Motor-Heads Unite!

3 Dead In Ariz. Motorcycle Crash At Least 8 Motorcycles Involved In Crash That Left 6 People Injured, Police Say

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:47:00 +0000

I'm re-posting this tragic story after reading about it on Mr. Motorcycle's blog. It's important, please read and pay attention on the road people!

(Thank's Mark for posting this story in the first place and bringing it to our attention.)

PHOENIX -- At least three people are dead after a sanitation truck collided with eight motorcycles on the Carefree Highway near 27th Avenue, police said.

The motorcycle riders involved in the accident were part of Phoenix MC Kruzer’s.
An off-duty fire captain, Ernie Lizarraga, a 22-year veteran on the Phoenix Fire Department force, was among those critically injured in the crash.

Police said at least eight motorcycles on a group ride had stopped at a red light on the Carefree Highway when they were hit from behind by the sanitation truck. The truck then caught on fire, officers said. (story continued here)

My thoughts go out to those families who lost a loved one in this terrible crash.

MHL

Car Insurance Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Have you noticed how we are almost constantly bombarded with advertisements for auto insurance these days? These ads tell us "save up to $400.00 per year in car insurance", or "It's so easy a caveman can do it"...seriously? What does a caveman have to do with car insurance or a Gecko even? The wheel hadn't even been invented when cavemen were around, let alone a car! And last time I checked, a Gecko can't drive!

But, we live in a litigious society, everyone is sue happy, so insurance is vital if you are going to drive! Finding auto insurance quotes can be extremely time consuming though...where do we start? Well, I'll provide you with a good starting point for your car insurance quest! Just click the highlighted, linked text and see if Auto Insurance Center meets your needs.

Here is a great song from Lifehouse that is so poignant for a parent with teen drivers, I cried when I watched it the first few times...then I made my teens watch it...and I cried again!

MHL

Stainless Steal Car?...Nope, It's White Gold!

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I'm working on a new "project" and it has been keeping me very busy! I will tell you all about it once I have it in place.

My friend Steve, sent me an email recently, featuring this car...it's so unique I just had to share it with my readers!

Recession? What recession?
So, it seems that this "global recession"
has not impacted negatively on everyone.
Check this out!
It's a Mercedes Benz owned by an Abu Dhabi
oil billionaire (naturally).

Featuring the newly developed V10 quad turbo
with 1,600 horsepower and 2800nm of torque
0-100km/h in less than 2secs,
running on biofuel.

That is NOT stainless steel, it is WHITE GOLD!
I'm sure you'll sleep better tonight, knowing that the
exorbitant cost you're paying for petrol these days are
at least going to a good cause...

I hope all of you are happy and healthy!
MHL

1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Thelma and Louise

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:56:00 +0000

A favorite chick flick of mine is Thelma and Louise. It will forever be a movie that reminds me of some of the adventures that my best friend Tracy and I have had over the years. Fortunately, our adventures have not ended in death!

Not only do Thelma and Louise manage to find trouble within the first 15 minutes of their "weekend away", they kill a man, become wanted in multiple states, discover their hidden talent with handgun's and robbery, take in a young Brad Pitt, Thelma has her first orgasm, Louise get's the elusive marriage proposal, steal a cops shades and lock him in the trunk of his patrol car, teach a nasty trucker the importance of showing respect to women on the road by blowing up his tanker, demand an apology for calling them "beavers", then take his hat....but they do all this while being sleep deprived, drinking multiple bottles of whiskey and from the comfort of a very classy 1966 Ford Thunderbird!

A total of five identical 1966 Thunderbird convertibles were used throughout the shoot: one ’star car’, one camera car, one back-up car, and two stunt cars.
1966 Ford Thunderbird used in the movie “Thelma and Louise” sold through Barrett-Jackson auctions for $65,000 in 2008.

Beginning in 1957, Ford introduced a variety of cars that shared one very unique feature: the roof, whether it was made of fabric or steel, "disappeared" into the trunk. When the top was down, there was no visible sign that the car even had a top...no boot, no bulge....just the unbroken lines of the car.
This feature was offered on the following cars: 1957-1959 Ford Skyliner, 1958-1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, and the 1958-1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible.

the 1966 Thunderbird was extensively restyled with a new, tight egg-crate pattern grille, and the two taillights were now connected into one massive piece of plastic. Generally speaking, it was the best-looking of fourth-generation T-Birds.

While the base 390 V8 was now restricted by a two-barrel carburetor to 275 hp, a 315-hp version with a four-barrel was optional and a new 428-cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carb making 345 hp optional.

The T-Bird is such an iconic car and I'm sure it will always turn heads.

Tracy and I get to go on a little road trip this July, but it won't be in a Thunderbird...it will be in my Audi. We won't be carrying handguns and I assure you we will not be swigging straight shots of whiskey as we motor down the highway!

I don't think we will blow up any tanker trucks and I highly doubt we would steal a truckers nasty hat, but...it could get ugly if some guy does that "tongue-snake-thingy" when we pass him!

It is entirely possible that we will "push the envelope" in many directions, it's just what we always manage to do when we are together, but, I can say with complete certainty that we will not rob any stores, if we get pulled over by the highway patrol, I promise, the officer will not end up in the trunk of his car...and his shades are safe, I already have shades that I love and Tracy need's prescription glasses.

I guess everything else is up for consideration :-)

Enjoy these photo's of the 1966 Ford Thunderbird...what a beauty!

MHL
(WARNING-THIS VIDEO HAS BAD LANGUAGE!)

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 in "Vanishing Point"

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:48:00 +0000

For those of us who have seen the movie "Vanishing Point", it's easy to see that although Kowalski is the "star" of the movie, he really isn't...it's the white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440.

The plot is simple, easy to follow, Kowalski is determined to win a bet that he can drive the Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours.

The stunt driver behind the wheel of the Challenger is Cary Loftin. Loftin piloted the Challenger through most of the action. As stunt coordinator he brought with him driver Bill Hickman and driver/fabricator Max Balchowsky. All three had worked together on 1968's "Bullitt" and, as a team, they were behind dozens of great car chases.

When Barry Newman, who plays Kowalski, "reaches for the Pistol Grip shifter it is a case study in why musclecars continue to have a death grip on America's automotive soul."

Challenger used the same unibody platform as Plymouth's new Barracuda, but its wheelbase was two inches longer to provide slightly more rear-seat room. It was sold in hardtop and convertible form, with performance versions wearing the familiar R/T label. Standard R/T power came from the 335-bhp 383. Two 440s were offered, the four-barrel Magnum with 375 bhp and the tri-carb Six Pack with 390. The 425-bhp 426 Hemi cost $1228 with required heavy-duty equipment.

The 440s and the Hemi came standard with TorqueFlite automatic. Ordering the four-speed brought a pistol-grip Hurst shifter and a Dana 60 axle. Gear ratios climbed from 3.23:1 to 4.10:1, with limited-slip an extra-cost item. All R/Ts got a beefed suspension, and 440 and Hemi cars got 15-inch 60-series tires, though such essentials as power steering and front disc brakes were optional.

The R/T's standard hood had two scoops that were open but didn't feed directly to the air cleaner. A $97 option was the shaker scoop, which mounted to the air cleaner and protruded through an opening in the hood. Full gauges, including a tach, were standard, and R/Ts could also be ordered in SE guise, which included leather seats and a vinyl roof with a smaller "formal" rear window.

Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 110.0
Weight, lbs: 3,600
Number built: 2,035
Base price: $5,000

Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 440
Fuel system: 3 x 2bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 390 @ 4700
Torque @ rpm: 490 @ 3200

Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 6.2
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 13.7 @ 105

MHL

Girl Sucked Into Blower- Drive the car, don't sit on it!

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:59:00 +0000

This video explains why pretty women should drive the car, not sit on it!

MHL :-)

Tribute To My Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

Hazel Faye Wallace 1931-2010

My mom passed away late Monday night, it was a blessing as her quality of life had slipped away over the past two years.

I want to thank my mom for the lessons she taught me, the values she instilled and the strength she passed on to me. She taught me how to endure anything that life presented.

Here's to you mom~ Rest In Peace.

I love you Mom..."I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places".....

MHL

Women Mechanics-Choosing the right work wear!

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:23:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd write today about women mechanics and their ability to find work, even in a recession!

When times are hard, women grab their bootstraps and do what it takes to get the job done. We have an uncanny ability to get the job even though there might be 15 men lined up, highly qualified for the position, but when a woman excels at her profession...sorry guys, step aside :-)

Now a woman knows when she steps into a male dominated work force, she needs to have her ducks in a row. She needs to dress the part and prove that she's got the tools, experience and above all, the proper work clothing to prove she means business!

It's important to dress the part and wear the proper work attire that best fits the demands of a true mechanic. She knows where to find the work clothing that is made to last, is durable and will withstand the wear and tear of the grease, grime, and filth of a garage!

Most of the women pictured know where to shop and all recommend Dave's New York to find the perfect work clothing and accessories to fill all their work wear needs. Check out Dave's New York and see for yourself, they have just what you need to complete the job.

I know men can look good in a pair of cover-alls, but I think maybe the fairer sex has the guy's beat on this one :-)

I hope you have a great day!
MHL

Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:33:00 +0000

Hi Everyone :-)

I was chatting with a fellow blogger recently and the conversation eventually lead to the subject of cars (imagine that, me talking about cars!). It is no secret that this friend has owned some very impressive automobiles and his Ferrari was mentioned during our chat. Suddenly he said "I want to send you a file" I said "ok" and accepted the incoming file on my computer. He then tells me "make sure your sound is on"...it was. What happened next sent my heart racing!

Through my speakers comes this incredible sound clip of his Ferrari muscling it's way down the road! It was fantastic! You could not only hear the precision, power and artistry of this magnificent machine, but you could literally FEEL it! There is no way for me to adequately describe the experience...all I can say is I fell in love with that car on the spot!

Most of you that have been reading my blog for a while now, certainly know that I really am a "motor head". I don't pretend to know all that much about cars, but I love learning about them. Cars have truly been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and I suspect that the day I die one of my last thoughts will be of a car :-)

Now with full permission from Steve, our fellow blogger, I'd like to share the photo's and information about his beloved Ferrari...in his own words, not mine. (click on photo's for larger views)

"To own and drive a Ferrari F355 is almost a sexual experience! Even washing and polishing this car is on a par with an essential oil massage!

This Vehicle was supplied new by Gray Paul Ferrari in Nov 1994. It spent its first few months in the Channel islands until its owner moved back to the mainland. As it is a UK supplied car it is right hand drive. I couldn't imagine driving a left hand drive Ferrari. I struggle driving a LHD Renault Megane gracefully when abroad.

It is finished in Rossa Barchetta which is ever so slightly darker than Rosso Corsa. Incidentally Rosso Barchetta was the first red used by Ferrari on their race cars and is considered by many to be the true Ferrari red. The interior is crema (cream) with red carpets and original red Ferrari overmats. The vehicle has both the original Ferrari leather toolkit and leather handbook wallet.

The specification is as follows

1994 model Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 28,000 miles
Rosso Barchetta
Crema hide including embossed prancing horse on the head restraints
Red carpets and overmats including enamel Ferrari Shields
air conditioning and climate control
electric windows
remote central locking
sigma alarm and immobiliser
adjustable steering
PAS
electronically adjustable suspension (normal and comfort)
electronic tyre pressure monitor
ABS (switchable)
Pioneer head unit with Pioneer 6 stack CD
Scuderia sheilds to the front wings
Rear Challenge Grille colour coded (Factory fitted option) keeps the engine much cooler than standard rear panel but looks better than the usual black challenge grille
Ferrari badged brake callipers"

Well after seeing the photo's above, I am fairly certain that most of you will agree with me...this Ferrari is exceptional!

Please take a few minutes to visit both of Steve's blogs here SO LIFE BEGINS AT 40 DOES IT? and FROM £400 TO A FERRARI you'll get a kick out of Steve..he's a pretty decent "bloke" :-)
In the video below you can watch a man turn into a blathering idiot all because of a blonde girl in a Ferrari...of course it help's to be a blonde Christie Brinkley in a Ferrari.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

MHL

Good Resource- Americancarquotes.com

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!

I have several new posts to do today and this weekend, but I wanted to share another good website with you before I get started on the other posts.

I actually tested this site out for myself because I know I am paying way too much for the car insurance on all five vehicles that I own.

I've seen the commercials over and over on TV telling us to compare rates, but I hadn't taken the time to do it until I found this website www.americancarquotes.com

In a nutshell, www.americancarquotes.com does most of the work for you! You enter some basic information about your car(s), www.americancarquotes.com sends your information out to all the various companies while you sit back and let the insurance companies compete against each other. The competition works in your favor!

With www.americancarquotes.com not only will the leading car insurance companies compete for your business, but www.americancarquotes.com has a vast amount of information available on their website that will teach you all the "in's and outs" of what coverage best suits your needs. You can educate yourself on how to avoid paying for coverage that might not be necessary!

You can learn about the various criteria needed for student drivers, or maybe you don't have the best driving record, you can read about what coverage might be needed to go along with that poor driving record. They also provide guidelines pertaining to "fault", "collision", "liability" and "safety" just t name a few.

So take a few minutes and go visit www.americancarquotes.com I think you will be impressed with what they can offer you!

Take care veryone.

MHL

LOST...is almost here!

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 04:21:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I think it's time to let you all know that I have another obsession in addition to Fast, Sexy, OH-SO-HOT, Muscle Cars...it's the TV show LOST.

I have watched LOST from the very first show and my feelings towards the show boarder on "cult-ish". I never miss a show, my DVR is set with LOST as "top priority, always record no matter what and above all, with 100% protection to not be skipped"...I absolutely love LOST!

I think LOST is one of the best shows to ever hit TV. This is it's final season, all will be revealed and the lost who are always lost even though they have watched every episode multiple times, will no longer be LOST! (you have to be a LOST watcher to totally understand that last sentence). It is a bitter-sweet season of LOST for me because I'd rather stay Lost and have the show continue than to learn all the secrets that will be revealed, but as the saying goes "all good things must come to an end", thus LOST will end this year :-(

The final season will start on Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010! On ABC

I have collected LOST items since the first season, I will now publicly reveal the extent of my obsession. I own:

a LOST canvas bag (very cool, no longer available)
a green LOST womans Tee (season 1, no longer available)
a teal/bluish LOST womans Tee (Season 2, no longer available)
a black LOST baseball hat (no longer available)
a blue Dharma Hoodie
a Geronimo Jackson Tee
a gray Dharma Tee
a red Dharma tee
a blue Dharma Stations stainless steel drinking bottle
a LOST calendar from season 1(already selling for $30.00, but I'm not selling mine)
6 pint size Dharma Stations glasses
6 Dharma Stations shot glasses
a pewter and leather Dharma key fob
a bronze and leather Dharma key fob
Season 1 dvd set
Season 2 dvd set
Season 3 dvd set
Season 4 dvd set
Season 5 dvd set

I'm sure I will add more items before the show ends :-)

Here is an interview from the show's actors talking about the season premier:

Let me know if any of you are LOST watchers!

MHL

How Things Really Are...

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:05:00 +0000

On Wednesday the President will give his State Of The Union address, I wanted to post a few stastics according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis although I will make my disclaimer right now...can we trust this information? I cannot vouch for the validity of this information based on the people compiling and disseminating the statistics.

I think the following item worn on the ear, should be worn prior to the Wednesday State Of The Union Address!

*****Please note- The State of the Union address is on Wednesday...the new GDP report comes out on "January 29, 2010", two days after the President gives us the report....interesting...why doesn't he wait two days and give us the real info?

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: THIRD QUARTER 2009 (THIRD ESTIMATE)

CORPORATE PROFITS: THIRD QUARTER 2009 (REVISED ESTIMATE)

Real gross domestic product -- the output of goods and services produced by labor and property

located in the United States -- increased at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the third quarter of

2009, (that is, from the second quarter to the third quarter), according to the "third" estimate

released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP decreased 0.7 percent.

The GDP estimate released today is based on more complete source data than were available for

the "second" estimate issued last month. In the second estimate, the increase in real GDP was 2.8

percent (see "Revisions" on page 3).

The increase in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected positive contributions from

personal consumption expenditures (PCE), exports, private inventory investment, federal government

spending, and residential fixed investment that were partly offset by a negative contribution from

nonresidential fixed investment. Imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, increased.

The upturn in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected upturns in PCE, in exports, in

private inventory investment, and in residential fixed investment and a smaller decrease in

nonresidential fixed investment that were partly offset by an upturn in imports, a downturn in state and

local government spending, and a deceleration in federal government spending.

_______________

FOOTNOTE.--Quarterly estimates are expressed at seasonally adjusted annual rates, unless otherwise

specified. Quarter-to-quarter dollar changes are differences between these published estimates. Percent

changes are calculated from unrounded data and are annualized. “Real” estimates are in chained (2005)

dollars. Price indexes are chain-type measures.

This news release is available on BEA’s Web site along with the Technical Note and Highlights

related to this release.

_______________

Motor vehicle output added 1.45 percentage points to the third-quarter change in real GDP after

adding 0.19 percentage point to the second-quarter change. Final sales of computers subtracted 0.08

percentage point from the third-quarter change in real GDP after subtracting 0.04 percentage point from

the second-quarter change.

The price index for gross domestic purchases, which measures prices paid by U.S. residents,

increased 1.3 percent in the third quarter, 0.1 percentage point less than the second estimate; this index

increased 0.5 percent in the second quarter. Excluding food and energy prices, the price index for gross

domestic purchases increased 0.3 percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 0.8 percent

in the second.

Real personal consumption expenditures increased 2.8 percent in the third quarter, in contrast to

a decrease of 0.9 percent in the second. Real nonresidential fixed investment decreased 5.9 percent,

compared with a decrease of 9.6 percent. Nonresidential structures decreased 18.4 percent, compared

with a decrease of 17.3 percent. Equipment and software increased 1.5 percent, in contrast to a decrease

of 4.9 percent. Real residential fixed investment increased 18.9 percent, in contrast to a decrease of

23.3 percent.

Real exports of goods and services increased 17.8 percent in the third quarter, in contrast to a

decrease of 4.1 percent in the second. Real imports of goods and services increased 21.3 percent, in

contrast to a decrease of 14.7 percent.

Real federal government consumption expenditures and gross investment increased 8.0 percent

in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 11.4 percent in the second. National defense increased

8.4 percent, compared with an increase of 14.0 percent. Nondefense increased 7.0 percent, compared

with an increase of 6.1 percent. Real state and local government consumption expenditures and gross

investment decreased 0.6 percent, in contrast to an increase of 3.9 percent.

The change in real private inventories added 0.69 percentage point to the third-quarter change in

real GDP, after subtracting 1.42 percentage points from the second-quarter change. Private businesses

decreased inventories $139.2 billion in the third quarter, following decreases of $160.2 billion in the

second quarter and $113.9 billion in the first.

Real final sales of domestic product -- GDP less change in private inventories -- increased 1.5

percent in the third quarter, compared with an increase of 0.7 percent in the second.

Gross domestic purchases

Real gross domestic purchases -- purchases by U.S. residents of goods and services wherever

produced -- increased 3.0 percent in the third quarter, in contrast to a decrease of 2.3 percent in the

second.

Gross national product

Real gross national product -- the goods and services produced by the labor and property

supplied by U.S. residents -- increased 3.0 percent in the third quarter, in contrast to a decrease of 1.0

percent in the second. GNP includes, and GDP excludes, net receipts of income from the rest of the

world, which increased $25.7 billion in the third quarter after decreasing $7.4 billion in the second; in

the third quarter, receipts increased $15.7 billion, and payments decreased $10.0 billion.

Current-dollar GDP

Current-dollar GDP -- the market value of the nation's output of goods and services -- increased

2.6 percent, or $90.9 billion, in the third quarter to a level of $14,242.1 billion. In the second quarter,

current-dollar GDP decreased 0.8 percent, or $26.8 billion.

Revisions

The "third" estimate of the third-quarter increase in real GDP is 0.6 percentage point, or $17.3

billion, lower than the second estimate issued last month, primarily reflecting downward revisions to

nonresidential fixed investment, to private inventory investment, and to personal consumption

expenditures.

Advance Estimate Second Estimate Third Estimate

(Percent change from preceding quarter)

Real GDP.................................. 3.5 2.8 2.2

Current-dollar GDP........................ 4.3 3.3 2.6

Gross domestic purchases price index...... 1.6 1.4 1.3

Corporate Profits

Profits from current production (corporate profits with inventory valuation and capital

consumption adjustments) increased $132.4 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of

$43.8 billion in the second quarter. Current-production cash flow (net cash flow with inventory

valuation adjustment) -- the internal funds available to corporations for investment -- increased $28.4

billion in the third quarter, in contrast to a decrease of $30.5 billion in the second.

Taxes on corporate income increased $15.1 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase

of $35.6 billion in the second. Profits after tax with inventory valuation and capital consumption

adjustments increased $117.3 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $8.2 billion in

the second. Dividends decreased $6.1 billion, compared with a decrease of $62.1 billion; current-

production undistributed profits increased $123.5 billion, compared with an increase of $70.3 billion.

Domestic profits of financial corporations increased $82.8 billion in the third quarter, compared

with an increase of $28.5 billion in the second. Domestic profits of nonfinancial corporations increased

$27.6 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $29.8 billion in the second. In the third

quarter, real gross value added of nonfinancial corporations increased, and profits per unit of real value

added increased. The increase in unit profits reflected decreases in both unit nonlabor and labor costs

that more than offset a decrease in unit prices.

The rest-of-the-world component of profits increased $22.0 billion in the third quarter, in contrast

to a decrease of $14.6 billion in the second. This measure is calculated as (1) receipts by U.S. residents

of earnings from their foreign affiliates plus dividends received by U.S. residents from unaffiliated

foreign corporations minus (2) payments by U.S. affiliates of earnings to their foreign parents plus

dividends paid by U.S. corporations to unaffiliated foreign residents. The third-quarter increase was

accounted for by a larger increase in receipts than in payments.

Profits before tax with inventory valuation adjustment is the best available measure of industry

profits because estimates of the capital consumption adjustment by industry do not exist. This measure

reflects depreciation-accounting practices used for federal income tax returns. According to this

measure, domestic profits of both financial and nonfinancial corporations increased in the third quarter.

The increase in nonfinancial corporations reflected increases in utilities, information, "other"

nonfinancial, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing that were partly offset by decreases in

wholesale trade and manufacturing. Within manufacturing, the largest decrease was in “other” durable

goods, and the largest increase was in motor vehicles.

Profits before tax increased $157.9 billion in the third quarter, compared with an increase of $90.6

billion in the second. The before-tax measure of profits does not reflect, as does profits from current

production, the capital consumption and inventory valuation adjustments. These adjustments convert

depreciation of fixed assets and inventory withdrawals reported on a tax-return, historical-cost basis to

the current-cost measures used in the national income and product accounts. The capital consumption

adjustment increased $9.7 billion in the third quarter (from -$128.6 billion to -$118.9 billion), compared

with an increase of $16.3 billion in the second. The inventory valuation adjustment decreased $35.2

billion (from $18.1 billion to -$17.1 billion), compared with a decrease of $63.0 billion.

* * *

BEA’s national, international, regional, and industry estimates; the Survey of Current Business;

and BEA news releases are available without charge on BEA’s Web site at www.bea.gov. By visiting

the site, you can also subscribe to receive free e-mail summaries of BEA releases and announcements.

* * *

Next release -- January 29, 2010, at 8:30 A.M. EST for:

Gross Domestic Product: Fourth Quarter 2009 (Advance Estimate)

Release dates in 2010

Gross Domestic Product

2009: IV and 2009 annual 2010: I 2010: II 2010: III

Advance…… January 29 April 30 July 30 October 29

Second…….. February 26 May 27 August 27 November 23

Third………. March 26 June 25 September 30 December 22

Corporate Profits

Preliminary... ........... May 27 August 27 November 23

Revised....... March 26 June 25 September 30 December 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, now that that is done, here is a good video with a hot car in it...watch it, it is meant to help wash away the dismal information provided above :-)

MHL

Do You Have A "Bucket List"?

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

Well...it's been a week since my last post, I'm sorry, but once in a while "life" sneaks up on me and gives me a firm slap along side my head. The last 12 days have been a pretty hard hit for me emotionally, but, I think I have things back in order now and find myself taking another good look at my life in general. I think that's what we are meant to do when "life" smacks you in the face.

I won't go into great detail here, but I did lose a good friend recently and it really threw me for a loop. I don't know why, but I foolishly thought he was invincible, I was wrong.

It has been 9 days since his death and with each day that passes, I am able to look at our times together and the friendship we shared as something truly special. I am so honored to have been one of his friends and will be forever thankful for the strength, inspiration and joy he gave me over the 20 plus years I knew him. Rest in Peace Bryon.

I love the movie "The Bucket List". I think Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman do such a fabulous job in that movie and seem to have that magical chemistry that when all is done, comes together to make a great movie.

Staying true to my "Motor-Headness", here is one of my favorite scenes from "The Bucket List":

After spending the past week in a contemplative state of mind, I realize that over the past few years I have subconsciously been creating my own "Bucket List". I'll share a few of the things on my list with you:

I want to one day live by the ocean.
Own a GTO (not sure on the year yet)
See Aerosmith in concert. (soon, Steven Tyler isn't getting any younger!)
Travel to Europe.
Sit on a veranda, in the tropics, with Tracy and make cat calls at young men, while drinking Margaritas (very doable)
See all my children grown, living the life that makes them happy.

Well that's just a few of the items on my list, I'm sure the list will continue to grow. I would love to hear what some of you have on your list...or if you have a "Bucket List". Send me your comments, I'm looking forward to reading them :-)

Now I have to add a video of my favorite Aerosmith songs :-)

I hope you are all well. Take care.
The Lady

RepairPal.com~ My 2010 "Check It Out" Site.

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

Those of you who have been following my blog for the past year or so, know that from time to time, when I find a service or product that I think we can all benefit from, I like to share the information with you. As consumers, one of the most powerful things we can do is "word of mouth" advertising.

I found a service that I think many of us could benefit from, it's called RepairPal.com. I sure could have used this service back when I told you all about the collision my 17 year old daughter had in my Jeep last year! Remember how I was told by one repair shop that the Jeep would cost me between $4000.00 to $5000.00 to fix, but after having another mechanic go get the Jeep for me, he said it was drivable and I could get it fixed for around $1500.00-$2000.00, then in the end, I was able to get the Jeep drivable and back on the road for about $1800.00. It sure would have been easier to have used RepairPal.com and avoided all the confusion.

After doing some research, I discovered that with RepairPal you can have the information you need when it's time for a service or repair. They have compiled massive amounts of pricing for parts, labor, possible causes for part-break down, local area shops, dealers and repairmen, allowing you, the car owner, to go into the repair or service call educated and informed.

Here's an example of how RepairPal can help you. Lets say you live in Arizona and need to replace the water pump on your car. Just go to RepairPal.com type in the search box "Phoenix auto repair" and then type in the search "water pump replacement", a page with a list of information and links will be provided, click on the link "water pump replacement" and you will be taken to their Encyclopedia page on that subject. You will find out why the pump could have failed, what goes into repairing the pump and what the costs could be!

I did a random search on "timing belt", because I am looking at having to replace this part on my daughter's Honda Civic. I was provided with all the information I needed to understand, how the timing belt keeps internal engine components in sync by causing valves to open and close at the proper time. I was then provided with a list of recent timing belt replacement estimates. If I needed the same information on a 2001 Ford Escort, I would have just typed in "ford escort". It's that easy!

There are so many things you can do on the RepairPal.com website, you should visit a few of the links I have provided and see for yourself how comprehensive and helpful it can be for anyone facing service or repairs on almost any vehicle.

There are a lot of things I have basic knowledge of when it comes to the cars I own, but now I have found a website that can provide me with in-depth information on anything I need to know about my car, worded in a way that is easy to read, understand and packed with resources. Check out RepairPal.com for yourself.

MHL

"A Cover for my Mother" by Teddy Carcich

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share this with you, I'm totally blown away by how sweet this is!

My son Teddy, called me and said "Mom have you seen my Facebook page?" I replied "no", he said "well, go look at it, I did something for you".

Here it is:

And here is another Youtube video Teddy did. I'm just a little biased, but I think he is very talented...and for the most part, self-taught on the guitar except for a few basic lessons one summer about 5 or 6 years ago! He is taking lessons now though, he just started them right before Christmas.

I love you Teddy, you Rock!

MHL aka Mom.

More important than Muscle cars~ For Vicki

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:15:00 +0000

Today my thoughts are all focused on my dear friend Vicki Luedke.

I have known Vicki for 22 years. She has been a very close friend to me and has, on many occasions, dropped everything she was doing to help me in my times of need. When I was fighting for my life in a hospital hundred's of miles away from my family and friends, she made sure my children had Christmas presents under the tree...when I didn't have the money to buy them gifts. Vicki cooked meals, did laundry, ran errands ...the list goes on and on. She is a true friend in every way.

A few months ago Vicki started feeling weak and "just not up to par", her daughter Jen, after some begging, convinced Vicki to go to the doctor to see what was going on. The news wasn't good in fact, Vicki was rushed by ambulance to a larger hospital, Sacred Heart in Spokane, Washington, that day. She was very near death, diagnosed with acute Leukemia.

Vicki has been fighting this horrible disease for months now, but hope is on the horizon. A donor, a perfect match, for a bone marrow transplant has been found and on Wednesday (fingers crossed), Vicki will have the transplant. The real battle begins following transplant as her body will try to reject the "foreign" stem cells that are meant to save her life!

Every April Vicki and I have a competition. We fill our hummingbird feeders with food and await the arrival of our favorite birds. It's a toss-up as to how many times each of us has had the first sighting over the years. The minute we spot the first bird at our feeders, we call each other. It is my hope that Vicki wins the competition this year.

The following photo and video are to honor my dear friend. I can't wait for you to come home from Seattle Vicki! I love you.

To my readers....please send Vicki your thoughts. You don't need to know her, just send positive energy her way ...please. If anyone wants to send her some words of encouragement you can read her journal and sign her guestbook here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/vickiluedke ...just tell her "Sharon sent you".

MHL

American Sports Cars~ Part 2- The WOODILL WILDFIRE 1952 - 1956

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:13:00 +0000

In the 1950's "Woody" Woodill become one of the most successful Dodge dealers in the nation. He was so successful that he was allowed to add the Willys line and had always wanted to drive as his own personal mode of transportation a sports car. He loved sleek lines of the new Jaguar X K 120, but had been discouraged by many people from buying one based on it's reputation "to be a rather unreliable car and definitely hard to get parts for."

In a conversation with his neighbor Howard Miller, Howard suggested "Why not build your own sports car using all American running gear?" This set Woody on the path to creating the Woodill Wildfire.

What Woody wanted was a sports car that used all Willys' components. He solved this problem with the guidance of Howard Miller by having Shorty Post, a noted hot rod builder of the day, fabricate a sturdy frame that would accept all Willys Jeepster suspension components and adapt itself to the Glasspar body.

The hand laid body was of the highest quality, far surpassing the Kaiser Darrins and Chevrolet Corvettes which were to come later.

Once the bodies were delivered, Howard Miller assembled the components and made the final adjustments. The little Willys engine was set far enough back in the car to give them an almost perfect 50/50 weight ratio. Cornering was superb and the car with a hot cam, three carbs and headers has supposedly obtained speeds in excess of 120 MPH!

Woody ended up with many obstacles in getting his little sports car into production, but Woody managed to keep the Wildfire alive until 1956 in this country. After that time, he went to other countries where he almost made it big in Australia. The little car he built was definitely a notable piece of American automotive history.

Woodill Wildfire seen below, in the movie "Johnny Dark". The car was named the "Idaho Special"

You can read the full story on the Woodill Wildfire here
MHL

1967 Pontiac GTO~ If Only....

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:29:00 +0000

I absolutely LOVE this car! If only I had unlimited funds....
I just need to work a little harder :-)

I think the blue one is really nice. I don't think I'd have too much trouble enjoying a drive down the highway in her!
MHL (sigh)

New Tattoo from Art Damage in Wasilla AK

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would share some photos of my newest tattoo.

My regular reader's know that my best friend is Tracy (pictured above...she would kill me for putting this picture of her up! This was taken at Caesars Palace in Vegas 2009) Anyway, when I went to Alaska in August '09, we got matching tattoo's. Her son Chad, is a tattoo artist and he designed the tattoo's for us, then, painstakingly suffered through the task of tattooing us! Not only do we talk non-stop when we are together, but we tend to think we are very funny also! We are loud and obnoxious and if we have had a couple drinks...it only gets worse!

(Mt. McKinley in the background- awesome!)

So once Chad has finished drawing our special design, we headed to his studio to begin the process. I already know what to expect because I have another tattoo that I had done in the Fall of 2008. Tracy was still a tattoo virgin, so I was looking forward to watching her get her first Tat!

Ok...I know it's not the best photo of us, but, we were feeling no pain at this point (for various reasons) and we opted for no make-up that day. I must make a statement at this time which is required in order to maintain the integrity of my 35+ year friendship...Tracy's "bum" looks larger in this picture than it is in person...in all fairness to her, she has a pillow under her hips because she has a lower back "issue" and laying on that table was very uncomfortable for her. (there, you should be happy Tracy).

We were/are very happy with the tattoo's Chad did for us. An interesting thing happened a few hours before we headed to Chad's studio. Tracy and I were sitting outside on her deck having a coffee and enjoying a gorgeous sunny day in Wasilla, when all of the sudden a blue/green dragonfly flew up to us, circled around our heads and then suddenly landed on Tracy's cheek! We had already chosen our design, so we figured it was a good omen and the dragonfly was giving us his blessings.

If you ever make it to Alaska and find yourself in the area of Wasilla, stop in and see Chad at Art Damage. He is an amazing artist!

MHL

Shelby GT500 Mustang

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:15:00 +0000

I just couldn't resist putting this video up! I don't even have to say another word...just watch and admire. Ok, I do have to say something, just listen to this car...it's amazing!

Made In America Sports Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:23:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I hope 2010 has been good to you so far.

Well, as some of you know, a challenge was given to me by a reader in the UK, yes, you Steve! Steve is a blogger that is a "follower" of mine and I am a "follower" of his blog So life begins at 40 does it?

On a recent post I did about my best friend's car from high school, Steve put me to the test to find an American made car that can handle the road as well as or comparable to European cars. So here is one American car that, in my opinion, can hold its own against European sports cars.

From the get go, I believe the Corvette has to be in the number one position!

The first Corvette pictured is a 1965, the Black one is 1966.

The Mark IV 396-ci 425-hp V8 engine debuts on the 1965 Corvette. The Mako Shark II show car debuts at the New York International Auto Show. The 1966 model introduces the 427-ci engine, at up to 450-hp.

The Red Vet pictured below is a 1971 Convertible 4 speed 350/270hp. In 1971 a Corvette finishes fourth overall in the 24 Hours of Daytona race, the highest showing to date for a Corvette at this race. A Car & Driver reader poll votes the Corvette the Best All-around Car.

Ok Steve...what do you think? Did I manage to find an American Classic Muscle Car that is:

Awesome
Gorgeous
Classic
Hauls Ass
Sounds Throaty and Sexy
Handles like it is magnetized to the road

The Corvette can hold it's own just on it's iconic status alone...but we all know, it's reputation is well deserved.
(photos courtesy of Vintage Vettes)

MHL :-)

1969 GTO Judge

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:21:00 +0000

John Kryta, president of Inline Tube, found this ’69 GTO Judge and set out to do a total restor on it. The GTO sat neglected in a carport after carburetor problems sidelined it in 1981. With 77,000 miles on the odometer, the engine was seized, the interior was shot, and the body was far from perfect. John, his brother James, and a select crew of craftsmen spent 2,000 hours on a ground-up, frame-off restoration; 600 of those hours were delegated to bodywork and the Carousel Red paint.

The car was completely numbers-matching, with all original date codes and parts.

’69 Pontiac GTO Judge

Owned By: Inline Tube, Shelby Township , MI

Engine: ’69 400ci Ram Air III V-8, 366 hp

Transmission: Four-speed manual

Rearend: Safe-T-Track heavy duty with 3/55 gears and Posi

Interior: Parchment upholstery, center console; AM/FM radio; Rally wood steering wheel, gauges, and clock; tissue-paper dispenser

Wheels: Stock

Tires: Coker black-wall G70x14

Options: Hideaway headlights, hood tach, power disc brakes

Special Parts: Owner’s manual, manual jacket, Pontiac Historical Society – documented Judge paperwork, build sheet, inspection sheet, warranty trifold, emissions card, spare-keys envelope, steering-column start tag, sales brochure, window sticker, Judge sales card

Assembly Plant: Fremont , CA

Cost When New: List base price $3,156; added options $1,327

(click here to read the full story)

MHL

Start the New Year off right- Official Rules for Calling Shotgun

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 05:41:00 +0000

I came across these rules several years ago and read them to my kids...it didn't help. At ages 18 and 17, my kids still fight over who called "shotgun" ...maybe you will have better luck than I have had! (I suggest leaving the kids behind and you go without them :)

~Official Rules for Calling Shotgun~

SHOTGUN RULES:

Never again will you let someone take advantage of you because you don't know the rules.

At times like these, it is important to know the rules of calling shotgun.

Section I - General Rules

1) The first person to yell "SHOTGUN" gets to ride in the front seat.

2) The remaining back seats may be divvied up in the same manner by being the first to call "back right seat", etc..

3) The word "shotgun" must be loud enough to be heard by at least one witness. If no witness is to be found, or in case of a tie, the driver has the final word. After all, it is most likely his car. (note: if it isn't his car, and the owner is present, the owner's decision is final. Owner must be sober, however, or he will defer his judgment to the driver.)

4) Early calls are strictly prohibited. All occupants of the vehicle (including the driver) must be outside of the building and directly on the way to the vehicle before shotgun may be called. Under no circumstances may a person call shotgun inside a building. For sake of simplicity, a garage is considered to be outside. Parking structures and detached garages are always considered as being outdoors, even if they are underground.

5) A person may only call shotgun for one way of a trip. Shotgun can never be called while inside a vehicle or still technically on the way to the first location. For example, one can not get out of a vehicle and call Shotgun for the return journey.

6) Being as how everyone is created equal, men have the same right as women to the front seat of the car. i.e. women don't own the front seat.

7) One is allowed to ride shotgun as many times as he can call it, but for himself only. No one can call shotgun for their slower friend, unless the friend has a speech or mental handicap that prevents them from calling it for themselves.

8) The driver has final say in all ties and disputes. The driver has the right to suspend or remove all shotgun privileges from one or more persons.

Section II - Special Cases

These special exceptions to the rules above should be considered in the order presented; the case listed first will take precedence over any of the cases beneath it, when applicable.

1) In the instance that the normal driver of a vehicle is drunk or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun.

2) If the instance that the person who actually owns the vehicle is not driving, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline.

3) In the instance the driver's spouse, lover, partner, or hired prostitute for the evening is going to accompany the group, he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline.

4) In the instance that one of the passengers may become so ill during the course of the journey that the other occupants feel he/she will toss their cookies, then the ill person should be given Shotgun to make appropriate use of the window.

5) In the instance that only one person knows how to get to a given location and this person is not the driver, then as the designated navigator for the group they automatically get Shotgun, unless they decline.

6) In the instance that one of the occupants is too wide or tall to fit comfortably in the back seat, then the driver may show mercy and award Shotgun to the genetic misfit. Alternatively, the driver and other passengers may continually taunt the poor fellow as they make a three hour trip with him crammed in the back.

Section III - The Survival Of The Fittest Rules (a.k.a The Bastard Rules)

1) If the driver so wishes, he/she may institute the Survival Of The Fittest Rules on the process of calling Shotgun. In this case all rules, excepting 1.8, are suspended and the passenger seat is occupied by whoever can take it by force.

2) The driver must announce the institution of the Survival Of The Fittest Rules with reasonable warning to all passengers. This clause reduces the amount of blood lost by passengers and the damage done to the vehicle.

3) Please follow the above rules to the best of your ability. If there are any arguments or exceptions not covered in these rules, please refer to rule 1.8.

Section IV - Revisions

1) These rules shall be subject to either revision or amendment at any time. But, changes and new rules you create during a car ride do not take effect until the next car ride.

2) Since there is an established body currently in place to distribute world-wide information, it is proposed that the United Nations oversee the adoption, updates (as required) and enforcement of these rules once adopted by at least two-thirds of the current membership of the UN.

3) It shall be the responsibility of all drivers to have a current copy of these rules in the vehicle's glove compartment, so that disputes may be resolved.

Section V - Amendments

Amendment I: The Laser / Shotgun Double Barrel Rule

A person may call "laser" or "Shotgun Double Barrel" after shotgun has been called, to override the shotgun call. This is only valid if the driver verifies the call as we see in Section 1.3.

Additionally, any passenger who says "No Blitz" after claiming shotgun, may not have it taken away by either the "Laser" or "Double Barrel" rules.

These rules hold no precedence over Standard shotgun procedure, and the driver has final say in all calls.

Amendment II: The Specific Amendment

Any person who wishes to claim shotgun must actually pronounce either the word "Shotgun" or "Gun." One may not say the name of a type of shotgun, such as "12 Gauge." If a passenger does, then he or she can lay no claim on shotgun, and may be called by another person.

Amendment III: The "House" Rule

The Owner of the vehicle decides which Shotgun Amendments to institute on his own car. All passengers must abide by the rules of these Amendments, which are stated in this document. This Amendment clarifies that not all Amendments need be active at any given time.

Amendment IV: Eviction

If the vehicle is forced to stop for a serious infraction of the Shotgunner, the Shotgunner must relinquish his/her seat, if the driver so wishes.

Serious infractions have been known to include spilling alcoholic beverages, spilling any beverage, being annoying, breaking parts of the car, and in extreme cases, just being ugly.

Amendment V: The Shotgun Clause

This rule native to the south, but practical in many northern cities, states that the potential occupant with the largest caliber weapon on their person defaults to shotgun, unless one occupant is actually armed with a shotgun, in which case he gets shotgun. If two or more occupants actually have shotguns, then the over/under barrel configuration rules.

Amendment VI: The Reserve Shotgun Amendment (Bitch, Spanky, Comm and SAM)

After Shotgun has been called, other patrons may call "Bitch," "Spanky," or "Comm," referring to the seat behind shotgun, the seat behind the driver, and the center back seat, respectively. SAM applies to the hatchback or trunk.

Amendment VII: Navigator

The passenger who has shotgun MUST serve as Navigator. By this, he must watch out for signs and intersections that the driver may miss during the course of a road trip. The Navigator must also ask for directions out the window.

It is also the responsibility of the passenger who has shotgun to take control of the radio and air conditioning, however the driver has final say over the settings. The other occupants of the car can also have an opinion. If the passenger with shotgun is caught forgetting their duties and makes the car listen to commercials and/or bad music, then his privilege can be lost. Of course, this is all in good judgement of the driver. As Navigator, the driver may also ask him to operate other devices such as the windshield wipers, and rear window defroster.

It is also the job of the Navigator throw all trash and empty beer bottles out of the window. The beer bottles must be crushed under the tires to destroy all evidence, in case of an emergency situation.

In addition, the Navigator must possess the ability and the will to insult other drivers and be heard, only if they deserve it (ie: being cut off). This is to allow the driver to continue to operate the vehicle properly.

The Navigator must possess the ability (and the will) to roll down their window and invite any chicks in adjacent cars to the driver's destination.

Amendment VIII: First Blood

This rule from the mid-west states that whoever draws blood (supposedly when the Survival of the Fittest rules are in effect) gets shoved in the back of the hatchback (or trunk) with the spare tire.

Amendment IX: Australian Shotgun

Originally from Australia, if two people tie for shotgun, then the first person to put their thumb on their head is awarded shotgun. If they both do this at the same time, then an immediate pissbolt (race) to the car is required.

Amendment X: Five Minute Rule

This rule, which originated in Massachusetts, states that in the event that the passenger riding shotgun leaves the car (ie: to get something from his house or a convenient store) is allowed 5 minutes in which to return and still retain his shotgun privilege. If he does not return within the time frame allotted, another passenger may take his place. There are other variations to this rule such as the "Two Hour Rule," but these usually result in the shotgunner geting beaten up by the other passengers.

Amendment XI: Awnings

Once all passengers have exited through the final doorway on the way to the car, (provided the car is in view), they are considered outside and may call shotgun no matter what covering is overhead. This rule applies to all awnings, covered decks and all outdoor shelters. Garages are considered outside so long as the door is open.

Amendment XII: National Bitch

This rule alters Amendment VI, where the caller of "Bitch" gains the center back seat. Comm is replaced with "Spanky 2," referring to the seat behind Shotgun.

Amendment XIII: Refueling

In addition to Amendment VII, if the car needs refueling at any time, it is the duty of the Shotgunner to gas up the car and pay (though usually with money given by the driver).

Amendment XIV: The Race

If there is a tie when calling shotgun, the first person who touches the car wins.

Amendment XV: Ozzie Pissbolt

If the driver gets confused or annoyed with chaotic rules arguments, he may shout "Ozzie Pissbolt," suggesting that the first person to touch the car is awarded shotgun.

Amendment XVI: Jedi Run

If the car is not within sight of the driver, and significantly far away, so that the proposed walk to the vehicle is neither linear nor within five minutes, the initiating party may call "Jedi Run" after a successful shotgun call (vehicle visibility is not required for this success). She must then beat all other opponents to the vehicle. In order to secure shotgun, the initiating party must not be out of breath or tired by the time the rest of the troupe arrives. This overrides any other countermeasures for shotgun if executed before they come into effect.

Amendment XVII: Alternate Names

This amendment adds additional aliases.

Shotgun may also be called under the following aliases: Gun, Shogun, Catgut, and Shotty. Bitch (as in, behind shotgun) may also be called under the following aliases: Rightsies and On-The-Rightsies SAM may also be called under the following aliases: Turrets

Amendment XVIII: Alternative Seats

In addition to Amendment XVII, anyone who wants to be duct-taped to the roof calls "Mir!" If a trunk is present in the vehicle, then this "seat" will hereby be recognized as "Ex-Wife."

Amendment XIV: The Recall Rule

Once a passenger has called shotgun, another passenger may call "Recall Shotgun," thereby overriding the shotgun call and claiming shotgun for themselves. In order for this not to happen the first passenger must call "Shotgun, No Recall." This rule is similar to the "No Blitz" call.

Amendment XX: Reversion

If the original caller of shotgun lost their seat to some countermeasure, the initial caller may shout "Same Seatsies" to regain their right to shotgun. In addition, "Double Barrel" and "Laser" may be followed by "No Blitz," so that the original caller cannot regain their shotgun right. "No Blitz" and "Same Seatsies" are synonymous with "No Recall" and "Recall Shotgun," respectively.

Amendment XXI: Duel

In such a case where any present shotgun rules still causes confusion between two individuals, they may duel for the honor of Shotgun. This duel takes the form of one (and only one) round of traditional "paper, rock, scissor." Alternatively, this may be replaced by one (and only one) round of "odds or evens."

Amendment XXII: Chinese Sneak Attack

In the event that someone manages to touch the car's handle, and/or is in the car before anyone called shotgun, then they immediately receive the shotgun priviledge. However, this amendment does not apply to someone who ran to the vehicle in question in order to do so.

Amendment XXIII: Broken Seat

In the event that the front passenger seat in the car is extremely uncomfortable (i.e. has a big hole in it), the passenger who called Shotgun must sit in that seat. The other passengers may ridicule him as they wish.

Amendment XXIV: Smoking

In the event that smoking is allowed in said vehicle, smoking passengers are given consideration over non-smokers in order that they may utilize either the window or ashtray.

In the event that there is more than one smoking passenger, the passenger that has already lit-up has Shotgun privilege over those who are not already engaged in the act of smoking.

In the event that more than one smoker is already smoking while on the way to the vehicle, the driver may enforce The Survival of the Fittest Rules or First Blood Rule. This however, is not recommended do to the high risk factor to the vehicle in question. As stated in Section I Article 8 of the Constitution, the driver has all final say in disputes between passengers.

Amendment XXV: Secondary Passenger

If a passenger is "just along for the ride," then they must sit in the back seat (or worst seat, if the car is otherwise full), because the ride is not for them.

Amendment XXVI: Double Shotgun

This rule from Delaware states that if a given passenger calls a valid "shotgun", then he or she may not say "shotgun" again. By calling "shotgun" a second time, he or she would automatically forfeit their seat and shotgun is reopened to the other passengers.

Other passengers are allowed to try to trick the person who originally says "shotgun" into saying it again, in order to claim shotgun for themselves.

Amendment XXVII: Contraband

In the event that the car is about to pass an abandoned case of beer, pornography, or any other form of contraband that the passengers might find useful in some way or another, it is the responsibility of the passenger riding shotgun to open his door and scoop up the said beer, pornography or contraband, while the car is still in motion.

Additionally, if the car is moving at a speed above 15 M.P.H. (24 km/h) the passenger riding shotgun may decline to do so.

Amendment XXVIII: No Bitch

This rule states that once Shotgun has been called by one of the passengers, the remaining passengers may call, "No Bitch." The passenger who calls "No Bitch" last, or fails to call it at all, is forced to ride bitch.

Amendment XXIX: No Chauffeur / Compulsory Shotgun

In the event that there are fewer passengers than capacity would allow, there must always be a passenger riding shotgun. This would include a couple. This is to prevent the driver from feeling ditched, or like a chauffeur.

Amendment XXX: Seniority

In the instance that one of the passengers is much older than the rest of the passengers, he/she is automatically given Shotgun unless they decline.

Amendment XXXI: Ten-Foot Rule

This rule native to Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC, states that once a passenger has called Shotgun, another passenger may call "10 Foot Rule." In this case, there would be an immediate race for the car. The first passenger to come within 10 feet of the car is awarded Shotgun.

Amendment XXXII: Backfire

This rule from Central NC states that if a passenger has shotgun on a trip, and then calls shotgun for the return trip, any passenger may call, "Double Shotgun Backfire," to prevent a single passenger from dominating the front seat.

Amendment XXXIII: International Travel

When crossing the border into another country. All shotgun claims are void, and passengers may once again call shotgun. If another passenger gets it, the driver must pull over at his earliest and safest convenience.

Amendment XXXIV: Context

A passenger may only receive shotgun if he says shotgun within the context of calling shotgun. For instance, a passenger may not be awarded shotgun if he says, "Did anybody call shotgun?," or if he/she was talking about a shotgun.

Amendment XXXV: Language

If you reside in a non-English-speaking locale, Shotgun must be called by its native word. For instance, in Sweden, the word "Hagelbossa" must be pronounced, while in Germany, "Schrotflinte."

Shotgun may be called in any language the driver is fluent in. "Fluent" is described here as being proficient enough in a language to understand conversation exchanges.

Order of preference rewards the language closest to the native language of the locale in which Shotgun is called. For instance, if the call is made is Sweden, and the only calls were "Schrotflinte" and "Escopeta" (Spanish), respectively, the seat will be given to the second caller, as German is closer-related to Swedish than Spanish is.

Amendment XXXVI: The Eviction Notice

Particularly crafty individuals may override a yet-to-be-made Shotgun call by leaving a note, clearly visible on the passenger-side door, with the word "Shotgun" written legibly on it, following the author's name. So long as no Shotgun call was made before the message was seen, the writer of the message is awarded Shotgun.

Other calls relating to Shotgun may also be made in similar manner, including such calls as "No Blitz", "Laser", etc.

The execution of the written "call" goes into effect as soon as someone has seen the writing. Calls made prior to this override the note.

Amendment XXXVII: No Hump

Local to Toronto, ON (Canada), this rule is relevant if there are five passengers in a car that has only four seats. After a successful Shotgun call is made, the remaining passengers may call "No Hump" to avoid sitting on the hump between the two back seats. The individual failing to make the call, or the last person to make the call, must sit on the uncomfortable, ball-breaking hump. This is a much-feared "seat" to Camaro and Firebird passengers.

Amendment XXXVIII: Eagle Scout

An addition to Amendment XXX, it is the duty of the Shotgunner to spot all speed cameras and police cars that could pose a threat to the driver and car. If the vehicle is stopped because the Shotgunner failed in his duties, he may be banned from riding Shotgun for a period of time dictated by the driver.

Amendment XXXIX: Shotgun Suicide

If the Shotgun caller attempts to open the car door as it is being unlocked (thus causing it to stay locked), he immediately loses Shotgun priviliges for the upcoming ride, and a new round of calling Shotgun must be executed.

Amendment XXXX: Multiple Vehicles

In the case that there is more than one eligible car to make a trip, the owners of their respective vehicles may not want to drive. In these cases, they may force their colleagues to waste gas by proclaiming, "Shot Not". A successful call will not only save them gas, but will award them shotgun in another vehicle.

If there are more than two vehicles that can be driven, "Shot Not" can be followed by the name of the car's owner who the caller wants to have Shotgun in.

If "Shot Not" was called, but the car in which preference was called for has already had a successful Shotgun call, the individual still need not drive, so long as there are other potential vehicles whose drivers did not make successful "Shot Not" calls.

Once non-drivers have been eliminated with successful "Shot Not" calls, all non-Shotgun riding passengers may choose seats in the typical manner (ie "Bitch", "Comm", etc.) followed by the driver's name of the car they wish to travel in. A passenger is not guaranteed a particular seat in a vehicle unless the seat specified and the car specified is legal (ie, it has not yet been called).

"Shot Not" may be called under the aliases of "Shot No Drive", "Shotgun Not Drive", and "Shotgun No Drive".

For efficiency-sake, "Shot Not" cannot be overriden with rules such as "Laser".

Amendment XXXXI: Multiple Calls

This happens when multiple groups of people are meeting at one car, and both groups had someone claim Shotgun. If it can not be determined who made the call first, the dispute is settled with Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Amendment XXXXII: Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Section II, Article 3 of the Constitution states that , "In the instance the driver's spouse, lover, partner, or hired prostitute for the evening is going to accompany the group, he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline." In addition, serious Boy/Girl friends should also receive preferential treatment in regards to shotgun.

Amendment XXXXIII: The Couples Rule

In the event that a couple is traveling together, they must both sit together in either the front or back seat. This is so that people without boy/girlfriends, spouses, lovers, or prostitutes, can talk amongst themselves in the hope of acquiring boy/girlfriends, spouses, lovers, or prostitutes.

This rule however is null and void if the The No Chauffeur / Compulsory Shotgun Rule is in effect.

Amendment XXXXIV: Balking

If you have called Shotgun and are waiting for the doors to be unlocked, you are not allowed to lift the handle during the unlocking, causing the other doors to remain locked. This voids your right to Shotgun.

Amendment XXXXV: Abandonment

If the Shotgun occupant leaves the vehicle (even if they plan to come back), the Shotgun seat is up for grabs. One exception is if the Shotgun rider leaves to do a deed for the driver, like buying cigarettes or pumping gas. In those cases, that person retains their Shotgun rights.

Amendment XXXXVI: The Handicapped

Section II, Article 6 states that preferential shotgun treatment may be offered to anyone "too wide or tall to fit comfortably in the back seat". Preferential treatment should be awarded to the handicapped as well as to these genetic misfits, especially if the injury prevents them from achieving maximum leg room, maneuverability, etc. (as might be the case with a broken leg, foot, etc.) Unlike with Section II, Article 6, however, the handicapped are not to be taunted as with the genetic misfits if not awarded shotgun. Otherwise, taunting is okay.

Amendment XXXXVII: The Bribery Amendment

In the event that the shotgun call ends up in a tie between two passengers, the passengers in the tie may attempt to bribe the driver so that the driver makes the call in their favor. This rule is null and void, however if the driver institutes the Survival of the Fittest Rules. Examples of bribes are money, food and soda.

Amendment XXXXVIII: The Full View Amendment

The automobile must be in full view of all passengers before "Shotgun" may be called.

Amendment XXXXIV: The Second Call Amendment

If a given passenger calls a valid "shotgun", then he or she may not say "shotgun" again. By calling "shotgun" a second time, he or she would automatically forfeit their seat and shotgun is reopened to the other passengers.

Other passengers are allowed to try to trick the person who originally says "shotgun" into saying it again, in order to claim shotgun for themselves.

Amendment L: Voiding

Whenever you break a Shotgun rule, you may be voided from receiving Shotgun privileges for that ride.

Amendment LI: Long Trips

The rules listed in our guide were created for short trips (1 hour or less). On longer trips, Shotgun can be divided equally among those who want it.

Amendment LII: The Rock Amendment

This rule states that once a passenger calls "Shotgun," he must also say, "No Rock." If the gunner does not say this, another passenger may call, "Rock." In this case Shotgun is awarded to the winner of a best of three, Rock, Paper, Scissors contest.

Amendment LIII: The Rotating Shotgun Rule

• This rule is native to a suburb of Philadelphia, PA to ensure that everybody gets shotgun at least once per long road trip.

• Before the first ride a passenger will call shotgun under the normal procedures, as stated in Section I of the Official Rules.

• Once a passenger has had shotgun, he or she may not have shotgun again until everyone else has had shotgun.

• Before the second ride, everyone (besides the person who has already had shotgun) competes for shotgun under the normal conditions.

• This continues until the trip has either ended or if everyone has already had shotgun once.

Once everyone has had shotgun, the "shotgun order" has been established. You must now rotate in that order.

• The shotgun order recycles over and over until the trip is finished.

• Person(s) joining the trip after the first ride are entered into the order by the following process:

----Clause A: On their first ride, the calling of gun is between that person and the person whose turn it is in the shotgun order.

----Clause B: if the order has not yet been established, the new rider is entered into the pool of riders calling for shotgun.

• Driver still has final say in all ties and disputes. All rules from the Official rules, including special cases, and the Survival of the Fittest, are still in effect.

Amendment LIV: The Barefoot Rule

Since you must be outside to call Shotgun, some people will just grab their shoes, run outside, and call Shotgun before putting their shoes on. This is not valid. You must have your shoes on (if you plan to wear any) before you may call Shotgun.

Amendment II: Re-entry

If you call Shotgun and then go back inside the building, you lose your Shotgun rights. While you are gone, someone else can call shotgun. If nobody does, you can call it when you go back.

Amendment LV: Hand On The Shotgun Door

Shotgun can no longer be called once someone's hand is holding the shotgun door handle. This is significant when nobody else is around to hear you call shotgun.

Amendment LVI: Sitting Down

By sitting in the Shotgun seat before anyone has called it, you get to stay there even if somebody calls it afterwards. Nobody needs to hear you actually call shotgun.

Goodbye 2009. Hello 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 06:10:00 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to thank everyone for visiting my blog this past year. I've enjoyed visiting all the blogs that I follow and appreciate all the posts that I've been able to read, share thoughts, laughs and support through comments and emails.

We have all had up's and down's this past year...hopefully, we have all come through the year stronger and wiser as a result of what 2009 dished out.

I have had friend's that I've had to say goodbye to, friend's that are fighting cancer, met people that I hope to get to know better, survived teenagers in crisis and repaired hurts during those conflicts, traveled to Alaska to see my best friend, celebrated my 50th birthday in Vegas, got a gorgeous Audi for my birthday (yes it was a gift!), saw my oldest daughter off to college, got a new tattoo, and enjoyed many blessings with all my children and other family members. The list goes on and on...but, I must say, I'm ready for 2009 to be over and I look forward to 2010 with much anticipation and hope.

I always think of the following song at this time of year...it's one of my favorites:

Happy New Year to all of you! I hope 2010 is good to you, take the steps to make it what you want it to be!

MHL

Happy Holidays Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Motor-head Lady) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:18:00 +0000

I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas! I hope that your Holidays are filled with Love, Happiness and Joy.

Tonight I am going to watch one of my favorite movies, "Love Actually"...yup, it's a bona-fide chick flick, but I love it! I love British humor.

So here's a Christmas song from that movie...enjoy!

Thanks for following my posts and for providing me with much enjoyment via all your comments and Blogs.

MHL :-)
xoxo