got his running leap at the bell without first getting under the bell. As he ran right off the side of the tower he screamed. Everyone from within the church filed out and just stared. Finally somebody said "poor fellow, does anybody knows who he is?" To which came the answer from someone in the back . . . "I don't know his name, but his face sure rings a bell."
XR Falcon (1966-8)
To match the standard of living, Ford went for a larger car, the all new XR Falcon. Designed in Australia, it was still based on the American Falcon.Styling of the XR was inspired by the hugely popular US Mustang, and turned heads right around Australia. It proved a winner, achieving big sales.
The new Falcon came with an optional V8 engine, a 289 cubic inch unit that produced 200bhp at 4400rpm. The Pursuit 170 and Super Pursuit 200 six cylinders remained with minor improvements; the 144 was scrapped. The wheelbase was slightly stretched, front disc brakes were offered across the range and the 13 inch wheels were replaced by a 14 inch variety. XR broke new ground in suspension, body frame and chassis design, and was the first model developed at You Yangs. For the second time, a Falcon won the Wheels Car of the Year award.
The XR has a very different appearance to the previous models, due to its long nose and short tail styling with a distinctive kick up at the back of the rear doors, which is known as the "Coke bottle" hip.Inside, the instrument panel was restyled, and lap seat belts were made standard, but only on the front seats. New additions to the options list included a remote boot release and a stereo tape player.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Inside Out Part 3
I heard from the auto trimmers the other day. They apologised for having the car so long, but a number of factors conspired towards the car needing to stay longer. What this meant was that the car missed its appointment with the mechanic. I thought that I had done the right thing – booked it with the trimmers in advance so that they would have less on in their shop. Well, it seems that they had also booked a number of other jobs.
As the car didn’t make it to the mechanic, it meant that it could only be seen late the next week (yesterday), as they had taken bookings in the interim. This negated another plan of mine, as I figured getting it to them with a week between the appointment and the upcoming club run would give them time to find the source of the overheating problem, time to order parts and time to fix whatever was wrong.
So, yesterday it went to the mechanics and it took them time to find the issues and then not enough time to find the parts. The mechanic was of the view that the flex fan that the car has is probably the issue, because at highway speeds it flattens out and doesn’t create negative pressure behind the radiator. His solution was to fit a viscous fan. Finding one in town was difficult, but he found one new one, which was damaged. He then tried to source a second hand one to at least see if it helped. The wreckers took some time to get back to him and even when one was sourced, it didn’t operate properly. So, now I have the car back exactly the same way it was, with no hope of taking it on the run on Sunday.
The next round appears to be to order in a new fan, remove and flush out the radiator, check the thermostat and then take it from there. The carb could do with re-kitting or replacement, as it has a flat spot and is probably too small for this engine. Excellent. Perhaps I can sell one of our children?
It seems that this round of repairs is destined to be frustrating. The alternative is to sell the car and drive a four cylinder egg crate.
As the car didn’t make it to the mechanic, it meant that it could only be seen late the next week (yesterday), as they had taken bookings in the interim. This negated another plan of mine, as I figured getting it to them with a week between the appointment and the upcoming club run would give them time to find the source of the overheating problem, time to order parts and time to fix whatever was wrong.
So, yesterday it went to the mechanics and it took them time to find the issues and then not enough time to find the parts. The mechanic was of the view that the flex fan that the car has is probably the issue, because at highway speeds it flattens out and doesn’t create negative pressure behind the radiator. His solution was to fit a viscous fan. Finding one in town was difficult, but he found one new one, which was damaged. He then tried to source a second hand one to at least see if it helped. The wreckers took some time to get back to him and even when one was sourced, it didn’t operate properly. So, now I have the car back exactly the same way it was, with no hope of taking it on the run on Sunday.
The next round appears to be to order in a new fan, remove and flush out the radiator, check the thermostat and then take it from there. The carb could do with re-kitting or replacement, as it has a flat spot and is probably too small for this engine. Excellent. Perhaps I can sell one of our children?
It seems that this round of repairs is destined to be frustrating. The alternative is to sell the car and drive a four cylinder egg crate.
Freeway
A senior couple decided to go shopping one day, and split their efforts by going separate ways. Near the end of the shopping event they decided to get together for lunch. As the woman was on her way to the rendezvous point, she heard a traffic warning on the radio that a car was driving in the wrong direction up ahead. Knowing that her husband was near the point of the warning, she decided to call him on the cell phone. When he answered, she explained, "I just heard on the news, someone is driving in the wrong direction on the highway!" And the husband replied, "One? There's hundreds of folks going the wrong way where I am!"
XP Falcon (1965-66)
As promised, Ford was given its own test track. Just west of Melbourne, the You Yangs was chosen as the location. Coarse surfaces, lumpy jumps and a nasty hairpin bend were created. It was a tortuous road designed to test a car’s dynamics.While You Yangs was still being designed, the XP prototypes were tested at Eyre Peninsula.
In April 1965, two months after the XP Falcon was released, Ford marketing staged a very risky stunt. The plan was to run a durability trial using five standard XPs, travelling day and night for 8 days and clocking up 70 000 miles along the new You Yangs proving ground.The dangerous and scary circuit was all curves and the drivers needed to average 70mph a lap. Tyres kept wearing out, and the drivers often lost control, slamming into boulders and brick walls; several of the cars rolled. The public was hooked and the event was featured every night on the news.
The cars successfully racked up the 70 000 miles in 8 3/4 days. They were bruised and battered but the mechanics still went like clockwork. The public was impressed, and the Falcon began to sell in large numbers. Suddenly, fleet buyers became interested again, and XP won Wheels Car of the Year.Improvements included more changes to the front and rear suspension, steering and ride & handling. The body was strengthened and a new Borg Warner 3 speed automatic was introduced.
Visual changes consisted of a flatter bonnet, raised front fenders, a wrap around bumper and horizontal bar-type grille.Inside, legroom was increased, the seats were widened and in the boot, the spare tyre was relocated, addressing complaints from earlier models.In September 1965, the Fairmont name was born. Replacing the Futura sedan and the Squire, it was available as a sedan or wagon, to compete with Holden’s new Premier. Fairmont came with reclining bucket seats, the Super Pursuit engine with 3 speed auto, and front disc brakes, a first for an Australian built car.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
This moment
"There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one fully understands the present moment, there will be nothing else to do, and nothing else to pursue." -- Hagakure
Ready to eat
The missionary arrived in the cannibal village on Saturday, and by Monday night he was history. Looking through his belongings, one of the natives found a magazine and without missing a beat began tearing out pictures of people and popping them in is mouth.
Seeing what he was doing, a friend asked, “So…how’s the dehydrated stuff?”
Seeing what he was doing, a friend asked, “So…how’s the dehydrated stuff?”
XL Falcon
“Trim, Taut, Terrific” was the slogan for the facelifted Falcon, the XL. Visually, the roof line was given a squarer look, known as the “Thunderbird” look, and the grille became convex. A first for Falcon, the XL came with seat belt attachment points, although the belts had to be bought separately.
The luxury Futura model was added and featured a padded dash, full carpeting and bucket seats. Also added was the very American Squire wagon. It had fake wood side panels made of fibreglass, but didn’t appeal to conservative Australian buyers and only 728 were sold. It’s now considered a collector’s item.A better clutch was fitted to manual models, and second gear ratios went from 1.75 to 1.83 for improved acceleration at lower speeds. There were suspension changes, a new starter motor and the carburettor had been reworked. Ford boasted the XL had 734 new parts, the idea being that all-new parts would mean the end of the problems that plagued the XK. This attracted buyers and the XL Falcon outsold the XK by 7000 cars.Unfortunately, the problems were still there. The Falcon was a good car in shape and concept. Buyers liked the style and roominess. Ford needed to get the mechanicals right. (The XL Falcon was also manufactured and sold in South American countries where it remained, with a few very minor facelifts, until 1991!)
The luxury Futura model was added and featured a padded dash, full carpeting and bucket seats. Also added was the very American Squire wagon. It had fake wood side panels made of fibreglass, but didn’t appeal to conservative Australian buyers and only 728 were sold. It’s now considered a collector’s item.A better clutch was fitted to manual models, and second gear ratios went from 1.75 to 1.83 for improved acceleration at lower speeds. There were suspension changes, a new starter motor and the carburettor had been reworked. Ford boasted the XL had 734 new parts, the idea being that all-new parts would mean the end of the problems that plagued the XK. This attracted buyers and the XL Falcon outsold the XK by 7000 cars.Unfortunately, the problems were still there. The Falcon was a good car in shape and concept. Buyers liked the style and roominess. Ford needed to get the mechanicals right. (The XL Falcon was also manufactured and sold in South American countries where it remained, with a few very minor facelifts, until 1991!)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Silence
“Practice silence and you will acquire silent knowledge. In this silent knowledge is a computing system that is far more precise and far more accurate and far more powerful than anything that is contained in the boundaries of rational thought.” -- Deepak Chopra
Literal
A father often read Bible stories to his young children. One day he read, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was tuned to salt.” His son asked, “What happened to the flea?”
XK Falcon 1960-62
Ford’s plan to take on the successful Holden relied on the Zephyr. But when Ford Australia bosses went to see it in the US, the styling didn’t appeal to them; so instead they were shown the mock-up of the Falcon intended for the American market. The Falcon was newer, better looking, lighter and would cost less to build, so Zephyr was scrapped.
The styling was fresh and new, with cleaner, lower, wider lines proving very popular. Rival FB Holden began to look heavy and out-dated. The Falcon’s engine was a 144 cubic inch 90bhp 6 cylinder, together with a 3 speed column shift manual or 2 speed Fordomatic.Two months later the station wagon was added. It was hailed as a market leader in design and styling. The ute and panel van completed the range in May 1961.Despite having 90% Australian content, the XK was an American car, being extensively tested in the US. It was assumed that because the new Falcon had no problems in the US, it would have no problems here. The suspension was designed for smooth, wide freeways across the US, giving city driving Australians a sense of handling never before experienced in an Australian built car. But outside the city, the front suspension balljoints couldn’t cope with the country roads, and the suspension nearly came up through the bottom.The 6 x 13 inch tyres weren’t big enough and the engine capacity proved too small for an Australian family car. The steering was light and indirect, the clutch had problems and to top it all off, there were poor finish and durability concerns.Ford Australia was promised a test track. And a year later, a more powerful 170 Pursuit engine was released as an option. Taxi and fleet owners were attracted to the new engine.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Living will
A man and his wife were sitting in the living room discussing a“Living Will”.
"Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."
His wife got up, unplugged the TV and threw out all the beer.
"Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."
His wife got up, unplugged the TV and threw out all the beer.
Why would anyone wear red socks?
Pete Hall, is currently the principal of Sheridan Elementary School in Spokane, Washington says: I wear red socks for the same reason Johnny Cash always wore black. To paraphrase the late, great singer, I wear the socks “for the poor and the beaten-down -- living in the hopeless, hungry side of town.”
As a school principal, I work with hundreds of children every day. The life situations in which many of those children find themselves are rough -- poverty, lack of parental engagement, single-parent homes, poor nutrition, rough neighbourhoods, loud dogs, bad music, and countless other factors. I work in a high-poverty neighbourhood, but the troubles children bring with them to school are not exclusive to high-poverty neighbourhoods by any means.
School also comes at them hard -- deadlines, demands, schedules, assignments, expectations, and lockers that jam just for the sake of jamming during passing times. Imagine how a child feels while trying to navigate this harsh labyrinth some days. So, my thought is this: flash ‘em some sock.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve encountered a sad child on the playground, upset at the way her mother screamed at her that morning, and through the course of our subsequent conversation I’ve said something like, “Well, at least you’re not wearing red socks…” That usually draws at least a wry grin -- which I can capitalize on and begin working with this child on some positive thoughts and strategies for handling life.
As a school principal, I work with hundreds of children every day. The life situations in which many of those children find themselves are rough -- poverty, lack of parental engagement, single-parent homes, poor nutrition, rough neighbourhoods, loud dogs, bad music, and countless other factors. I work in a high-poverty neighbourhood, but the troubles children bring with them to school are not exclusive to high-poverty neighbourhoods by any means.
School also comes at them hard -- deadlines, demands, schedules, assignments, expectations, and lockers that jam just for the sake of jamming during passing times. Imagine how a child feels while trying to navigate this harsh labyrinth some days. So, my thought is this: flash ‘em some sock.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve encountered a sad child on the playground, upset at the way her mother screamed at her that morning, and through the course of our subsequent conversation I’ve said something like, “Well, at least you’re not wearing red socks…” That usually draws at least a wry grin -- which I can capitalize on and begin working with this child on some positive thoughts and strategies for handling life.
Falcon
Australia's most successful car has to be the Ford Falcon. It has been on our roads since 1960, making it the longest running nameplate of any Australian car. It is also the only remaining Australian designed and built car.
Falcons have always appealed to a wide range of people including families, people who appreciate power, size and versatility, and people who need to tow. It also serves as a popular fleet vehicle, and it's the car of choice amongst taxi companies and the police force.
Falcon is a testament to Aussie ingenuity. Ford is able to make each new model last up to ten years, whilst constantly adding new innovations and keeping the cars fresh and competitive.
The XK Falcon is the car that started it all.
An American design, it suffered on Australian roads, but all was fixed and after a few updates, the XP began to sell in large numbers to both the public and fleets.
The next major update was the XR Falcon; it is notable for being the first Falcon GT. These cars featured the "coke-bottle" hipline, and were available with V8 power. A mid-life update - XW Falcon - changed the appearance significantly.
Next up was the XA Falcon of 1972, which introduced big, bold styling, and these cars typified Australia at the time. They brought some new technology and better safety.
The innovative XD Falcon became square-shaped, the trend at the time. Due to new materials, it was smaller and lighter but still had just as much interior room as the last model.
This series of cars saw the demise of the V8 and the introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection.
More modern than ever before, the rounded EA Falcon lead Ford into the nineties. The E-series Falcons brought many new technologies and innovations, as well as safety items such as ABS brakes and standard airbags. The Falcon was considered the best value-for-money family car in the world.
The AU Falcon brought controversial "edge" styling which was polarising and spoilt an otherwise excellent package. But, as in the past, Ford managed to greatly change the car in a mid-life upgrade, for the better.
The signs point to the new BA Falcon taking back the number one spot, having already taken out several awards and with sales figures rising. Even so, it is already Australia's best car.
Falcons have always appealed to a wide range of people including families, people who appreciate power, size and versatility, and people who need to tow. It also serves as a popular fleet vehicle, and it's the car of choice amongst taxi companies and the police force.
Falcon is a testament to Aussie ingenuity. Ford is able to make each new model last up to ten years, whilst constantly adding new innovations and keeping the cars fresh and competitive.
The XK Falcon is the car that started it all.
An American design, it suffered on Australian roads, but all was fixed and after a few updates, the XP began to sell in large numbers to both the public and fleets.
The next major update was the XR Falcon; it is notable for being the first Falcon GT. These cars featured the "coke-bottle" hipline, and were available with V8 power. A mid-life update - XW Falcon - changed the appearance significantly.
Next up was the XA Falcon of 1972, which introduced big, bold styling, and these cars typified Australia at the time. They brought some new technology and better safety.
The innovative XD Falcon became square-shaped, the trend at the time. Due to new materials, it was smaller and lighter but still had just as much interior room as the last model.
This series of cars saw the demise of the V8 and the introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection.
More modern than ever before, the rounded EA Falcon lead Ford into the nineties. The E-series Falcons brought many new technologies and innovations, as well as safety items such as ABS brakes and standard airbags. The Falcon was considered the best value-for-money family car in the world.
The AU Falcon brought controversial "edge" styling which was polarising and spoilt an otherwise excellent package. But, as in the past, Ford managed to greatly change the car in a mid-life upgrade, for the better.
The signs point to the new BA Falcon taking back the number one spot, having already taken out several awards and with sales figures rising. Even so, it is already Australia's best car.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Car With Twin Jet Engines
The car with twin jet engines is out for sale on ebay and is priced at $30,000+. While the model of the car is not known, it seems that it comes with two 58 General electric Jet engines with afterburners.
1250cc, 165 Horsepower Aquajet Jetbike
Don’t ever feel proud of your abode at the seashore if you’re not having this rough and tough Aquajet Jetbike WX-1 1250(MAV). This beast is a watercraft powered by a 165 horsepower three cylinder two-stroke engine via a jet drive giving you a thrilling 60mph real mobike feel on the waves. The machine can be loaded with ammunition ranging from lightweight small caliber machine guns, rocket launchers, GPS, radar, night vision and lots of firepower. Pricing starts at $10,000.
Ron Patrick’s street legal Jet-car
Jon Patrick is the man who became ‘Blogfamous’ for building a street-legal, jet-engine powered Wolkswagen Beetle. He has used a General Electric model T58-8F that is in actual a helicopter turboshaft engine converted into a jet engine. Other than the jet-engine, you also have a gasoline engine. The gasoline one is meant for driving legally and the jet one for fun and speed. The jet engine spins up to whopping 26,000 RPM, draws air at 11,000 CFM and is rated at 1350 hp.
Ron Patrick’s jet-powered Honda Scooter
Street-legal jet-powered honda schooter is another creativity of Ron Patrick in which he strapped two JFS 100 jet engines into his wife’s Honda Metropolitan scooter to sort out her problem of it “only going 40 miles per hour.” He estimates that even a single engine could get her ride over 60 mph. The two-wheeler is not functional yet as Ron is has some more changes to do with the beast.
Jet powered series
I'll post these individually, as it'll be easier.
Apparently, human beings have an outlandish allure with strapping inestimably powerful jet engines into bits and pieces with most of them never developed for such impetus. But, this has nothing to do with the fanatical engineering brains of the world giving it a push. We have witnessed a number of jet-powered vehicles in the past that really woo us with fleetness and feat. Here is a list of top jet-powered vehicles that are ready to take your grit for an unforgettable terrific test drive.
M-97: Jet-powered Train Car
Named Black Beetle by the workers, this jet-enhanced train car ran on its track successfully in the year 1966. The team led by Don Wetzel tailored two General Electric J-47-19 jet engines, which had been intended as boosters for the Convair B-36 intercontinental bomber. The M-497 ran to a record speed at 183.85 miles per hour, an U.S rail-speed record that stands to this day.Ron Patrick’s jet-powered Honda scooter
On the edge
I love doing some mountain biking, but these guys should also take up visiting their psychologist as a hobby.
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