Thursday, June 11, 2015
in 1963 a camera was strapped to a car hood, and driven through Boston. In 2015, the drive was duplicated by Mat Cronin and video put on splitscreen for comparison/contrast
click the link for the video ( until I can figure out how to embed it)
It will take you through Central Square in Cambridge, over the Longfellow Bridge, through Government Center, South Boston, the Back Bay, and finally, along Storrow Drive.
http://wistia.com/blog/non-sequitur-fridays-boston-video-time-capsule via http://blog.1aauto.com/2015/05/28/video-comparison-cars-driving-through-boston-in-1963-vs-2015/
Mom accused of leaving kid in hot car goes to court, leaves kids in hot car... makes me fed up with stupid people.
Laquanda Newby, 25, is charged with three counts of contributing to the delinquency or abuse of child after police said she left her two children inside her hot car outside the Henrico County Courthouse on Monday.
According to WTVR, Newby was at the courthouse to turn herself in for a previous situation that involved her allegedly leaving a child in a hot car.
On May 26, Newby was accused of leaving a child in a car while she shopped at Sam’s Club. When police arrived, they found Newby by her car and could not arrest her for the alleged crime because they had not witnessed it.
When Newby turned herself in on Monday, police said she left her two children — ages 6 and 1 — in her car. Deputies could not say for sure how long the two children were in the car but surveillance video showed it was more than an hour.
The car’s windows were closed and temperatures hit the 90s on Monday in Henrico County, Virginia, police said.
http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/06/10/virginia-mom-accused-of-leaving-kid-in-hot-car-goes-to-court-leaves-kids-in-hot-car/
According to WTVR, Newby was at the courthouse to turn herself in for a previous situation that involved her allegedly leaving a child in a hot car.
On May 26, Newby was accused of leaving a child in a car while she shopped at Sam’s Club. When police arrived, they found Newby by her car and could not arrest her for the alleged crime because they had not witnessed it.
When Newby turned herself in on Monday, police said she left her two children — ages 6 and 1 — in her car. Deputies could not say for sure how long the two children were in the car but surveillance video showed it was more than an hour.
The car’s windows were closed and temperatures hit the 90s on Monday in Henrico County, Virginia, police said.
http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/06/10/virginia-mom-accused-of-leaving-kid-in-hot-car-goes-to-court-leaves-kids-in-hot-car/
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
maybe the most remarkable thing you'll see today, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette demonstration stand. It just traded hands for $715,000
The 1965 Corvette Sting Ray sitting atop this demonstration stand was not originally purpose-built for this use. It actually began its life as a road-ready early-production example that was finished in Le Mans Blue and had a white interior. When new, it was shipped to a specialty company that produced dramatic and attention-grabbing exhibits for commercial and industrial shows. There, the car was fully disassembled and rebuilt as this one-of-a-kind display stand for use by General Motors and Chevrolet on the auto show circuit.
In order to properly demonstrate all of the hidden mechanical components of the car, the body was mounted on elevating rams that would raise the exterior nearly two feet off of the chassis, leaving its internal running gear exposed. Careful and well-thought-out incisions were made into all of the major components to further illustrate its build quality and overall operation. The exterior of the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and other mechanical parts were finished in bright red to clearly contrast the body, and the casting of the four-speed manual gearbox was “cut-out” to showcase the clutch and flywheel. The heads received custom-made, transparent valve covers, with additional cut-out panels revealing the critical inner workings of the fuel-injection unit, exhaust, intake manifolds, and the block itself.
At the show, a series of electric motors would lift the body off its chassis by its elevating rams, and then it would operate all of the “cut-away” internal components. Rather than function in real time, the components were geared to work at just a few revolutions per minute, as this would allow for observers to fully digest and understand how the underlying mechanical components functioned. Just like any other engine, the turning cam pushed the corresponding intake or exhaust valve, while the crankshaft pushed each piston to and fro. Brightly plated U-joints, which were attached to the Positraction rear axle, drew onlookers’ eyes to where the wheels spun and moved, activating the rear suspension and thus demonstrating the Corvette’s road-holding abilities.
Under Mr. Wiseman’s ownership, the display stand received a sympathetic restoration, which returned it to the condition that it would have been seen in on the show circuit in 1965. All of the car’s original instrumentation, including the speedometer, tachometer, gauges, a teakwood steering wheel, and amusingly, even its AM/FM radio, are still intact, and the car is still fitted with its original wide sidewall Rayon cord tires. All of the car’s mechanical demonstrations remain in fully functional and working order, including the initial lifting of the body, which is accomplished by the simple push of a button, allowing for its ornate mechanical dance to be enjoyed by all who see it.
http://www.rmauctions.com/ac15/the-andrews-collection/lots/1965-chevrolet-corvette-demonstration-stand/1072502
Goodyear concept tires... more waste of our attention and their research dollars? Or something that they might get to the consumers in this millenium?
The first concept – named “BHO3” – offers the possibility of charging the batteries of electric cars by transforming the heat generated by the rolling tire into useful electrical energy. The second concept – named “Triple Tube” – contains three tubes that adjust tire inflation pressure in response to changing road conditions, delivering new levels of performance and versatility.
http://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/2015/march.htm#.VXkEm0_BzRY
Waze, a tool for drivers to use in avoiding police, or something LAPD uses as an diversion while they spy on cellphones without warrants?
Google's real-time traffic app Waze is being criticized by some law enforcement officials who say its police-spotting feature could endanger officers. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck is among the critics.
Beck said Tuesday the app could be used by criminals to target police or to evade officers.
"It is not always in the public’s best interest to know where police are operating," Beck said. (Moron, we already do, at every police station, in every clearly identifiable police vehicle)
"There is a criminal element," he said, "who are able to ply their trade and craft more effectively by knowing where police are.” (and how much does Beck get as an annual bonus based on ticket revenue, and making ticket quotas, a definite motivation to keep people from avoiding police speed traps?)
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-google-waze-los-angeles-police-charlie-beck-20150127-story.html
Compare that to the police using Stingray to spy on and track, without warrants, the locations of anyone with a cellphone.
A secretive cellphone spy device known as StingRay, intended to fight terrorism, was used in far more routine LAPD criminal investigations 21 times in a four-month period during 2012, apparently without the courts' knowledge that the technology probes the lives of non-suspects who happen to be in the same neighborhood as suspected terrorists.
As L.A. Weekly first reported in September, LAPD purchased StingRay technology sometime around 2006 with federal Department of Homeland Security funds.
The portable StingRay device impersonates a cellphone tower, electronically fooling all nearby mobile phones — not just the suspect's phone — to send their signals into an LAPD computer. That signal reveals to police the location of phones in real time.
But the technology sucks up the data of every cellphone in the area, and these innocent phone owners never know police are grabbing their information.
http://www.laweekly.com/news/lapd-spied-on-21-using-stingray-anti-terrorism-tool-2612739
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/08/ping-susp-phone-an-oakland-shooting-reveals-how-cops-snoop-on-cell-phones/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=facebook
what the common link between the Make a Wish and the Infinte Hero funny cars? A billionaire sponsor
Tommy Johnson Jr.’s car: Make-A-Wish, the organization that grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a grave or life-threatening illness.
Jack Beckman’s car is the Infinite Hero Foundation, a nonprofit funding multiple programs for former soldiers and their families with physical or mental challenges.
The two tier-one Don SHumacher Racing funny cars cost between $4 million and $6 million to operate at the top level for a season. And all that comes from Terry Chandler.
Not a penny of the money donated from people to the two charities goes into the operation of the cars. They are seven-figure billboards, taking the message to race fans each year in person and on TV. In return, Chandler makes one demand: She likes to stand at the starting line.
Read the whole story at http://autoweek.com/article/nhra/nhra-super-sponsor-terry-chandler-living-her-dream-while-helping-others
how much does getting suited up for a motorcycle track day cost... basically?
suit.....................$2200
gloves................$300
helmet................$800
boots..................$450
back protector....$100
...........................$3850
Alpinestars gear
results may vary, batteries not included, etc.
http://autoweek.com/article/car-life/looking-good-and-ready-anything
gloves................$300
helmet................$800
boots..................$450
back protector....$100
...........................$3850
Alpinestars gear
results may vary, batteries not included, etc.
http://autoweek.com/article/car-life/looking-good-and-ready-anything
The New Hampshire Supreme Court agrees with the parking meter feeders, cities haven't got a leg to stand on when harrassing "Robin Hood" types preventing the town from issuing parking tickets
In a nearly complete victory for Robin Hood of Keene, the NH supreme court has affirmed nearly all of the superior court’s decisions against the people calling themselves the “City of Keene” in the city’s libelous assault on the heroic activists who have rescued thousands of motorists from parking tickets in downtown Keene in the last couple of years.
the city’s original suit in 2013 asked for a in injunction of a 50ft radius “buffer zone” around each parking enforcer that would preclude the named Robin Hooders from being in that zone. Eventually, they reduced their request to 30ft, then 10-15ft.
The claims of “tortious interference” with the city’s “business” of screwing over people shopping downtown and the claim of “conspiracy” were shut down on a free-speech basis:
The court’s judges know that telling government bureaucrats how you feel their job is wrong is fully within free speech protections, even if the bureaucrats don’t want to hear it. Further, the court opinion backed up the Robin Hooders’ non-verbal actions as protected free speech:
The City nonetheless asserts that specific aspects of the respondents’ conduct — “following closely, chasing, running after, approaching quickly from behind, lurking outside bathrooms, yelling loudly, and filming from close proximity” — is not protected by the First Amendment… The respondents counter that “[e]ven those activities that did not involve speech [are] expressive conduct entitled to First Amendment protection,” and, therefore, are insulated from tort liability. They assert that, “absent acts of significant violence,” the First Amendment protects their non-verbal acts from tort liability. We agree with the respondents.
http://freekeene.com/2015/06/09/supreme-court-vindicates-robin-hooders/
the city’s original suit in 2013 asked for a in injunction of a 50ft radius “buffer zone” around each parking enforcer that would preclude the named Robin Hooders from being in that zone. Eventually, they reduced their request to 30ft, then 10-15ft.
The claims of “tortious interference” with the city’s “business” of screwing over people shopping downtown and the claim of “conspiracy” were shut down on a free-speech basis:
The court’s judges know that telling government bureaucrats how you feel their job is wrong is fully within free speech protections, even if the bureaucrats don’t want to hear it. Further, the court opinion backed up the Robin Hooders’ non-verbal actions as protected free speech:
The City nonetheless asserts that specific aspects of the respondents’ conduct — “following closely, chasing, running after, approaching quickly from behind, lurking outside bathrooms, yelling loudly, and filming from close proximity” — is not protected by the First Amendment… The respondents counter that “[e]ven those activities that did not involve speech [are] expressive conduct entitled to First Amendment protection,” and, therefore, are insulated from tort liability. They assert that, “absent acts of significant violence,” the First Amendment protects their non-verbal acts from tort liability. We agree with the respondents.
http://freekeene.com/2015/06/09/supreme-court-vindicates-robin-hooders/
Small town near Detroit now has a big problem because they hired an Ex Detroit cop, who was already dirty. 1.4 million dollar lawsuit they lost from his corrupt actions, false arrest, assault, and planting drugs. Be careful out there, the cops are not to be trusted, record every thing they do
Inkster Michigan, has to raise taxes, because the cops went roid rage on an innocent guy, they filed a false report, planted cocaine in his car, and beat the hell out of him.
Inkster Police said 57-year-old Dent was found in possession of cocaine, had refused to show his hands, and made a verbal threat towards the officers.
Results of a polygraph test, however, told a different story – as did dash-cam video of the incident. Police claimed Dent was trying to flee in his car, but dashcam footage clearly shows Dent comply with officers by pulling over before opening his car door, in order to address them.
At no point does the footage show any attempt at retreat, or threatening actions. Dent was arrested on numerous charges, including driving with a suspended license, resisting a police officer, simple assault and battery of a police officer, and possession of crack cocaine, which police allege was found in the car.
In lieu of the video, as well as a polygraph test Dent passed with flying colors, the officers’ claims came under suspicion. Eventually, all charges against Dent were dropped and he filed a civil lawsuit.
He settled that suit with the city of Inkster for $1.4 Million, last week. The only problem is, the city cant seem to come up with the money. But don’t worry, local officials have a solution – a tax hike.
Thats right, Inkster is seeking a one-time tax hike this summer from residents. The July 1 tax bill levies 6.45 mills, city treasurer Mark Stuhldreher said Monday.
The now fired Inkster Police officer seen in the footage applying the chokehold to Dent is Ex-Detroit Police Officer William Melendez – who was known as “Robocop” in that department. While working in Detroit, Melendez was indicted along with 16 other officers in 2003 for the charges of planting evidence, falsifying reports, and stealing seized cash and property.
A jury found Melendez not guilty, but he is again facing claims of planting evidence and falsifying reports in connection with Dent’s cocaine charge.
Last week, Melendez began his criminal trial on charges of misconduct in office and assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Judge Sabrina Johnson also allowed the prosecution’s request for an additional charge of assault by strangulation: a 10-year felony.
http://policestatedaily.com/town-raises-taxes-to-pay-1-4m-police-brutality-lawsuit-won-by-floyd-dent/
back when people were working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, outdoors, rain or shine
Wow... that generation didn't have high schools, they hadn't been invented for the public school system in general until the 1930s
At the turn of the 20th Century, it was common for high schools to have entrance examinations which restricted entrance to fewer than 5 percent of the population in preparation for college. Most people were expected to be ready for a job or a family after junior high school.
By 1910, 72 percent of children attended school. Between 1910 and 1940 the high school movement resulted in rapidly increasing public high school enrollment and graduations. By 1930, 100 percent of children attended school. http://en.wikipedia.org/
I just wonder how in the world this was accomplished
reminds me of the supermagnet in the uhaul, in Breaking Bad, season 5... something completely unexpected, and never done before.
Found on https://www.facebook.com/Truckdriverwtfmoments
a thorough look at the Suzuki Samurai, and why it was not the tip over liability it was reported, in fact, they made it all up.
In 1988, Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, declared war on the Samurai.
It tested the the Samurai, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, and Isuzu Trooper II on its standard pylon “avoidance-maneuver” course layout as used for the last 15 years.
CU considers this test a “very stringent” maneuver. At 50+ mph, it forces a quick jerk to the left and then back to the right, simulating a rapid double lane change. Any misbehavior of the car’s suspension or other physical traits will either send it over some pylons or make it spin out. The maximum speed that the vehicle can hold indicates its handling prowess and degree of safety.
After making 37 test runs with the Samurai, CU’s professional test drivers rated it as the pick of the litter that day, as far as handling that evasive course. It was judged as being maneuverable, stable, and easy to control. The driver who made the most runs with it gave it the highest possible rating.
The video documentation was impressive. Both their editorial honcho and their Technical Director showed up as the track tests continued. They became upset.
A CU staff member had reportedly tipped a Samurai onto two wheels during early evaluations, so they were convinced that the Samurai had a problem, and a top star rating of 5+ on an emergency lane change just would not do.
and the rest is all past the link
http://www.thatsobsolete.com/2012/04/14/vindicated-the-suzuki-samurai/#more-558
It tested the the Samurai, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Cherokee, and Isuzu Trooper II on its standard pylon “avoidance-maneuver” course layout as used for the last 15 years.
CU considers this test a “very stringent” maneuver. At 50+ mph, it forces a quick jerk to the left and then back to the right, simulating a rapid double lane change. Any misbehavior of the car’s suspension or other physical traits will either send it over some pylons or make it spin out. The maximum speed that the vehicle can hold indicates its handling prowess and degree of safety.
After making 37 test runs with the Samurai, CU’s professional test drivers rated it as the pick of the litter that day, as far as handling that evasive course. It was judged as being maneuverable, stable, and easy to control. The driver who made the most runs with it gave it the highest possible rating.
The video documentation was impressive. Both their editorial honcho and their Technical Director showed up as the track tests continued. They became upset.
A CU staff member had reportedly tipped a Samurai onto two wheels during early evaluations, so they were convinced that the Samurai had a problem, and a top star rating of 5+ on an emergency lane change just would not do.
and the rest is all past the link
http://www.thatsobsolete.com/2012/04/14/vindicated-the-suzuki-samurai/#more-558
the world's largest variety of books and plans for building traditional horse drawn vehicles, wagons, carts, carriages... is at one website
Just a few examples
I learned of this when corresponding with Susan Green who did a lot of research on "Horse drawn Military, Civilian and Veterinary Ambulances."
https://horseandcarriagebooks.wordpress.com/
http://www.wildhorsebooks.com/HorseDrawnVehicles.htm
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Women are fed up, and might be opening their own car service garages (will they discriminate and refuse to hire male employees? Nope)
When one woman in Philadelphia was dumbfounded at the lack of women in the car mechanic industry, she decided to quit her job and plans to start her own car shop.
Patrice Banks, 34, was a materials engineer and manager at DuPont for 12 years, about six years ago, she said she looked for a female auto mechanic to find help, but couldn't find one. She decided to go to school to become one, taking classes at a community college on the side. After two years, she received a diploma in automotive technology. In 2013, she started the Girls Auto Clinic, which offers workshops and consulting for women.
Banks said she wants to educate women so they feel confident taking care of their cars and avoid being swindled by the male-dominated car service industry.
The anticipated business will have a "beautiful lounge" that's "welcoming and warm" and a nail salon, Banks said. Armed with a business plan, she has a location in the works in Philadelphia, and she has applied for funding.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/philadelphia-woman-tired-lack-female-auto-mechanics/story?id=31622244
Hilary Noack, a Centennial College auto body repair instructor, is hoping to raise $20,000 via an Indiegogo campaign to start Canada’s first all-female-staffed auto body shop.
She has had a passion for muscle cars and hot rods since she was a teenager and worked with a shop to restore her first car, a 1970 Oldsmobile. She turned that apprenticeship into a diploma from Centennial College, got a job at Toronto’s well-known Legendary Motorcar, then went back to her alma mater to teach.
She’s been instructing in the auto body and collision damage repair apprenticeship program for four years now.
While she already had most of the tools necessary to get a garage started, she still needed to raise some capital, and a traditional bank loan just wouldn’t do.
“I figured crowdfunding is a great way to test drive your business idea and help promote your business,” Noack says. “It’s a win-win situation! The reaction has been great so far!”
Noack already has a team together – made up of fellow auto body experts Alexandra Leith, Olivia DiGianfelice and Heather Toner – and is looking at shops for rent in Toronto’s west end.
Back in 2010, entrepreneur Jessica Gilbank attempted to open Ms. Lube – North America's first all-female-staffed lube and oil service centre. The upstart quickly became embroiled in trademark-related challenges after national chain Mr. Lube pursued legal action.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/canada-s-first-all-female-auto-body-shop-in-the-making-1.2222149
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