Random family images

Inside the Tart.

Second opinion

After the doctor gives the patient his diagnosis, the patient says; “Can I have a second opinion?
The doctor says; “Sure. Come back tomorrow.”

Random family images

Nice colour and in good shape.

XA GT

The XA GT was the first Australian designed Ford, and the GT version was a more refined car than its predecessors (which had been designed more as road going race cars than true Grand Tourers).

Ford hoped to change this with the XA, but in so doing lost some of the raw appeal that had endeared the XR-XY to the public.

The XA's, while fitted with the same 351ci Cleveland V8, appeared not to be as quick. Ford, however, had a plan and waiting in the wings was the four door XA Phase 4.

Sadly, a wave of media hysteria over Super Cars and government interference led to the cancelation of the new HO. Whatever the perception was of the road going XA GT's performance, in racing hardtop guise, it remains the only Falcon to win twice at Bathurst.

1868 XA GT four doors were produced, and 891 hardtops.

Marketed under the 'Born on the Wind' slogan, the XA was a great success for Ford Australia and a confident statement of its independence.

Random family images

mmmmm... GT. Yummy.

Education

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace laureate

Random family images

A rare bird indeed - Fairliane body, but with GT running gear. Nice.

Final exam

This past fall semester, at Duke University, there were two sophomores who were taking Organic Chemistry and who did pretty well on all of the quizzes, midterms, labs, etc. Going into the final exam, they had solid "A's."
These two friends were so confident going into the final that the weekend before finals week (even though the Chem. final was on Monday), they decided to go up to University of Virginia to a party with some friends.
So they did this and had a great time. However, they ended up staying longer than they planned, and they didn't make it back to Duke until early Monday morning. Rather than taking the final then, they found Professor Aldric after the final and explained to him why they missed it. They told him that they went up to Virginia for the weekend, and had planned to come back in time to study, but that they had a flat tire on the way back and didn't have a spare and couldn't get help for a long time. So they were late getting back to campus.
Aldric thought this over and agreed that they could make up the final on the following day. The two guys were elated and relieved. So, they studied that night and went in the next day at the time that Aldric had told them.
He placed them in separate rooms, handed each of them a test booklet and told them to begin. They looked at the first problem, which was something simple about free radical formation and was worth 5 points. "Cool" they thought, "this is going to be easy." They did that problem and then turned the page.
They were unprepared, however, for what they saw on the next page.
It said: (95 points) "Which tire?"

Random family images

The young upstart continues to impress.

XY GT Specifications

Engine Specifications:
Engine: 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 (5.763 litre)
Bore & Stroke: 102 x 89mm (4.00 x 3.50in)
Power (DIN): 224kW (300bhp) @ 5400rpm
Torque (DIN:) 515Nm (380lb-ft) @ 3400rpm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Head Design: Pushrod & rocker OHV with hydraulic lifters
Exhaust System: Cast iron manifold, low restriction twin exhaust
Fuel System: 600cfm Autolite 4 barrel carburettor
Ignition System: Single point distributor
Manual Gearbox :
Type: 4 speed all-synchronised
1st: 2.78:1
2nd: 1.93:1
3rd: 1.36:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.78:1
Manual Gearbox :
Type: 4 speed all-synchronised close ratio
1st: 2.32:1
2nd: 1.69:1
3rd: 1.29:1
4th: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.78:1
Automatic Transmission:
Type: 3 speed C4
1st: 2.46:1
2nd: 1.46:1
3rd: 1.00:1
Reverse: 2.20:1
Rear Axle:
Type: 9in LSD Traction Lock is standard with 28 spline axles or 31 spline optional
Manual Ratio: 3.0:1 standard with optional 3.5:1 or 3.91:1
Automatic Ratio: 2.75:1
Suspension:
Front: Independent ball joint, coil springs, shock absorbers, wishbones and anti-roll bar
Upper control arm to accept the 3 pin ball joint used, as opposed to the 4 point ball joint used in the normal GTs and earlier GTHOs
Rear: Hotchkiss type with semi-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers and live axle

Brakes:
Front: 286mm (11.25in) Servo assisted Discs
Rear: 254mm (10in) Servo assisted Drums
Steering:
Type: Re-circulating ball power assistance (Optional)
Ratio: 16:1
Wheels & Tyres:
Wheels: 6.0 x 14 Steel - Steel '5 Slot' with S Steel dress ring & centre cap
7.0 x 15 Alloy - '5 Spoke' Bathurst Globe (Optional) from 1972
Tyres: 185 x 14 - E70HR14
Instrumentation:
Speedometer: 140mph
Cleveland Tachometer: 8000rpm
Oil Pressure: Gauge
Water Temperature: Gauge
Fuel: Gauge
Ignition: Warning Light
High Beam: Warning Light
Brakes: Warning Light
Clock: Analogue
Dimensions:
Length: 4689mm (184.6in)
Width: 1869mm (73.6in)
Height: 1397mm (55.0in)
Weelbase: 2819mm (111.0in)
Front Track: 1499mm (59.0in)
Rear Track 1486mm (58.5in)
Weight: 1524kg (3360lb)
Turning Circle: 11.2m (36.6ft)
Fuel Tank: 75 litre (16.4 gallons) - 163.8 litre (36.0gl) optional
Seating: 5
Performance:
Top Speed: 217km/h (135mph)
0 - 60mph (0 - 100 km/h) - 6.4 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile (400m) - 14.2 seconds
Also see:
The Ford Falcon GT Story
Cleveland 4V V8
Falcon XY GT Review
Falcon XY GT Identification Guide

XY GT COLOUR CODE CHART
Paint Code Fleet Code Paint Name Ford Formula Dulon Formula GT GTHO Total
6 EZ814
Vermillion Fire
1730-A
11714
256 68 324
U EZ801
Ultra White (EZ156)
L1111-A
13006
240 39 279
O EY415
Yellow Ochre
L597-A
12628
163 37 200
H EY348
Track Red
L1096-A
12632
141 23 164
X EY407
Monza Green
L1103-A
12535
130 23 153
2 EZ808
Bronze Wine metallic L1099-A
12633
111 16 127
S EZ812
Electric Blue metallic L1098-A
12531
107 11 118
9 EZ810
Nugget Gold metallic L1102-A
12635
90 18 108
E Quick Silver metallic L1100-A
12528
56 0 56
T EZ813
True Blue
L1104-A
12192
36 5 41
I EZ819
Jewel Green metallic M3595-A
13304
27 6 33
Z EZ815
Wild Violet metallic L1126-A
13305
15 6 21
F EY277
Vintage Burgundy metallic 1632-A
8634
14 1 15
Q EZ820
Yellow Glo
L1129-A
13195
7 7 14
K EZ823
Frosted Pewter metallic
1740-A
10763
5 5 10
B EY426
Onyx Black
1724-A
11695
8 1 9
D EZ821
Raw Orange
13197
2 7 9
n/a EY161
Royal Umber
5384

Random family images

It's still cool...

Love

"You call it madness, but I call it love." - Don Byas, jazz musician

XA GT Identification

Decoding the Body Prefix Number:
All Falcon GT’s have the same engine number and Body Prefix number
Prior to 1971 Ford used a dual numbering system
They had a V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) which was different to the body prefix number/engine number
The V.I.N. number as stamped on the front edge of the passenger side spring tower, and body prefix and serial number as stamped on the passenger side front of the radiator support panel
The body prefix number also corresponds to the number stamped on the I.D plate
From Jan. 1971 onwards, Ford went to the 3 way system
Body prefix and serial number as appeared on the I.D. Tag was the same on the engine and spring tower
Body prefix numbers of Australian produced cars:
JG33AB12345
J – identifies the country of production (Australia)
G – identifies the assembly plant (Broadmeadows)
33 – identifies the model of car (Falcon GT Sedan)
A – identifies the year of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
B – identifies the month of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
12345 – is a unique number identifying each vehicle
Date Codes:

Year Codes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1972 M B R A G C K D E L U S T
1973 N J U M P B R A G C Y D E

Paint Codes:
J = Calypso Green
8 = Cosmic Blue
I = Jewel Green
G or T = Lime Glaze
U = Ultra White
7 = Walnut Glow
Z = Wild Violet
S = Yellow Glow
Q = Yellow Fire
A = Yellow Sand
X = Red Pepper
E or K = Wild Plum
Y = Kelly Green
A or O = Summer Gold
B = Onyx Black
C = Skyview Blue
3 = Polar White
P = Primer
Y117 = Rothmans Blue
SPEC = Whatever You Like
Engine Codes:
T = 351 4V
H 351 4V GTHO only
Transmission Codes:
L = Four speed manual
B = Floor shift automatic
Trim Codes:

B = Black
W = White
A = Blue
G = Green
R = Red
Y = Burgundy
U = Dark Grey
C = Chamois
P = Parchment
S = Saddle
2 = Cloth Inserts. This code followed the trim colour code eg B2 was black with cloth inserts
Model Code:
18238

Production Numbers:
4 Doors Built December 1971 - September 1973 = 1868 units
1971 = 1
1972 = 1222
1973 = 64

Random family images

This little Studebaker was something else - blown and injected it was a cranky handful. Custom interior, big wheels - oh so cool.

Roles

A neurotic is the person who builds a castle in the air. A psychotic is the person who lives in it. And a psychiatrist is the person who collects the rent.

Random family images

It's been in this guide for a few years now, but it's still a show stopper - Ranchero ute - big block, chopped top, big wheels, big stereo.

Identifying an XY GT

Body prefix numbers of Australian produced cars:
JG33AB12345
J – identifies the country of production (Australia)
G – identifies the assembly plant (Broadmeadows)
33 – identifies the model of car (Falcon GT Sedan)
A – identifies the year of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
B – identifies the month of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
12345 – is a unique number identifying each vehicle
Date Codes:

Year Codes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1970 K L Y S T J U M P B Y A G
1971 L C K D E L Y S T J R M P

Paint Codes:
H = Track Red

S = Electric Blue

X = Monza Green

9 = Nuggett Gold

E = Quick Silver

T = True Blue

U = Ultra White

6 = Vermillion Fire

I or EZ819 = Jewell Green

O = Yellow Ocre

2 = Bronze Wine

Z or EZ815 = Wild Violet

Q or EZ820 = Yellow Glow

F = Vintage Burgundy

B = Onyx Black

D or EZ821 = Raw Orange

C = Bold Blue

F289 = Surfer Orange

L = Limelight metallic

EZ099 = Shell Yellow

5 = Tealglow

EZ903 = Spearmint

K = Frosted Pewter

Z801 = Royal Umber

F320 = Harmony Grey

F269 = RAA Lemon

F280 = Zircon Green

F240 = AGFA Orange

SPEC = Rothmans Blue

SPEC = Aviation Orange

SPEC = Whatever You Like
Engine Codes:
T = 351 4V
Transmission Codes:
L = Four speed manual
B = Floor shift automatic
Trim Codes:

B = Black
K = Dark Saddle
S = Light Saddle
W = White
2 = Cloth Inserts. This code followed the trim colour code eg B2 was black with cloth inserts
Model Code:
18038 = XY GT - 1970
18138 = XY GT - 1971
Production Numbers:
Built September 1970 - December 1971 = 1557 GT units
1970 = 757 units
1971 = 800 units
Built May 1971 - November 1971 = 300 GTHO units

Random family images

Use every technique at your disposal!

What's draining your energy?

"Energy is equal to desire and purpose." - Sheryl Adams

What people, events or things drain your energy? What part of you is not going with the flow? What are you resisting? Plug your energy leaks and experience what it feels like to work on all cylinders.

"Everything you are against weakens you. Everything you are for empowers you." - Wayne Dyer

Random family images

Dertermination and accomplishment.

It's a mystery

A man takes his place in the theater, but his seat is too far from the stage.
He whispers to the usher, "This is a mystery, and I have to watch a mystery close up. Get me a better seat, and I'll give you a handsome tip."
The usher moves him into the second row, and the man hands the usher a quarter.
The usher looks at the quarter, leans over and whispers, "The wife did it."

Random family images

Climbing walls, horizontal bungie and jumping castles. I thought this was a ute show...

XY GT

In 1967 when most Australians were driving sedate family sedans and small two-door cars, the Ford GT Falcon took to the streets - a local sedan with muscle under the bonnet. The Holden Monaro GTS and Torana XU1 and the Chrysler Valiant Charger soon followed.

They were built in limited editions by mainstream manufacturers who wanted the prestige of winning production car races, especially the annual Bathurst 500 mile race.

GT Falcons like this one were raced in unmodified showroom condition. (These days Holden and Ford still make 'Bathurst' cars, but for racing they are stripped of sedan car comforts and modified for more speed.)

The Phase Three Falcon took the first three places in 1971's Bathurst car race. It was the world's fastest four-door production car for many years. Only 200 were ever made and so, like other muscle cars, they have become highly collectable. It boasted 380 bhp, compared to the mere 40 bhp of the Toyota Corolla of the time and the 208 bhp of today's 4-litre Falcon.

With a top speed of over 140 mph (230 km/h) - it can do 400 metres in 14.6 seconds from a standing start thanks to the Cleveland 5.7 litre V8 engines large port high-compression heads, a Holley four-barrel carburettor, full extractor system and close-ratio gearbox.

Cosmetic improvements included front and rear spoilers and a large 'shaker' bonnet scoop. Today, the XY GT Falcon is seen by many Australian car collectors as the definitive "Aussie Muscle Car".

Random family images

Just one of those happy moments. That involve beer and cars and girls on the beach. Oh, and families.

Nothing needs to be fixed

"Tolerance does not . . . do anything, embrace anyone, champion any issue. It wipes the notes off the score of life and replaces them with one long bar of rest. It does not attack error, it does not champion truth, it does not hate evil, it does not love good." - Walter Farrell

As we understand it, the spiritual journey is not about becoming perfect. It’s about acceptance, releasing judgment, and embracing everything in wholeness.
This is a great challenge for our personality. We’ve grown up comparing ourselves to others, always judging how we’re better and worse than those around us. And many of us are very good at finding fault with ourselves.

If we release judgment, then nothing needs to be fixed -- including you. Explore inviting your soul to help you accept all that is and experience a whole new way of living.

"Wherever you are is always the right place. There is never a need to fix anything, to hitch up the bootstraps of the soul and start at some higher place. Start right where you are." -- Julia Cameron

Random family images

Born with a mouse in her hand. Kids today have grown up with technology. To them it is a natural part of life and often they perform tasks automatically. Plus, they see us use it and learn by mirroring our actions. In everything. Until they make up their own minds.

Return

A doctor calls his patient and says, "The check you gave me for my bill came back."
The patient replied, "So did my arthritis!"

Random family images

One of the great things about our car club is when we go on cruises together. We often go to places that we haven;t been before - variety is the spice of life and all that. That thrill of the unexpected discovery - serendipity - is a rare but welcome experience.

Identifying an XW GT

Decoding the Body Prefix Number:

Prior to 1971 Ford used a dual numbering system.
They had a V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) - which was the same as the engine number - stamped on the front edge of the passenger side spring tower
The body prefix and serial number - which also corresponded to the numbers stamped on the I.D plate - stamped on the passenger side front of the radiator support panel.

From January 1971 onwards, Ford went to a one number system, whereby the body prefix and serial number, as it appeared on the Compliance Plate, was the same number stamped on the engine and spring tower, (which by this time had shifted from the front, to the side facing the passenger front guard).

Body prefix numbers of Australian produced cars:
JG33AB12345
J – identifies the country of production (Australia)
G – identifies the assembly plant (Broadmeadows)
33 – identifies the model of car (Falcon GT Sedan)
A – identifies the year of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
B – identifies the month of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
12345 – is a unique number identifying each vehicle

Date Codes:

Year Codes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1969 J J U M P B R A G C K D E
1970 K L Y S T J U M P B Y A G

Paint Codes:
K = Starlight Blue
R or 5 = Diamond White
G = Candy Apple Red

Y = Grecian Gold

M = Reef Green

Z or 8 = Silver Fox metallic

T = Track Red

S = Electric Blue

E = Polar White

F280 = Zircon Green

F289 = Surfer Orange

F117 = Brambles Red

F = Vintage Burgundy

B = Jet Black

V = Go Green

SPEC = Whatever You Like
Engine Codes:
T = 351 4V
H = 351 4V GTHO only
Transmission Codes:
L = Four speed manual
B = Floor shift automatic
Trim Codes:

B = Black XT onwards
K = Dark Saddle XW only
2 = Cloth Inserts. This code followed the trim colour code eg B2 was black with cloth inserts

Model Code:
18938 = XW GT
18939 = XW GTHO

Production Numbers:
Built May 1969 - October 1970 = 2287 GT units
Built July 1969 - October 1970 = 662 GT HO units
1969 GT 351 Windsor V8 = 1010 units
1970 GT 351 Windsor V8 = 258 units
1970 GT 351 Cleveland V8 = 1019 units
1969 GT HO 351 Windsor V8 = 260 units
1970 GT HO 351 Cleveland V8 = 402 units

Random family images

Simple. Pretty.

Like me.

Ways you could be Losing Energy

A List of probabilities to be on the lookout for every day

accidents
addictions
allergies
anger
being controlled
being scattered
being unbalanced
being unfocused
boredom
broken boundaries
busyness
claustrophobia
compromise
conflicts
crisis
criticism
emotions
excessive self review
failure
fear
feeling threatened
feeling victimized
fights
guilt
having too many people around
high expectations
high humidity
high temperature
impatience
inertia
insults
jealousy
lack of sleep
lack of stimulation
laziness lengthy meetings
life changes
long ‘To Do’ lists
loss of esteem
loud noise
low self worth
manipulation
medications
negative encounters
negative news
negative self talk
nosy people
not knowing
orgasms
over giving
overeating
overwork
pain
perfectionism
physical changes
poor diet
procrastination
resentment
sadness
shame
shyness
sickness
stress
tardiness
technology
unfinished business
unscheduled events
weather
worry

Random family images

Our eldest daughter got a digital camera for Christmas. She sees photo opportunities in unique ways.

Counting

A teacher asked little Johnny if he knows his 1 to 10 well
"Yes! Of course! My pop taught me...even more than 10"
"Good. What comes after three?”
"Four," answers the boy.
"What comes after six?"
"Seven."
"Very good," says the teacher. "Your erm...dad did a good job. Now...so what comes after...lets say ten?"
"A jack"

Random family images

It's always good to see little creatures.

XW GT

In May 1969 the first of the XW GTs rolled off the Broadmeadows assembly line. Ford upped the ante with the XW by fitting the 351 cubic inch (5.8 litre) Windsor V8 with an output of 290 bhp (217KW) and 385 ft/lbs of torque.

With bigger brakes, a final drive ratio of 3.25:1, a huge 36 gallon (164 litre) fuel tank and suspension mods to take the extra power and torque, the XW seemed to be the ultimate grand tourer.

But more was to follow. The HO variant, which arrived two months later, was a real street racer. HO stood for "Handling Option" in Fordspeak but most of the modifications added by Ford racing boss Al Turner were to the engine, which now developed 300bhp (225kW).

The 351 got a bigger (600 vs 450cfm) carburettor, hydraulic valve lifters, revised camshaft, heavy duty alternator, alloy inlet manifold as well as a three-inch heavy duty tailshaft, heavier front roll bar, beefed-up coils, stiffer shocks and a new rear roll bar.

In its first appearance at the 1969 Bathurst race an XW GTHO came in second in spite of wrong tyre choice which saw the works cars pitting for unscheduled stops throughout the day. The GTHO also saw the debut of the "Super Roo" emblem, the tyre burning kangaroo.

Production of the XW model resulted in 2,287 GTs from May 1969 to October 1970 and 662 GT HOs from Juty 1969 to October 1970. Ford further refined the XW GT with a Cleveland 351 engine, still with 300bhp.

The Phase II GTHO which appeared in August 1970 sported a 750cfm Holley carburettor and improved gear ratios with a high 3.5:1 rear axle. Allan Moffat won Bathurst in a Phase II after leading from lap 2.

Random family images

I think we need an old priest and a young priest...

Ways to Increase Your Energy

A List of Choices

align yourself
appreciate someone
be more accepting
be near or in water
breathe more deeply
brush your teeth
celebrate
center yourself
complete some tasks
create or appreciate art
cry
cuddle with someone or something
dance
day dream
do puzzles
do rituals
do something different
do things differently
dress up
drink more water
drive
eat
engage in sex
enjoy quality time
enjoy something pleasurable
enjoy the sunshine
exercise
fast
forgive someone
gardening
get hair or nails done
give to a charity
go shopping go to a show
ground yourself
have a massage
have a relaxing meal
hold hands with someone
hug
hug a tree
journal
laugh
learn new things
light candles
listen to or play music
make love
meditate
play
play with pets
pray
read
relax
receive compliments
reorganize
retreat
say ‘I Love you’
shower
sing
swim
take a holiday
take a nature walk
take time for yourself
take vitamins
use your hands
visit a friend
walk barefoot
write a self appreciation list

Random family images

Cute as a button. Why do dogs like houses so much? Security?

How many?

How many flies does it take to screw in a light bulb? Two, but you've got to get them in there first.

Random family images

She loooooooves taking photos of herself.

Identifying an XT GT

Decoding the Body Prefix Number:

Prior to 1971 Ford used a dual numbering system.
They had a V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) - which was the same as the engine number - stamped on the front edge of the passenger side spring tower
The body prefix and serial number - which also corresponded to the numbers stamped on the I.D plate - stamped on the passenger side front of the radiator support panel.

From January 1971 onwards, Ford went to a one number system, whereby the body prefix and serial number, as it appeared on the Compliance Plate, was the same number stamped on the engine and spring tower, (which by this time had shifted from the front, to the side facing the passenger front guard).

Body prefix numbers of Australian produced cars:
JG33AB12345
J – identifies the country of production (Australia)
G – identifies the assembly plant (Broadmeadows)
33 – identifies the model of car (Falcon GT Sedan)
A – identifies the year of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
B – identifies the month of production (See chart below for year and month codes)
12345 – is a unique number identifying each vehicle

Date Codes:

Year Codes Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1968 H B R A G C K D E L U S T
1969 J J U M P B R A G C K D E

Paint Codes:
T = GT Gold
M = GT Silver
Z = Zircon Green
G = Candy Apple Red
E = Polar White
A = Springtime Yellow
F117 = Brambles Red
S or X = Stratosphere Grey
Engine Codes:
W = 302 4V
Transmission Codes:
L = Four speed manual
O = Floor shift automatic
Trim Codes:

B = Black
Model Code: 18838
Body Identification: 54H
Production Numbers between Februaru 1968 – June 1969:
1968 = 1135
1969 = 280

Random family images

This must have been a weekend - smiling in the morning...

Leadership

TEN COURAGEOUS ACTIONS WE CAN DO TODAY and every day in our roles as school leaders
Know What We Believe.

Educators constantly talk about the importance of our schools' beliefs, visions, or mission statements. As a result, today most schools have such "guiding truths" posted in classrooms, hallways, and policy manuals. But a school's belief statement is absolutely meaningless unless it is a living document that is modelled, first and foremost, in the actions of its principal. When we say that we believe all kids can learn, we must have the courage to support that happening on our campus -- for all students. Even when we base our actions on those idealistic belief statements, we are often called to draw on our courage. The ancient Greek maxim "Know Thyself" is true: knowing who we are is the first step in knowing what we believe. Like a medieval knight heading off to war clad in armour, being clothed in our convictions enables us to act with courage.
Be Reflective. To be truly reflective means that we self-reflect, self-inspect, and self-correct. In other words, we make time to think about our actions and then we inspect them. Did I do what was right? Could I have done this a different way, or perhaps a better way? We also ask others to honestly and constructively evaluate our actions. Based on the answers to those questions, we self-correct, always working to improve.
Confront Our Own Weaknesses.
Principals who build valuing relationships with staff and students understand the value of being honest with themselves. That means that when we reflect on our actions we face up to our own weaknesses. When we fail or make bad decisions, instead of offering excuses for our behaviour we own up to our shortcomings. In the movie Batman Begins, the father of the young Batman gave this advice: "Why do we fail? So we can learn to pick ourselves up!" When we principals confront our own weaknesses, it takes courage to pick ourselves up.
Apologize.
When we realize that we have made a mistake we must take full responsibility for our actions and publicly acknowledge what we did wrong. That is not easy. After all, everyone seems to want to "beat up" on educators today, so why should we make it easier for them by admitting our errors? When we admit our errors and apologize, we become the voice that leads the improvement effort rather than the victim who takes the blame. That takes courage. John Wayne was right when he said "Courage is being scared to death -- but saddling up anyway." Having the courage to admit error, apologize, and then "saddle up" can be the catalyst needed by others to acknowledge their vulnerability and activate their own courage. Courage is contagious.
Advocate for Others.
As educators build relationships that value others, we must remember that all circumstances must consistently be viewed first under the umbrella of "what is best for students." Advocating for students takes courage and tremendous energy. Who will advocate for the students who come through the doors of our schools who are abused, poor, and under-served? Who will advocate for the children who struggle academically? Who will advocate for the children in our schools who are bullied and mistreated by others? It takes courage, but, when the principal acts as an advocate for those students, faculty and staff draw from that courage and the campus is energized and strengthened.
Recognize That Risk Exists.
Principals recognize that risk exists when they make difficult decisions; we win some and we lose some. Over the years, I have known principals who had to re-assign close friends, replace well-loved coaches, fire a best friend's son or daughter, suspend or expel children of board members… all under the umbrella of our belief in "what is best for students." In all of those situations, relationships were altered, for sure. But, often, when the principal courageously stood up for others in a way that was consistent with the values and beliefs of the school, after the personal hurt was over, relationships of respect, and sometimes even admiration, returned.
Get Comfortable With the Fact That Decisions Rarely Please Everyone.
No matter how hard we try to effect win-win decisions, we will not make everyone happy. Knowing that our absolute best effort has been given to effect a situation that could be agreeable to both parties makes it easier to live with decisions that do not please everyone. Having a framework of guiding questions to follow can help with those hard-to-make decisions. I have found these five questions to be helpful in clarifying problems and identifying possible solutions:
• What is the absolute best decision for both sides?
• What would be the long-term effects of those "best decisions"?
• How would I respond if I only knew the problem, and not the people?
• What decision is consistent with what I believe?
• What will be the long-term effects of my decision? By going through this questioning process, principals are able to define each issue with greater clarity, which strengthens our courage to make difficult decisions.
Commit to Staying the Course.
Courage over the long term is not easy to sustain. But in order to maintain trusting staff, student, and parent relationships, principals must make a continuous commitment to act with courage toward everyone on campus. While we don't like to admit it, it's true that certain faculty and certain students are easier to support than others. But courage isn't courage if it's arbitrary. Unfortunately making one courageous decision doesn't make us paragons of courage. Each circumstance that arises and presents a challenge causes us to agonize all over again. However, it is not always being afraid of the outcome that causes anxiety; sometimes we just are not sure which is the best decision to make. When that happens, to act at all is often an act of courage. Eleanor Roosevelt exhorted us that we "gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face... You must do the thing you think you cannot do." When leaders act courageously and survive to tell about it, we gain confidence to act more courageously when the next dilemma occurs.
Learn from Previous Experiences.
When principals draw from their own experiences as teachers and parents, we fuel our own courage to act.
Maintain a Sense of Humour.
Another way for us to act courageously is to activate our senses of humour. Even though laughing at ourselves can sometimes make us seem more vulnerable, laughter is a wonderful way to build a sense of community within the school. There is something about laughter that brings people together even in difficult times. Recently, the schools in the area where I teach were devastated by a hurricane. Later, as the recovery effort was underway, one of the principals posted a note on the faculty bulletin board titled "How Hurricanes Are Like Christmas." One punch line read, "Hurricanes are like Christmas because you have a tree in your living room." Even though many staff members were actually struggling with trees in their living rooms when they read that, they all laughed.
FACING OUR FEARS
Actions that are courageous cause our heart rates to race, our palms to become sweaty, and our nights to become sleepless. In the world we live in today, there is likely not a principal among us who has not gone to bed with visions of hiding under a desk in fear. And rightly so. We live in turbulent times.
We need to understand what Mark Twain meant when he wrote that "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear."

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The sister car to ours in the Club.

Therapy

A patient tell his therapist: “I feel awful. I feel like a spoon all the time.”
The therapist says: “Sit still and don’t stir.”

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Old School Cool.

XT GT

When the XT GT arrived in May, 1968, it was obviously a continuation of the theme - although it was available in a greater range of colours, and introduced driving lights to the grille, a feature that was to become a trademark for all subsequent GTs.

Speculation had been rife as to what shape or form the 1968 XT Falcon GT would take after the release of the XT Falcon models earlier that year. There was talk of Ford introducing the massive 390 cu. in. engine, but this was dismissed by most people on the grounds of understeer.

Others believed the existing 4.7 litre V8 was far from fully developed and that the new XT would feature this engine in a higher rate of tune; Racing Car News, for example, predicted twin four-barrel carburettors and 300 bhp. Indeed the engine size was increased, to 302ci (4.9litres), raising power output to 230hp - only 5 bhp more than the XR GT.

The compression ratio was increased to 10.0:1, and a limited slip axle was available to put the power to the ground. There was an increase in the rim width to 6 inches, although 185 x 14 tyres were still fitted. These changes, along with some minor revisions to the suspension (including a front anti-roll bar), made the XT a taughter, but more comfortable drive than its predecessor.

The brake setup from the XR GT was carried over, which meant 11-inch front discs and drum rear brakes, although the XT used a dual hydraulic system.

For the first time an automatic transmission was available as an optional extra. With a top gear giving 24.25 miles per hour per 1000 rpm the theoretical maximum speed attainable worked out to be 126 mph at 5,200 rpm, and drivers believed 130 mph would be within reach on the long Conrod Straight at Bathurst.

1968 London - Sydney Marathon

In competition the XT GT was not a resounding success. Suprisingly enough, the car's biggest success came in the field of rallying, specifically the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon, where a three car works entered team led by Harry Firth won the team's prize and the Vaughan/Forsyth/Ellis car finished third. The great strength of the body and the reliability of the engine and transmission had been convincingly demonstrated.

The first major track outing of the XT GT was at the Datsun 3 Hour Trophy at Sandown Park, where an XT GT in the hands of Don Toffolon and Tom Roddy scored fourth place. The big test awaited at the 1968 Hardie Ferodo 500. But after only 35 minutes of racing the M.Savva/R.Wilkinson Falcon showed signs of overheating, which did not auger well for the others. In fact, things went very badly for the Fords, with brake troubles, tyre troubles and overheating troubles.

Despite all this, the Gibson/Seton Falcon was in the lead with only 15 laps to go. But overheating struck this car as well, and finally the car blew a piston and the Monaro of Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland swept to victory. The first Falcon home was, ironically, the 1967 XR GT of Stacey and McIntyre, which came in seventh, one place in front of the Brauer/Harrod XT GT. The first works car was that of the Geoghegan brothers, who finished 10th.

With a fastest lap of 2 min. 58 sec., the winning Monaro was five seconds per lap quicker than the Falcons were in the 1967 Hardie Ferodo 500, and three seconds faster than the Gibson/Seton car in 1968. Also, the Monaros were achieving 125-128 mph on Conrod Straight, whereas the Falcons could only manage around 121 mph, 4 mph slower than 1967.

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_ford_falcon_xt_gt.htm

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Stopping at a shop on the way home from a run, the Car Club caused much excitement in the shop - the owners were delighted that so many cars pulled in.

Character

"Character isn’t inherited. One builds it daily by the way one thinks and acts, thought by thought, action by action. If one lets fear or hate or anger take possession of the mind, they become self-forged chains." - Helen Douglas

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Menace.

You Might be an Internet Hobo if:

You Might be an Internet Hobo if:
You spend more time online trying to find a way of making money than actually making money.
You have more than one degree from an online university.
Your little black book is full of usernames and passwords.
Your space is My-space.
You think a vacation is Google’s earth.
Your 15 minutes of fame is on You-tube.
Road rage means a dial up connection.
You hear your kids say "the snail man's here".

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Does my bum look big in this?

XR GT

In 1968 the XR model began the legend that was to be the GT. This family car muscled out 225HP thanks to the 289 Windsor V8. The start of the Falcon GT's was only sold in one colour - Gold.

596 of these made it into production. The GT versions of the Falcon are probably the most famous of the breed, and certainly the most desirable and collectable today.

What inspired Ford of Australia to produce such a car can be reduced to a single word: Bathurst. In its early years, the annual 500 mile race at the mountain road course of Mount Panorama, Bathurst attracted many entrants driving a wide variety of foreign and domestic cars, including the first purpose built local Ford 'race' car, the Cortina GT500.

In 1967, however, Ford were keen to showcase their current image car, the Falcon, and with the arrival of the XR model, which for the first time in the Australian Falcon was available with a V8 engine, they set about planning something different.

In many respects, the development of the XR GT benefitted from the gathering of several happy coincidences. First was having the right men at the right place. Bill Bourke was the then Assistant General Manager of Ford Australia and he was passionate about racing, and, inspired by the success of racing V8s, both in Australia and in his native U.S. he felt sure that a sporting XR Falcon could be a winner.

He passed the idea over to Harry Firth, who was Ford's tuner and race car preparer and had been so successful in developing the GT500 Cortina and who had been working on beefing up the XR after a request from the Victorian police for a heavy duty pursuit vehicle.

Firth saw that, taking the best bits from the police package and introducing some more horsepower in the engine, a sporting Falcon GT could be developed. At the same time, the news and media, especially live television, were focussing on the annual Bathurst event and creating a valuable and unique advertising opportunity for any manufacturer willing and able to win the race by lasting the 500 miles.

And finally, Henry Ford II, had set Ford on its 'Total Performance' track. Motor sport dominance was his aim. If in the U.S. that meant Nascar and the dragstrips, and in Europe it meant forest rallying and Le Mans, in Australia it meant touring cars and conquering the Mountain.

http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/car_info_ford_falcon_xr_gt.htm

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I love this car - striking from any angle, with the go to match the show.

Ideas

"The difficulty lies, not in the new ideas, but in escaping the old ones, which ramify, for those brought up as most of us have been, into every corner of our minds." - John Maynard Keynes, English economist

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More Froot Loops.

Tough times

How can you tell that increased insurance premiums have cut into your doctor’s income?
He takes Friday off to play miniature golf.