via youtube.com
What a *GREAT* story about a great car!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday, January 06, 2012
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 runs through Nürburgring
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 proves its record speed and power after a run through the legendary Nürburgring
The 2012 Camaro ZL1 was recently let loose on the Nürburgring racing circuit and recorded a lap of 7:41.27, nearly a 40 second leap ahead of the Camaro SS lap time in 2009.
“The ZL1’s full capability is evident at the Nürburgring,” said Aaron Link, the Camaro ZL1 Suspension Engineer. “You have to have an extremely well-mannered, confidence-inspiring car to take any corner at 160 mph without lifting off the throttle…and the ZL1 was just brilliant.”
Nürburgring is unparalleled, being widely regarded as one of the world’s most-demanding courses, measuring 12.9 miles with over 154 turns. Over the years, the racing circuit has come to be popularly referred to as “The Green Hell”.
“The Nürburgring is unlike any track in the world,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Each lap includes fast straights, sweeping off-camber turns, hairpin corners, and elevation changes. In order to do well on the ‘Ring, the car has to do everything well – including acceleration, braking and lateral grip. Breaking an 8 minute lap in a 2+2 production car is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Not only does the car pack its punch in speed, but also in power. It features a supercharged 6.2L “LSA” engine SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft of torque (754 Nm).
With its epic trek through Nürburgring, it’s pretty evident that it packs the power and speed fit for the thrill of the racetrack.
via chevrolet.com
Finally, a reason to cash in the retirement and buy!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
32 Great Ideas for Family Activities | All Pro Dad
Go to a local high school football, basketball or any other game. Take the kids on a mystery trip. Give them clues about your destination as you get closer. It can be something as simple as an ice cream shop or playground, or a trip to a museum or amusement park. Put on a family play. Let your children prepare a meal and serve it to you and your husband restaurant style. Plant flowers (indoors in a flower pot or outside). Get to know the family of one of your child's friends by having the family over for a cookout. Let your kids take photos, print them, and make a photo album — then have the kids think of captions. Have a fun, free scavenger hunt. Go to a park and take some pictures of landscapes. Develop the pictures, get out the paints and try to paint landscapes by looking at the pictures. Go on a bike ride that ends with a picnic. For girls: have a spa hour — paint each other's nails, do your hair, let them put makeup on you. Build an obstacle course and let each family member compete for the best time. Have a garage sale and let your kids decide how to spend the proceeds on a family day. Plan a secret surprise for someone in need. For example, cook a meal for someone or mow their lawn, without them knowing who did it. Camp out in your back yard. Let the kids help you paint their room. Let them pick out the paint color. (It might get them to actually clean it first!) Play board games. Do a craft (make up your own or a buy a craft kit). Bake cookies, bread or a cake — from scratch. Let your children design a family crest. Go ice skating or roller skating.
via allprodad.com
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Dave Ramsey's Take on Occupy Wall Street
Dave's Take on Occupy Wall Street
By Dave Ramsey
"I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" Yeah, that's great. But what do you want? What are your goals? What are your demands? What result are you looking for?
The beauty of being vague is that anyone who has any emotion can get caught up in the excitement and join your crusade. They'll just get mad at something and assume that you're both mad about the same thing. Put a few hundred of these people together, and boom. You've got a crowd, a headline and a lot of attention … but no message.
A lot of people on Twitter are saying I totally agree with the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) demands and goals. The only problem is that I have no idea what their demands and goals are. And neither does anyone else. If all you ever do is stomp around, yell and hold up signs protesting a million different things, sure you'll get some attention, but over time, you'll just look foolish. You end up coming across like a three-year-old having a temper tantrum.
This is what's happening to the OWS movement. They're being discredited because no one has stepped forward and really stated what it is they're after. The whole group is coming across like a bunch of jacked-up, jobless, wannabe hippies. That's not going to change anything in this country. You've got to state your goals clearly if you want to accomplish something.
So in the absence of any clear goals, let me comment and offer some helpful advice in some areas that seem to be getting a lot of disorganized OWS attention.
"No Government Bailouts!"
Banks and big companies should not receive taxpayer money for a bailout while their CEOs are making hundreds of millions of dollars. If that's your gripe, then you're protesting in the wrong location. Pack up and head to Washington, D.C., to deliver your message to the current administration. Don't get me wrong—I totally support a company's freedom to pay their leaders well. I just don't believe that I, as a taxpayer, should subsidize those huge salaries in the form of taxpayer bailouts. I pay my own team members; I don't need to pay everyone else's too.
By the way, you may be shocked to learn that the Tea Party agrees with you on this one—and so do I.
"Down With Corporate Greed!"
Gordon Gekko was wrong. Greed is not good. Greed is bad—very bad. It's a spiritual disease, and it is a disease that sadly affects a lot of companies across the country. If you believe a specific company is acting purely out of greed, then don't just get mad—do something. Point out where and how they're greedy and let the world know. Stop doing business with them. If enough people listen to you, the company will get the message because you'll hit them where it hurts: the bottom line. If they don't get their act together, then they'll go out of business and another business will take their place.
But if you're saying that all businesses are greedy and that capitalism itself is evil and ineffective, then I'm sorry—you're just being stupid. You're being misled and misinformed by some of the louder voices around you. Are you wearing clothes? Have you eaten any food lately? Do you have an iPhone in your pocket to check in with Twitter and Facebook while you're out marching around? Good. All of those products and services are brought to you by quality companies dedicated to serving you well in a capitalistic system that works just fine.
"Wall Street Is Evil!"
If you have this painted on a sign, well, now you just look ignorant. Wall Street is a street that people drive on. The New York Stock Exchange is a building where people exchange stocks in New York. This is the flea market of the financial world. Don't turn Wall Street into some terrible monster attacking American citizens. It's just a road with some buildings on it.
But here's what happens. Sometimes when people don't understand something, they start to fear it. And as the fear grows, it turns into anger. But just because you don't understand something, you shouldn't see it as bad or frightening or a conspiracy. You should just think of it as an opportunity to learn something new—something that could actually be a blessing to you.
For example, imagine a group of natives out in the jungle in the farthest part of the world. I mean, picture a group of people who have never seen anyone outside of their tribe and have certainly never seen any kind of machine. What would they think if they saw a Red Cross helicopter land near them? And what would they think of the strange-looking men and women who jump out of the chopper and start walking toward them? They'd be freaked out! They wouldn't know or care if the Red Cross was there to help them with food or medicine. They'd think it was the end of the world or something because their minds would be totally blown!
I hate to say it, but a lot of OWS protestors are just about as uninformed as those jungle natives when it comes to how the American financial system works. A road and an office building. That's Wall Street.
"Wealth Redistribution Is the Answer!"
I've heard a lot about wealth redistribution over the past few years, and I'm sure you've heard it too. Call it whatever you want, but this is how it usually sounds to most Americans: "We are the 99% of Americans who don't have as much as the 1%, so we're mad and think the government should take their wealth and property away so that we can have a piece of it. Wealth inequality is a moral breakdown! We should all spread the money around so everyone gets a fair share!"
I have my toughest critique for those who believe this: You are a thief. When someone takes my money and gives me no say in the matter, that's called theft—whether they're using a gun or the government. At the core of this demand is envy. And that's not the same as jealousy. Jealousy just says, "I want what you have." Envy is a different beast. Envy says, "I don't think I can ever have what you have, so you shouldn't have it either." Decades of horrible economic teaching and the politics of envy have kept this monster alive and growing and moving forward.
This way of thinking makes you assume that all rich people are evil and have scammed their way into wealth. That may be true in the tale of Robin Hood, but I choose to live in the real world. Sure, there are some scoundrels, but the vast majority of successful men and women got that way by working hard and serving people—lots of people. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates changed the world in ways we're just now starting to realize. Their positive impact on the world has helped all of us live better lives, and they made fortunes for themselves by doing so. Why is it that you're holy if you help one person but evil if you help a million? That's just stupid.
A good friend of mine is a country music legend. He's made a bazillion dollars over his career, and he just bought a $400,000 car. He's worked like a crazy person his whole life, spending decades in tour buses, writing songs in the middle of the night, and entertaining enormous crowds of cheering fans. He paid a price to get there, and I'm happy for his success. Would it be right for me to walk into his house and demand my "fair share" of his wealth? Heck no! I'm a terrible singer! I didn't do one thing to contribute to his success, so why would I be entitled to a share of his wealth? He's given me years of entertainment through his music. That's my fair share of his hard work.
My problems aren't his fault. And my problems aren't McDonald's fault or Home Depot's fault or Walmart's fault, either. My problems are my fault! And the more people these companies serve, the more money they make—and that's none of my business! If you don't like McDonald's, then here's an idea: Don't eat there. But don't walk into the restaurant and demand a portion of their proceeds for the day.
When you scream, "I'm in the 99%!" you just look like a whiner. Those of us willing to pay the price to win look at you and shrug. Heck, when it comes to the music business, I'm in the 99% myself! But that doesn't mean I have to tear Toby Keith, Brad Paisley or even Kanye down. Oh, and a special note just for Kanye: Capitalism has been pretty good to you. I celebrate your success, but you look a little hypocritical protesting capitalism while wearing a $50,000 watch.
Celebrate the Land of Opportunity
This is the greatest country on the planet, but even here, you're not guaranteed wealth, talent, fame, a full head of hair or six-pack abs. Those things are not in the Constitution. You are, however, guaranteed the freedom to make your life what you want it to be. And when you do that, when you build your life around your dreams and passions and hard work, you're guaranteed the right to keep it. No one has the right to take it away from you.
So to summarize, I'm not very impressed at the moment. I'm not impressed by your temper fit. I'm not impressed at your lack of goals and focus. I'm not impressed by the fact that the only thing I see about your movement is ignorance, immaturity and envy. Grow up—and get a job.
Yes, there are jobs out there. There are jobs out there that haven't even been invented yet. Go create the next Facebook or Weed Eater. Go pick up so much dog poop that you can start your own fertilizer company. And stop complaining that companies are TOO RICH while also complaining that they aren't RICH ENOUGH to hire you! I've seen a lot of you guys. I wouldn't hire you, either. But if you take all of that energy and excitement and pour it into something new and creative, you'll get the chance to serve a whole lot of people really well, and over a decade or two, you'll get to become the very thing you're now protesting: rich people who actually earned their money.
via daveramsey.com
Sage words from the sage himself
How to avoid do-it-yourself goofs, part 1 | www.wsbradio.com
How to avoid do-it-yourself goofs, part 1
Most of us have been there. An apparently simple home repair project, at least it looks that way. But can you really do it?
Some projects are easy enough – I call them monkey see monkey do projects. Those are the ones where you disassemble something (like a kitchen faucet) then re-assemble the new one the same way the old one came out.
But what of a more involved project? What if you need to paint, or drill a hole, or heaven forbid – use a power saw?!? Can you do it? What are the unexpected pitfalls lurking?
In this issue of my newsletter I am going to give you 5 of the 10 most common do it yourself goofs. I will give you the other five two weeks from today…
So without any further ado – the 10 most common do it yourself goofs, part I.
10 – Failure to get a clue. You don’t want to start a big project around your house without any experience whatsoever. This will sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many calls and e-mails I get from people who jump right in on a major home repair on their own house with zero experience.
Speak first with friends or neighbors who work in the field and if possible accompany them on a trip to their current work project. Or call a professional and get their opinion – for example if you are going to remove an interior wall have an engineer look at it to see what kind of beam you may need to replace it.
Generally speaking, if you have a saw in your hand and any doubt in your head, stop!
9. Working beyond your limits. Feel uncomfortable on a roof – don’t do any roofing projects. Electricity scare you? Stay out of your breaker box for repairs. Don't know a table saw from a band saw from a scroll saw? Your favorite hardware store can teach you.
Use common sense – don’t stand on the top steps of a ladder - don’t try to work beyond your reach.
8. Inaccuracy. Ever hear the phrase ‘measure twice, cut once’? Learn it! Live it!
If you are going to err – err on the side of too long. You can always trim off more, but it is very very difficult to cut a piece of that expensive counter top longer.
Don’t settle for ‘close enough’ either. You wouldn’t accept it from a contractor, so don’t accept it from yourself.
7. Unsafe job conditions. Nothing negates the savings on a do it yourself project like a nice ambulance ride and a trip through the emergency room.
You may feel like a dork, but wear safety goggles when using power tools or with drywall or wood. Wear a hard hat if you are working under other people.
Have proper ventilation when working with paints and stains indoors. Stay away from loose hanging clothing around power tools. Wear gloves when working with wood or metals.
Thoroughly clean up your work area when you are finished, or better yet, as you go. If you used nails in your project, get a magnet on a pole (I think their technical name is ‘A Big Magnet on a Pole’) and pick up any dropped nails.
If you are using a power tool for the first time read and follow all directions. Again - some big box stores offer classes or other instruction in the use of the tools – take advantage of them.
6. Improper preparation. This leans mostly towards painting, where the 7 P’s of home repair apply (Proper Prior Planning Prevents P Poor Performance).
Clean walls, sand out the rough areas, and patch any holes before you paint. If you are going to paint a lighter color over a darker color perhaps a primer coat would be appropriate first.
Scrape off any chipping paints. Caulk joints and nail holes and edges before you paint.
I promise you if you skimp on this step you will have mucho regretto later.
Coming in two weeks – the top5.
via wsbradio.com
Good to Know!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Ford Unveils 'New' 1965 Mustang | Fox News
Ford Unveils 'New' 1965 Mustang
It’s now possible to build a brand new ’64½, ’65 or ’66 Ford Mustang convertible from the wheels up using this latest Ford-approved and officially licensed body shell.
Unveiled today ahead of its public debut at next week’s 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the new body shell joins previous ‘restoration parts’ versions for the 1967-68 and the 1969-70 fastback Mustang bodies.
The standard design is for the ’65 Mustang convertible but the original ’64½ as well as the later ’66 can be built depending on which powertrain and trim parts are added to it.
The body, which is currently being produced by Dynacorn and is ready for delivery, is priced at $15,000 and includes the doors, trunk lid, and all the sheet metal from the radiator support to the taillight panel except the hood and front fenders.
Unlike the original Mustangs of the 1960s, the new body shell is made using modern welding techniques and comes fully rust-proofed. This should ensure the cars are around to stay well into the future. The original Mustang sold more than 1.2 million units--including more than 174,000 convertibles--before its first redesign in 1967, but finding one in good nick is getting harder and harder these days.
To build a Mustang using the body shell, the powertrain, suspension and brakes, the electrical systems, the interior and trim can either be bought new or transferred from an existing car to the new body. You’ll find most of the parts from Ford-approved classic parts suppliers.
via foxnews.com
whats old is new again!
Your 30s: Financial commandments - building wealth - MSN Money
Your 30s: Financial commandments
You're a full-fledged adult now, and you know the basics. Now, go build on that foundation to secure your financial future.
Life moves fast. You think you have all the time in the world -- then suddenly your 20s are over and you're, like, a real adult.
Welcome to your 30s. The past decade was all about life's changes and getting to know yourself and your finances. You know the basics of money management. Now it's time to build on that foundation and secure your financial future.
Here are 10 principles that should be carved in stone for every 30-something:
1. Pay off your non-mortgage debt. Your 30s bring financial responsibilities you may not have had in your 20s, such as a mortgage or family. Nothing frees up cash to meet those obligations like getting rid of your debt. We hope you paid off your credit cards in your 20s. If you didn't, make it a priority. Next, focus on getting rid of student loans and other non-mortgage debt, such as auto loans.
2. Kick the debt cycle altogether. What good is paying off your loans if you take out another one and rack up new debt? An easy way to save for big-ticket items -- and avoid going back into debt -- is to put the money you would have used for monthly debt payments and interest charges into a savings account. For instance, after you make that final $300-a-month student-loan payment, keep making an equal payment to yourself. After one year, you'll have $3,600 saved.
3. Get serious about retirement. Your 20s were the time to start investing. No matter how little money you had to spare, it gave you a great head start. Now it's time to look at your goals and set a plan in motion to reach them.
Basically, you need to figure out when you want to retire, how much money you want to have by then and how much money you'll need to sock away now to reach that goal. Time is still on your side -- use it! Get serious now so you can have a comfortable retirement without sacrificing too much in the meantime. If you wait until your 40s or 50s, saving could become downright painful.
Don't be tempted to save for your kids' college expenses instead of saving for retirement. Make sure your own plans are on track first. After all, there are loans to pay for college, but not for retirement.
4. Diversify your investments. You want to make sure your money is spread among different types of investments so you're protected if one sector of the market tanks.
Generally, you should aim to allocate 50% to 55% of your portfolio to large companies, evenly split between growth and value; 20% to 25% to small companies, evenly split between growth and value; and 25% to foreign companies. (Check out Kiplinger's Mutual Fund Finder to zero in on investments in each category that meet your performance criteria.)
5. Continue to learn. Don't stop investing in yourself once you land a job. "Keep your earning power growing through continuous education, training and personal development," advises Knight Kiplinger, the editor-in-chief of Kiplinger.com.
6. Protect your assets. Even the best-laid financial plans can be derailed by an unexpected cost. So it pays to be prepared for the "what ifs" in life. For most 30-somethings, that means having adequate homeowners (or renters) insurance, health insurance and disability insurance.
It also means having an ample emergency fund. You started stocking your fund in your 20s, but by your 30s, you should have the full stash of money to cover three to six months' worth of expenses in case of a job loss, medical emergency or other surprise. (If that seems impossible right now, start with $500.)
7. Live simply. Deferred gratification may not be fun, but adopting a simple lifestyle is one of the surest ways to meet today's needs and still reach your long-term goals. Take a look at your spending to identify areas you could trim the fat. Small sacrifices can add up to big rewards.
It's easy to get jealous of friends and family who are living larger and seem to be doing much better than you are. Remember that keeping up with the Joneses is a losing game. Someone else's success may be a facade. Tune out the financial peer pressure around you and focus solely on what you know for certain: the state of your own personal finances.
8. Make your will known. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out should the unthinkable happen. Many assume that wills are for people who are old, rich, married or have kids. But all adults need a will to spell out their wishes in case they die or can't make medical decisions for themselves.
If you have children, make sure your will designates a guardian to care for them should something happen to both you and their other parent.
9. Get a life . . . insurance policy. If you have children (or someone else who depends on you financially), life insurance is a must. If you were to die, you'll want to make sure they're secure. When you're in your 30s, you can get a great deal on term life insurance, buying a policy that lasts for a certain amount of time -- say, until the kids are grown.
10. Be charitable. As you become more established in life and in your finances, take the opportunity to give something back. Being charitable and socially conscious can be rewarding -- not to mention financially smart, considering the tax write-offs you get if you itemize on your returns.
If the new responsibilities of your 30s have you feeling strapped, give of yourself, not of your wallet. Volunteer your time or talents for a cause you believe in. It doesn't cost a lot to make a difference.
via money.msn.com
Once you leave your 30's... you can't go back!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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